CERTIFIED WELDING INSPECTOR

AWS Certified

Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) determine if a weldment meets the acceptance criteria of a specific code, standard, or other specification; handle qualification records; oversee non-destructive testing; and ensure proper materials are available during testing. Watch the video below to learn more about becoming AWS Certified.

CWIs must demonstrate a keen attention to detail along with other requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities, and are often considered the safety nets that catch potentially catastrophic mistakes.

This means that CWIs must be familiar with welding processes, welding procedures, welder qualifications, materials, and weld testing limitations, as well as how to read blueprint drawings, prepare and keep records, prepare and make reports, and make responsible judgments.

By employing or contracting CWIs, hiring organizations can improve safety, reduce risk, and meet the technical criteria and standards developed and updated by AWS industry experts.

Certified Welding Inspector Program

A CWI candidate is required to pass the three CWI exams to achieve the CWI certification. AWS conducts the Part A (Fundamentals) and the Part C (Code Book) exams via computer-based testing (CBT) at Prometric Test Centers, and administers the Part B (Practical) exam at locations across the United States where AWS educational seminars are held.

Part A: Fundamentals Exam*

The Part A Fundamentals Exam contains 150 questions that cover all topics related to the following:

• Destructive Testing
• Fabrication Math
• Safety in Welding
• Metallurgy
• Nondestructive Testing
• Understanding Welding Symbols
• WPS/PQR
• Welding Fundamentals

For additional information access the CWI Part A Examination Information Guide

Part B: Practical Exam*

The Part B Practical Exam for CAWI/CWI consists of hands-on activities using equipment provided by AWS, and 46 questions related to those activities. Activities include:

• Application of WPSs and PQRs
• Use of Inspection Tools and Methods
• Execution of Required Welds

For additional information access the CWI Part B Examination Information Guide

Part C: Code Book Exam*

Part C of the CWI exam is an open-book test that establishes the participant’s ability to locate and understand information in the code book. The 50 to 65 exam questions are based on the code book editions listed below.

Candidates are permitted to bring one of the following code books to the Part C exam:

• AWS D1.1 - Structural Steel Code: 2020 Edition
• API 1104 - Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities 21st Edition, September 2013
• AWS D1.2 - Structural Aluminum Code: 2014 Edition
• AWS D1.5 - Bridge Welding Code: 2015 Edition (including Clause 12)
• AWS D15.1 - Railroad: 2012 Edition
• AWS D17.1 - Aerospace: 2017 w/ Amendment 2
• ASME BPVC Section IX (2019 Edition), B31.1 (2018) and B31.3 (2018)
• ISO Standard

For additional information access the CWI Part C Examination Information Guide

View the Exam References and Editions Guide

*To obtain the CWI credential, candidates are required to earn a minimum score of 72% on each part of the exam (Part A: Fundamentals, Part B: Practical, and Part C: Code Book).

Review the AWS Certification and Qualification Standards for more detail:

• QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
• B5.1:2013-AMD1 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors

CWI Education and Experience

To qualify to earn the CWI credential, candidates must pass a vision test and have a combination of qualifying education and work experience, with supporting documentation.

CWI Forms

Before beginning the application process, all applicants should download, review, and complete the following required documents:

• Employment Verification Form
• Visual Acuity Exam Form
• Additional Qualifying Work Experience Form
• Photo ID Requirements

This step-by-step guide streamlines the path to becoming a Certified Welding Inspector, saving you time and ensuring success.

• CWI Step-By-Step Guide

Other forms and documents:

• ADA Disability Accommodations
• Change of Site/Cancellation Form
• Candidate Attestation Agreement
• Policies and Fees
• Exam References and Editions Guide
• Certification Duplicate Order Form

CWI Standards

Review the AWS Certification and Qualification Standards for more detail:

• QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
• B5.1:2013-AMD1 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors

Technical and Specification Documents, and Reference Materials

The CWI Examination User Guide is a comprehensive resource that provides crucial information on the rules, policies, procedures, and exam content for individuals planning to take the CWI exams. This guide is an essential tool to help you prepare for the exam and ensure that you are fully aware of the requirements and expectations before you begin. Download the guide today to equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence you need to succeed in your CWI exam.

