The AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential is a mark of distinction in the welding field, demonstrating a thorough grasp of welding processes and standards. This certification not only propels individual careers forward through recognition and higher income potential but also benefits companies by ensuring their projects adhere to the highest quality standards.
Recognizing diverse needs, AWS offers flexible training options, including custom seminars tailored to specific organizational requirements, alongside traditional in-person, and online courses, making it easier for professionals to prepare for and achieve CWI certification.
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AWS offers three different options for applications, depending on your current status.
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.
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MINIMUM EDUCATION |
MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE |
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Bachelor or higher degree in welding engineering or welding technology - four (4) years maximum substitution |
Minimum of one (1) year welding based work experience |
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Associate or higher degree in welding or non-welding related engineering technology, engineering, or a physical science - three (3) years maximum substitution |
Minimum of two (2) years welding based work experience |
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Engineering/Technical courses that can be applied to Bachelor or higher degree in Welding - two (2) years maximum substitution |
Minimum of three (3) years welding based work experience |
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Trade/Vocational courses - one (1) year maximum substitution for successfully completed courses |
Minimum of four (4) years welding based work experience |
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High school diploma or approved high school equivalency diploma |
Minimum of five (5) years welding based work experience |
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8th grade level of schooling |
Minimum of nine (9) years welding based work experience |
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Less than 8th grade |
Minimum of twelve (12) years welding based work experience |
Before beginning the application process, all applicants should download, review, and complete the following required documents:
For exams held within the United States or Canada:
For exams held outside the United States or Canada (all in metric system):
The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification, a prestigious accreditation in the welding industry, mandates candidates pass three exams—Parts A, B, and C—each assessing different welding knowledge and skills areas.
Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 72% on each exam part to obtain the CWI credential. Candidates will receive a consolidated score report for Parts A, B, and C of the Certified Welding Inspector examination via email approximately two weeks after the completion of Parts A and C. You can view our full seminar and exam schedule here.
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. For detailed information on CBT, including a list of testing locations, preparation resources, security procedures, and navigation tutorials, please visit AWS's Computer-Based Testing page.
The practical Part B exam is conducted at various AWS educational seminar locations, both in the U.S. and internationally. For AWS seminars and exams held internationally, you can find contact information and details on the AWS International Agents page.
Covers 150 questions on Destructive Testing, Fabrication Math, Safety, Metallurgy, Nondestructive Testing, Welding Symbols, WPS/PQR, and Welding Fundamentals. For additional information access the Examination Information Guide.
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:
For additional information access the CWI Part B Examination Information Guide.
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:
For additional information access the CWI Part C Examination Information Guide.
| INSPECTOR (CAWI, CWI, SCWI) | Member ◇ | Non-Member * |
| Initial CAWI, CWI Exams ♦ | $1,220 | $1,485 |
| Initial CAWI, CWI and Part B Training ♦ | $1,940 | $2,205 |
| CWI by Reciprocity with CWB or INWC | $650 | $915 |
| CWI by IIW Waiver | $805 | $895 ** |
| Upgrade CAWI to CWI | $315 | $580 |
| Prometric Initial SCWI ♦ | $1,220 | $1,485 |
| ENDORSEMENTS | ||
| Prometric Exam ^^♦ | $430 | $695 |
| Prometric MT Exam ^♦ | $490 | $755 |
| Prometric PT Exam ^♦ | $490 | $755 |
|
Endorsement MT/PT Exam Part B ^Contact ATF for pricing. |
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* Non-Member price includes a 3-year AWS Individual Membership unless otherwise noted.
** Non-Member price includes a 1-year AWS Individual Membership.
*** No additional membership included with this price.
^ Additional ATF fees will apply for the practical exam (part B). Prices reflect a $60 seat fee per part for Prometric initial and/or reexam endorsements. Contact the ATF for Pricing.
♦ Prices reflect a $60 seat fee per part (A or C) and $120 for ALL parts for Prometric testing.
# Prices reflect an $80 seat fee per part (CWEng Parts 3 or 4) for Prometric testing.
◇ Student, and Early-Career memberships do not qualify for member price.
^^ Price is for all endorsements except Structural Drawing Reading.
Some online courses can be combined with other certification programs.
