LA city certs

[jiw433]

I want to take this test for los angeles city. I heard this is a tough test any tips from anyone who has taken this test would be great. I have been welding for many years and have all other certs.

 

[edellison]

no idea what they require but if you have all the other certs you won't have any problem with it

 

[CWIC]

jiw433:
If it is the welder qualification testing you are inquiring about, the test is relatively easy. First get your hands on an application which can also be obtained online.

1.) Knowledge and use of the AWS code(s) are required for the test you may be taking.
D1.1 for the structural
D1.2 for aluminum
D1.3 for the light gage
D1.4 for reinforcing steel
[1 hour open book - 10 questions]

2.) General welding knowledge which includes:
10 welding symbols
20 general welding questions (e.g.: "What does the 1 represent in E7018?")
[1 hour]

3.) Each exam also requires a practical test using the process(es) qualified (e.g.: SMAW) For the structural, 1" (25mm) 3G and 4G practical tests in accordance with the D1.1 code are required to be performed at one of COLA's approved testing laboratories only. (more $)

4.) Passport size photo was required (2), but they finally kicked down for a camera and you can get a mug shot at their office in Downtown LA.

5.) The performance qualification must be taken within 6 months of the written exam. Fees for the test and fees for the issuance of their little wallet card are required (when you pass both. You may also test in all or a few of the above tests. Certifications are re-issued every 3 years as long as you keep sending them $. The cards denote "manual" or "semi-automatic" or both depending on what you desire.

I used to teach classes for this exam, preparation for the exam and practice in the process(es) you intend to use will ensure a "slam dunk". Actually had the COLA inquire about my class and the tech center I used to teach at as "...too many students were passing the exam..." They revised the exam a few times during that period but the students still passed with high (>90%) scores consistently. A little hard work and some $ are all that is required from jiw433 (sounds like an Ironworker)

Good luck.

 

[JTMcC]

It helps to be familiar with the code book you will be using. On the open book questions you have to both answer the question, and give the location in the code book where the answer is found (i.e. Figure 3.5 or Table III-2 or Paragraph 4.1.1.2)

Being able to find info quickly, in the code book is important.

When I went they said 80% fail in each test session. Most were taking it for the 2nd or 3rd time.



JTMcC.

 

[evelrod]

jiw433---Just go over to the Apprentice hall and pick up the booklet for the structural tests. Like the man said, it's a slam dunk. I have always maintained an AWS card as most of my work included areas outside SoCal. Inspectors wont take L.A. papers up north.
I found that most of the answers were "hidden" within the other questions. L.A. likes the $ as they kept raising the rate, year after year. I started at $25 back in '66!

Rod----jsiw433, retired.

PS: I don't know about the 80% failure rate. The IW Apprentice classes for my son and my son in law passed 100%!!!