International Qualifications Programs

International Authorization Board (IAB)

The International Authorization Board (IAB)is a working group of the International Institute of Welding (IIW). The IAB was formed to administer the various welding personnel qualification programs that have been developed by the IIW over the past several years.

Initially, the IIW worked in parallel with the European Welding Federation (EWF) to create qualification programs for welding personnel. This work was tasked to Commission XIV - Education and Training. Recently the IIW and EWF signed an agreement to work jointly on the development of the qualification programs to prevent duplication of work and to have these programs recognized and administered through the IIW on an international basis.

To achieve this the IIW created the IAB. Within the IAB there are three working groups. These are:

  1. 1. Group A which is responsible for the creation of unified curriculums for the various qualification programs. These curriculums are based on existing EWF documents or are created within the working group. Currently there are programs approved for the International Welding Engineer, Technologist, Specialist and Practitioner. Group A is now focusing its efforts on the development of new curriculums for the International Welder, Inspector and Welding Instructor.
  2. 2. Group B of the IAB is responsible for the administration of all of the programs. These duties include the qualification of auditors, auditing and registration of Accredited National Bodies (ANB) who administer the programs in the member countries and the overall operating procedures for the entire qualification scheme.
  3. 3. IAB Board of Directors is responsible to the Board of Directors of the IIW. The IAB Board ensures that the programs being developed by IAB Group A truly represent the international needs of the welding industry. In addition to the overseeing of the operations of Group A and B, the Board is also responsible for maintaining the cooperation agreement between the IIW and EWF. This agreement facilitates the use of existing EWF curriculums to form the framework for current and potential future programs the IIW may show interest in.

Accredited National Body (ANB)

The Canadian Welding Bureau, Canada’s International Institute of Welding (IIW) Authorised National Body (ANB) has initiated granting accreditation to four levels of welding professionals through the administration of the IIW Curriculum Programs. There is an opportunity for those already working in the industry to have their qualification recognized under the international system. These individuals can apply to the ANB for diplomas issued under the transition arrangements for Canada based on experience and previous education. Schools can seek accreditation by the ANB for the international curriculum programs to offer the IIW diploma to their students. Benefits of the IIW qualification:

  • IIW guidelines are recognized throughout the world
  • Your skills and knowledge are featured
  • You are part of the world’s best in welding
  • Access to world’s business opportunities
  • Lifetime validity

For qualification requirements and an application call today Canadian Welding Bureau (905) 542-1312 or 1-800-844-6790.

Authorized Training Body (ATB)

At present, there are two Authorized Training Bodies (ATBs) that are accredited in Canada at the International Welding Technologist (IWT) level.

  1. Northern College in Kirkland Lake, Ontario

    Our diploma programs are recognized by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) for certification. Northern College is an authorized training body for the International Institute of Welding (IIW). Certification as an International Welding Technologist through the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) provides technology graduates with job opportunities in 38 IIW member countries.

    Click here for program information

  2. Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

    Since 1973, the SAIT Welding Engineering Technology Program has offered full-time, hands-on education. As a specialist on the engineering team, the technologist not only understands the welding processes used in metal fabrication, but is also trained in quality control, welding metallurgy, codes, fabrication techniques, inspections, drafting, weld design, management and supervision, computer skills, and project management. Practical welding skills are also developed to gain an in-depth understanding of welding processes. The two-year program is fully nationally accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada.

    Click here for program information