Trying to get certified before applying to pipefitters union

[m4ttbat]

I was recently laid off from a fab shop where I spent years running MIG on plate. It was good experience but I was never issued any formal certification tickets, so I assume none of it is transferable.

My goal now is to get into the local pipefitters union. I know I'll need to be certified for plate and pipe, likely with stick and flux core.

My question is about the testing process. Can I just contact an accredited testing center on my own and pay to take the tests? Or do you typically need a company or the union itself to sponsor you for your initial certs?

 

[Wyo.welder]

Yes, you can usually book and pay for tests directly through an accredited testing center and no sponsorship is needed per se, you’re aiming for the pipefitters union, it’s better to go through their apprenticeship or training program so your certs line up with what they require and they’ll recognize them
What I think

 

[t0mmy j]

how about not thinking about the plate test for a second and focus your immediate practice on 6G Pipe with stick (SMAW).
That is the ultimate test of skill, dexterity, and consistency. If you can pass a 6G pipe test, the union knows you can handle anything they throw at you.
If you go the independent route, make sure you're testing to an AWS D1.1 and/or API 1104 standard, as those are the most recognized codes

 

[m4ttbat]

Thanks, that's a very direct and useful way to look at it. @t0mmy j you're right that the 6G pipe test is a different world from the MIG plate work I've been doing. Is this something that can be self-taught with enough practice or should I be looking for a specific class before even thinking about testing?