its my understanding that to be a professional welder you need a welding certificate.

what does it take to get one?

does having one really matter?

who here has one?

lay some knowledge on me.

 

Yes you need certification to become a professional welder. No papers = nothing to back you up, stuck with lower wages, basically your a lower class labourer in the real construction/ fabrication field.
Start by doing skill & schooling testing at a community collage or certified center

This site should give you some good info If your an American, Not 100% sure how its done in the US since I'm Canadian, But I'm sure others can add more info.
http://www.aws.org/w/a/index.html

If your Canadian, you need to do a full blown apprenticeship to get your Red seal http://www.red-seal.ca/Site/index_e.htm

 

Right now I'm a 2nd year welder in Canada. Find a shop that will hire you on as an apprentice. From there work and learn as much as you can. I went in for my 1st year schooling before I had all of my hours because it was spring break up time and work was slow.

If your going to do school for welding and get your ticket. Get your red seal. It is recognized world wide. Canada has the highest/best rep for red seal welders around the world.

You could also go to your local community college and inquire about it. If you have any questions feel free to send me a message or post back here.