Welding Technology, Pipe and Structural Steel Certification - Formerly Pipe and Structural Steel Certification Option-Major #8375

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


Welding technology provides an opportunity for students to prepare for employment in welding and metal occupations. Pre-employment training for structural steel and pipe welding technicians. An emphasis is placed on developing certification code-level proficiency in the use of shielded metal arc and flux cored arc welding procedures used in the construction of components on bridges, building, and pressure vessel systems.


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Students will demonstrate correct usage of all weld symbols on the American Welding Society Welding symbols chart.
  2. 2. Students will weld in all welding positions.
  3. 3. Students will correctly use ASME, AWS and API codes.
  4. 4. Students will perform and weld different pipe configurations according to specification.
Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester

Term 1

11 units

AT 10
Technical Computer Applications

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
This course is an introduction to computers, elements of computer hardware and software and how they are used in the workplace, and the social impact of computers. Students will experience a hands-on introduction and develop general computer skills for technical programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation applications, and email. (A, CSU, UC)

AT 21
Occupational Safety and Health

2 units
Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
Students will learn about employer and employee responsibility, federal and state legislation, accident reports, industrial hygiene, personal protective equipment, materials handling and storage, hazard communication, guarding machines and mechanisms, hand and portable power tools, electrical safety, and fire protection. If the specific attendance and testing requirements are met, students in this class may be eligible to receive the Federal or California OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 General Industry or Construction Card. (A, CSU)

WELD 2A
Introduction to Welding Technology

6 units
Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
This course features Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. An emphasis on good manipulative welding skills for joining steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Use of various electrodes. An introduction to the electrode and base metal classification system. (A, CSU)

WELD 2A and 2B can be replaced with WELD 6A, 6B, and 6C.

Term 2

10-11 units

AT 40
Preparing for Employment Opportunities

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
Students will learn the importance of human relations competencies and professional workplace communications including written, oral and presentation skills in the work world. Students will develop job-seeking skills including preparing resumes, preparing portfolios and honing job search and interview skills. (A, CSU)

WELD 2B
Advanced Multi-Process Welding

5 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
Take your welding skills to the next level by welding in the vertical and overhead position with the Shielded Metal Arc, Gas Metal Arc, Flux Cored Arc and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding along with Air Carbon Arc Gouging and Plasma Cutting. Materials used will cover mild steel, aluminum and stainless steel. The techniques learned will help prepare students to specialize in Welding Fabrication and or Pipe and Structural Steel programs offered at Fresno City College. (A, CSU)

Major Course

2-3 units

Select one of the following: 

Recommend WELD 56

CADD 14
2D CAD I

3 units
Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
This course covers creating and modifying digital drawings for the architectural, engineering, mechanical, manufacturing and other related industries. (A, CSU)
Course Details:
      1. CSU Transfer Course

        CADD 24
        Applications of 2D CAD

        2 units
        Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
        This course covers advanced 2D CAD topics for the computer aided draftsperson in the disciplines of architecture, engineering, mechanical, manufacturing and other related industries. (A, CSU)

        ENGR 10
        Introduction to Engineering

        2 units
        Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
        This course explores the branches of engineering, the functions of an engineer, and the industries in which engineers work. Explains the engineering education pathways and explores effective strategies for students to reach their full academic potential. Presents an introduction to the methods and tools of engineering problem solving and design including experimentation, data analysis, computer and communication skills, and the interface of the engineer with society and engineering ethics. (A, CSU, UC)

        ENGR 11
        Manufacturing Processes

        3 units
        Effective Term: 2023 Spring Semester
        Processing and manufacturing techniques for steel, ceramics, polymers, composites and other industrial materials. Topics include the capabilities and limitations of casting, welding, forming, and machining. Demonstrations and field trips may be included. (A, CSU)
        Course Details:
            1. CSU Transfer Course

              WELD 56
              Print Reading for Welders

              2 units
              Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
              Print reading for welders will introduce you to the basic fundamentals of print reading and welding symbol interpretation as required by the welding trade. (A, CSU)
              Course Details:

