Academic Catalogs

Advanced Welding (SMAW), Certificate of Specialization

Banner Code: 1_CE_SMAW

Not Financial Aid Eligible


This Certificate of Specialization certifies mastery of first level advanced welding in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Levels VII, VIII and IX.

Program Outcomes

  1. Acquire the necessary skills training for proficiency in taking a welding qualification test for certification which may be required for employment.
  2. Improve or develop additional proficiencies required for professional growth or advancement in their current employment.

Certificate of Specialization Requirements

The Certificate of Specialization is a locally approved career program that requires sixteen units or fewer units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Specialization are not automatically awarded, not printed on official academic transcripts, and there is no acknowledgment of completion given at graduation.  Please contact the division for details regarding the submission of petitions as procedures for each division vary.  Most division offices prefer that students complete all of the required courses and then provide a copy of the transcript while some divisions allow petitions for Certificates of Specialization before finishing.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Course Title Units
Required Courses
WELD A100Arc & Oxy-acetylene Welding3-4
or WELD A101 Arc & Oxy-acetylene Welding
WELD A107Weld Testing Advanced 10.5
WELD A115Arc and Oxy-acetylene Welding Practice Level 11-2
or WELD A215 Advanced Arc and Oxy-Acetylene Level 1
WELD A200Advanced Welding3-4
or WELD A201 Advanced Welding
Total Units7.5-10.5

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing. 

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
WELD A100
Arc & Oxy-acetylene Welding
or Arc & Oxy-acetylene Welding
3-4
 Units3-4
Semester 2
WELD A115
Arc and Oxy-acetylene Welding Practice Level 1
or Advanced Arc and Oxy-Acetylene Level 1
1-2
WELD A200
Advanced Welding
or Advanced Welding
3-4
WELD A107 Weld Testing Advanced 1 0.5
 Units4.5-6.5
 Total Units7.5-10.5