Overview
The Class A Pressure Welder Certificate of Qualification allows you to perform pressure welding on pressure equipment while employed by a licensed contractor. This certificate is suitable for those graduating from the Skilled Trades BC welder trade certification program, or those who have a pressure welder certificate from another province or territory. If you have a certification from outside of BC, you may be eligible to transfer and obtain the Class A without further testing.
To obtain this certificate, you’ll need to meet eligibility requirements and pass a practical exam.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this certificate, you must have one of the following:
- a BC welder certificate issued by Skilled Trades BC and endorsed with a Red Seal credential;
- a BC welder level A or B certificate issued by Skilled Trades BC; or
- a welder trade qualification, endorsed with or without a Red Seal credential, by an apprenticeship authority in another jurisdiction of Canada.
About the Exam
This practical exam is 4.5 hours long and must be completed through an accepted host location (recognized test administrator), under the supervision of a Technical Safety BC boiler safety officer. View the Class A Pressure Welder syllabus.
For more information on the Class A Pressure Welder exam, including how to book one, visit the Exam Information page.
Once You Receive Your Certificate
You must ensure that you have obtained a Welder’s Log Book. If you have not obtained one, you may request a replacement from Skilled Trades BC.
Your Class A certificate allows you to take performance qualification tests, which you must complete before engaging in pressure welding work on regulated equipment. Performance qualification tests follow a registered Welding Procedure Specification.
The continuity (employment) section of your Welder’s Log Book must also be updated in accordance with the requirements of ASME Section IX, for the applicable welding process(es). If you fail to obtain your Welder's Log Book, or if you fail to keep it current, you may not be able to qualify for certification and/or the ongoing renewal of your certificate.
You must renew your certificate every three years. Learn more.