When considering a program in welding, it should always bear an accredited status. Many cities and states require welders to have a license; often times the license application requires evidence of having passed tests meeting the standards set by the American Welding Society Standard Code. The AWS requires students to attend accredited programs. Students from unaccredited programs may not be eligible for license or employment.
Welding programs are accredited by regional and national accreditors. One of the largest national accrediting bodies of welding and other trades is the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). Another is the Council on Occupational Education (COE). Both the ACCSCT and COE are recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
In the U.S., six regional accrediting bodies evaluate and approve programs in welding and other occupational professions:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
- Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Some resources related to welding accreditation include:
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- American Technical Education Association (ATEA)
- Association for Career and Technical Education
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Other fields related to welding may be of interest. Please visit our partner sites for additional information.
- AutomotiveSchools.com
- EngineeringSchools.com
- EnviroEducation.com
- HVACSchools.com
- TradeSchools.com
- VocationalSchools.com