Note: Prices are subject to change without notice. Full payment must be received with your completed application, or it will not be processed. All checks, money orders and demand drafts must be made payable to: American Welding Society
Maintaining an active Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification is a testament to a professional's dedication and expertise in the field of welding inspection.The CWI certification is valid for nine years and requires the submissions of a renewal application at years three and six after the initial activation date.
To qualify for renewal, CWIs must confirm no breaks in practice/employment exceeding two years within the prior three years, as described in B5.1:2013-AMD1 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.
Renewal applications can be submitted as early as 11 months before the certification expiration date. It is recommended to send in the renewal application at least 60 days before the due date. If the renewal application is not submitted within this timeframe, AWS provides a 60-day grace period, although the certification will be listed as "expired" during this extension.
Applications received after the grace period but within one year of the expiration date may still be eligible for renewal. Late submissions, made after the 60-day grace period, will incur administrative late fees, and the renewal process will only commence once these fees are fully settled.
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 more information, refer to AWS QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors.
* Non-Member price includes a 3-year AWS Individual Membership unless otherwise noted.
** Non-Member price includes a 1-year AWS Individual Membership.
*** No additional membership included with this price.
^ Additional ATF fees will apply for the practical exam (part B). Prices reflect a $60 seat fee per part for Prometric initial and/or reexam endorsements. Contact the ATF for Pricing.
♦ Prices reflect a $60 seat fee per part (A or C) and $120 for ALL parts for Prometric testing.
# Prices reflect an $80 seat fee per part (CWEng Parts 3 or 4) for Prometric testing.
◇ Student, and Early-Career memberships do not qualify for member price.
^^ Price is for all endorsements except Structural Drawing Reading.
Some online courses can be combined with other certification programs.
Note: Prices are subject to change without notice. Full payment must be received with your completed application, or it will not be processed. All checks, money orders and demand drafts must be made payable to: American Welding Society
Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) have several options for recertification at the end of their 9-year certification period. These options ensure CWIs can demonstrate their ongoing expertise and stay current with industry standards and practices
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:
For additional information access the CWI Part B Examination Information Guide.
CWI recertification can be achieved through continuing education by accumulating 80 Professional Development Hours (PDHs). Continuing education can be completed through in-person or online formats, and the 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).
Explore our comprehensive range of educational offerings, from in-person workshops to online courses, on our Education homepage to advance your career and earn PDHs for CWI recertification.
During their 9-year certification period, a CWI who meets the necessary prerequisites can apply to become an AWS Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI). Achieving CRI status will satisfy the CWI’s requirement for 9-year recertification. Learn more about the CRI credential here.
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 CWI certification's expiration date, satisfies the recertification requirements. However, for purposes of recertification, CWIs cannot use the same endorsement codebook that was used to obtain their current 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.
Before beginning the application process, all applicants should download, review, and complete the following required documents:
| 9-YEAR RECERTIFICATION | Member ◇ | Non-Member * |
| CWI Part B Exam | $1,130 | $1,395 |
| SCWI Part A & B Exams ♦ | $1,250 | $1,515 |
| CWI Part B Exam/Part B Training | $2,235 | $2,500 |
| CWI/SCWI Non-Exam 80 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) Endorsement Exam Prior to 9th Year of Certification Period Initial CRI Certification |
$770 | $1,035 |
| CWI/SCWI 9-yr Course | $2,060 | $2,325 |
* Non-Member price includes a 3-year AWS Individual Membership unless otherwise noted.
** Non-Member price includes a 1-year AWS Individual Membership.
*** No additional membership included with this price.
^ Additional ATF fees will apply for the practical exam (part B). Prices reflect a $60 seat fee per part for Prometric initial and/or reexam endorsements. Contact the ATF for Pricing.
♦ Prices reflect a $60 seat fee per part (A or C) and $120 for ALL parts for Prometric testing.
# Prices reflect an $80 seat fee per part (CWEng Parts 3 or 4) for Prometric testing.
◇ Student, and Early-Career memberships do not qualify for member price.
^^ Price is for all endorsements except Structural Drawing Reading.
Some online courses can be combined with other certification programs.