                      Term 3

                      11 units

                      3 units

                      AT 130
                      Precision Measurements

                      3 units
                      Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
                      The successful completion of the course enables students to demonstrate a solid understanding of the fundamentals of working with precision measurement instruments. The skills acquired during this comprehensive course are valuable TOOLS FOR LIFE that can lead to rewarding careers in a vast array of industries in the global marketplace. Precision measuring is the cornerstone of quality in products and services many people rely upon each day. (A)
                      or

                      WELD 130
                      Precision Measurements

                      3 units
                      Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
                      The successful completion of the course enables students to demonstrate a solid understanding of the fundamentals of working with precision measurement instruments. The skills acquired during this comprehensive course are valuable TOOLS FOR LIFE that can lead to rewarding careers in a vast array of industries in the global marketplace. Precision measuring is the cornerstone of quality in products and services many people rely upon each day. (A)

                      DRAFT 12
                      Drafting Practices

                      3 units
                      Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
                      This course covers freehand sketching, orthographic projection, measuring devices, geometric construction, pictorial drawing and dimensioning. (A, CSU)
                      Course Details:
                          1. CSU Transfer Course

                            WELD 4A
                            Heavy Plate, Structural Steel and Welding Certification

                            5 units
                            Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                            This course's emphasis is on students obtaining welding certifications in vertical and overhead welding positions (3G and 4G). Students will learn and preform structural welding fit-ups and continue to develop upon previously learned welding processes like, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Flux Cored arc Welding (FCAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). This will provide the student with the opportunity to take and perform an American Welding Society (AWS) Structural Welding Code Certification test. (A, CSU)
                            Course Details:
                            1. Prerequisite: WELD 2B
                              1. CSU Transfer Course

                                Term 4

                                7-8 units

                                WELD 4B
                                Pipe, Tube Welding and Certification

                                5 units
                                Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                                Students will continue to develop the skills necessary using Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) processes to preform welding on various different piping systems. Students will develop upon Fit-up and assemble joint configurations that will be used in pressure vessels, power systems, cross-country and refinery applications. This will give students the opportunity to perform welding certification tests in accordance with API, AWS, and ASME codes. (A, CSU)
                                Course Details:
                                1. Prerequisite: WELD 4A
                                  1. CSU Transfer Course

                                    Major Course

                                    2-3 units

                                    Select one of the following: 

                                    CADD 14
                                    2D CAD I

                                    3 units
                                    Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
                                    This course covers creating and modifying digital drawings for the architectural, engineering, mechanical, manufacturing and other related industries. (A, CSU)
                                    Course Details:
                                        1. CSU Transfer Course

                                          CADD 24
                                          Applications of 2D CAD

                                          2 units
                                          Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
                                          This course covers advanced 2D CAD topics for the computer aided draftsperson in the disciplines of architecture, engineering, mechanical, manufacturing and other related industries. (A, CSU)

                                          ENGR 10
                                          Introduction to Engineering

                                          2 units
                                          Effective Term: 2025 Spring Semester
                                          This course explores the branches of engineering, the functions of an engineer, and the industries in which engineers work. Explains the engineering education pathways and explores effective strategies for students to reach their full academic potential. Presents an introduction to the methods and tools of engineering problem solving and design including experimentation, data analysis, computer and communication skills, and the interface of the engineer with society and engineering ethics. (A, CSU, UC)

                                          ENGR 11
                                          Manufacturing Processes

                                          3 units
                                          Effective Term: 2023 Spring Semester
                                          Processing and manufacturing techniques for steel, ceramics, polymers, composites and other industrial materials. Topics include the capabilities and limitations of casting, welding, forming, and machining. Demonstrations and field trips may be included. (A, CSU)
                                          Course Details:
                                              1. CSU Transfer Course

                                                WELD 56
                                                Print Reading for Welders

                                                2 units
                                                Effective Term: 2024 Spring Semester
                                                Print reading for welders will introduce you to the basic fundamentals of print reading and welding symbol interpretation as required by the welding trade. (A, CSU)
                                                Course Details:
                                                        Total: 39-41 units