Free Online Welding Certificates 2025

Welding has long been one of the highest-paying careers that doesn't require a college degree. Those who want to become welders can do so with training or certification. Though most welding jobs don't need an education, aspiring welders can still pursue educational opportunities to grow.

Free online courses can teach the fundamentals of welding, as well as more in-depth topics like metallurgy and welding techniques, and focus on different pieces of welding equipment. Some certification courses can even be used to advance your career into roles like being a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).

What Is a Welding Certificate?

Welding certificate programs are courses that use modules with video lessons and quizzes to teach learners different parts of the welding industry. These courses often come with a certification that can be added to a resume or LinkedIn profile to display your knowledge of the basics of welding processes.

Online welding courses commonly teach welding safety and techniques, making them a great way for welders to learn new skills and advance their careers. Many of these certificate programs are available freely to learners, while others have costs that can be reduced or covered by financial aid.

Welders are also required to participate in continuing education initiatives. Each year they must complete a set amount of approved courses on welding technology, techniques, and more. Courses generally require approval from the American Welding Society (AWS), a leading quality control organization for welding studies.

Can Welding Be Learned Online?

Welding techniques and information can be learned online, but becoming proficient will require hands-on work. Welding training courses offered online are designed to teach new skills to established welders or students in training programs at vocational schools.

Students can learn new skills through these programs; however, the courses lack the hands-on components required to train beginner welders. Learners will benefit the most from these courses if they have access to on-the-job training or other experience.

Can You Earn an Online Welding Certificate for Free?

It's possible to earn online welding certificates for free through financial aid or other free programs, but it's important to read the course details. Sometimes courses are free to audit, but access to a certificate or completing the final assessment will require payment.

Learners can use financial aid programs to pay for some qualified certification programs, but even with financial aid, some of these programs might have costs.

How Do I Enroll?

The process of enrolling differs based on the provider. American Welding Society offers courses directly through the AWS website. You'll need to create an account to register for the course. Community college courses, or similar programs, might include acceptance and enrollment within the school's learning platform.

Top Free Online Welding Certificates

If you're trying to satisfy continuing education requirements or learn new skills for career advancement, online courses can meet your needs. You can complete welding certificate programs at your own pace through multiple providers, allowing you to learn specific skills without disrupting your work schedule.

Welding Processes in Heavy Manufacturing & Quality Controls offered by Coursera

This course covers the different welding techniques used in heavy manufacturing, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAC). Learners study the techniques of each process and how to inspect and perform quality assurance. This course is free but the certification incurs a separate fee, which may be covered with financial aid.

The Basic Science of Metallurgy offered by Royal Open College

Welding requires a knowledge of different types of metals and how they can be used. This course takes learners through various metals and crystal structures. Most learners can complete this course in five hours and receive certification after completing the final exam.

Design of Connections in Steel Structures offered by NPTEL

This six-hour course teaches the connections between steel structures, including bolt connections and welded joints. Learners study concepts of welding and physics to ensure stability in their work. This program is best for welding engineers or others working on larger structures.

Welding Characteristics of Steel, Stainless Steel, and other Metals offered by The Hobart Institute of Welding Technology

This course covers the properties of commonly used metals, including steel, aluminum, and iron. Learners can use this program for new learning and continuing education credit requirements. It is a paid program, but learners can complete it for under $90. Some financial aid programs may cover this fee.

Certification in Welding Technology for Engineers - CWI offered by Udemy

This certification program helps beginners with no previous knowledge; prior coursework is not required. Learners review the types of welding and materials, and the recent changes in welding technology. Enrollment provides lifetime access, allowing students to revisit material. Like other programs, this course requires payment but can qualify for financial aid programs.

Arc Welding and Cutting offered by OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's program focuses on the safety aspects of welding. This course teaches compliance with its guidelines, general safety, and overall health. Learners won't cover welding techniques outside of how they relate to the overall safety of welding.

Welding Basics Theory and Safety Precautions offered by Alpha Academy

Beginners will benefit from learning some of the theories behind welding practices and discussing safety practices. This course covers basic welding techniques for beginners and the risks associated with different chemicals used in processes (e.g., mig welding and tig welding).

Diploma in Advances in Welding and Joining Technologies offered by NPTEL

This course takes most students around 15 hours to complete and covers topics like brazing and other parts of the welding process. Students will receive a diploma after completion of the course and exam. This program is a beginner-friendly course that takes a fundamental approach to the topics covered.

Joining Technologies for Metals offered by NPTEL

Welding involves multiple techniques and processes that will apply to different situations. Learners in this program will study these methods and receive basic training on how to use them. This is a 12-week free course, but certification will include a fee.

Welding Metallurgy offered by NPTEL

Metallurgy is an essential component of welding. This course teaches learners about the different types of metal commonly used in welding, including their properties (i.e., how they react to heat). This program is free to complete, but certification includes an additional fee.

FAQs About Free Online Welding Certificates

Learners looking to enroll in free online welding certificates often have questions about these programs, including if these programs are worth the time it takes to complete them. Beginners and advanced learners can both benefit from these online programs.

What Are the Benefits of a Free Online Welding Certificate?

Free online welding certificates can teach new skills to welders in vocational schools or serve as no-cost continuing education opportunities. Welders must complete a certain amount of certified training hours yearly, most commonly completed through certification programs.

Are Free Online Welding Certificates Worth It?

Yes, these programs are often worth it. Welders looking to expand their skills for career advancement, or to meet continuing education requirements, can use these courses to gain knowledge without additional fees. These programs are generally self-paced, allowing them to be taken around a work or school schedule.

Are Online Welding Certificates Good for Beginners?

It depends on the program. Welding certificates are designed for differing skill levels. When enrolling, you should check if the course has prerequisites or is designed for experienced welders as continuing education.

What Is the Fastest Way To Get a Welder's Certificate?

Online certification programs have varying lengths, some as little as a few hours. These programs can be completed in your free time and help you quickly earn a certificate.