Note: Prices are subject to change without notice. Full payment must be received with your completed application, or it will not be processed. All checks, money orders and demand drafts must be made payable to: American Welding Society
Canadian and Israeli welding inspectors with specific qualifications have a streamlined path to AWS CWI certification through the Reciprocity Program. Canadian inspectors with a valid Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) card, having passed the CSA W178.2 examination, can apply (CWB Level II aligns with AWS CWI, CWB Level I with AWS CAWI). Israeli inspectors with INWC certification can apply for AWS CWI, and vice versa, AWS CWI holders can seek INWC certification. The application process includes completing the Reciprocity Application, marking "1st Time Reciprocity," and submitting a copy of your current certification card.
Holders of International Institute of Welding (IIW) diplomas can bypass the CWI Part A (Fundamental) exam and only need to pass Part B (Practical) and Part C (Code Book) exams to earn the AWS CWI credential. Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 72% on each exam part to obtain the CWI credential. Eligible diplomas include:
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:
For additional information access the CWI Part B Examination Information Guide.
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:
For additional information access the CWI Part C Examination Information Guide.
Before beginning the application process, all applicants should download, review, and complete the following required documents:
For exams held within the United States or Canada:
For exams held outside the United States or Canada (all in metric system):
| INSPECTOR (CAWI, CWI, SCWI) | Member ◇ | Non-Member * |
| Initial CAWI, CWI Exams ♦ | $1,220 | $1,485 |
| Initial CAWI, CWI and Part B Training ♦ | $1,940 | $2,205 |
| CWI by Reciprocity with CWB or INWC | $650 | $915 |
| CWI by IIW Waiver | $805 | $895 ** |
| Upgrade CAWI to CWI | $315 | $580 |
| Prometric Initial SCWI ♦ | $1,220 | $1,485 |
| ENDORSEMENTS | ||
| Prometric Exam ^^♦ | $430 | $695 |
| Prometric MT Exam ^♦ | $490 | $755 |
| Prometric PT Exam ^♦ | $490 | $755 |
|
Endorsement MT/PT Exam Part B ^Contact ATF for pricing. |
||
* Non-Member price includes a 3-year AWS Individual Membership unless otherwise noted.
** Non-Member price includes a 1-year AWS Individual Membership.
*** No additional membership included with this price.
^ Additional ATF fees will apply for the practical exam (part B). Prices reflect a $60 seat fee per part for Prometric initial and/or reexam endorsements. Contact the ATF for Pricing.
♦ Prices reflect a $60 seat fee per part (A or C) and $120 for ALL parts for Prometric testing.
# Prices reflect an $80 seat fee per part (CWEng Parts 3 or 4) for Prometric testing.
◇ Student, and Early-Career memberships do not qualify for member price.
^^ Price is for all endorsements except Structural Drawing Reading.
Some online courses can be combined with other certification programs.
Note: Prices are subject to change without notice. Full payment must be received with your completed application, or it will not be processed. All checks, money orders and demand drafts must be made payable to: American Welding Society
AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) endorsements are essential for professionals looking to enhance their skills and advance their careers in the welding industry. These specialized qualifications demonstrate your commitment to excellence and are vital for CWI and Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) recertification.
What is a welding certification?
A welding certification is official proof that you can make welds that meet industry standards. The welding certificate documents the process, material, and position you’re qualified in, whether it’s structural steel, pipe, or specialty work.
There isn’t a single “best” or “highest” welding certification. For certified welders, a 6G pipe test is one of the most respected because it covers all positions on a fixed pipe, but the right certification for you depends on your career goals.
AWS also offers professional-level certifications that recognize advanced expertise in the industry. These include CWI (Certified Welding Inspector), CWS (Certified Welding Supervisor), CWE (Certified Welding Educator), CWEng (Certified Welding Engineer), CRAW (Certified Robotic Arc Welding), and CRWT (Certified Resistance Welding Technician). Each certification focuses on different responsibilities, from inspecting welds to supervising crews to leading in education or engineering.
What are the different types of welding certifications available?
The most common entry point is the AWS Certified Welder (CW) credential, which qualifies welders in specific processes, positions, and materials. These certifications can cover plate welding in flat, horizontal, vertical, or overhead positions, as well as pipe certifications on small- and large-diameter pipe. Advanced performance tests, like a 6G pipe position, are often seen as the toughest.
