This standard describes a program administrated by the American Welding Society (AWS) for the certification of welders. The AWS Certified Welder Program provides a means for the transference of welder qualifications from employer to employer without retesting. The standard defines the minimum requirements for welder participation in the program and the methods to be used by employers for adopting the program. This standard does not prevent a manufacturer, fabricator, or contractor from continuing to qualify welders according to other standards. This document is not intended to address safety and health matters regarding the training of certified welders.