fbpx
how to pass your welding license test

Pass Your Welding License Test In 5 Easy Steps!

Table of Contents


Passing the welding license test on your first try can actually be harder than you think, but if you follow these steps it can be easy.

In California, thousands of welding journeymen apply for the C-60 Welding Contractor License. 

a piece of metal being welded. passing your welding license test can be easy if you study these 5 tips

The Contractor State License Board offers 73 different classifications.

Read this to see if you qualify to get an exam date. I have worked with welders from all over the country, helping them prepare for their state exams.

These 5 Quick tips are based on the information I have gathered over the years that I know works.



1. Know What Is Going To Be On The Welding License Test

Preparation is everything, many welding journeymen apply for the exam without actually knowing what will be on the test.

Taking the time to look at some basic information about the exam is very helpful.

The exam for welding contractors includes:

  • 115 Questions LAW
  • 115 Questions WELDING
  • Multiple Choice Exam
  • Close Book
  • 3 Hours To Complete Each Section
  • Taken On A Computer at A State Testing Center

Law & Business

  • Business Organization
  • Business Finances
  • Employment Requirements
  • Contract Requirements and Execution
  • Licensing Requirements
  • Safety 
  • Public Works

Trade

  • Planning and Estimation (21%)
  • Welding Preparation (21%)
  • Welding, Brazing, and Soldering (27%)
  • Cutting Processes (9%)
  • Safety (22%)

Click the link, For a complete guide to the Contractor License LAW concepts, you must know to pass the C-60 welding license test!


Mathematics for Welders

There are some math concepts that you will want to be comfortable with going into this examination. Make sure that you are familiar with common formulas and equations.

Math concepts I suggest you review include:

  • Fractions and Decimals 
  • Area and Size
  • Geometry and Trigonometry
  • Algebra Basic
  • Applied Math Units of Measurement

jobs you can do with the C-60 license


2. Take Practice Tests based On The Welding Contractor License 

While running a contractor license school, I learned that the biggest difficulty my students faced was that most of them had not taken an exam in years.

a welding contractor using heavy duty tools to solder a large pipe

  • Some of my students did not finish high school or had immigrated to the United States recently, and were still learning English. 
  • One of the best study tools for them was to use Online Practice Tests. Simulated online tests are based on the state exam. 

  • Unless you went to a welding school or achieved some level of certification, it is possible that taking tests may be new to you.

Recommended Resources


Sample Welding Practice Test Questions

1. What is the MINIMUM thickness of steel that is covered by the AWS D1.1 Structural Steel welding code?

a. 1/8”

b. 1/4”

c. 5/16”

d. 3/8”

2. The total steel for a project weighs 2.5 tons. If the steel costs $38 per 100 pounds, how much will the steel cost for this project?

a. $950

b. $1,900

c. $3,800

d. $9,500


3. How helpful are exam prep study guides for the contractor license test?

Test questions are great, but relying on them as your only study source is a big mistake. If you are not into reading, you can find C-60 license exam study books in audio or video format.

Since practice test questions for the welding license exam do not give you the theory behind what the questions are asking you. 



Using a book or study guide as a reference can be a big help.

Exam prep books for the welding license cover a wide range of topics. They can also be incredibly helpful to refresh your memory on core topics you may have forgotten.

Free contractor license study guides often cover just a snapshot of what you need to know. 

Invest in yourself and look for study guides that cover topics like:

  • Welding techniques 
  • Post-welding procedures
  • Setting up cutting equipment 
  • Cutting techniques
  • Estimating equipment and materials
  • Identifying metals
  • Setting up welding equipment
  • Preparing materials

4. Contractor Classes

When you see the term “Contractor Classes” you should understand that they are only LAW & BUSINESS classes for construction contractors.

Contractor license schools offer state-specific exam prep classes that cover the basics of construction LAW.

It is essential to understand the distinction between a contractor license and a trade school.

The C-60 license test is for journeyman welders. A journeyman is someone who has mastery of their trade. Contractor classes are not meant to teach you the fundamentals.

They are highly beneficial for those of us who haven't been in school for a while.

large slab of metal being welding using heavy power tools

  • Taught by Contractors or construction veterans
  • Live Instruction format with questions and answers
  • Bilingual (depending on the school you chose)
  • In depth classes that cover important exam concepts

Contractor License schools offer several services that can help you get everything taken care of quickly and easily.

Check out this article for a more in-depth look at how to choose the right school!


How to study for the C-60 License Test!

You are trying to get the C-60 welding license to make more money, achieve a goal or move up in some way.

It is totally understandable if the idea of taking an exam is intimidating.

  • Remember that most of the people there on test day are in the exact same position as you. 
  • The key is to get some accurate material and be consistent about studying them.
  • Professional athletes, artists, and other top-level tradesmen will all tell you the same thing. Developing mastery is about doing a bunch of little things over and over again.

5. Prepare Daily for Test Daily!

If you commute, invest in an audio program, you can listen while you drive. 

If you are a native Spanish speaker and prefer to watch a recorded class, invest in a bilingual program.

There are a lot of options out there to get you the information you need to know so you can get where you want to be FAST!

blog post covers the essential knowledge you need to know to get the C60 welding contractor license in california

If you have found this article helpful, feel free to check out some of our other free content.

For a complete guide on how to become a licensed welder as well as filling out the application check out our complete guide to the C-60 Welding Contractor License!