Program Forms and Document Downloads

CWI/SCWI Endorsement Program Package (PDF)

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Important Notice to CWI Candidates and D1.1 Endorsement Candidates Effective June 1, 2011, all individuals who have applied for and are scheduled to test to the D1.1 Structural Welding Code - Steel codebook exam (Part C of CWI exam or CWI Endorsement exam) will be testing to the D1.1:2010 edition and must use the 2010 edition during their exam.

During the past few months, there has been much discussion about the purpose and function of supplemental inspection credentials, also known as “endorsements.” The AWS Certification Committee has always held and continues to hold the CWI as the internationally recognized best program for certification of welding inspection personnel. The CWI is considered able to inspect welds to any industry standard or code regardless of which open book code exam was used, provided the CWI is deemed capable and qualified by the employer or contracting parties to inspect to the requirements of the specific standard used for the job.

With that in mind, and to clear up any confusion about supplemental inspection credentials, the following questions and answers present some facts about the program. Please note that this summary is provided for information only. Refer to AWS QC1, Standard for Certification of Welding Inspectors, for specific requirements and additional information.

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Q: What are endorsements?

A: Endorsements are supplemental inspection credentials available to all AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWIs).

Q: As a non-CWI, may I take these examinations as stand-alone exams?

A: The examinations offered as endorsements to the CWI/SCWI programs are also offered as stand-alone exams to non-CWIs/SCWIs who wish to enhance their educational background. Only a certificate of completion is issued to those who pass these exams as non-CWIs/SCWIs. Having passed any of these exams does not exempt one from having to take Part C (codebook portion) when applying for CWI certification.

Q: What effect does attaining an endorsement have on my status as a CWI or SCWI?

A: Endorsements do not change a CWI’s or SCWI’s status (past or present) as a Certified Welding Inspector. If a CWI or SCWI does not wish to take any of these supplemental inspection exams to acquire such endorsements, that does not change his/her status with AWS as a Certified Welding Inspector.

Q: What is the purpose of endorsements?

A: Endorsements enhance a welding inspector’s credentials not supplant them.

Q: Why were endorsements developed?

A: Endorsements were created to broaden an inspector’s credentials, possibly permitting performance of inspections from which he/she was previously excluded due to customer or jurisdictional requirements.

Q: What benefit do endorsements have regarding nine-year recertification?

A: Committee-approved endorsements are another means by which CWIs and SCWIs may satisfy the examination and/or continuing education requirements for CWIs and SCWIs at their nine-year recertification.

Q: How will endorsements be noted?

A: Endorsements will only be listed on a card that is separate from the inspector’s CWI/SCWI card. It will only list the supplemental inspection exams that the individual passed to attain the endorsement(s). If an individual does not want such a card, none will be provided. A certificate for successfully passing the examination will also be issued.

Q: Is this concept of endorsements used by other certifying organizations?

A: Endorsements are used by other organizations that offer certification programs. The American Petroleum Institute (API), the National Board of Boiler Inspectors, and the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) are some organizations that use the endorsement concept for some of their programs.

Q: What current endorsements are offered by AWS?

A: Currently, the following examinations or certification programs may be considered as endorsements for CWIs and SCWIs if the candidate passes the exams. All of the codebook exams and the CRI count as full endorsements for 9-year CWI/SCWI recertification if obtained any time during the current 9-year cycle. The Structural Bolting and DrawingReading exam endorsements count for the PDH credits shown in the brackets.

1. AWS D1.1 codebook exam
2. AWS D1.2 codebook exam
3. AWS D1.5 codebook exam
4. AWS D15.1 codebook exam
5. API 1104 codebook exam
6. ASME Section IX, B31.1, + B31.3 codebook exam
7. ASME Section VIII, Div. 1 and Section IX codebook exam
8. AWS Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI) program (also a stand-alone program and credential)
9. AWS Structural Bolting Inspection exam (20 PDHs)
10. AWS Drawing Reading exam (40 PDHs)

Q: What future endorsements will be offered by AWS?

A: The following examinations are planned and will be offered in the near future:

1. AWS D17.1 codebook exam
2. AWS Penetrant Testing exam
   

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The standard application processing time is four weeks and applicants will be notified by an exam confirmation package.

Please note:  AWS cannot guarantee space at an exam site if the application has not been processed and/or approved by the Certification Department. When circumstances do not permit meeting the registration deadlines, fast track processing is available at an additional fee.


 

All checks and money orders should be made payable to AWS.  Payments must accompany your application.