AWS-CWI (QC1) Certified Welding Inspector

AWS Certified

Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) determine if a weldment meets the acceptance criteria of a specific code, standard, or other specification; handle qualification records; oversee non-destructive testing; and ensure proper materials are available during testing. Watch the video below to learn more about becoming AWS Certified.

Video

Being a CWI requires a remarkable amount of knowledge and experience, and the challenging and comprehensive nature of the CWI exam reflects this. To have a better shot at making the cut, most CWI hopefuls opt to take part in a five-day seminar that allows them to receive guidance and exam preparation from Cutech-vetted instructors. 

The CWI Pre-Seminar cover the fundamental welding concepts and principles that every CWI needs to know. As its name implies, the Pre-Seminar is designed to bolster and solidify the knowledge base of prospective welding inspectors in preparation for the instructor-led seminar, and, ultimately, the CWI examination.

Who Should Attend?

All personnel responsible for making decisions, exercising judgments applicable to welding operations in power generation, petrochemical, oil and gas, fertilizer, shipbuilding and maintenance, structural fabrication, offshore & onshore structure fabrication…etc.

  • Welding Engineers & Inspectors
  • Quality Control Engineers & Supervisors
  • Quality Assurance Engineers & Supervisors
  • Technical Services Engineers & Supervisors
  • Erection, construction Engineers & Supervisors Examination and Certification

The AWS-CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) is a well-known certification, equally at the national & international level, and top companies always depend on this AWS-CWI certification when ensuring the highest level of quality of employee.

With Cutech, you will find this career path lucrative and worthwhile. This AWS-CWI certification can take you to a career that is engaging and promising on all levels. If you require a steady career where you will thrive and reach your goal, then the AWS-CWI certification is for you.

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

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
  • ASME BPVC Sec IX (2019 Edition), B31.1 (2018) and B31.3 (2018)
  • ASME BPVC Section VIII, Div. 1 (2015) and Section IX (2015)

*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:

The AWS-CWI Examination consists of three parts:

1. Fundamentals – Part A (Computer-Based Testing/Prometric Exam Centers)

2. Practical – Part B (Practical Exam (Non-Computer Based)

3. Code Book Examination – Part C (Computer-Based Testing/Prometric Exam Centers)

For candidates scoring 72% and above, AWS will award the certificate as “Certified Welding Inspector”. The candidates scoring less than 72% but more than 60%, will be issued certificate as “Certified Associate Welding Inspector”. For scoring less than 60%, no certificate is issued.

Candidates who intend to renew CWI certification after 9 years can appear for a 9 year re-certification practical examination, to get renewed AWS-CWI certificate. Re-Examination If you are taking the re-exam for CWI certification and the average of the three parts of your initial exam was less than 72%, you are required to retest all three parts.

If your average was ≥ 72% on your initial exam, you may retest only the parts on which you failed to achieve the CWI passing grade. Your first retest must occur within one year following the date of your initial exam; otherwise, you must provide evidence of 40 hours of additional training before being allowed to retest. If a second or third retest is required, you must provide evidence of 40 hours of additional training before being allowed to retest in each case. A maximum of three retests are permitted in the three-year period from your initial exam date.

9-year Recertification If you took the CWI Part B exam or an endorsement exam for 9-year recertification and failed the 72% minimum, you are permitted to retest only the same exam under the rules noted in the previous paragraph. You are not permitted to switch to another 9-year recertification option once you have committed to recertifying by examination.

CAWI to CWI Upgrading CAWI’s are not eligible for renewal. A CAWI may hold the CAWI certification for a three year period. CAWI shall reappear for the exams and score minimum of 72% in each part; Part A, Part B and Part C to upgrade to CWI before the third year of the CAWI certification. Regular Renewal Candidate must provide a renewal application, proof for current work and visual acuity record.

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.

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.

MINIMUM EDUCATION

MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE

Bachelor or higher degree in welding engineering or welding technology - four (4) years maximum substitution

Minimum of one (1) year welding based work experience

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

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

Trade/Vocational courses - one (1) year maximum substitution for successfully completed courses

Minimum of four (4) years welding based work experience

High school diploma or approved high school equivalency diploma

Minimum of five (5) years welding based work experience

8th grade level of schooling

Minimum of nine (9) years welding based work experience

Less than 8th grade

Minimum of twelve (12) years welding based work experience

Scientific Calculator
Safety Boots
Inspection Tools for Welding Inspection 

AWS CERTIFICATION:
Candidates MUST bring their AWS Wallet Card.
If you do not have a wallet card bring some other form of identification showing a photograph, i.e. IC or Passport or Photo Driving Licence or National ID.

All other equipment and relevant training materials are provided by Cutech.

Upcoming Course Schedule

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