With more than 1,500 volunteers serving on over 300 boards, our committee of volunteers epitomizes the AWS mission to move welders and their work forward.
CWE: Developing The Next Generation's Workforce
CWE: Developing The Next Generation's Workforce
The Certified Welding Educator certification validates an educator's proficiency in teaching welding principles, safety procedures, and hands-on techniques gained through a blend of formal education, experience, and comprehensive examination. This credential bolsters the career path of educators, trainers, and instructors, and boosts the credibility of institutions involved in welding training.
The CWE plays a pivotal role in ensuring the excellence and integrity of welding practices across various industries, nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals.
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.
The CWE certification is valid for 4 years before it must be renewed. No recertification is required.
Select from the options below
Register Now
CWE Initial Application
- How it Works
- Required Documents
- Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
- Training
CWE Initial Application
-
Overview
-
Documents
-
Exam Information
-
Training
-
Pricing
CWE Requirements and Process
Education: Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Work Experience: Candidates need a minimum of five years' experience in a role related to welding codes or standards, such as:
- Production: Planning and control of welding materials, procedures, and operations.
- Construction: Experience in welding, fabrication, and erection of weldments.
- Inspection: Expertise in detecting and measuring weld discontinuities and verifying fabrication requirements.
- Repair: Experience in repairing defective welds.
Note: Up to two years of the experience requirement can be met through relevant teaching experience, with proper documentation.
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:
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)
- B5.1:2013-AMD1 Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors
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
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.
CWE Certification Exams
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.
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
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.
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.
Additional resources include:
- 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
-
Overview
-
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.