The Spark Your Welding Journey Needs

Welding Fundamentals Online Course

Welding Online Academy uses a complete anywhere, “done on your time” model of education. For those just starting out on their welding journey, understanding these fundamentals will give you the leg up you need when applying for jobs. At the end of your training with Welding Online Academy you will have the knowledge to complete your certifications, build a meaningful career as a welder, or simply tackle home projects without shelling out the big bucks for professional help.

Course Overview

20+ Hours of Hands On Lessons and Quizzes

30 Full Length Welding Fundamental Lessons

40+ Hours of Detailed Professional Instruction

20+ Hours of Hands On Lessons and Quizzes

30 Full Length Welding Fundamental Lessons

40+ Hours of Detailed Professional Instruction

Course Details

Recommended Students For Welding Fundamentals Online Course

  • Aspiring Welders -Those looking to start a career in welding
  • Hobbyists and DIY Enthusiasts – Makers and tinkerers who want to build or repaid metal projects at home (Farm owners, off-grid builders, homesteaders, etc.)
  • Trade School Students – High School or Technical School students preparing for skilled trades before committing to a long-term trade program, understand the fundamentals would help you determine if this is the path for you.
  • Maintenance and Repair Technicians – Factory and plant maintenance personnel needing basic welding and equipment repair
  • Fabricators and Metal Workers – Sheet metal worked or metal artists look to add welding to their skill set. Fabrication shop assistants look to move into welding roles.
  • Auto and Motorcycle Restoration Enthusiasts –  Car, truck and motorcycle builders needing welding skills from frame, exhausts, and bodywork

The goal of this Welding Fundamentals course can be broken into 2 simple parts.

     1) Provide an in depth knowledge base for those interested in welding either as a career or a hobby
     2) Create unique hands-on experience that give students the opportunity to identify common welding practices, try for them selves and make mistakes in the comfort of their own home at their own pace.

  1. Understand and Apply Welding Safety Principles
  2. Explain the Function and Operation of Welding Equipment
  3. Identify and Use Proper Tools and Materials
  4. Prepare Metals and Joints for Welding
  5. Strike and Maintain a Welding Arc
  6. Perform Basic Welds in Multiple Processes
  7. Understand Heat Behavior and Control Techniques
  8. Inspect and Evaluate Weld Quality
  9. Demonstrate Knowledge of Welding Theory and Terminology
  10. Prepare for Welding Certifications or Advanced Training

Section 1: Introduction to Welding
Section 2: Tools & Equipment
Section 3: Materials and Metallurgy Basics
Section 4: Welding Techniques
Section 5: Weld Quality & Inspection
Section 6: Industry Application & Certification Prep
Final Project & Exam

Welding Online Academy - Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Welding Fundamentals course self-paced?

Yes. The program is built to be completed on your time so you can learn at your own pace from anywhere.

How long does the Welding Fundamentals course take to complete?

Theoretical Instruction (Lessons): ~15 - 20 Hours
Hands-on Practice (Application): ~20 - 25 Hours
Total Course Length: ~35 - 45 Hours

Please note: The Welding Fundamentals Online Course may be faster or slower depending on the individual taking the course.

Do I get a certificate when I finish?

Our Welding Fundamentals Online Course provides a strong foundation in welding theory and technique, which does include a certificate of completion. It also aim to prepares students for AWS (American Welding Society) certification tests and provides the skills needed to pursue additional qualifications.

Do I Need Prior Experience To Take This Course?

No prior welding experience is required. This course is designed for complete beginners and starts with foundational safety, theory, and hands-on instruction. You'll learn step-by-step how to safely operate welding machines and complete basic welds across multiple processes including SMAW, MIG, TIG, and Oxy-Acetylene.

What Type of Welding Will Be Covered In This Course?

You will be introduced to the four core welding processes:

  • SMAW (Stick Welding)
  • GMAW (MIG Welding)
  • GTAW (TIG Welding)
  • OAW (Oxy-Acetylene Welding & Cutting)

  • Each section includes both classroom theory and hands-on training to build practical skills in a safe, progressive format.

