SCWI: Experienced and Knowledgeable

SCWI: Experienced and Knowledgeable

As an expert and supervisor, a Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) is responsible for performing inspections, managing Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) and Certified Associate Welding Inspectors (CAWI), devising inspection procedures, interpreting joining methods, conducting audits of suppliers and service providers, and ensuring all performed work and kept records comply with relevant standards and contract obligations.

Application, Renewal, Recertification 

Application, Renewal, Recertification 

Visit my.aws.org to enter information, submit required documentation and a current photo, register for seminars and courses, and make payments.  

SCWI certification is valid for nine years with renewals at the three- and six-year dates. After the initial activation, the SCWI is responsible for managing renewal and recertification processes. All renewal applications are available via my.aws.org

Select from the options below
Register Now

SCWI Initial Application

  • How it Works
  • Required Documents
  • Computer-Based Testing
  • Endorsements
Register Now
Register Now

SCWI Renewal

  • How it Works
Register Now
Register Now

SCWI Recertification

  • How it Works
Register Now

SCWI Initial Application

  • Overview
  • Documents
  • Exam Information 
  • Endorsements
  • Pricing

SCWI Requirements and Process 

To become a Senior Certified Welding Inspector, candidates need to fulfill both education and work experience prerequisites, as well as pass two required exams.

Education & Experience Requirements:

There are no education requirements as these are implied requirements of the previous certification (CWI). 

Work Experience Requirements:

  1. Certified as a CWI for six years: You must have been certified as a CWI for a minimum of six years within the last eight years, including professional experience using it.
  2. 15 Years Work Experience in Relevant Fields: You must have a minimum of 15 years work experience in at least three of the following areas: 
    • Procedure development
    • Control and application of base metals
    • Experience as a welder or welding operator
    • Detection and measurement of weld discontinuities
    • Planning and application of repair welding
    • Preparation of written procedures
    • Qualification of welders or welding procedures
    • Application of welding related codes and standards
    • Operational techniques fulfilling quality control requirements
    • Teaching welding or related subjects.

Application process:

Visit the online portal to provide the required documentation, make payment and register for seminars and courses.

Make sure to have the following documents ready before starting the application process:

SCWI Standards

A SCWI certification ensures the certificate holder meets all of the specification and certification requirements found in:

Technical and Reference Documents are provided when registered and attending an AWS Seminar.

Technical and Specification Documents, and Reference Materials

For self-study purposes, applicants preparing for the AWS SCWI examination can consult the AWS Reference Study Material List found in Appendix B of the SCWI User Guide.

Review the AWS SCWI Examination User Guide (PDF).

View the Exam References and Editions Guide (PDF).

To purchase any of the AWS publications, visit the AWS Bookstore

Other forms and documents:

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 

The SCWI examination is a 200-question test, with an open book section and a closed book section, each lasting two hours. AWS conducts exams via computer-based testing (CBT) at more than 450 Prometric Exam Centers across the globe.

A minimum score of 72% is required to pass.

Learn more about Prometric CBT and Exam Centers: 

Endorsements are supplemental inspection credentials available to all AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWIs). Endorsements document an individual’s additional knowledge, skill, or ability.

Below are the available endorsement certifications that AWS offers. Select the endorsement you are interested in to see requirements, reference materials, and other relevant information.  Applicants who choose to submit their application to AWS headquarters via email (PDF) or mail carrier (paper) will be subject to an additional processing fee of $125.

 

D1.1 Structural Steel
Description: This endorsement covers five subject areas in AWS D1.1: material and design, fabrication, inspection, qualification, and reports and records. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

D1.2 Structural Aluminum
Description: This endorsement covers four subject areas in AWS D1.2: material and design, fabrication, inspection, and qualification. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

D1.5 Bridge Welding
Description: This endorsement covers five subject areas in AWS D1.5: material and design, fabrication, inspection, qualification, and reports and records. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

D15.1 Railroad
Description: This endorsement covers four subject areas in AWS D15.1: material and design, fabrication, inspection, and qualification. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

D17.1 Aerospace
Description: The D17.1 examination covers AWS D17.1 Specification for Fusion Welding of Aerospace Applications.

API 1104 Pipeline
Description: This endorsement covers five subject areas in API 1104: material and design, fabrication, inspection, qualification, and reports and records, including Appendix A and B. AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors, provides for endorsements that may be added to CWI and SCWI certifications.

ISO Standards Endorsement
Description: The ISO Standards exam/endorsement provides CWIs and SCWIs an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, ability, and skills in the ISO Standards used as the test base. With this endorsement, CWIs and SCWIs may expand their opportunities in areas of the world where these standards are commonly specified.

Welder Performance Qualifier Endorsement
Description: This endorsement assesses a candidate's knowledge, skill, and ability to conduct welder performance qualification tests. AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors, provides for endorsements that may be added to CWI and SCWI certifications.

Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement
Description: This endorsement assesses a candidate’s knowledge, skill, and ability to conduct welding procedure qualification tests. AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors, provides for endorsements that may be added to CWI and SCWI certifications.

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT Dry Powder Yoke Method)
Description: This endorsement shall govern Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) of welds in ferromagnetic materials using an electromagnetic yoke with visible dry powder. The general exam will require the candidate to demonstrate an understanding of the basics of the other MT methods. The specific and practical exams will focus on the Magnetic Yoke Technique.

Penetrant Testing (PT Type II- Method C)
Description: This endorsement governs visible Penetrant Testing (PT) of welds using the solvent removable method in ferrous and non-ferrous materials manufactured from non-porous materials. Section 2 of AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors provides for endorsements that may be added to the CWI and SCWI certifications.

ASME BPVC Section IX, Power (B31.1) and Process (B31.3) Piping
Description: This endorsement covers four subject areas in three ASME standards: material and design, fabrication, inspection, and qualification. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

SCWI Renewal

  • Overview
  • Endorsements
  • Pricing

The SCWI Certification lasts 9 years, with renewals required at years 3 and 6. AWS sends reminders 6 months and 3 months prior to each renewal. Renewal requires continuous employment in the relevant activities and documented work experience stated in the requirements section. Renewal applications should be sent at least 60 days before the expiration date but can be submitted up to 11 months in advance. If late, a 60-day extension is available, during which the certification is considered "Expired." Applications after this period incur administrative late fees. Once all renewal requirements are met and fees paid, the certification is reactivated.

Further Information on SCWI

The renewal application can be completed at MyAWS Portal. Here you may also check your SCWI credentials, application, or exam registration status.

Endorsements are supplemental inspection credentials available to all AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWIs). Endorsements document an individual’s additional knowledge, skill, or ability.

Below are the available endorsement certifications that AWS offers. Select the endorsement you are interested in to see requirements, reference materials, and other relevant information.  Applicants who choose to submit their application to AWS headquarters via email (PDF) or mail carrier (paper) will be subject to an additional processing fee of $125.

 

D1.1 Structural Steel
Description: This endorsement covers five subject areas in AWS D1.1: material and design, fabrication, inspection, qualification, and reports and records. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

D1.2 Structural Aluminum
Description: This endorsement covers four subject areas in AWS D1.2: material and design, fabrication, inspection, and qualification. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

D1.5 Bridge Welding
Description: This endorsement covers five subject areas in AWS D1.5: material and design, fabrication, inspection, qualification, and reports and records. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

D15.1 Railroad
Description: This endorsement covers four subject areas in AWS D15.1: material and design, fabrication, inspection, and qualification. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

D17.1 Aerospace
Description: The D17.1 examination covers AWS D17.1 Specification for Fusion Welding of Aerospace Applications.

API 1104 Pipeline
Description: This endorsement covers five subject areas in API 1104: material and design, fabrication, inspection, qualification, and reports and records, including Appendix A and B. AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors, provides for endorsements that may be added to CWI and SCWI certifications.

ISO Standards Endorsement
Description: The ISO Standards exam/endorsement provides CWIs and SCWIs an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, ability, and skills in the ISO Standards used as the test base. With this endorsement, CWIs and SCWIs may expand their opportunities in areas of the world where these standards are commonly specified.

Welder Performance Qualifier Endorsement
Description: This endorsement assesses a candidate's knowledge, skill, and ability to conduct welder performance qualification tests. AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors, provides for endorsements that may be added to CWI and SCWI certifications.

Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement
Description: This endorsement assesses a candidate’s knowledge, skill, and ability to conduct welding procedure qualification tests. AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors, provides for endorsements that may be added to CWI and SCWI certifications.

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT Dry Powder Yoke Method)
Description: This endorsement shall govern Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) of welds in ferromagnetic materials using an electromagnetic yoke with visible dry powder. The general exam will require the candidate to demonstrate an understanding of the basics of the other MT methods. The specific and practical exams will focus on the Magnetic Yoke Technique.

Penetrant Testing (PT Type II- Method C)
Description: This endorsement governs visible Penetrant Testing (PT) of welds using the solvent removable method in ferrous and non-ferrous materials manufactured from non-porous materials. Section 2 of AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors provides for endorsements that may be added to the CWI and SCWI certifications.

ASME BPVC Section IX, Power (B31.1) and Process (B31.3) Piping
Description: This endorsement covers four subject areas in three ASME standards: material and design, fabrication, inspection, and qualification. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

SCWI Recertification

  • Overview
  • Endorsements
  • Pricing

SCWI Recertification Guide

There are several options available to SCWIs wishing to achieve recertification after nine years.

