Advance Your Welding CareeR
Advance Your Welding CareeR
Improve your role in welding management by becoming a Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) through the American Welding Society (AWS). This esteemed certification validates your knowledge, skills and abilities in overseeing welding operations, ensuring quality, productivity, cost-efficiency, and safety across projects.
Application Options
Visit
my.aws.org
to enter information, submit required documentation
and a current photo, register for seminars and courses, and make payments.
AWS offers three different options for applications, depending on your current status.
CWS Initial Application
- How it Works
- Documents & Resources
- Exam Information
- Pricing
CWS Initial Application
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How It Works
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Documents & Resources
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Exam Information
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Pricing
Why Pursue the Certified Welding Supervisor Certification?
The CWS program is designed to recognize individuals who possess the knowledge and skills to effectively manage welding activities. Achieving this certification allows you to:
- Enhance Operational Efficiency: Implement best practices to improve welders' environments, boost productivity, and ensure high-quality outputs
- Optimize Welding Economics: Gain insights into cost-effective welding practices, enabling better resource management and reduced operational costs
- Elevate Safety Standards: Understand and enforce stringent safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment
- Advance Career Opportunities: Stand out in the industry with a credential that highlights your supervisory capabilities and commitment to excellence
What the Certified Welding Supervisor Course Covers
AWS CWS training consists of three essential parts designed to enhance your welding supervisory skills:
Welding Safety & Quality
- OSHA compliance and workplace safety
- Defect prevention and quality control
- Inspection and testing procedures
Production & Cost Control
- Welding economics and cost-reduction strategies
- Lean manufacturing principles in welding
- Productivity improvement techniques
Supervisory & Leadership Skills
- Managing welding teams effectively
- Communication and problem-solving for supervisors
- Ensuring compliance with welding codes and standards
Minimum Education & Experience Requirements
To qualify for the Certified Welding Supervisor program, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
Education Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Welding-related training or coursework preferred but not required
Experience Requirements:
- A minimum of 3 years of welding experience with a high school diploma
- A minimum of 2 years of welding supervision experience preferred
- Practical knowledge of welding processes, quality control, and industry codes
Who Should Apply?
The Certified Welding Supervisor training is ideal for:
- Welding professionals looking to advance their careers into supervisory roles
- Experienced welders who want to enhance their knowledge of efficiency, quality control, and safety standards
- Manufacturing and construction industry professionals responsible for overseeing welding operations
- Welding educators and trainers seeking to broaden their knowledge and certification credentials
- Business owners or managers aiming to improve their company’s welding quality and compliance
CWS Step-by-Step Pathway
Advance your welding career and lead with confidence—follow this step-by-step guide to become a Certified Welding Supervisor, boosting productivity, quality, and safety on the shop floor.
CWS Standards
A CWS certification ensures the certificate holder meets all of the specification and certification requirements found in:
- AWS QC13 - Specification for the Certification of Welding Supervisors (English)
- AWS B5.9 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Supervisors (English)
Technical and Reference Documents are provided when registered and attending an AWS Seminar.
If an applicant/candidate is not attending an AWS Seminar prior to testing and is planning to self-study, please review the Self-Study page for more information.
Technical and Specification Documents and Reference Materials
(AWS CWS Body of Knowledge)
- AWS A2.4:2012 Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination
- AWS A3.0:2010 Standard Welding Terms and Definitions
- AWS B5.9:2006 Specification for the Qualification of Welding Supervisors
- AWS WHB 1.12 Economics of Welding and Cutting
- AWS WHB- ALL AWS Welding Handbook Series
- VT6K1- IPUYC CWSM Certified Welding Supervisor Manual for Quality and Productivity Improvement
- AWS QC13, Specification for the Certification of Welding Supervisors
- ANSI Z49.1:2012 - Safety in Welding Cutting, and Allied Processes
- NSRP Study - Welding Supervisor Training and Certification
To purchase any of the AWS publications, visit the AWS Bookstore
Review the AWS CWS Examination User Guide (PDF)
Review the Exam References and Editions Guide (PDF)
Other forms and documents:
- ADA Disability Accommodations
- Change of Site/Cancellation Form
- Candidate Attestation Agreement
- Policies and Fees
- Certification Duplicate Order Form
- Training Hours Upload Requirement Waiver
- Photo Upload Requirement Waiver
- Visual Acuity Upload Requirement Waiver
- Education or Other Upload Requirement Waiver
Exam Preparation Training and Seminar Options
The Certification Welding Supervisor seminar was developed to teach knowledge, skills, and abilities that welding supervisors must be capable of demonstrating.
This 5-day course focuses on the knowledge a supervisor needs to support the improvement of the welders’ environment, productivity, throughput, weld quality, and safety.
Participants will learn the science rather than the art of welding to control variables in the welding process better.
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 CWS Part A (Fundamentals of Supervision) and Part B (Welding Practices & Economics) 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 look and feel of the computer-based testing environment by exploring one of two types of Test Drives 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
CWS Renewal
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How It Works
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Pricing
The CWS credential is valid for three (3) years. A CWS can renew their CWS credential twice: once at year three (3) and once at year six (6).
This renewal is necessary to maintain the CWS credential.
Each of the two renewals require written documentation to support evidence of continued activity in the occupational position of welding supervisor.
The renewal application can be completed at My AWS Portal. Here you may also check your CWS credentials, application, or exam registration status.
After two (2) consecutive renewals, a total of nine (9) years of continuous certification, the certificate holder is required to recertify to maintain CWS credentials by meeting the following requirements:
- Completed and submitted documentation to support evidence of continued activity in the occupational position of welding supervisor.
