SMAW NC I is the starting point for those who want to learn basic welding skills.

You will learn how to weld flat metal plates safely and correctly.

Course content (core competencies)

• Proper use of welding machine and tools

• Setting up work area safely

• Reading and interpreting simple welding plans

• Basic plate welding techniques

• Understanding different types of electrodes

• Basic repair welding on metal plates

Welding Positions Covered

• 1G (Flat Position)

• 2G (Horizontal Position)

• 3G (Vertical Position)

Requirements to Enroll

• Basic reading, writing, and math skills

• Physically fit for manual work

• Some centers may require high school level education

Training Duration

• Approx. 268 hours (about 2 to 3 months full-time)

Job Opportunities

• Welding helper

• Entry-level welder (construction sites, metal shops)

• Fabrication assistant

SMAW NC II takes your skills to the next level.

You will learn to weld plates in more difficult positions and basic welding on pipes. 

Course content (core competencies)

• Welding carbon steel plates in all positions

• Basic pipe welding in a rotating position

• Working with different welding electrodes

• Interpreting more detailed technical drawings

• Following welding codes and standards

• Conducting visual weld inspections

Welding Positions Covered

• Plates: 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G (Overhead)

• Pipe: 1G (Rolling position)

Requirements to Enroll

• Holder of SMAW NC I certification (recommended)

• Or welding experience with assessment pass

Training Duration

• Approx. 268 hours (similar to NC I)

Job Opportunities

• Plate welder

• Structural welder

• Fabrication welder

• Pipe welding assistant

SMAW NC III is for welders who want to specialize in pipe welding, which is needed in oil and gas, shipbuilding, and heavy industry.

Pipe welding is much harder because you often weld around the pipe, without moving the pipe itself.

Course content (core competencies)

• Weld carbon steel pipes in fixed horizontal and vertical positions

• Prepare pipe joints (fitting, beveling)

• Perform high-quality welds with strict standards

• Conduct inspections for pipe welds (check for cracks, porosity, etc.)

• Follow more detailed welding procedures and plans

Welding Positions Covered

• Pipe welding:

  • 2G (Horizontal Fixed)

  • 5G (Vertical Fixed)

Requirements to Enroll

• Holder of SMAW NC II

• Experienced welders (with TESDA assessment approval)

Training Duration

• Approx. 120 hours (about 1 to 2 months full-time)

Job Opportunities

• Pipe welder (refineries, power plants)

• Pipeline welder (oil and gas industry)

• Boiler welder (factories, ships)

• High-pressure pipe welder

SMAW NC IV is for experienced welders who want to move up into leadership, inspection, or quality control roles.

You won’t just weld you will lead welding teams, check the quality of work, and train new welders.

Course content (core competencies)

• Plan welding work for large projects

• Supervise welders at construction sites

• Inspect welding work for quality and safety

• Understand international welding codes and standards

• Write welding reports and documentation

• Perform training and assessments for welders

Requirements to Enroll

• Holder of SMAW NC III

• Significant work experience in welding

Training Duration

• Varies depending on the training center and program

Job Opportunities

• Welding supervisor

• Welding inspector

• Quality control technician (welding)

• Welding instructor or trainer

Global Demand for SMAW Welders

SMAW welders are in high demand in countries like:

• Canada

• Australia

• Japan

• Saudi Arabia

• United Arab Emirates

• USA

• Qatar

This is the entry-level certification. It covers basic welding operations using MMAW on carbon steel plates in flat position. 

Course content (core competencies)

• Performing basic welding work using MMAW

• Preparing welding materials and tools

• Applying safety practices in the workplace

• Welding plate metals in flat position (1G)

Training Duration:

Typically 2–4 months of hands-on training and classroom learning at TESDA-accredited institutions or training centers.  

JOB Opportunities:

• Entry-level positions in construction and manufacturing.

• Jobs as junior welder, metal fabricator, or maintenance assistant.

Assessment Requirements:

• Written exam on welding theory (e.g., safety, equipment knowledge).

• Practical welding test, where candidates demonstrate their ability to complete simple welds.

This level builds upon the foundation established in NC I and involves more complex welding skills. NC II covers welding in multiple positions and introduces advanced techniques like multi-pass welding. Successful completion of NC I is a prerequisite for this level. 

Course content (core competencies)

Welding carbon steel plates in:

• Flat (1G)

• Horizontal (2G)

• Vertical (3G)

• Overhead (4G)

• Performing quality checks

• Interpreting welding symbols and blueprints

• Maintaining welding equipment

Training Duration

3–6 months of practical and theoretical training. 

Career Opportunities:

• Jobs as welders in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.

• Ability to work on larger projects and move up to supervisory roles.

Assessment Requirements:

• Written exam covering advanced welding principles, safety practices, and quality standards.

• Practical assessment where candidates must complete welds in multiple positions, demonstrating proficiency in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.

NC III is intended for those who want to work on more advanced welding projects, including welding pipework and joining thicker materials. This level is often required for more technical, high-skilled welding positions. 

Course content (core competencies)

Welding carbon steel plates and pipes in all positions:

• Plate: 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G

• Pipe: 1G, 2G, 5G, 6G

• Applying advanced welding techniques

• Following stricter quality and safety standards

• Conducting basic troubleshooting of welding defects

Training Duration:

Usually 6–12 months, depending on the complexity of the training center's program and student proficiency. 

Career Opportunities:

• High-paying welding jobs in heavy industries like oil & gas, construction, and shipbuilding.

• Employment as senior welder, welding inspector, or pipeline welder.

Assessment Requirements:

• Written exam on advanced welding concepts, metallurgy, quality control, and safety.

• Practical assessment where candidates complete pipe and plate welds, demonstrating proficiency in all positions.

NC IV is the highest certification for MMAW and is aimed at experienced welders looking to take on leadership or training roles. This level covers welding management, teaching welding techniques, and ensuring compliance with codes and regulations in the workplace.

Course content (core competencies)

• Supervising welding operations

• Conducting skills training and assessments

• Ensuring compliance with welding codes and standards

• Overseeing work safety and project efficiency

• Interpreting technical drawings and welding procedures

Training Duration:

Typically 6 months to 1 year, depending on the learner's prior experience and proficiency.

Career Opportunities:

• Welding supervisor or team leader in large-scale projects.

• Welding instructor or trainer at vocational schools or technical colleges.

• Quality control inspector or welding coordinator.
  
  

Assessment Requirements:

• Written exam on supervisory skills, instructional techniques, and welding codes.

• Practical exam involving the management of a welding team or a project.

Global Opportunities

TESDA certifications are recognized not only in the Philippines but also in various countries, making this a valuable skill for those looking to work abroad in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and mining.