Welding Certificates for Work in Europe
If you want to work as a welder or pipefitter in Europe, having the right certifications is essential. Here is a practical overview of what employers actually ask for.
EN 287-1 / ISO 9606-1 — The Main Welding Certificate
This is the most widely recognised welding qualification in Europe. It certifies your ability to weld in specific positions, using specific processes and materials.
- Validity: 3 years (with 6-month employer confirmations every 6 months)
- Renewal: Practical test every 3 years
- Salary impact: +20–30% compared to uncertified welders
- Who needs it: Anyone working on pressure systems, pipelines, structural steel
Common Welding Processes Tested
| Process | Code | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| TIG (GTAW) | 141 | Stainless, duplex, high-purity pipe |
| MMA (Stick) | 111 | Site work, structural |
| MIG/MAG | 135/136 | Fabrication, structural |
| Flux Core | 136/138 | Heavy fabrication |
Material Groups That Matter
- Carbon steel (Group 1) — standard, most common
- Stainless steel (Group 8) — higher demand, better pay
- Duplex / Super Duplex (Group 10) — specialist, highest rates
Other Useful Certificates
- PED 2014/68/EU — Pressure Equipment Directive. Required for work on pressure vessels and pipelines in many European countries
- EN 1090 — Structural steel. Required if you work on load-bearing steel structures
- Site Safety Cards — country-specific (e.g. Finland: Valtti-kortti; Norway: HMS-kort; UK: CSCS)
Where to Get Certified
Certification bodies differ by country. Look for accredited testing institutes such as TÜV (Germany), DNV (Norway/Denmark), SGS, Bureau Veritas, or national institutes in your country. Some employers will test and certify you on their premises — always ask before signing a contract.
For questions about which certificate to get for a specific job, follow Telegram @weldjob_europe or send a message through the contact page.