CWB and AWS are two separate welding certification systems. In Canada, welders on structural steel and other work covered by the CSA certification standards must be qualified by the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB Group) and work for a CWB-certified company, and the welds follow CSA W59. In the US, structural steel is welded to AWS D1.1, and welders are either qualified by their employer under that code or hold an AWS Certified Welder credential. Neither credential converts automatically into the other. A welder moving between the countries tests again under the other system.
This post compares the two for welders who are moving across the border and for contractors buying welded steel. For what CWB company certification means when you hire a shop, see why hire a CWB-certified fabricator.
The two systems at a glance
| Canada (CWB) | United States (AWS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Structural welding code for steel | CSA W59 | AWS D1.1 |
| Company certification | CWB certification to CSA W47.1, required for structural steel designed to CSA S16 | Separate programs, such as AISC fabricator certification, usually required by the contract or specification |
| Who qualifies welders | CWB, through the certified employer or a CWB Accredited Test Centre, witnessed by CWB | The employer under D1.1, or an AWS Accredited Test Facility for the Certified Welder program |
| Who issues the record | CWB | The employer under D1.1; AWS for Certified Welders |
| How long it lasts | Most welder qualifications two years, then retest | D1.1 qualification remains in effect while the welder keeps using the process; AWS Certified Welder kept active by six-monthly maintenance |
| Portability | Transferable classifications move between CWB-certified companies only | AWS Certified Welder is transferable between employers; employer qualifications under D1.1 generally stay with that employer |
| Rebar welding | CSA W186 | AWS D1.4 |
How CWB welder qualification works
The CWB Group describes its welding personnel qualification as the only nationally recognized welding credential in Canada. The main rules:
- You must work for a certified company. A CWB qualification is only valid while you are employed by a CWB-certified (or applicant) company, even if you tested at an accredited test centre.
- Testing is practical. You weld test plates for the process and position you will use, and a CWB representative witnesses the test. Common processes include SMAW, FCAW, MCAW, GMAW, SAW and GTAW.
- Classifications matter. FW covers fillet and tack welds. S covers full-thickness welds from both sides or from one side with backing. T covers full-thickness welds from one side without backing. T also qualifies for S and FW, and S qualifies for FW.
- Two years is the norm. Most qualifications last two years while you are continuously employed by a certified company. You can check test from 90 days before to 90 days after expiry; beyond that, a full test is needed. A failed test can be retaken within 90 days.
- Qualifications can lapse early. CWB can revoke a qualification if you have not used the process for three months or more, or if you leave a certified company and are not re-employed by one within three months (for transferable cards).
How AWS works
There are two routes in the US, and people often mean different things by "AWS certified":
Employer qualification under AWS D1.1. For structural work, the contractor qualifies its welders to its own welding procedures under the code and keeps the records. Under D1.1, a welder's qualification remains in effect indefinitely unless the welder goes more than six months without using the process or there is a specific reason to question their ability. These qualifications belong to the employer and generally do not travel with the welder.
The AWS Certified Welder program. This is the portable credential. You test at an AWS Accredited Test Facility to the program specification (QC47), and an AWS Certified Welding Inspector evaluates the weld. There are no course prerequisites. The credential is transferable between employers and states, and it stays active as long as you submit maintenance (continuity) documentation every six months confirming you are still using the process.
Where the welder tests differ
The CWB Group publishes a comparison of welder qualification under CSA W47.1 and AWS D1.1. It is based on older editions (W47.1:2009 and D1.1:2015) and is not a substitute for the standards, but it shows where the systems part ways:
- Fillet test for groove welders. W47.1 requires a fillet weld test for all groove welders; D1.1 does not.
- Bend tests. For plate, W47.1 uses two root bends and one face bend; D1.1 uses one root and one face bend, or two side bends.
- Consumables. W47.1 testing uses consumables certified by the CWB to CSA W48 or the applicable AWS A5 specification; D1.1 relies on the manufacturer's declaration of conformance.
- Independent witness. Under W47.1, CWB witnesses the test and issues the record. Under D1.1 there is no independent administrator; the employer or a third party runs the test.
- Renewal. W47.1 welders are retested every two years, with an exemption where the company can show, through nondestructive examination results, that the welder has been in production in the last three months. D1.1 has no routine retest.
