NEW-YORK · welder
NYSDOT Field Welder Certification
New York State Department of Transportation — Office of StructuresScope of Certification
The NYSDOT Field Welder Certification qualifies an individual welder to perform Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) on bridge and structural steel work on New York State Department of Transportation projects. The credential is administered by the NYSDOT Office of Structures and applies under NYSDOT Standard Specifications Section 564 — Structural Steel. Source: NYSDOT Field Welder Information (https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/structures/engineering/approved-field-welder-list); NYSDOT Field Welder Certification Program 5-2024 (https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/structures/repository/files/nysdot_welding_cert_program_5-2024.pdf).
Not a General State Welder License
New York State does not issue a general state welder license. The NYSDOT Field Welder Certification is the only state-issued welder credential, and it is project-class-specific to NYSDOT bridge / structural work. The municipal NYC Department of Buildings Welder License (separate credential, NYC only) accepts the NYSDOT Field Welder Certification as one of two qualifying pathways.
Qualification Standard
Performance qualification by SMAW process using E7018 electrodes. Qualification is verified by passing a radiographic (RT) test and a bend test at an approved test location. Welders are expected to be proficient in the vertical (3G) and overhead (4G) positions for groove welds.
Testing Requirements
Testing is conducted at an NYSDOT-approved test facility (e.g., Alfred State, Jamestown Community College, and other recognized college / vocational testing centers). A welder qualifying must demonstrate competency on each position and process for which certification is sought. The maximum thickness of steel the welder is qualified to weld is recorded on the certificate for groove welds.
Issued Documents
Successful applicants receive an NYS Qualification Certificate plus a Work Record Card. The certificate carries a validating signature, the welder's signature, the positions qualified, and the maximum thickness for groove welds. The Work Record Card must accompany the certificate for it to be valid.
Military Crosswalk
Not separately published. Veterans with prior structural welding qualification under DoD programs should contact the NYSDOT Office of Structures for case-by-case evaluation. Editor verification required before public launch.
Exam
Performance qualification (RT + bend) only — no written examination component published in the NYSDOT Field Welder Certification Program.
Reciprocity
Out-of-state DOT or AWS D1.5 certifications may be considered, but typically NYSDOT requires a welder to qualify through an NYSDOT-approved test location to be added to the Approved Field Welder List. Editor verification required.
Validity and Renewal
To remain valid, the Work Record Card must be signed every six (6) months from the date of issuance by either an NYSDOT Region Engineer-In-Charge (EIC), a Licensed Professional Engineer (any state), or an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). A welder whose work record lapses must re-qualify at an approved test location to be reinstated. Source: NYSDOT Field Welder Qualification Process brochure (https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/structures/repository/files/FW_Brochure_12-08_update.pdf).
Scope Limitations
The NYSDOT Field Welder Certification authorizes SMAW process work only, on the positions and groove-weld thicknesses for which the welder qualified. It does not extend to FCAW, GMAW, GTAW, AWS D1.1 general structural work outside NYSDOT projects, or ASME Section IX pressure work.
Verified May 1, 2026 · compiled from public sources, verify current rules with New York State Department of Transportation — Office of Structures before acting