Union Contractors often permit the use of the Union/AWS qualification program for the certification of welders, especially when the Owner is Union oriented. As non-union contractor, we do not.
There were many cases of cheating during the '70s and '80s using this approach. Welders simply paid the Union Hall a considerable sum and were "qualified" to work on a number of projects that paid over
$100,000 per year back then.
The AWS approached me back in 1979 when I was on the API 1104 committee with its plan to certify welders. At that time I suggested that the AWS may be in for some litigation should some of its certified welders fail to perform and deaths or injuries be incurred due to negligent/faulty welding. At that time the AWS listened and dropped its plan.