- Inactivity. A W47.1 welder qualification can be suspended after three months away from the process; under D1.1 the trigger is six months.
Position designations such as 1F to 4F and 1G to 6G are used in both systems, but what each test position qualifies you for is not identical. Check the scope on your card or record.
Moving from AWS to CWB (coming to Canada)
If you hold AWS qualifications and want to weld structural steel in Canada:
- Find a CWB-certified employer. The qualification only counts while you work for one, and many employers test new welders in house.
- Or test at a CWB Accredited Test Centre. The CWB website lists test centres. The qualification still only becomes valid when you work for a certified company.
- Use your AWS record as evidence of skill, not as a substitute. W47.1 accepts previous qualifications only as acceptable to the CWB.
- Look at credential assessment. CWB runs a Welder Competency and Credential Assessment program (welderassessment.org) for welders preparing for Canadian jobs.
Trade certification, such as a provincial welder certificate or Red Seal, is a separate credential. It does not replace CWB qualification for work under the CSA standards, and CWB qualification does not replace trade certification where a province requires it.
Moving from CWB to AWS (going to the US)
- Ask the employer how they qualify welders. Many will test you to their own D1.1 procedures.
- Consider the AWS Certified Welder program if you want a credential that moves with you. Book a test at an AWS Accredited Test Facility.
- Bring your CWB records. Under D1.1, previous qualifications are accepted at the engineer's discretion, so they can help, but do not count on them.
The codes behind the certifications
The certification systems sit on top of different codes:
- CSA W59 vs AWS D1.1. Both set requirements for welded steel structures: joint design, prequalified procedures, workmanship and inspection. CSA S16 calls up W59, so a Canadian building designed to S16 expects W59 welds by a CWB-certified company. Our guide to CSA W59 compares the two in more detail.
- CSA W47.1 vs US practice. W47.1 certifies the company: its procedures, supervisors, engineering responsibility and welders. See CSA W47.1 company certification.
- CSA W186 vs AWS D1.4. Welding of reinforcing bars has its own standard in each country. See can rebar be welded?
For contractors buying welded steel
If you are buying fabricated steel for a Canadian project, the practical points are short:
- Specify CWB certification to CSA W47.1 for the fabricator and for any erector doing field welding. On structures designed to CSA S16, it is required.
- Do not accept AWS paperwork as a substitute without the engineer of record's agreement. A US shop with AWS-qualified welders and AISC certification can be very capable, but it is not working to the system a Canadian design relies on.
- Ask for documents early. Welding procedure data sheets, the company's certification and welder qualifications may be needed for submittals.
CWB-certified welding at Procut
Our shop welding is certified by the Canadian Welding Bureau. Beams, columns, posts with welded base and cap plates, and miscellaneous steel are welded in our shop and marked to match the shop drawings. If your specification calls for particular certification documents for submittals, ask us when you request a quote.
Request a quote with your drawings, or see our fabrication services.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer my AWS certification to CWB?
Not automatically. To weld on work covered by the CSA certification standards in Canada, you need a CWB qualification and you must work for a CWB-certified company. You test through your employer or at a CWB Accredited Test Centre. Under CSA W47.1, previous qualifications count only as acceptable to the CWB.
Is a CWB ticket valid in the US?
There is no automatic recognition. US structural work is usually welded to AWS D1.1, where welders are qualified by their employer or hold an AWS Certified Welder credential. Under D1.1, previous qualifications are accepted at the discretion of the engineer.
How long is a CWB welding ticket valid?
Most CWB welder qualifications are valid for two years while you stay employed by a CWB-certified company. You can check test from 90 days before to 90 days after the expiry date; after that a full test is required.
How long does AWS certification last?
An AWS Certified Welder credential stays active as long as you submit maintenance (continuity) documentation every six months showing you are still using the process. If continuity lapses, you requalify by testing.
What is the difference between CSA W59 and AWS D1.1?
Both are structural welding codes for steel. CSA W59 is the Canadian standard that CSA S16 relies on, used with CWB company certification to CSA W47.1. AWS D1.1 is the US structural welding code. They cover similar ground but are separate documents with their own requirements.
