I often get a call from companies or individuals saying that they need to get "Certified in welding". My first question is which process and for what job, and then do you have a WPS for what you are trying to do? Many times the ones involved have no ideal what a WPS is let alone what they want to accomplish. I usually try and explain to them that, certifications are job specific, and qualifications are process specified. Most students from welding schools are qualified in the various processes by the school they attend, all this means to the employer is that this person has passed a specific process test and that gets them the opportunity to "Certify" for the job they are applying for. I have seen from various Union Halls that now they may have certification day, with numerous employers in attendance and many welders testing on the same day. They then become CERTIFIED to weld for any number of employers so long as they stay current.
Being a former welder who had to certify for each job, process, and pipe size I feel that that kept me current with my skills and also kept the records in order. My only concern is that it leaves open the door for unqualified people getting paperwork that they really did not accomplish. I am in favor of schools issuing the standard QUALIFYING paperwork, but feel that testing (certification) should be done for every job.
What is the opinion of those here as to this process and am I correct in my assumption that Schools Qualify and jobs certify?