  1. Recertification by taking the original SCWI examinations.
  2. Recertification by taking a committee-approved endorsement during the previous nine years of certification.
  3. Recertification by achieving sufficient professional development hours (PDHs) during the previous nine years of certification.
  4. Recertification by taking the 9-year AWS Recertification Seminar prior to the certification expiration date.

SCWI Recertification by Exam

The SCWI exam consists of two parts:

  • Closed Book Section
  • Open Book Section

Each section lasts for two hours. To pass, candidates must score at least 72%, successfully meeting the SCWI requirements as outlined in B5.1:2013-AMD1.

SCWI Recertification by Adding an Endorsement

Adding an endorsement to your SCWI certification is another way to achieve recertification. You can choose one endorsement from a comprehensive list, including but not limited to:

  • AWS D1.1 Structural Steel
  • AWS D1.2 Structural Aluminum
  • AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding
  • ASME Section IX, B31.1 and B31.3 Boiler & Pressure Vessel

Please note, the pursuit of an endorsement must be different from the codebook used for achieving your current active CWI certification. All endorsement exams are offered at Prometric Exam Centers.

9-Year Recertification by Accumulated Professional Development Hours (PDH)

A SCWI can accumulate 80 contact hours through seminars, courses, or online platforms like AWS’s Education Portal to fulfill recertification requirements.

Endorsements or Certifications Achieved Prior to 9-Year Recertification

A SCWI who has passed one or more endorsement exams prior to the nine-year cycle can apply for recertification without additional examination or PDH requirements. Additionally, becoming an AWS Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI) during the nine-year cycle fulfills the recertification requirement. Learn more about CRI here

9-Year Recertification Course

Another option is to register for and successfully complete the AWS 9-Year Recertification Course.

For further details, please review the Certification Endorsements page and the AWS Certification Price List.

Endorsements are supplemental inspection credentials available to all AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWIs). Endorsements document an individual’s additional knowledge, skill, or ability.

Below are the available endorsement certifications that AWS offers. Select the endorsement you are interested in to see requirements, reference materials, and other relevant information.  Applicants who choose to submit their application to AWS headquarters via email (PDF) or mail carrier (paper) will be subject to an additional processing fee of $125.

 

D1.1 Structural Steel
Description: This endorsement covers five subject areas in AWS D1.1: material and design, fabrication, inspection, qualification, and reports and records. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

D1.2 Structural Aluminum
Description: This endorsement covers four subject areas in AWS D1.2: material and design, fabrication, inspection, and qualification. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

D1.5 Bridge Welding
Description: This endorsement covers five subject areas in AWS D1.5: material and design, fabrication, inspection, qualification, and reports and records. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

D15.1 Railroad
Description: This endorsement covers four subject areas in AWS D15.1: material and design, fabrication, inspection, and qualification. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

D17.1 Aerospace
Description: The D17.1 examination covers AWS D17.1 Specification for Fusion Welding of Aerospace Applications.

API 1104 Pipeline
Description: This endorsement covers five subject areas in API 1104: material and design, fabrication, inspection, qualification, and reports and records, including Appendix A and B. AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors, provides for endorsements that may be added to CWI and SCWI certifications.

ISO Standards Endorsement
Description: The ISO Standards exam/endorsement provides CWIs and SCWIs an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, ability, and skills in the ISO Standards used as the test base. With this endorsement, CWIs and SCWIs may expand their opportunities in areas of the world where these standards are commonly specified.

Welder Performance Qualifier Endorsement
Description: This endorsement assesses a candidate's knowledge, skill, and ability to conduct welder performance qualification tests. AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors, provides for endorsements that may be added to CWI and SCWI certifications.

Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement
Description: This endorsement assesses a candidate’s knowledge, skill, and ability to conduct welding procedure qualification tests. AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors, provides for endorsements that may be added to CWI and SCWI certifications.

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT Dry Powder Yoke Method)
Description: This endorsement shall govern Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) of welds in ferromagnetic materials using an electromagnetic yoke with visible dry powder. The general exam will require the candidate to demonstrate an understanding of the basics of the other MT methods. The specific and practical exams will focus on the Magnetic Yoke Technique.

Penetrant Testing (PT Type II- Method C)
Description: This endorsement governs visible Penetrant Testing (PT) of welds using the solvent removable method in ferrous and non-ferrous materials manufactured from non-porous materials. Section 2 of AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors provides for endorsements that may be added to the CWI and SCWI certifications.

ASME BPVC Section IX, Power (B31.1) and Process (B31.3) Piping
Description: This endorsement covers four subject areas in three ASME standards: material and design, fabrication, inspection, and qualification. Subject weights for each of these areas are in conformance with the code book examination requirements as expressed in section 7.1 of AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Frequently Asked Questions 

There are no specific SCWI frequently asked questions. Please visit our FAQ for general questions relating to certification questions.