Who needs the IWE?
The specialisation is for everyone who encounters welding in their work and wants to deepen their knowledge. In companies it is needed by people involved in welding work: production management, technology, welding supervision, inspection, design and quality management (QA/QM). The tasks of a welding coordinator are defined in EN ISO 14731 and are the basis for quality in welding production under EN ISO 3834 and for welding steel structures under EN 1090. According to the Institute, Slovenia has the most graduated welding coordinators in Europe relative to its population.
What are the entry requirements for the IWE?
A recognised bachelor’s degree or higher (ISCED level 6 or 7) in a STEM field is required. The education should include mathematics, physics, chemistry, electrotechnics and materials. If some of these subjects are missing, relevant professional experience in metalworking or welding may also be considered. Final eligibility is confirmed by ANB Slovenia after reviewing your certificates. The overview is on the page International welding specialisations.
How is the IWE programme delivered?
Candidates can access all the materials from home on a computer, tablet or smartphone. The materials are interactive and contain video content and quizzes as well as text and images. Tutors help with the study materials by email, phone or video conference, technical staff help with technical questions and the administration with everything else. Practical exercises take place in the welding shops and laboratories of the Institute. The programme is divided into four modules with exams.
| Module | E-learning | Lectures and exercises | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Welding processes and equipment | 60 h | 35 h | written and oral |
| 2. Materials and their weldability | 80 h | 35 h | written and oral |
| 3. Design and calculation of welded structures | 44 h | 18 h | written and oral |
| 4. Fabrication and applications engineering | 51 h | 23 h and a 40 h case study | written and oral |
| Total | 235 h | 111 h | 4 exams |
How much does the IWE cost and what does the price include?
The price per candidate is EUR 6,800 without VAT for the programme delivered in English. It includes the costs of distance learning, materials, exams and IWE certification. Payment in several instalments is possible.
What do I receive on completion?
After successfully completing the programme and passing the exams you receive an international IIW diploma, issued by the Slovenian Welding Society (SDVT) on behalf of the International Institute of Welding (IIW). The diploma is in English, valid worldwide and equivalent to those issued in other countries. On completing all obligations you gain the title International Welding Engineer (IWE).