L.A. City Welder Certification
Written Exam Prep & Practical Testing — LADBS-Approved Testing Agency
overview
California Welding Institute is an approved Welder Testing Agency by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). This course is designed to prepare students for the L.A. City Welder Certification, which includes a one-day written exam preparation seminar and optional hands-on practical testing.
Students can enroll in the written exam training alone or bundle it with required publications. Practical testing is conducted in accordance with LADBS standards and must be completed using SMAW (stick) for initial licensure. The certification covers multiple AWS codes and processes used in the field of structural welding.
Written Exam Training (PDH-LAWC)
- One-day crash course (up to 10 hours of lecture-based instruction)
- Next Class: November 5th, 2025.
- Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
- Format: In-person (recorded version also available online)
Practical Welding Test
- L.A. City Approved Testing
- Initial test must be taken with SMAW (stick)
- Offered at California Welding Institute’s testing facility
Welding Lab Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 7:00 AM – 3:15 PM (other dates by request)
Enrollment
Downloads
This course is designed to prepare individuals for the L.A. City Certified Welder written exam and practical testing requirements. Students will gain an understanding of structural welding codes and inspection procedures necessary to meet LADBS licensure standards. Instruction covers critical material such as blueprint reading, welding terminology, and applicable AWS codes. For those pursuing certification, this course provides a structured path to licensing and employment in the structural welding trade.
This course prepares students to take the L.A. City Certified Welder Exam, administered through LADBS. The certification is recognized for manual and semi-automatic welding processes across a range of structural welding applications.
Certification Classifications Available:
- AWS D1.1 – Structural Steel (SMAW) – Plate
- AWS D1.1 – Structural Steel (FCAW) – Plate
- AWS D1.1 – Tubular Steel for T, Y, and K Connections
- AWS D1.2 – Aluminum
- AWS D1.3 – Sheet Steel
- AWS D1.4 – Reinforcing Steel
- AWS D1.6 – Stainless Steel
- AWS D1.8 – Seismic Applications (Moment Connections)
Note: Practical testing must begin with the SMAW process to obtain an initial license.
Important Note: Prices below apply to Written Exam Training (PDH-LAWC) only. The Practical Welding Test is billed separately.
- Registration Fee: $250
- Course Fee: $275
- Required Publications Fee: $575
- STRF: $0
- Total Charges (with books): $1,110
- Total Charges (without books): $525
- Practical Welding Test Fee (SMAW D1.1 3G/4G): $395
Occupational Classification Code: 51-4120 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers
Written Exam Training
- Next Class: November 5th, 2025
- Location: Lake Elsinore, CA
Welding Lab (Practical Testing)
- Tuesdays & Thursdays: 7:00 AM – 3:15 PM
- Other dates available upon request
Written Exam Location:
City of Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety
Licensing Section / Room 110
201 N Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Exam Scheduling:
LADBS will schedule your written exam once they receive your Trade License Application. Allow 1–3 weeks for processing. Notification is sent by mail.
Advance to one of our 24-week programs
Book a meeting
with us today
Ready to enroll or unsure which certification is right for you? Get in touch.