CWS: Maximize your return on investment
CWS: Maximize your return on investment
Welding Supervision is all about overseeing the quality, productivity, cost, and safety of welding projects. A Welding Supervisor, armed with expertise ranging from safety measures to economics, is an indispensable part of any industry where welding is used. The AWS Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) Program defines the minimum standards for Welding Supervisors and provides a means of recognition for those who demonstrate that they have the skills, knowledge, and experience in the field of welding management.
Application, Renewal, Recertification
Application, Renewal, Recertification
Visit my.aws.org to enter information, submit required documentation and a current photo, register for seminars and courses, and make payments.
CWS certification is valid for three years. After the initial activation date, the CWS is responsible for managing renewal and recertification processes. All renewal applications are available via my.aws.org.
CWS Initial Application
- How it Works
- Required Documents
- Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
- Training
CWS Initial Application
-
Overview
-
Documents
-
Exam Information
-
Training
-
Pricing
CWS Requirements and Process
To become a Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS), candidates need to fulfill education, work experience prerequisites, and pass two required exams.
Education & Experience Requirements:
Education: Candidates must be either high school graduates or holders of a state or military approved high school equivalency diploma.
Work Experience: There are two paths to fulfill this requirement:
Option 1: At least 3 years of practical welding work in a fabrication, construction, or welding-related industry.
Option 2: At least 2 years of practical welding work as above, and 3 years of teaching experience in welding or related subjects.
Application process:
Visit the Online Portal to provide required information, submit documentation and a current photo, register for seminars and courses, and make payment.
Please check the requirements for the following documentation:
CWS Standards
A CWS certification ensures the certificate holder meets all of the specification and certification requirements found in:
- AWS QC13 - Specification for the Certification of Welding Supervisors (English)
- B5.9 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Supervisors (English)
Technical and Reference Documents are provided when registered and attending an AWS Seminar.
If an applicant/candidate is not attending an AWS Seminar prior to testing and is planning to self-study, please review the Self-Study page for more information.
Technical and Specification Documents and Reference Materials
(AWS CWS Body of Knowledge)
- AWS A2.4:2012 Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination
- AWS A3.0:2010 Standard Welding Terms and Definitions
- AWS B5.9:2006 Specification for the Qualification of Welding Supervisors
- AWS WHB 1.12 Economics of Welding and Cutting
- AWS WHB- ALL AWS Welding Handbook Series
- VT6K1- IPUYC CWSM Certified Welding Supervisor Manual for Quality and Productivity Improvement
- AWS QC13, Specification for the Certification of Welding Supervisors
- ANSI Z49.1:2012 - Safety in Welding Cutting, and Allied Processes
- NSRP Study - Welding Supervisor Training and Certification
To purchase any of the AWS publications, visit the AWS Bookstore
Review the AWS CWS Examination User Guide (PDF)
Review the Exam References and Editions Guide (PDF)
Other forms and documents:
- ADA Disability Accommodations
- Change of Site/Cancellation Form
- Candidate Attestation Agreement
- Policies and Fees
- Certification Duplicate Order Form
- Training Hours Upload Requirement Waiver
- Photo Upload Requirement Waiver
- Visual Acuity Upload Requirement Waiver
- Education or Other Upload Requirement Waiver
Seminar and Exam Schedule
Find upcoming in-person seminars and exam dates on AWS by visiting the Seminar and Exam Schedule.
Computer-Based Testing/Prometric Exam Centers
AWS conducts the CWS Part A (Fundamentals of Supervision) and Part B (Welding Practices & Economics) exams via computer-based testing (CBT) at more than 450 Prometric Exam Centers across the globe.
Learn more about Prometric CBT and Exam Centers:
- Understand Prometric’s security process when checking in at an exam center.
- Review a tutorial on how to navigate the screen during your CBT.
- Familiarize yourself with the look and feel of the computer-based testing environment by exploring one of two types of Test Drives before Exam Day
- Learn more about your Prometric test day experience on our FAQ for CBT page.
- Access Prometric’s various other resources, by visiting prometric.com/aws.
