elevate your future in welding
elevate your future in welding
If you’re passionate about sharing your welding knowledge and advancing the industry, earning your Certified Welding Educator (CWE) credential is the next step in your professional journey. Designed to be the gold standard in welding education, this certification demonstrates your knowledge and skills in training and guiding the next generation of welders.
Whether you’re an experienced welder looking to transition into teaching or a current welding instructor seeking to validate your knowledge, skills and abilities, the CWE program provides a comprehensive path to elevate your career.
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 application, depending on your current status.
CWE Initial Application
- How it Works
- Required Documents
- Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
- Training
CWE Initial Application
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Overview
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Required Documents
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Exam Information & Training
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Pricing
Why Become a Certified Welding Educator?
The Certified Welding Educator program is designed to recognize professionals with the ability to teach and mentor welders effectively. By earning your CWE credential, you can:
- Establish Credibility: Showcase your knowledge, skills and abilities in welding instruction and elevate your reputation within the industry
- Expand Career Opportunities: Possibly access higher-paying positions as a welding instructor in technical schools, community colleges, and private training facilities
- Contribute to the Industry: Play a critical role in preparing skilled welders who meet the growing demands of manufacturing, construction, and other fields
- Stay Current: Gain access to AWS resources, continuing education, and a network of certified professionals to stay informed on industry trends and best practices
What the Certified Welding Educator Program Covers
The CWE program encompasses several key areas to prepare educators for effective teaching:
Part A - Teaching Techniques and Instructional Strategies
- Developing effective teaching methods tailored to diverse learning styles.
- Implementing curriculum design and lesson planning for welding education.
- Applying classroom management practices to maximize learner engagement.
Part B - Welding Theory and Processes
- Understanding various welding processes, including SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW.
- Interpreting welding symbols, blueprints, and technical drawings.
- Applying welding metallurgy and material science principles.
Minimum Education & Experience Requirements
To qualify for the Certified Welding Educator program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Education Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
- Completion of a welding training program or equivalent education
Experience Requirements:
- A minimum of five years of work experience in welding-related functions such as construction, production, inspection, or repair
- Demonstrated proficiency in welding processes and techniques
- Experience in teaching or training is preferred but not mandatory
Who Should Apply?
This certification is ideal for welding instructors, trainers, and educators who want to validate their knowledge, skills and abilities in welding instruction. It is also beneficial for experienced welders looking to transition into a teaching role.
CWE Standards
A CWE certification ensures the certificate holder meets all of the specification and certification requirements found in:
- QC5, AWS Standard for the Certification of Welding Educators (English)
- B5.5:2000 Specification for the Qualification of Welding Educators
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 CWE Body of Knowledge)
- D1.1/D1.1M:2020 Structural Welding Code-Steel
- CCRM:2020 D1.1 Code Clinic Reference Manual
- API-M:2017 Study Guide for API Standard 1104 Welding of Pipelines
- A2.4:2012 Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination
- A3.0M/A3.0:2010 Standard Welding Terms and Definitions
- B1.10M/B1.10:2016 Guide for the Nondestructive Examination of Welds
- WIT-T:2020 Welding Inspection Technology
- WIT-W:2020 Welding Inspection Technology (Workbook)
- WIT-E:2020 Welding Inspection Technology Sample CWI Fundamentals Examination & Key
RECOMMENDED SELF-STUDY FOR EXAMINATION
To purchase any of the AWS publications, visit the AWS Bookstore
Review the AWS CWE Examination User 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 and Seminar Options
To achieve CWE Certification, candidates must pass two out of three CWI exams:
- Part A - Fundamentals: This 150-question exam covers topics like destructive testing, welding safety, metallurgy, understanding welding symbols, and more.
- Part B - Practical: This hands-on exam tests your ability to apply WPSs and PQRs, use inspection tools, and execute required welds.
Important: Candidates must score at least 60% on each exam to pass.
While the Part C - Code Book exam is not required for CWE certification, those aiming for both CWE and CWI credentials should also take this exam.
Please note that to apply for both CWE and CWI credentials simultaneously, candidates must submit the completed CWI/CWE Exam Application and the CWE Welding Instructor Credentials form together.
The CWE/CWI Part B Exam is administered by AWS. Please review the Exam schedule.
CWE Candidates can register for the Part B Exam via the online Certification Application Portal.
CWE Candidates who take the Part B Exam will not receive the Part B Exam score until Part A of the exam is completed.
An Exam Score Letter will be sent via email approximately two (2) weeks following the completion of Part A.
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 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
Training Options
There are two parts to the CWE training program from AWS.
Part A – Fundamentals Pre-Seminar
This self-paced online program offers 80 hours of comprehensive content on the fundamental concepts essential for every CWE. It is designed to deepen your understanding of the Part A Fundamentals exam. The course consists of ten engaging modules, accessible anytime, anywhere, with an internet connection.
Part B – Practical Seminar
This is a three-day in-person seminar with expert instruction to prepare for the Part B Practical Exam. It includes a review of the Book of Specifications, applying WPSs and PQRs, hands-on learning with inspection tools and plastic weld replicas, and a timed practice exam. Understanding various welding processes, including SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FCAW.
Interpreting welding symbols, blueprints, and technical drawings.
Applying welding metallurgy and material science principles.
Additional resources include:
Access to all necessary technical documents and online resources for reference and self-study.
- Guided instruction materials and homework for visual inspection
- Training sets with realistic replicas for hands-on learning
- An AWS Welding Inspector's Toolkit
Access to all necessary technical documents and online resources for reference and self-study.
All this and more are available at the AWS Bookstore.
CWE Renewal
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Overview
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Pricing
Overview & Eligibility
The CWE credential is valid for four years. To renew, you must complete the CWE renewal application and affirm two years of activity in welding education or related activities, as defined in AWS QC5, during your certification period. Use the MyAWS Portal to check your credential, application, or exam registration status.
CWE Recertification
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Overview
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Pricing
The CWE credential does not require recertification, only certification renewals.
Benefits of Certification with AWS
Benefits of Certification with AWS
As the leader in welding education and certification, AWS provides unmatched support for CWE 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
FAQs About Certified Welding Educator Certification
Becoming a Certified Welding Educator (CWE) is a great way to establish credibility and enhance your career in welding instruction. Below are answers to common questions about the certification process, eligibility requirements, and renewal options.
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What is a Certified Welding Educator (CWE)?
A Certified Welding Educator is a professional credential that certifies individuals as qualified to train and instruct welding students. The certification focuses on teaching skills, instructional methodologies, and technical welding expertise to ensure quality education in welding programs.
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Who should apply for the CWE certification?
This certification is ideal for welding instructors, trainers, and educators who want to validate their knowledge, skills and abilities in welding instruction. It is also beneficial for experienced welders looking to transition into a teaching role.
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Do I need to be a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to become a CWE?
No, you don't have to be a CWI to become a CWE.
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How long is the CWE certification valid, and how can I renew it?
The CWE certification is valid as long as the individual maintains their Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) status. To renew the CWE, candidates must renew their CWI certification per AWS renewal guidelines.
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What happens if my CWI certification expires?
Since the CWE certification is tied to an active CWI credential, if the CWI certification expires, the CWE certification also becomes invalid. Candidates must renew their CWI to maintain their CWE status.