How to Become a Certified Welder and Work Abroad from Nepal

6G pipeline welders are among the highest-paid blue-collar workers globally. A Nepali 6G welder working for Qatar's Ras Laffan contractors or Saudi Aramco can earn in the range of NPR 200,000–280,000 per month (indicative, varies by employer), well above what most university graduates earn in Nepal. The path from zero to certified 6G welder takes 6–12 months of focused training and certification, and this guide walks through each step.

Why welding is a high-leverage trade

• Pay grows fast with certification. Helper to 1G welder to 3G welder to 6G welder roughly doubles wages at each step.
• Permanent global demand. Oil and gas, infrastructure and manufacturing all need welders on an ongoing basis. Automation has not replaced hands-on pipeline welding.
• Mobile certifications. ASME 3G/6G credentials are recognised across every Gulf country, Europe and most of Asia.
• Clear progression. Senior welders move into welding inspection (CSWIP, AWS CWI), office-based supervisor roles paying NPR 400k+.

The welding certification ladder

CTEVT Welder Level I (entry)

A 3-month course at a CTEVT-affiliated training centre covers basic SMAW (shielded metal arc welding), safety and electrode selection. Cost in Kathmandu: NPR 15,000–25,000. Entry salary in the Gulf: NPR 60,000–90,000/month.

CTEVT Welder Level II + 3G certification

An additional 2-month specialisation covers MIG, TIG, vertical-up (3G) and overhead welding, building toward ASME Section IX competence. Cost: NPR 25,000–40,000 extra. Gulf salary: NPR 100,000–150,000/month.

Pipeline welder: 6G certification

6G is the premium credential in this trade. It means welding pipes in a 45-degree fixed position, combining all welding positions in one test, and ASME 6G is the standard for oil and gas pipeline work. Training runs 1 month of focused specialisation after Level II, and you must then pass an on-site trade test at the destination employer's facility. Salary in Qatar or Saudi Arabia: NPR 180,000–280,000/month.

Where to train in Nepal

CTEVT-affiliated training centres operate in every district. Check the list of affiliated centres on the CTEVT website and ask:

• Is the centre CTEVT-affiliated for the welding level you want?
• How many hours will you actually spend welding, not just watching?
• Does the centre prepare students for position tests (3G, 6G) with real pipe samples?
• Can you see certificates of recent graduates who found work abroad?

Total cost to become a 6G welder

A realistic budget from zero to 6G-ready looks like this:

• CTEVT Level I: NPR 15,000–25,000
• Level II + 3G: NPR 25,000–40,000
• 6G specialisation: NPR 30,000–50,000
• Tools and PPE: NPR 15,000–25,000
• Travel and accommodation during training: NPR 20,000–40,000

Total: NPR 105,000–180,000. This pays back within 1–2 months of working abroad as a 6G welder.

The application route abroad

1. Complete your CTEVT certifications.
2. Build a portfolio: take photos and video of your welds, especially position welds, and keep them on a USB stick.
3. Send your CV and certificates through our apply page.
4. When a suitable employer demand comes in, your documents are screened and a trade test or interview is arranged. Employers often interview by video call.
5. Fly to the destination and pass the employer's on-site trade test. Most 6G employers run a 6-hour test on day one.
6. Start work at full certified-welder pay.

If you fail the on-site trade test

Don't panic. Many Gulf employers offer a 1-week practice period and a re-test. If you fail twice, you may be reassigned to a lower-grade welding role (3G or fabricator) at proportionally lower pay. The employer typically covers your return ticket if both tests fail.

Career path after 5 years

• Senior welder / charge-hand: supervises 5–10 welders. NPR 250k–350k/month.
• Welding inspector (CSWIP, AWS CWI): office- or site-based QA-QC role. NPR 350k–500k/month.
• Pipeline supervisor: oversees full pipeline crews. NPR 400k–600k/month.
• Return to Nepal as instructor: many ex-Gulf welders open their own training centres.

Power Support helps with the paperwork side: documentation, visa processing support, the DOFE process and pre-departure orientation. To discuss the welder route, send your CV or contact us.