CERTIFIED WELDING INSPECTOR

CWIs must demonstrate a keen attention to detail along with other requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities, and are often considered the safety nets that catch potentially catastrophic mistakes.

This means that CWIs must be familiar with welding processes, welding procedures, welder qualifications, materials, and weld testing limitations, as well as how to read blueprint drawings, prepare and keep records, prepare and make reports, and make responsible judgments.

By employing or contracting CWIs, hiring organizations can improve safety, reduce risk, and meet the technical criteria and standards developed and updated by AWS industry experts.

Certified Welding Inspector Program

A CWI candidate is required to pass the three CWI exams to achieve the CWI certification. AWS conducts the Part A (Fundamentals) and the Part C (Code Book) exams via computer-based testing (CBT) at Prometric Test Centers, and administers the Part B (Practical) exam at locations across the United States where AWS educational seminars are held.

Part A: Fundamentals Exam*

The Part A Fundamentals Exam contains 150 questions that cover all topics related to the following:

• Destructive Testing
• Fabrication Math
• Safety in Welding
• Metallurgy
• Nondestructive Testing
• Understanding Welding Symbols
• WPS/PQR
• Welding Fundamentals

For additional information access the CWI Part A Examination Information Guide

Part B: Practical Exam*

The Part B Practical Exam for CAWI/CWI consists of hands-on activities using equipment provided by AWS, and 46 questions related to those activities. Activities include:

• Application of WPSs and PQRs
• Use of Inspection Tools and Methods
• Execution of Required Welds

For additional information access the CWI Part B Examination Information Guide

Part C: Code Book Exam*

Part C of the CWI exam is an open-book test that establishes the participant’s ability to locate and understand information in the code book. The 50 to 65 exam questions are based on the code book editions listed below.

Candidates are permitted to bring one of the following code books to the Part C exam:

• AWS D1.1 - Structural Steel Code: 2020 Edition
• API 1104 - Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities 21st Edition, September 2013
• AWS D1.2 - Structural Aluminum Code: 2014 Edition
• AWS D1.5 - Bridge Welding Code: 2015 Edition (including Clause 12)
• AWS D15.1 - Railroad: 2012 Edition
• AWS D17.1 - Aerospace: 2017 w/ Amendment 2
• ASME BPVC Section IX (2019 Edition), B31.1 (2018) and B31.3 (2018)
• ISO Standard

For additional information access the CWI Part C Examination Information Guide

View the Exam References and Editions Guide

*To obtain the CWI credential, candidates are required to earn a minimum score of 72% on each part of the exam (Part A: Fundamentals, Part B: Practical, and Part C: Code Book).

Review the AWS Certification and Qualification Standards for more detail:

• QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
• B5.1:2013-AMD1 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors

CWI Education and Experience

To qualify to earn the CWI credential, candidates must pass a vision test and have a combination of qualifying education and work experience, with supporting documentation.

CWI Forms

Before beginning the application process, all applicants should download, review, and complete the following required documents:

• Employment Verification Form
• Visual Acuity Exam Form
• Additional Qualifying Work Experience Form
• Photo ID Requirements

This step-by-step guide streamlines the path to becoming a Certified Welding Inspector, saving you time and ensuring success.

• CWI Step-By-Step Guide

Other forms and documents:

• ADA Disability Accommodations
• Change of Site/Cancellation Form
• Candidate Attestation Agreement
• Policies and Fees
• Exam References and Editions Guide
• Certification Duplicate Order Form

CWI Standards

Review the AWS Certification and Qualification Standards for more detail:

• QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
• B5.1:2013-AMD1 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors

Technical and Specification Documents, and Reference Materials

The CWI Examination User Guide is a comprehensive resource that provides crucial information on the rules, policies, procedures, and exam content for individuals planning to take the CWI exams. This guide is an essential tool to help you prepare for the exam and ensure that you are fully aware of the requirements and expectations before you begin. Download the guide today to equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence you need to succeed in your CWI exam.

