Have you tried contacting the Welding Institute ? http://www.theweldinginstitute.com/ Good source of information regards Yul

Speaking from a welders viewpoint, even relatively minor welding needs a reasonable degree of competency. In work such as constructional welding [steel-framed-buildings] there is usually a contractual requirement for the welder/s to have been tested as to the quality of both training and welding. And for that testing to be repeated at intervals and/or if the material or welding requirements change. Most employers chose to code/test to minimal requirements.....it's cheaper, and stops the guys walking into better paid jobs when they get their documents! (and yes, the test certs are given to the welders)