At my new job (3 months) as a welder, I had to learn some different welding skills. Before coming here, I haven’t welded in 10 years. Anyway, in order to make a higher pay grade, I had to pass 4 tests.
The first was the 3G (vertical up) with hardwire, second was the 3G flux core with 75/25 gas, third is a air arc gouging, and the final is a weld symbols test.
I had never welded vertical up before and was a little intimidated at first. But, suprisingly I found it really easy once you find the right settings. For the test we had certain parameters as far as voltage and wire speed.
I got the results back this morning that I had passed both the welding tests and I will be testing out on the air arc and weld symbols in the morning 
Also since I passed the flux core test, I am now certified to weld for the MN DOT projects we work on. They are very stringent with their standards and rightfully so since the parts are for bridge construction.
Once I get tomorrow’s tests done, I will get the $5/hour raise and will be making more per hour than any job I have previously had. The money will make working 3rd shift a little less painful 
I wish I would have paid more attention in high school welding, or took any of the “free” classes, they held after hours at my old employer, its a great trade to have 
lol i thought it was easy when i tested out at work till i got put on the floor