    Can I Complete This Course With A Friend?

    Yes! In fact, we encourage you to complete the course with others. Keep in mind that both you and your friend will need to register separately. Each of you should complete all sections and quizzes within the course in order to get your own certificate of completion.

    Materials List

    This list covers SMAW, MIG, TIG & Oxy-Acetylene Welding. While not everything on this list is 100% mandatory, these items are here to assist you in becoming the strongest welder you can become. The decision to use each of these items is ultimately up to you – with the exception of PPE. PPE is mandatory for safety purposes.

    SMAW (Stick Welding):

    • AC/DC Stick Welder

    • Electrode Holder (Stinger)

    • Ground Clamp

    • Rod Oven (for E7018 rods)

    MIG Welding:

    • MIG Welder with Wire Feed

    • Shielding Gas Hose & Flow Meter

    • Spool Gun (for aluminum, optional)

    TIG Welding:

    • AC/DC TIG Welder with Foot Pedal

    • TIG Torch + Gas Lens Kit

    • 100% Argon + Flow Meter Regulator

    Oxy-Acetylene Welding (OAW):

    • Oxygen & Acetylene Cylinders (with caps)

    • Regulators, Hoses, Welding & Cutting Tips

    • Flashback Arrestors, Spark Lighter, Cylinder Cart

    Stick Electrodes:

    • E6010 and E7018 (3/32″ & 1/8″)

    MIG Wire:

    • ER70S-6 (.030″ / .035″)

    • E71T-11 (Flux-core wire)

    TIG Rods:

    • ER70S-2 (Mild Steel)

    • ER308L (Stainless)

    • ER4043 (Aluminum)

    OAW Rods:

    • Bare Mild Steel & Flux-Coated Aluminum Rods

    Shielding Gas:

    • 75/25 Argon-CO₂ for MIG

    • 100% Argon for TIG

    • Mild Steel Coupons (1/8”–1/4”)

    • Stainless & Aluminum Plates

    • Flat Bar or Angle Iron

    • Optional Pipe Sections

    • Chipping Hammer & Wire Brushes

    • Angle Grinder + Discs

    • Soapstone or Marking Pencil

    • Measuring Tape & Speed Square

    • Welding Magnets & Clamps

    • Fillet Weld Gauges

    • Metal Files & Scriber

    • Center Punch

    • Auto-Darkening Helmet (Shade 9–13)

    • Leather Welding Gloves (MIG/TIG types)

    • Flame-Resistant Jacket or Sleeves

    • Safety Glasses (under helmet)

    • Steel-Toe or Leather Boots

    • Ear Plugs / Muffs

    • Welding Cap / Bandana

    • Respirator or N95 Mask (for fumes)

    • Fire-Resistant Blanket or Mat

    • Slag Bucket or Metal Trash Can

    • Dustpan & Shop Broom

    • Fire Extinguisher (ABC Rated)

    • Ventilation Fan or Fume Extractor

    • First Aid Kit

    • Student Workbook or Guide

    • Weld Defect Chart & WPS Templates

    • Joint & Position Diagrams

    • Notebook & Pen

    • Metal ID Chart (Optional)

    Syllabus

    To download the complete Welding Fundamentals Online Course syllabus, please click the button below and fill out the form. The complete syllabus will be sent directly to your email.

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    Download Your Copy of Welding Online Academy's Fundamentals Syllabus!

    *Submit this form and The Welding Fundamentals syllabus will be email to you directly. By completing this form, you certify that you agree to Welding Online Academy’s Terms and Conditions.* 

    Welding Fundamentals Syllabus Request Form

    Download Your Copy of Welding Online Academy's MIG Welding Syllabus!

    *Submit this form and The MIG Welding syllabus will be email to you directly. By completing this form, you certify that you agree to Welding Online Academy’s Terms and Conditions.* 

    MIG Welding Syllabus Request Form