- Prometric Exam Center COVID Policy
- Prometric Exam Center Cleaning Practices
Exam Preparation Training and Seminar
The Certified Welding Supervisor seminar was developed to teach knowledge, skills, and abilities that welding supervisors must be capable of demonstrating.
This 5-day course focuses on the knowledge a supervisor needs to support improvement of the welders’ environment, productivity, throughput, weld quality, and safety.
Participants will learn the science rather than the art of welding to control variables in the welding process better.
CWS Renewal
-
Overview
-
Pricing
The CWS credential is valid for three (3) years. A CWS can renew their CWS credential twice: once at year three (3) and once at year six (6).
This renewal is necessary to maintain the CWS credential.
Each of the two renewals require written documentation to support evidence of continued activity in the occupational position of welding supervisor.
The renewal application can be completed at MyAWS Portal. Here you may also check your CWS credentials, application, or exam registration status.
After two (2) consecutive renewals, a total of nine (9) years of continuous certification, the certificate holder is required to recertify to maintain CWS credentials by meeting the following requirements:
- Completed and submitted documentation to support evidence of continued activity in the occupational position of welding supervisor.
- The certificate holder shall successfully pass the CWS Part A and Part B exams or be exempt from the exams by demonstrating continued education equivalent to 80 professional development hours (PDH) over the nine (9) year period of certification with 20 PDH being completed in the immediate three (3) year period preceding the nine-year (9) recertification.
The recertification application and exam registration can be completed via the online Certification Application Portal.
Use the MyAWS Portal to check your CWS credentials, application or exam registration status.
CWS Recertification
-
Overview
-
Pricing
The CWS credential is valid for three (3) years. A CWS can renew their CWS credential twice: once at year three (3) and once at year six (6).
This renewal is necessary to maintain the CWS credential.
Each of the two renewals require written documentation to support evidence of continued activity in the occupational position of welding supervisor.
The renewal application can be completed at MyAWS Portal. Here you may also check your CWS credentials, application, or exam registration status.
After two (2) consecutive renewals, a total of nine (9) years of continuous certification, the certificate holder is required to recertify to maintain CWS credentials by meeting the following requirements:
- Completed and submitted documentation to support evidence of continued activity in the occupational position of welding supervisor.
- The certificate holder shall successfully pass the CWS Part A and Part B exams or be exempt from the exams by demonstrating continued education equivalent to 80 professional development hours (PDH) over the nine (9) year period of certification with 20 PDH being completed in the immediate three (3) year period preceding the nine-year (9) recertification.
The recertification application and exam registration can be completed via the online Certification Application Portal.
Use the MyAWS Portal to check your CWS credentials, application or exam registration status.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the role of a Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)?
A CWS is responsible for overseeing and managing the quality, productivity, cost, and safety of welding processes.
-
What are the eligibility requirements for the CWS certification?
To be eligible for the CWS certification, applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and either three years of practical welding experience or a combination of two years of practical experience and three years of relevant teaching experience.
-
How can I apply for the CWS certification?
Applicants can apply online through the AWS Certification Application Portal by providing the necessary documentation and completing the application process.
-
What is the cost of the CWS exam?
The cost of the CWS exam varies depending on AWS membership status. The specific pricing details can be found in the AWS Certification Price List .
-
How are the CWS exams administered?
The CWS exams are administered by Prometric at various exam centers worldwide. Candidates can find more information about exam center locations on the Prometric website.
-
What topics are covered in the CWS exams?
The CWS exams cover various areas related to welding supervision, including personnel management, safety, welding preparation, quality management, and different welding processes.
-
How long are the CWS exams, and what is the passing score?
The CWS exams are given in two parts, and each part lasts for two hours. The passing score for both parts is a minimum of 70%.
-
How can I prepare for the CWS exams?
AWS provides technical and reference documents, including the AWS Welding Handbook series, that candidates can study to prepare for the CWS exams.
-
How long is the CWS certification valid, and how can I renew it?
The CWS certification is valid for three years, and it can be renewed twice. Renewal requires submitting documentation to support continued activity as a welding supervisor.
-
What is the recertification process for the CWS credential?
After two consecutive renewals, the certificate holder must recertify by providing evidence of continued activity as a welding supervisor and either passing the CWS exams again or demonstrating equivalent professional development hours.