• CWI Examination User Guide

CWI Part B Examination Book of Specifications

For CWI exams held WITHIN the US or Canada:
Part B Examination Book of Specifications
English

For Current CWI exams held OUTSIDE the US or Canada:
Part B Examination Book of Specifications - Metric
Spanish  |  Portuguese  |  Russian  |  Chinese  |  Japanese  |  Korean  |  Polish

For Metric CWI exams held OUTSIDE the US or Canada only:
Part B Examination Book of Specifications
English Metric Version

Other forms and documents:

• ADA Disability Accommodations
• Change of Site/Cancellation Form
• Candidate Attestation Agreement
• Policies and Fees
• Exam References and Editions Guide
• Certification Duplicate Order Form

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 the CWI Part A (Fundamentals) and Part C (Code Book) 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

Practical Exam (Non-Computer Based)

AWS administers the Part B (Practical) exam at locations across the United States where AWS educational seminars are held.

Additionally, AWS administers the Part B (Practical) exams at many international locations through our International Agents. Please review the International Contacts for Seminars and Exams.

CWI Candidates can register for the Part B exam via the online Certification Application Portal.

CWI Candidates who take the Part B exam will not receive the Part B Exam score until Part A and Part C Exams are completed. An exam score letter, documenting scores from Part A, Part B, and Part C will be sent via email approximately two (2) weeks following the completion of Part A and Part C.

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Maintain and Continue an Active CWI Certification

CWI certification is valid for nine years. At years three and six after the initial activation date, the CWI is responsible for submitting a renewal application to AWS Certification and actively managing the renewal and recertification process. (At six months and three months ahead of each renewal and expiration date, AWS will send a reminder notice to the email address on record.)

To qualify for renewal, the CWI shall attest to having no break in practice/employment greater than two years during the prior three years of certification in activities described in B5.1:2013-AMD1 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.

All renewal applications are available via the Certification Application Portal.

Work experience must be documented in the Qualifying Work Experience section of the renewal application. Resumes are not accepted as a substitute for information required by the renewal application.

AWS will accept renewal applications up to 11 months in advance of the current certification expiration and recommends a CWI send a renewal application at least 60 days prior to the current renewal date. In the event the CWI does not provide a renewal application in a timely manner, a 60-day administrative extension period is permitted. However, the SCWI certification will be considered "expired" during the administrative extension period.

Renewal applications submitted after the administrative 60-day extension period but within one year of the certification expiration date may be accepted for renewal.

Administrative late fees will be incurred by the CWI if a renewal application is submitted after the 60-day extension period. All administrative fees must be paid in full prior to AWS considering the renewal application.

Once all renewal requirements have been met via the renewal application and all administrative fees have been paid in full, the CWI certification will be reactivated. For further information concerning the CWI certification renewal, please refer to AWS QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors (English PDF).

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Options for CWI Recertification

Part B Practical Exam

The CWI Part B Practical Exam will evaluate a CWI in the practical aspects of weld inspection and establish that the CWI’s skills are current. A CWI, prior to taking the Part B Practical Exam, should review a variety of weldments that show various levels of porosity and undercut. Additionally, a CWI should be prepared to interpret and inspect bend, T-joint, groove, and pipe weld samples. AWS administers the CWI Part B Practical Exam.

Add One Endorsement

A CWI can pursue adding an endorsement to their certification. Successful completion (passing exam score) will meet the requirements for CWI recertification.

A CWI can pursue the endorsement option up to (11) months prior to the current CWI certification expiration date. A CWI must choose one of the endorsements from the list below. Endorsements require passing an exam.

• AWS D1.1 Structural Steel
• AWS D1.2 Structural Aluminum
• AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding
• AWS D15.1 Railroad
• AWS D17.1 Aerospace
• API 1104 Pipelines
• AWS Welder Performance Qualification Endorsement
• AWS Magnetic Particle Testing (MT Dry Powder Yoke Method)
• AWS Penetrant Testing (PT Type II - Method C)
• ASME Section IX, B31.1 and B31.3 Boiler & Pressure Vessel
• ISO Standard Endorsement
• Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement

Important Note: AWS Specification for the Certification of Welding Inspectors (AWS QC1:2016-AMD1) defines an endorsement as an “Indication of an additional skill documented in writing and added to one’s certification credential(s).” In fulfilling the 9-year recertification requirement, the pursuit of the chosen endorsement cannot be successfully completed using the same code book that was used for achieving the current active CWI certification.

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

Continuing education requirements may be met if a CWI has kept up to date in the inspection profession by attending classes and seminars related to welding. A CWI needs 80 PDHs of seminars, courses, or online courses such as those found on the AWS Education Portal that meet the requirements of AWS Specification for the Certification of Welding Inspectors (AWS QC1:2016-AMD1).

