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.

CWP

Insurance Guide

Certified Welder Program

CWP

Insurance considerations for Certified Welder Program credential holders.

Who This Is For

The AWS Certified Welder Program is a performance-based certification that tests and documents individual welders' ability to produce sound welds to specific code requirements through standardized performance testing. Certification is process-specific, position-specific, and material-specific — a welder earns certification for defined parameters, not a general all-position credential. AWS Certified Welders are employed across construction, fabrication, manufacturing, pipeline, and industrial sectors where documented welder performance qualification is required by code, contract, or customer specification.

Insurance Exposures

For certified welders working as employees, their employer bears primary insurance responsibility — the welding business carries the General Liability, Workers Compensation, and other coverages that protect the operation. The certified welder credential itself does not create independent professional liability exposure for employed welders. However, independent welders and welding contractors who hold AWS Certified Welder credentials and perform work on their own account face the full range of exposures for independent welding operations: general liability for third-party bodily injury and property damage, completed operations liability for welds placed in the field, commercial auto for welding vehicles and rigs, and tools and equipment coverage for portable welding equipment.

Coverage Considerations

Professional Liability (E&O)

Generally not applicable as a primary concern for Certified Welders in a production or field welding role — the focus is on general liability and completed operations coverage for the welding work itself. Professional Liability becomes relevant only if the welder provides inspection, consulting, or engineering services beyond hands-on welding.

General Liability

Highly relevant for Certified Welders working independently or as contractors performing welding work for clients. General Liability is the foundational protection for third-party claims arising from welding operations — whether on a jobsite, at a client's location, or in the field. Independent welders with AWS certification should carry adequate GL limits to satisfy client and general contractor requirements.

Workers Compensation

Relevant for welding businesses and contractors that employ Certified Welders in production and field welding roles. Independent welders with AWS certification who have their own employees must carry Workers Compensation for those individuals.

Commercial Auto

Relevant for Certified Welders who operate mobile welding rigs, service trucks, or vehicles as part of their independent or contract welding operations.

Tools & Equipment / Inland Marine

Highly relevant for independent Certified Welders who own their welding equipment — machines, leads, torches, and portable generators — and travel between jobsites. Tools and Equipment coverage protects these assets in transit and at temporary work locations.