Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to be certified?

• A person starting the Welding Program with no previous welding experience can normally get certified in 3-4 semesters.
• Classes required to get certified include WELD 120, 200, 210L, 220.

2. Do I need a high school diploma or GED?

• No. You do not need a high school diploma or GED to take welding classes.
• Students may become certified and licensed welders without a high school diploma.

3. I do not have any experience in welding, what classes should I start with?

• Students should start the program by enrolling in WELD 100 or WELD 120.

4. I have some welding experience, what classes should I start with?

• Because of prerequisites, experienced students must start the Program with WELD 120. If you have several years of experience or have previoulsy been certified, you may want to speak with a conuselor to see if you qualify for a prerequisiste waiver.
• If you have several years of experience, were previously certified, or have completed an apprenticeship program or another college or trade school program, you may take the following classes that do not have prerequisites.
• WELD 39 - Welding Shop Math
• WELD 50 - Blueprint Reading for Welders
• WELD 220 - Certification & Licensing for Welders

5. Can instructors help register students?

• No. Instructors have nothing to do with the registration process.
• Students must register using the "My Cerritos" link.

6. What type of classes do you offer?

• Cerritos College offers classes and certifications in the most commonly used welding processes.
• Cerritos College offers the following special classes not offered at other colleges:
• WELD 39 - Welding Shop Math
• WELD 50 - Blueprint Reading
• WELD 53 - Pipe Layout
• WELD 170 - Structural Fabrication
• WELD 270 - Structural Layout

7. What type of welding certifications does Cerritos College offer?

• Cerritos College offers eight different certifications.
• The most common and most important certification is the L.A. City Structural Steel Certification and License.

8. What equipment do I need to start in the Welding Program?

• Students must furnish their own safety equipment.
• New students will need about $120.00 worth of equipment. This equipment will be usable for several years.
• Instructors will give each student a list of equipment needed on the first class meeting.
• Students will need all equipment by the start of the second week of the semester.

9. What does it cost to take a welding class?

• The cost of a class depends on how many units the class is.
• Classes are $46.00 per unit and classes range from 1 to 5 units.
• Students must also pay the following additional fees: Student I.D. fee, health fee, and an optional parking fee. Costs for these additional fees vary per semester.
• Financial Aid is available for students that qualify. Contact the Financial Aid Department for more information.

10. How much do welders make an hour?

• A welder with limited experience and no certification will earn a low pay rate of $10.00 to $14.00 per hour.
• A certified and licensed welder makes about $15.00 to $20.00 per hour.
• A multi-certified and licensed welder with blueprint reading skills and fabrication experience can earn $20.00 to $40.00 per hour.
• Certified union welders can earn an average of $28.00 to $46.00 per hour.

11. If I want to make the most money as a welder, what should I do?

• Get as many certifications as you can.
• Learn skills in fabrication and blueprint reading.
• Diversify by taking as many welding classes as possible.
• After you get certified in Structural Steel, continue your education and get certified in Pipe Welding.

12. How does a person get pipe certified?

• Pipe welding requires some of the most advanced skills in the field of welding. For this reason, only students that have completed WELD 210L and attained a structural steel certification may take the WELD 52 and WELD 54L pipe welding classes.

13. If I become certified, what companies would want to hire me?

• Graduates of the Welding Program work in many industries and with a variety of companies, unions, and city and state agencies including:

• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
• The Gas Company
• The Metropolitan Water District
• Edison Power Company
• Honeywell and Boeing Aerospace Companies
• Disneyland
• Arco, Shell, Chevron, British Petroleum, etc.
• Local unions, including: Iron Workers, Steam Fitters, Elevators, Pile Drivers, Mill Wrights, Electrical, etc.