• CWI Examination User Guide

CWI Part B Examination Book of Specifications

For CWI exams held WITHIN the US or Canada:
Part B Examination Book of Specifications
English

For Current CWI exams held OUTSIDE the US or Canada:
Part B Examination Book of Specifications - Metric
Spanish  |  Portuguese  |  Russian  |  Chinese  |  Japanese  |  Korean  |  Polish

For Metric CWI exams held OUTSIDE the US or Canada only:
Part B Examination Book of Specifications
English Metric Version

Other forms and documents:

• ADA Disability Accommodations
• Change of Site/Cancellation Form
• Candidate Attestation Agreement
• Policies and Fees
• Exam References and Editions Guide
• Certification Duplicate Order Form

Seminar and Exam Schedule

Find upcoming in-person seminars and exam dates on AWS by visiting the Seminar and Exam Schedule.

Computer-Based Testing/Prometric Exam Centers

AWS conducts the CWI Part A (Fundamentals) and Part C (Code Book) exams via computer-based testing (CBT) at more than 450 Prometric Exam Centers across the globe.

Learn more about Prometric CBT and Exam Centers:

• Understand Prometric’s security process when checking in at an exam center.
• Review a tutorial on how to navigate the screen during your CBT.
• Familiarize yourself with the CBT environment by scheduling an appointment to Take a Test Drive Before Exam Day.
• Learn more about your Prometric test day experience on our FAQ for CBT page.
• Access Prometric’s various other resources, by visiting prometric.com/aws.
• Prometric Exam Center COVID Policy
• Prometric Exam Center Cleaning Practices

Practical Exam (Non-Computer Based)

AWS administers the Part B (Practical) exam at locations across the United States where AWS educational seminars are held.

Additionally, AWS administers the Part B (Practical) exams at many international locations through our International Agents. Please review the International Contacts for Seminars and Exams.

CWI Candidates can register for the Part B exam via the online Certification Application Portal.

CWI Candidates who take the Part B exam will not receive the Part B Exam score until Part A and Part C Exams are completed. An exam score letter, documenting scores from Part A, Part B, and Part C will be sent via email approximately two (2) weeks following the completion of Part A and Part C.

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Maintain and Continue an Active CWI Certification

CWI certification is valid for nine years. At years three and six after the initial activation date, the CWI is responsible for submitting a renewal application to AWS Certification and actively managing the renewal and recertification process. (At six months and three months ahead of each renewal and expiration date, AWS will send a reminder notice to the email address on record.)

To qualify for renewal, the CWI shall attest to having no break in practice/employment greater than two years during the prior three years of certification in activities described in B5.1:2013-AMD1 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

All renewal applications are available via the Certification Application Portal.

Work experience must be documented in the Qualifying Work Experience section of the renewal application. Resumes are not accepted as a substitute for information required by the renewal application.

AWS will accept renewal applications up to 11 months in advance of the current certification expiration and recommends a CWI send a renewal application at least 60 days prior to the current renewal date. In the event the CWI does not provide a renewal application in a timely manner, a 60-day administrative extension period is permitted. However, the SCWI certification will be considered "expired" during the administrative extension period.

Renewal applications submitted after the administrative 60-day extension period but within one year of the certification expiration date may be accepted for renewal.

Administrative late fees will be incurred by the CWI if a renewal application is submitted after the 60-day extension period. All administrative fees must be paid in full prior to AWS considering the renewal application.

Once all renewal requirements have been met via the renewal application and all administrative fees have been paid in full, the CWI certification will be reactivated. For further information concerning the CWI certification renewal, please refer to AWS QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors (English PDF).

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