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The landscape of welding inspection certification is evolving to meet the dynamic demands of the industry. The current way to earn the Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) credential requires passing a single exam. However, the AWS Qualification and Certification Committee, responsible for all AWS Certification Programs, identified the need for a more comprehensive task-centered approach to the SCWI certification. Consequently, on April 1, 2025, the SCWI credential transitioned to a stackable credential path that entails obtaining four Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) endorsement examinations, serving as stackable credentials.

This article explores the current SCWI credential process, the new changes, and the implications for welding inspection professionals.

Current Single-Exam SCWI Credential Procedure

The SCWI credential used to be attained by passing a single exam that provided a means for Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) to demonstrate their knowledge and skills at a more advanced level, provided that the candidate continued to meet the SCWI’s required qualification requirements regarding education and work experience.

Early in 2016, the Subcommittee on Welding Inspectors (QCWI) recognized the need for an alternative path to obtain the SCWI credential, as outlined in Clause 6.1.4 of AWS QC1:2016-AMD1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors.

In 2020, the AWS Certification Department conducted a SCWI discovery survey to gather feedback from the welding industry. The survey findings underlined the importance of highlighting the SCWI’s role in the following six areas:

1. Qualifying welding procedure specifications
2. Quality assurance
3. Qualifying welders
4. Supervision and coaching of CWIs
5. Engaging in welding technology-related duties
6. Project management.

Thus, a decision was made to transition from the single-exam path to stackable credentials based on the specifications outlined in QC1:2016-AMD1 and B5.1:2013-AMD1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors, which the SCWI discovery survey validated. The transition requires the applicants to take mandatory endorsement exams to become SCWIs.

New SCWI Stackable Credential Path

A stackable credential is a series of assessments that need to be achieved to obtain a final certification. The stackable credentials that comprise the new SCWI pathway are as follows:

1. Welder Performance Qualifier

This assesses a candidate’s knowledge, skill, and ability to conduct welder performance qualification tests. Based on AWS B2.1/B2.1M:2014-AMD1, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification, the examination establishes a best practice for welder testing.

2. Welding Procedure Qualifier

This assesses a candidate’s knowledge, skill, and ability to conduct welding procedure qualification tests adhering to industry codes, customer specification requirements, or both. While procedure qualification may differ from code to code, this examination uses the requirements of AWS B2.1 and AWS D1.1, Structural Welding Code — Steel.

3. Welding Coordination and Quality Assurance

This assesses a candidate’s knowledge, skill, and ability to understand the importance of welding coordination activities, the scope and purpose of the prominent welding quality assurance programs used today, and the principles and practices of auditing quality management systems that apply to welded components.

4. Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Coordination

This assesses a candidate’s knowledge, skill, and ability to coordinate the application of NDE methods to meet code and customer requirements. This examination will cover the advantages and disadvantages of the most commonly used NDE methods.

The Certification and Education page on the AWS website (aws.org/certification-and-education) provides more detailed information about the new CWI/SCWI endorsements and the new SCWI stackable credential. You may also contact the AWS Certification Department at (800) 443-9353 or aws.org/contact-us.

Benefits and Conclusion

The transition to a stackable credential path for SCWI certification carries several benefits for welding professionals and the welding industry. By offering a more comprehensive assessment of skills and knowledge, the stackable credentials enhance the credibility and competency of CWIs. Additionally, the flexibility to pursue endorsements in any order empowers individuals to tailor their certification journey to their career goals and interests.

The evolution of the SCWI credentialing pathway from a single exam to stackable credentials reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in welding inspection certification. This new approach can enhance the skills of welding professionals, advance their careers, and contribute to the quality and safety of welded products and structures.