The course/seminar content must be in one or more of the subject areas as defined in the Education and Experience Requirements of AWS Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors (AWS B5.1:2013-AMD1).

ENDORSEMENTS OR CERTIFICATIONS ACHIEVED PRIOR TO 9-YEAR RECERTIFICATION

Endorsements: A CWI who has previously taken and passed one or more endorsement exams prior to the 9-year cycle may apply for recertification without having to meet further examination, professional development hour, or seminar requirements.

Certified Radiographic Interpreter: At any time during a CWI’s 9-year cycle, if the prerequisites are met, a CWI can apply to become an AWS Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI). The CRI fulfills the CWI’s 9-year recertification requirement. Please visit the CRI Program Overview page.

9-Year Recertification Course: As an alternative to the previous permitted options, a CWI can register and successfully complete the AWS 9-Year Recertification Course. The successful completion of the course meets the requirements for CWI recertification.

Recertification Application for CWI 9th Year

Before beginning the application process, all applicants should download, review, and complete the following required documents:

• Employment Verification Form
• Visual Acuity Exam Form
• Additional Qualifying Work Experience Form
• Photo ID Requirements

Other forms and documents:

• ADA Disability Accommodations
• Change of Site/Cancellation Form
• Candidate Attestation Agreement
• Policies and Fees
• Exam References and Editions Guide
• Certification Duplicate Order Form

Seminar and Exam Schedule

Find upcoming in-person seminars and exam dates on AWS by visiting the AWS Calendar. The Calendar is easy to use and navigate, select "Exam" under "Event Type", choose the month and/or year, and search by city and state. 

Part B Practical Exam

AWS administers the Part B (Practical) exam at locations across the United States where AWS educational seminars are held.

Additionally, AWS administers the Part B (Practical) exams at many international locations through our International Agents. Please review the International Contacts for Seminars and Exams.

CWI Candidates can register for the Part B exam via the online Certification Application Portal.

Add One Endorsement

All endorsement exams (except for Structural Drawing Reading, which is administered by AWS) will be offered at Prometric Exam Centers. Visit Prometric’s AWS information page to explore exam center locations across the globe.

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.

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.

Resources: The following is a list of informative reference standards to assist those wishing to learn and understand how ISO standards are used and to prepare for this endorsement test. Candidates should be thoroughly familiar with ISO terminology, classifications, and symbols.

1. ISO 2553 Welding and allied processes – Symbolic representation on drawings – Welded joints
2. ISO 6947 Welding and allied processes – Welding positions
3. ISO 4063 Welding and allied processes – Nomenclature of processes and reference numbers
4. ISO 6520-1 Classification of imperfections in fusion welding, Part 1: Fusion welding
5. ISO 15609-1 Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic metals - Welding procedure specification – Part 1: Arc Welding
6. ISO 17637 Non-destructive testing of welds – Visual testing of fusion-welded joints
7. ISO 9712 Non-destructive testing – Qualification and certification of personnel
8. EN 15085:2007 Railway applications – Welding of railway vehicles and components, Parts 1 through 5
9. ISO 9606-1 Qualification testing of welders – Fusion welding – Part 1: Steels
10. ISO 15614-1 Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic metals – Welding procedure test - Part 1
11. ISO 5817 Welding – Fusion welded joints in steel, nickel, titanium, and their alloys (beam welding excluded) – Quality levels for imperfections
12. ISO 5173 Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials – Bend tests

The PDF version of these references will NOT be available at Prometric testing centers. In addition, candidates CANNOT bring their own copies of the same standards to be used during the test.

Questions appearing on this endorsement exam are drawn from the following list of reference standards, which will be provided in PDF at testing:

1. EN 15085:2007 Railway applications – Welding of railway vehicles and components – Parts 1 through 5 (provided in combined PDF)
2. ISO 9606-1:2012 Qualification testing of welders – Fusion welding – Part 1: Steels
3. ISO 15614-1:2017 Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic metals – Welding procedure test – Part 1
4. ISO 5817:2014 Welding – Fusion welded joints in steel, nickel, titanium, and their alloys (beam welding excluded) – Quality levels for imperfections

The PDF version of the four references will be available at Prometric testing centers. In addition, candidates can bring their own copies of the same standards to be used during the test.

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.

