Welcome to eSkill’s Test of the Month! In these posts, you’ll find information on popular eSkill assessments from our library of more than 600 subject types. This month, we’re spotlighting our Welding Knowledge assessment.
Welding is a highly specialized role that requires both industry-specific knowledge and typically a certification to prove that knowledge.
Typical welders have a high school diploma or GED, plus some sort of theoretical knowledge gained from a vocational or trade school, apprenticeship, or degree program. Theoretical knowledge can include standardized information — like steel grades and specifications determined by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and weld acronyms provided by the American Welding Society (AWS) — plus the simple know-how of how different metals interact and behave.
But theoretical understanding isn’t enough — being able to put that understanding to practice is key to success as a welder. That’s why many hiring managers put their candidates to a hands-on weld test, where welders can demonstrate their proficiency onsite by performing a variety of specific welds and doing visual inspections.
But when you have multiple candidates, it doesn’t quite make sense to bring them all in for a hands-on weld test and use valuable time and resources to eventually only hire one welder. That’s where eSkill can help.
The state of welding today
As of 2025, there are about 770,000 welding professionals in the US. While the field itself isn’t projected to grow very much (about 2% from now until 2033), there are a significant number of positions opening up as skilled baby boomers retire from the field and individuals transfer to different jobs. In fact, there are about 45,800 job openings predicted in welding each year until 2033 — and there is also a predicted shortage in welders in the US to the tune of about 360,000 by 2027.
On top of the projected welder shortage, the welding industry is evolving. Tech advancements have increased the need for workers skilled in operating high-tech machinery and robotics — such as a need for more welders skilled in Robotic Arc welding (using programmable robotic arms and related software).
That’s why we created eSkill’s Welding Knowledge assessment — a customizable, industry-specific exam that can put both a candidate’s certification-based knowledge and practical know-how to the test.
What does the Welding Knowledge assessment cover?
With eSkill’s welding assessment, you can determine whether someone has the knowledge to be a welder before bringing them in for an onsite weld test. eSkill’s Welding Knowledge test assesses candidates for AISI and AWS identification, knowledge on consumables and filler material, weld evaluation, equipment, and processes, as well as physics principles within welding and safety best practices.
Assessment type
eSkill’s Welding Knowledge test is primarily a multiple-choice test. Most questions are accompanied by graphics, brief overviews, or real-world pictures taken of the welding process. The assessment measures candidate ability in knowledge of standards in welding, ability to assess real-world welding situations and welds, and understanding of best practices.
Ideal Industries & Jobs
Welding knowledge is important within a number of industries, and the type of knowledge (as well as relevant certifications) can also vary by industry.
Construction & Infrastructure - Knowing how to weld bridges, building, plumbing and gas lines.
Manufacturing - Welding machinery parts and custom metalwork.
Oil and Gas - Knowing how to weld pipelines.
Maritime & Aerospace - Welding water vessel and aircraft components.
Automotive & Transportation - Fusing auto bodies, trains, tracks, tractors, and cranes.
Renewable Energy - Welding parts for wind turbines, solar panels, and nuclear plants.
Defense & Military - Welding armored vehicles, or working on a shipyard or base.
Complementary Questions
With eSkill pre-hire assessments, you can create custom tests that mix and match assessment categories to better measure a candidate. Instead of simply testing welding knowledge, you can test for complementary skills required for the job. Consider pairing the welding knowledge assessment with questions related to:
Industrial math
Mechanical aptitude
Safety and Compliance
Blueprint Reading and Interpretation
Material Science and Metallurgy
Communication and Teamwork
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
Digital Skills
+ More
Why use a welding knowledge assessment?
Welding is a critical role for many industries. While some states and cities have their own exams and licenses for welders, no federal standard yet exists. Multiple bodies, like the AWS, boast highly regarded general certifications for welders, but oftentimes, welding is highly dependent on the industry or process a welder works in.
With a projected shortage of welders entering the field and no federal standard certification, you want to make sure you snap up the welders you need for your organization — specific to your industry.
By adding our Welding Knowledge Assessment to your interview process, you can make sure job applicants will have the knowledge needed to perform well on the job (before bringing them in for a weld test!). And you can pair this test with questions related to other general or manufacturing skills to get a 360-degree view of your applicant, making sure they’ll fit in well on your team and within your specific industry.
Get started with eSkill today and see how our pre-hire assessments can help you improve your hiring process.
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