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.
Select from the options belowThe 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:
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:
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
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):
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
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.