SCWI Requirements and Process

The landscape of welding certification is evolving to meet the dynamic demands of the industry. As of April 1, 2025, the path to earning your Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) credential has been updated to provide a more comprehensive and flexible approach to this top-tier certification. The single SCWI exam has been retired, and the new pathway is now in effect.

Instead of a single exam, candidates are now required to achieve four specific CWI endorsements (Welder Performance Qualifier, Welding Procedures Qualifier, Welding Coordination and QA, and Nondestructive Examination Coordination), which serve as stackable credentials. This new approach allows you to build your expertise incrementally, reinforcing comprehensive, real-world inspection capabilities.

To become a Senior Certified Welding Inspector, candidates must also meet the required education and work experience prerequisites alongside completing the four endorsements.

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 held a CWI certification for at least six of the past eight years and have relevant professional experience during that time.
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 process upgrade.

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

• Employment Verification Form
• Qualifying Work Experience Form
• Photo ID
• VAR Form

SCWI Step-by-Step Pathway

Advance your inspection career with confidence, follow this step-by-step guide to become a Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI), showcasing your advanced expertise and driving excellence across the welding industry.

SCWI Standards

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

• QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
• B5.1:2025 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors

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

Technical and Specification Documents, and Reference Materials

For knowledge purposes, applicants can familiarize themselves with all the rules, policies, procedures, and progression requirements for the SCWI stackable credentials pathway by accessing the comprehensive SCWI User Guide. The guide provides detailed information to help applicants navigate the credentialing process effectively.  

Review the AWS SCWI 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:

• 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

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 four endorsements are computer-based testing.

• Welder Performance Qualifier
• Welding Procedure Qualifier
• Nondestructive Coordination
• Welding Coordination and QA

AWS conducts exams via computer-based testing (CBT) at more than 450 Prometric Exam Centers across the globe. 

For the passing score to each of the endorsements please review the SCWI User Guide.

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 

About the Endorsement Pathway

The new path to SCWI certification is designed for active CWIs who want to advance their careers. It provides a structured way to deepen your knowledge across critical inspection topics and prepare for a leadership role in the field. By earning each of the four required endorsements, you will expand your expertise from procedure and performance to NDE coordination and quality assurance.

To complete this pathway and apply for your SCWI credential, you will need to successfully achieve the following four CWI endorsements:

· Welder Performance Qualification: Validates your ability to oversee and certify welder performance during qualification tests.

· Welding Procedure Qualification: Focuses on the review and qualification of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), critical variables, and Procedure Qualification Records (PQRs).

· Welding Coordination and Quality Assurance: Assesses your understanding of welding QA programs, coordination responsibilities, and auditing systems.

· Nondestructive Examination Coordination: Confirms your knowledge of NDE qualification programs and methods, including radiographic, ultrasonic, and magnetic particle testing.

You can take these endorsements in any order, allowing you to tailor your journey to your professional goals and schedule. Once all four are complete, you can apply for the SCWI credential.

Begin Your SCWI Pathway

Adding an Additional Endorsement

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

Successful completion of an endorsement exam, taken up to 11 months before the SCWI’s certification's expiration date, satisfies the recertification requirements. However, for purposes of recertification, SCWIs cannot use the same endorsement codebook that was used to obtain their CWI certification.

Select from our catalog 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.

View 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.

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

SCWI Standards

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

• QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
• B5.1:2025 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors

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

Technical and Specification Documents, and Reference Materials

For knowledge purposes, applicants can familiarize themselves with all the rules, policies, procedures, and progression requirements for the SCWI stackable credentials pathway by accessing the comprehensive SCWI User Guide. The guide provides detailed information to help applicants navigate the credentialing process effectively.  

Review the AWS SCWI 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:

• 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

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 four endorsements are computer-based testing.

• Welder Performance Qualifier
• Welding Procedure Qualifier
• Nondestructive Coordination
• Welding Coordination and QA

AWS conducts exams via computer-based testing (CBT) at more than 450 Prometric Exam Centers across the globe. 

For the passing score to each of the endorsements please review the SCWI User Guide.

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 

About the Endorsement Pathway

The new path to SCWI certification is designed for active CWIs who want to advance their careers. It provides a structured way to deepen your knowledge across critical inspection topics and prepare for a leadership role in the field. By earning each of the four required endorsements, you will expand your expertise from procedure and performance to NDE coordination and quality assurance.

To complete this pathway and apply for your SCWI credential, you will need to successfully achieve the following four CWI endorsements:

· Welder Performance Qualification: Validates your ability to oversee and certify welder performance during qualification tests.

· Welding Procedure Qualification: Focuses on the review and qualification of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), critical variables, and Procedure Qualification Records (PQRs).

· Welding Coordination and Quality Assurance: Assesses your understanding of welding QA programs, coordination responsibilities, and auditing systems.

· Nondestructive Examination Coordination: Confirms your knowledge of NDE qualification programs and methods, including radiographic, ultrasonic, and magnetic particle testing.

You can take these endorsements in any order, allowing you to tailor your journey to your professional goals and schedule. Once all four are complete, you can apply for the SCWI credential.

Begin Your SCWI Pathway

Adding an Additional Endorsement

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

Successful completion of an endorsement exam, taken up to 11 months before the SCWI’s certification's expiration date, satisfies the recertification requirements. However, for purposes of recertification, SCWIs cannot use the same endorsement codebook that was used to obtain their CWI certification.

Select from our catalog 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.

View Pricing

SCWI Recertification Guide

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

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

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.

SCWI Standards

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

• QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
• B5.1:2025 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors

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

Technical and Specification Documents, and Reference Materials

For knowledge purposes, applicants can familiarize themselves with all the rules, policies, procedures, and progression requirements for the SCWI stackable credentials pathway by accessing the comprehensive SCWI User Guide. The guide provides detailed information to help applicants navigate the credentialing process effectively.  

Review the AWS SCWI 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:

• 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

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 four endorsements are computer-based testing.

• Welder Performance Qualifier
• Welding Procedure Qualifier
• Nondestructive Coordination
• Welding Coordination and QA

AWS conducts exams via computer-based testing (CBT) at more than 450 Prometric Exam Centers across the globe. 

For the passing score to each of the endorsements please review the SCWI User Guide.

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 

About the Endorsement Pathway

The new path to SCWI certification is designed for active CWIs who want to advance their careers. It provides a structured way to deepen your knowledge across critical inspection topics and prepare for a leadership role in the field. By earning each of the four required endorsements, you will expand your expertise from procedure and performance to NDE coordination and quality assurance.

To complete this pathway and apply for your SCWI credential, you will need to successfully achieve the following four CWI endorsements:

· Welder Performance Qualification: Validates your ability to oversee and certify welder performance during qualification tests.

· Welding Procedure Qualification: Focuses on the review and qualification of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), critical variables, and Procedure Qualification Records (PQRs).

· Welding Coordination and Quality Assurance: Assesses your understanding of welding QA programs, coordination responsibilities, and auditing systems.

· Nondestructive Examination Coordination: Confirms your knowledge of NDE qualification programs and methods, including radiographic, ultrasonic, and magnetic particle testing.

You can take these endorsements in any order, allowing you to tailor your journey to your professional goals and schedule. Once all four are complete, you can apply for the SCWI credential.

Begin Your SCWI Pathway

Adding an Additional Endorsement

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

Successful completion of an endorsement exam, taken up to 11 months before the SCWI’s certification's expiration date, satisfies the recertification requirements. However, for purposes of recertification, SCWIs cannot use the same endorsement codebook that was used to obtain their CWI certification.

Select from our catalog 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.

View Pricing