- The certificate holder shall successfully pass the CWS Part A and Part B exams or be exempt from the exams by demonstrating continued education equivalent to 80 professional development hours (PDH) over the nine (9) year period of certification with 20 PDH being completed in the immediate three (3) year period preceding the nine-year (9) recertification.
The recertification application and exam registration can be completed via the online Certification Application Portal.
Use the My AWS Portal to check your CWS credentials, application or exam registration status.
CWS Recertification
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How It Works
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Pricing
The CWS credential is valid for three (3) years. A CWS can renew their CWS credential twice: once at year three (3) and once at year six (6).
This renewal is necessary to maintain the CWS credential.
Each of the two renewals require written documentation to support evidence of continued activity in the occupational position of welding supervisor.
The renewal application can be completed at My AWS Portal. Here you may also check your CWS credentials, application, or exam registration status.
After two (2) consecutive renewals, a total of nine (9) years of continuous certification, the certificate holder is required to recertify to maintain CWS credentials by meeting the following requirements:
- Completed and submitted documentation to support evidence of continued activity in the occupational position of welding supervisor.
- The certificate holder shall successfully pass the CWS Part A and Part B exams or be exempt from the exams by demonstrating continued education equivalent to 80 professional development hours (PDH) over the nine (9) year period of certification with 20 PDH being completed in the immediate three (3) year period preceding the nine-year (9) recertification.
The recertification application and exam registration can be completed via the online Certification Application Portal.
Use the My AWS Portal to check your CWS credentials, application or exam registration status.
Benefits of Certification with AWS
Benefits of Certification with AWS
As the leader in welding education and certification, AWS provides unmatched support for CWS candidates. Certification through AWS ensures:
- Global Recognition: AWS certifications are respected worldwide in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and energy.
- Ongoing Professional Development: Stay connected to cutting-edge industry insights and exclusive AWS member benefits.
- Networking Opportunities: Join a global community of welding professionals to share knowledge and collaborate on new opportunities.
Pricing
MEMBER
NON-MEMBER
WELDING SUPERVISOR BUNDLE
The Welding Supervisor Seminar offers participants a comprehensive bundle of seven self-paced courses, providing significant savings over individual course costs.
These courses are meticulously designed to prepare you for the AWS Certified Welding Supervisor exam and enhance your expertise. With over 80 hours of detailed instruction, this seminar covers key fundamentals, ensuring a thorough understanding of welding processes and management skills, ultimately boosting your productivity and career prospects.
FAQs About Certified Welding Supervisor Certification
Becoming a Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) can help you advance your career by demonstrating your knowledge, skills and abilities in welding operations, productivity, and quality management. Below are answers to common questions about the certification process, requirements, and renewal options.
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What is a welding supervisor?
A welding supervisor manages welding operations, overseeing teams, workflow, and materials to ensure projects run efficiently, safely, and on budget. They coordinate tasks, monitor team performance, and enforce welding procedures — with a focus on operational oversight.
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What is a Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)?
A Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) is a professional who has proven their knowledge, skills and abilities in welding supervision by passing an exam administered by the American Welding Society (AWS). A CWS is trained to oversee welding operations, manage materials and labor, and ensure quality standards across industrial and fabrication projects.res, and leadership in industrial or fabrication settings.
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What does a Certified Welding Supervisor do for a welding company?
CWS professionals plan and coordinate welding production, manage teams, track materials usage, and forecast labor and project needs. They ensure workflow efficiency, enforce welding procedures, maintain operational quality, and resolve technical challenges. They also coordinate with engineers, planners, and clients to keep projects on schedule and within spec.
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Do I need welding experience to become a Certified Welding Supervisor?
Candidates must have a minimum of three (3) years of practical welding experience in a fabrication, construction, or other welding-related industry. As an alternative to the practical experience requirement, three years of relevant teaching experience in welding or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required practical experience, provided proper documentation is submitted. Acceptable documentation includes photocopies of course summaries, teaching certificates, and letters of reference.
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Do I need formal training before applying for the Certified Welding Supervisor program?
While some candidates rely on practical experience, most certification organizations recommend—but do not require—formal training to prepare for a CWS exam. Candidates are often encouraged to complete training through independent or approved providers to improve their readiness for the exam.
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How do I become a Certified Welding Supervisor?
To become a CWS, you must have on-the-job experience supervising welding operations, meet the certifying organization’s prerequisites, and pass the Certified Welding Supervisor exam. Many candidates prepare through training programs or courses covering welding management, lean operations, and supervisory skills. For a list of available training seminars, visit our AWS Education & Training page.
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How long does it take to become a Certified Welding Supervisor?
The timeline varies based on experience and preparation. Candidates must first meet the on-the-job supervisory experience requirements, which can take several years depending on their career path. After meeting the appropriate prerequisites, completing prep courses and passing the exam typically takes several additional months.
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How much does it cost to get Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) credentials?
Costs depend on exam fees, study materials, and optional prep courses. Expect anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. Training programs often add value by preparing candidates to pass the CWS exam efficiently.
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Do I need formal training before taking the Certified Welding Supervisor exam?
Formal training is recommended but not mandatory. Many welders succeed by combining hands-on experience with self-study or prep courses.
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Where can I take a welding certification test or Certified Welding Supervisor exam?
The Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) exam can be taken at Prometric testing facilities worldwide, providing candidates flexible scheduling and locations.
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Where can I find Certified Welding Supervisor jobs or employment opportunities?
CWS credentials open doors in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, oil and gas, and industrial fabrication. Job boards such as JobsInWelding.com, industry associations, and company career pages are good places to start your search. Networking through professional organizations can also help you find opportunities.