Health vulnerabilities can be reduced by deciding on right welding parameters, using appropriate shielding gas, use of welding helmet and delivering correct information to personnel about menaces of their jobs. The welder ought to be educated of operating skills and measures to diminish welding fumes...
just locate a AWS accredited test facility near you and pick a test that is not too difficult and knock it out. I have only had a few jobs that ever recognized a previous certification. they always made me test to their specs and the test was different every time...