Beyond the Certified Welder program, AWS also offers professional certifications for career advancement, including CWI (Certified Welding Inspector), CWS (Certified Welding Supervisor), CWE (Certified Welding Educator), CWEng (Certified Welding Engineer), CRAW (Certified Robotic Arc Welding), and CRWT (Certified Resistance Welding Technician). The best certification depends on your career path—structural welders often pursue AWS D1.1, pipeline welders test under API 1104, and inspectors or specialists move toward advanced AWS credentials.
How do I get a welding certification?
The most common way to earn a welding certification is by being qualified at an Accredited Test Facility (ATF). During the exam, you’ll weld using specific processes, positions, and materials, and your work will be inspected to ensure it meets AWS standards. Once you pass, you’ll get a Certified Welder card that documents your qualifications.
To get your welding certification or a welding certificate, the process is straightforward: prepare through school, training, or on-the-job practice, schedule your ATF test, and pass the performance exam. Many welders pursue multiple certifications to broaden their skills: structural steel welders typically test under AWS D1.1, while pipeline welders may go for API 1104.
How long does it take to get a welding certification?
The time it takes to earn a welding certification depends on your experience, the type of certification, and your preparation. For early-career or student welders, Certified Welder training programs can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. More advanced welding certifications follow different timelines, reflecting the specific skills, processes, and materials required.
The length of time a welding certificate is good for depends on the specific certification. Some require regular recertification or refresher tests, while others don’t expire as long as you maintain your skills. Checking the rules for your specific certification helps you keep your credentials current and credible in the field.
How much does a welding certification cost?
The cost of a welding certification depends on the type of certification, where you take the exam, and any training you complete beforehand. Entry-level certifications, like the Certified Welder (CW), often range from a few hundred to around a thousand dollars, including testing fees and materials. More advanced certifications, such as Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), can cost significantly more—several thousand dollars when you factor in prep courses, study materials, and exam fees.
Your career goals will determine whether a certification is worth the time and energy you're willing to put into it. A Certified Welder (CW) is essential for entry-level welders looking to prove their skills, while advanced certifications like the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) can open doors to inspection, management, and higher-paying positions. Understanding the investment required helps you plan both financially and professionally.
For the most up-to-date pricing on all AWS certifications, check out the AWS Program Price List.
Early-career welders and students typically earn their Certified Welder (CW) certification through local welding schools, technical training centers, or employer-based programs. Many schools coordinate with Accredited Test Facilities (ATFs) so students can testing for their Certified Welder credential as part of the training curriculum. To find an ATF near you, or to explore where specific AWS certifications are offered, visit the AWS Accredited Test Facilities Directory.
While you cannot earn a welding certification fully online, you can take online training and exam preparation courses, then schedule your certification test at a Prometric computer-based testing facility. This flexibility allows welders to choose a format that fits their schedule and learning style while still earning a recognized credential. Learn more about available course formats and scheduling on the AWS Education page.
From finding a welding certification program to locating a nearby educational facility and testing center, these resources help welders at every level connect with the right training and testing options to earn recognized credentials.
Do I need formal training before taking a welding certification test?
Formal training is not always required to take a welding certification test, but it is highly recommended—especially for early-career welders. Completing a training program at a local welding school, technical training center, or employer-based program helps you develop the skills needed to pass the Certified Welder (CW) exam and ensures you’re comfortable with the specific processes, positions, and materials being tested.
For advanced certifications, AWS offers educational seminars and preparatory courses in a variety of formats, including in-person, virtual, and self-paced options. This flexibility allows welders to choose a learning format that fits their schedule and learning style while still earning a recognized credential. Learn more about available course formats and scheduling on the AWS Education page.
What jobs can you get with a welding certification?
A welding certification opens doors to a variety of careers across multiple industries. Entry-level Certified Welders (CW) often work in manufacturing, construction, or shipbuilding, performing hands-on welding in different processes and positions. With experience or advanced certifications—such as Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)—welders can move into roles in inspection, supervision, quality control, project management, or specialized welding fields like pipeline, aerospace, or fabrication of high-performance materials.
Having a recognized certification not only demonstrates your skills to employers but also expands your career options and potential earning power. Many welders use certifications as a stepping stone to supervisory positions, inspection roles, or technical specialties that require advanced knowledge and credentials. To learn more about the careers a welding certification can open up, visit our Career Resources page.