New Student Information

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Why Choose Cerritos? Cerritos College offers California’s largest and most advanced welding program. With over 24 specialized courses and a modern training facility, students benefit from hands-on experience using top-tier welding equipment. Our program is led by instructors with certifications from the American Welding Society and the City of Los Angeles.

How to Get Started? No high school diploma or prior welding experience is required. To begin, complete your application at www.cerritos.edu and select “ARC WELDING – CT (CERTIFICATE)” as your major. Faculty do not control course enrollment or waitlists. Be sure to register as soon as your appointment time opens.

First Semester Class Options? New students can start with any of the following courses:

WELD 100 – Welding Fundamentals

WELD 120 – Beginning Arc Welding

WELD 130 – Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

WELD 160 – Welding and Metal Fabrication Safety

You may take WELD 100 in combination with WELD 120 or 160 for a well-rounded start.

Tuition and Equipment? Check the admissions and records website for exact costs but it is about $46 per unit, plus a $125 lab materials fee for hands-on courses. Additional fees include ID, health, and optional parking fees. Students are required to bring personal protective equipment (approx. $120–$200), and financial aid is available at cerritos.edu/financial-aid. Do not purchase textbooks before your first class session as many courses don’t require them.

Certifications and Career Paths? Students can earn certifications in as little as one semester, depending on their goals. Certification involves hands-on testing, while licensing includes a written exam. Graduates work in aerospace, utilities, energy, manufacturing, and public agencies. Pay ranges from $15/hour for beginners to $95/hour for experienced welders with multiple certifications. Certifications are obtained at testing centers throughout Southern California but maybe available in your specific class if your instructor is a CWI.

Advancing Your Skills? To increase your earning potential, pursue multiple certifications and take related courses in blueprint reading, shop math, and fabrication. Students are encouraged to cross-train in Machine Tool Technology and Engineering Design. Those aiming for high-level pipe welding roles should complete the structural sequence first before enrolling in advanced pipe courses.

Registration Tips? Your registration appointment will be sent to your MyCerritos account. Register promptly to avoid losing your spot. If a class is full, join the waitlist and attend the first session. Students who are absent or late to the first class will lose their enrollment and must wait until the next semester.