Certified Welding Technician

About CWT

The purpose of IAGI’s Certified Welding Technician (CWT) programs is to recognize the knowledge, experience and skill of installers in Polyethylene, PVC, Reinforced and EPDM geomembrane welding. The programs reward those who qualify with industry recognition. IAGI Member companies have invested tremendous resources in training and testing their welding technicians. These companies take pride in the skill of their welding technicians. The companies at the link below employ IAGI Certified Welding Technicians. We encourage you to use companies that have made this commitment to quality on your next job!
CWT
Tenants of the International Association of Geosynthetic Installers Welder’s Certification Program:
  • Raising the level of professionalism in the geomembrane industry
  • Commitment to meeting high standards of field performance

Purpose

IAGI developed the Polyethylene, PVC, Reinforced and EPDM geomembrane welder’s certification programs so installers could define standards of proficiency, recognize the knowledge, experience and skills of installers, and reward those who qualify with industry recognition.

Benefit to Engineers

Engineers benefit from IAGI’s Certified Welding Technician (CWT) programs because certification verifies that the welders on their job have experience in welding. Additionally, engineers can specify that the polyethylene or reinforced geomembrane welders are certified for the type of welding they will perform. The CWT program certifies welders for both extrusion and fusion welding methods.

CWT Specification

To make it easier for engineers and designers to include this information in job specifications, IAGI has created the following wording for engineers to use:
"The Geomembrane Installer shall designate a Certified Welding Technician. The Certified Welding Technician shall be present during all seaming operations and shall have a minimum of (your company’s minimum requirement) square feet (your company’s minimum requirement) square meters of field seaming experience and hold an International Association of Geosynthetic Installers (IAGI) Certified Welding Technician (CWT) certification in both extrusion welding and fusion welding.”

Step-by-Step

At first glance, the CWT process may seem complex; however it really is a fairly straightforward process. The following is a summary of what you need to know to get started.
  1. Experience: The first requirement is that your welders must meet the minimum experience level in order to sit for the exam. They must have 1,000,000 square feet (90,000 square meters) of experience on more than five (5) different jobs for all CWT exams except the Reinforced exam. The Reinforced exam requires that the technician have 500,000 square feet (45,000 square meters) of experience. They will be asked to provide a resume of the experience and a government-issued identification card.
  2. Proctor: Next you must get a Proctor to coordinate and oversee the exam process.

    We recommend that you look to your suppliers for proctors. Work directly with the Proctor to set up the arrangements. While IAGI strongly recommends that you use a proctor experienced in giving this exam, other options are discussed in the Proctor manual.

    One proctor may test a maximum of 12 people at a time. More than 12 candidates require a second proctor or two days of testing and a high degree of organization.

    Click here for complete Proctor listing
  3. Set Date: Select date to conduct the tests in conjunction with the Proctor.
  4. Assemble the materials: The certification exam requires the use of a variety of material types be used in order to comply with the exam requirements. Be sure to follow the proctor booklet guidelines in assembling the right mix of products. Pre-cut all materials in advance of the testing to make the process go smoothly.
  5. Set up the test area: Set up a room with plenty of space between candidates and allow them to take the written exam. The hands-on portion can be conducted in your warehouse. Allow plenty of space for each candidate to conduct their welds.
  6. Test Preparation: The test candidate can review the study guide.