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.
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.
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):
| INSPECTOR (CAWI, CWI, SCWI) | Member ◇ | Non-Member * |
| Initial CAWI, CWI Exams ♦ | $1,185 | $1,450 |
| Initial CAWI, CWI and Part B Training ♦ | $1,880 | $2,145 |
| CWI by Reciprocity with CWB or INWC | $630 | $895 |
| CWI by IIW Waiver | $780 | $870 ** |
| Upgrade CAWI to CWI | $305 | $570 |
| Prometric Initial SCWI ♦ | $1,185 | $1,450 |
| ENDORSEMENTS | ||
| Prometric Exam ^^♦ | $415 | $680 |
| Prometric MT Exam ^♦ | $475 | $740 |
| Prometric PT Exam ^♦ | $475 | $740 |
|
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.
* 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.
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. 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.
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.
Documents: D1.1 Structural Welding Code - Steel Endorsement Description
Seminars: D1.1 Code Clinic
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 conform to the examination requirements outlined 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.
Documents: D17.1 Aerospace Endorsement Description
Seminars: D17.1 Code Clinic
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.
Documents: API 1104, Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities Endorsement Description
Seminars: API 1104 Code Clinic
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.
Documents: ISO Standards Endorsement Description
Welding Coordination and Quality Assurance Endorsement
Description: This endorsement covers the essential aspects of welding quality assurance and coordination, ensuring proficiency in these areas. It aligns with industry standards and best practices for welding quality management.
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.
Documents: Welder Performance Qualifier Endorsement Description
Seminars: Welder Performance Qualifier
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.
Documents: Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement Description
Seminars: Welding Procedure Qualifier
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.
Documents: Penetrant Testing Endorsement Description
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.
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 | $1,095 | $1,360 |
| SCWI Part A & B Exams ♦ | $1,215 | $1,480 |
| CWI Part B Exam/Part B Training | $2,155 | $2,420 |
| CWI/SCWI Non-Exam 80 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) Endorsement Exam Prior to 9th Year of Certification Period Initial CRI Certification |
$745 | $1,010 |
| CWI/SCWI 9-yr Course | $1,995 | $2,260 |
* 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 ♦ | $1,185 | $1,450 |
| Initial CAWI, CWI and Part B Training ♦ | $1,880 | $2,145 |
| CWI by Reciprocity with CWB or INWC | $630 | $895 |
| CWI by IIW Waiver | $780 | $870 ** |
| Upgrade CAWI to CWI | $305 | $570 |
| Prometric Initial SCWI ♦ | $1,185 | $1,450 |
| ENDORSEMENTS | ||
| Prometric Exam ^^♦ | $415 | $680 |
| Prometric MT Exam ^♦ | $475 | $740 |
| Prometric PT Exam ^♦ | $475 | $740 |
|
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
Can I pick what start time my exam will be?
CWI (Exam Parts A and C) CBT Exams
Prometric schedules exams in windows, typically a morning window and an afternoon window, and you may select one or the other depending on availability.
You will not be able to choose a specific start time (e.g., 10:30 a.m.), but you will be able to select an available time slot in either the morning or the afternoon.
CWI Part B Exam
Exam dates and times are scheduled along with AWS seminars and are often held in a variety of cities across the United States.
Exam dates and times are not flexible. Please plan for potential travel time depending on the exam location you select.
Can I schedule my exam by walking into the local Prometric exam center and talking to a staff person there?
A candidate must receive a confirmation letter from AWS before scheduling exams with Prometric.
The confirmation letter, which includes an eligibility code, will be sent via email after initial, renewal, or recertification applications and all required documentation are reviewed, processed, and approved by the AWS Certification Department.
A candidate will require the eligibility code contained in the confirmation letter sent by AWS before being permitted to schedule.
Can I submit an incomplete CWI application via my.aws.org?
Yes, my.aws.org now offers the ability to save an incomplete application.
Can I use my nickname on my CWI application?
The name on your government-issued ID needs to exactly match the name you provide on your application.
The Prometric Staff will require the name on the ID that candidates present at the Exam Center to exactly match the name on the application.
Has the CWI application/registration process changed?
The American Welding Society offers all applicants the opportunity to use the online Certification Application Portal to register for seminars and courses and to make payments.
Before beginning the online application, please review the submission process, required documents, and the education and work experience requirements that must be met to become a CWI.
AWS administers the CWI Part A and Part C Exams via Prometric. Candidates will receive a confirmation letter from AWS via email once all application requirements are completed and approved. A candidate will require the eligibility code contained in the confirmation letter before being permitted to schedule CWI Part A and Part C Exams with Prometric.
Prometric offers over 450 exam centers across the globe and has over 100 Exam Centers across the United States. For more information, please visit the AWS page on Prometric’s website.
AWS administers CWI Part B (Practical) exam at locations across the United States where AWS educational seminars are scheduled.
Please review the schedule here.
International candidates should work with their local AWS Agent representative to determine appropriate methods for applying for certification programs and for registering for exams.
If I take CWI Part B practical exam but do not think I scored high enough to keep my overall average up, can I retake CWI Part B again before taking Part A and Part C?
CWI candidates must complete all three parts of the CWI exams (Part A, Part B Practical, and Part C) before retaking any of the exam parts.
What are the application deadlines to take the CWI exams?
CWI Part B Practical Exam
For CWI examinations that include the Part B Practical exam, application deadlines will remain the same as published.
In the U.S., the deadline is six weeks prior to the Part B exam date.
Please plan for potential travel time depending on the exam location you select.
CWI Part A and Part C Exams
CWI (Exam Parts A and C) exams, application deadlines are flexible, depending on your scheduling preferences and availability to take the selected certification program exams at Prometric.
Candidates will find the best availability at Prometric sites when scheduling as soon as they receive their eligibility codes in their confirmation letters.
Outside of the U.S., the deadline may be closer to four weeks (please see the local AWS agent for the specific timeline for your country/region).
Why can’t I take the CWI exams all in one weekend?
Prometric administers CWI Part A and Part C Exams via CBT.
AWS directly administers CWI Part B Practical Exam.
Parts A and C Exams will be held at a Prometric Exam Center, and Part B Exam will be held at a different time, day, and location.
Why do I have to contact Prometric to schedule an exam date and time?
The Prometric website maintains the most current schedule options available to AWS candidates.
I scheduled CWI Part A and Part C for the same day; which part will I see first?
When you schedule your exam, you are given the option to choose the order in which you prefer to take Parts A and C of your exam.
Can I take CWI Part A and Part C before I take Part B?
All candidates are required to take the Part B Practical portion of the CWI Exam before Parts A and C.
Candidates may choose whether to take Part A before Part C or vice versa, but both must be after Part B has been completed and within - days of Part B Practical.
Why is there a gap between the CWI Part A and Part C exams?
Prometric treats CWI Part A and Part C as two separate exams, and therefore they are scheduled separately.
Although they may be on the same day, they may be some hours apart, depending on the availability of various exam seats at the local Prometric Center.
Does AWS offer CBT exams in languages other than English?
CBT Exams are offered in languages other than English.
Languages currently offered are Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.
Please contact your local AWS International Agent for more information.
If I am an international candidate, how long will it take to get my eligibility code?
On average and barring extenuating circumstances, international applications are processed in approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks from the time the application is received.
Once an application is processed, eligibility codes for Parts A and C are created and emailed directly to the candidate.
AWS Coordinators will send a follow-up email to the agency within 24 hours of processing with all eligibility letters.