Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Welding program is registered with the American Welding Society (AWS) as a SENSE school. This recognition allows the program to offer AWS SENSE certifications to students. While the Level I SENSE certification is offered as an option in the curriculum, it is not required for program completion. The AWS SENSE Certification process involves multiple steps, including completion of coursework modules, written examinations, and hands-on practical assessments.
Students may earn a partial Level I certification within Certificate A, while the full Level I certification is available through Certificate B. Completion of the AWS SENSE certifications is not a requirement for employment in the welding field. Nevertheless, all students enrolled in the KCKCC Welding program are registered on the AWS SENSE Certification website, providing them the option to pursue formal AWS SENSE Certification if they choose.
Certification Enrollment Process
- The KCKCC welding instructor enrolls each student through the AWS SENSE system. Students are responsible for a one-time $25 enrollment fee.
- Upon enrollment, students will receive an email from AWS with instructions to create an account. *Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) Welding student accounts will be created and managed by the LCF Welding instructor
Certification Credentialing Process
- All learning modules and certification exams are accessed and administered through the AWS SENSE website. *Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) Welding student will be managed by the LCF Welding instructor.
- Students must complete all required modules listed below:
Required Modules (All must be completed)
- Occupational Orientation
- Safety and Health of Welders
- Drawing and Welding Symbol Interpretation
- Thermal Cutting Process
- Welding Inspection and Testing
Elective Modules (At least one must be completed)
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- Gas Metal Arc Welding
- Flux Cored Arc Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
In addition to the required and elective modules, students must successfully complete a Workmanship Performance Test for each welding process selected from the optional modules. Students can complete the certification requirements for one or more welding processes outlined in the optional modules.
Benefits of AWS SENSE Certification
AWS SENSE Certification enrollees can access their credentialing information through the AWS SENSE portal. After completing the program, enrollees can access the AWS SENSE Certification portal to support those who wish to pursue additional certifications after employment. Achieving AWS SENSE certification provides one or more industry-recognized credentials.
Employment Statement
Employment Statement (All Student Populations – High School, Post-Secondary, and Lansing Correctional Facility). Please note that employment requirements vary by employer; completion of the AWS SENSE certification does not guarantee employment. Applicants should expect to complete a welding skills demonstration as part of the hiring process.
Go to AWS Sense Certification Website
Note to Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) Students
- Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) Welding student accounts will be created and managed by the LCF Welding instructor.
- Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) Welding student will be managed by the LCF Welding instructor.
- While incarcerated, LCF welding students will not have access to the AWS Sense Certification website.
- Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) students will receive a paper copy of the AWS Sense Certification information.