As a welder, you know that you sometimes have to make the sale. You have to convince the customer that you or your shop are not only the best welders for their job, but that you are willing to work with them and can give them exactly what they need. You know that you have to be there for your customers and you are willing to go the extra mile for them to do whatever it is that they need you to do. When they tour your shop, they see it's clean and safe – both for them and for your employees – and customers like that. Your expertise backs up your work and you stay on top of the latest news and trends in the industry. For welders like you, there is a new certification.
This certification is the AWS Certified Welding Sales Representative. It states that you are the perfect example of sales professionalism and excellence. If you have this certification, everyone in the industry knows that you have what it takes to make the sale and add value to it.
If you are able to meet the requirements of the program, a two hour exam can be taken to establish the credentials that you have. There are examination sites scattered throughout the country. A three day pre-exam seminar program is also available to help you learn everything you need to know and the exam will take place on the third day. The seminar can be done at AWS-scheduled sites or at a workplace for sales personnel groups.
Topics covered in the examination check your knowledge level. The topics covered are brazing and soldering, five arc welding processes, cutting, AWS filler metal classifications, safety in handling gas cylinders and processes, ventilation, shielding gas applications, power source electrical requirements, welding terminology, as well as welding procedures and the qualifications for them.
The seminar is completely optional and does more than prepare you for the exam. It also increases the knowledge you have as a professional, especially among your peers. You will get a study guide and reference books that you can keep valued at $532.
There are prerequisites for the program. You need a GED or high school diploma as well as five years of experience selling welding equipment in an occupational function (or selling cutting equipment and related supplies and services). Or you need to have two years of that selling experience and a training certificate of completion in welding processes. The seminar will fulfill that requirement, so a sales rep who has 2-5 years of experience will be able to take the exam.
If you have questions about applying call 1-800-443-9353 ext 273, and for exams and training at your workplace call 1-800-443-9353 ext 237.
Seminars and exams will be held at the following cities:
- In Miami, the seminar is May 4-6 and the test on the 6.
- In Atlanta, the seminar is June 8-10 with the test on the 10.
- In Miami, the seminar is August 24-26 with the test on the 26.
- In Indianapolis, the seminar is September 21-23 with the test on the 23.
- In Chicago (Fabtech), the seminar is November 14-16 with the test on the 16.