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CWI by Reciprocity Program

Canadian welding inspectors who have successfully completed the Canadian Standard CSA W178.2 examination and currently hold a valid Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) card may apply for AWS CWI certification through the Reciprocity Program. (CWB Level II is equivalent to the AWS CWI; CWB Level I is equivalent to the AWS CAWI.)

Israeli welding inspectors who have successfully completed the INWC certification examination and hold a valid INWC certification certificate are eligible to apply for the AWS CWI certification through the Reciprocity Program. Inspectors holding AWS CWI certification may also apply to INWC to gain ICWI certification.

Complete the Reciprocity Application to participate in the program. (Be sure to check the “1st Time Reciprocity” box on the application). Attach a copy of your ICWI certificate card that shows a current expiration date. 

CWI by IIW Waiver Program

International Institute of Welding (IIW) diploma holders may apply for the AWS CWI certification through the CWI by IIW Waiver program.

IIW diploma holders who are seeking to become CWIs will be exempt from testing to the Part A (Fundamental) exam and are required to pass the Part B (Practical) and Part C (Code Book) exams to obtain their credential.

Part A: Fundamentals Exam 

IIW diploma holders can present one of the following diplomas to AWS to waive the CWI Part A examination: 

• International Welding Engineer IWE
• International Welding Technologist IWT
• International Welding Specialist IWS
• International Welding Inspector IWI

Part B: Practical Exam*

The Part B Practical Exam for CAWI/CWI consists of hands-on activities using equipment provided by AWS, and 46 questions related to those activities. Activities include:

• Application of WPSs and PQRs
• Use of Inspection Tools and Methods
• Execution of Required Welds

Part C: Code Book Exam*

Part C of the CWI exam is an open-book test that establishes the participant’s ability to locate and understand information in the code book. The 50 to 60 exam questions are based on the code book editions listed below.

Candidates are permitted to bring one of the following code books to the Part C exam:

• AWS D1.1 – Structural Steel Code: 2020 Edition
• API 1104 – Pipelines 21st Edition, December 2008/ Errata 1 April 2014
• AWS D1.2 – Structural Aluminum Code: 2014 Edition
• AWS D1.5 – Bridge Welding Code: 2015 Edition (including Clause 12)
• AWS D15.1 – Railroad: 2012 Edition
• AWS D17.1 – Aerospace: 2017 w/ Amendment 1
• ASME BPVC Section IX, Power (B31.1) and Process (B31.3) Piping
• ISO Standard Endorsement
• Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement

*To obtain the CWI credential, candidates are required to earn a minimum score of 72% on each part of the exam (Part A: Fundamentals, Part B: Practical, and Part C: Code Book).

Review the AWS Certification and Qualification Standards for more detail:

• QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
• B5.1:2013-AMD1 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors

CWI Forms

Before beginning the application process, all applicants should download, review, and complete the following required documents:

• Employment Verification Form
• Visual Acuity Exam Form
• Additional Qualifying Work Experience Form
• Photo ID Requirements

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

CWI by Reciprocity

Reciprocity Application

CWI by IIW Waiver

Examination User Guide for CWI by IIW Waiver

Domestic & International Registration

Certification Application Portal

Technical Documents

QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
English

B5.1:2013-AMD1 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors
English

CWI Part B Examination Book of Specifications

For CWI exams held WITHIN the U.S. or Canada:
Part B Examination Book of Specifications
English

For Current CWI exams held OUTSIDE the U.S. or Canada:
Part B Examination Book of Specifications - Metric
Spanish | Portuguese | Russian | Chinese | Japanese | Korean

General Forms

Applicant Instructions

Computer-Based Testing/Prometric Exam Centers

AWS conducts the CWI Part A (Fundamentals) and Part C (Code Book) 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

Practical Exam (Non-Computer Based)

AWS administers the Part B (Practical) exam at locations across the United States where AWS educational seminars are held. Please review the Exam Schedule.

Additionally, AWS administers the Part B (Practical) exams at many international locations through our International Agents. Please review the International Contacts for Seminars and Exams.

CWI Candidates can register for the Part B exam via the online Certification Application Portal.

CWI Candidates who take the Part B exam will not receive the Part B Exam score until Part A and Part C Exams are completed. An exam score letter, documenting scores from Part A, Part B, and Part C will be sent via email approximately two (2) weeks following the completion of Part A and Part C.

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