This insurance program does not issue, verify, administer, or manage AWS certifications. Certification information is provided only to help members identify insurance considerations associated with their work.

ATF

Insurance Guide

Accredited Test Facilities

ATF

Insurance considerations for Accredited Test Facilities credential holders.

Who This Is For

AWS Accredited Test Facilities (ATFs) are organizations — including welding schools, trade unions, employer training centers, and independent testing organizations — that have been accredited by AWS to administer Certified Welder performance qualification tests under AWS oversight and standardized protocols. ATFs operate testing programs that allow individual welders to earn recognized AWS welder certifications. Being an AWS ATF means the organization has met quality and facility standards established by AWS and is authorized to issue testing results that carry AWS credentialing weight.

Insurance Exposures

Accredited Test Facilities carry a distinct insurance profile driven by three overlapping exposures. First, professional liability for the integrity of their testing and certification processes — disputes about certification validity, documentation quality, or testing administration can generate claims against the ATF's professional services. Second, general liability for the test candidates, visitors, and employees present at the facility during live welding performance tests — testing environments involve live welding, equipment hazards, and physical risk. Third, property coverage and workers compensation for the facility itself, testing equipment, and employed testing staff. The ATF's insurance program should reflect the organization's role as both a professional testing service and an operating welding facility.

Coverage Considerations

Professional Liability (E&O)

Relevant for the professional testing and certification services provided by ATFs. Testing errors, documentation failures, disputes about whether a test was administered correctly, or questions about certification validity could give rise to professional liability claims against the ATF as a testing organization. The professional liability exposure is most significant for organizations where AWS certification testing is a primary or significant portion of their business activity.

General Liability

Relevant for ATF facilities that host test candidates during live welding performance tests, maintain welding equipment for testing purposes, and conduct testing operations that involve active welding and physical risk to candidates and observers.

Workers Compensation

Relevant for ATFs with employed testing staff, welding instructors, proctors, and administrative employees who support the testing program.

Tools & Equipment / Inland Marine

Relevant for ATFs with testing equipment and welding machines — including the machines, booths, fixtures, and auxiliary equipment used to conduct standardized welder performance testing — that may require coverage beyond a standard commercial property policy.