AWS CWICertified Welding Inspector
The international benchmark for welding inspection. Three parts at 72% each, and the authority to accept or reject a weld against code. WeldFab Tech delivers the training and hosts the AWS CWI examination.
- Internationally recognised
- Accepted worldwide without re-qualification
- Career growth
- High demand across construction, oil & gas and shipbuilding
- Inspection authority
- Sign off on welds against the governing code
- Higher earning potential
- Certified inspectors command a premium
- Professional network
- Access to AWS members and welding experts
// Overview
What is AWS-CWI?
AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) – The Industry Gold Standard
The AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential, awarded by the American Welding Society (USA), is the most widely recognised and respected certification in the global welding industry. It validates a professional's comprehensive command of welding processes, applicable codes, and inspection practices.
The Role of a CWI
A Certified Welding Inspector is entrusted with the critical responsibility of determining whether a weldment meets the acceptance criteria of a specific code or standard. This involves:
- Interpreting and applying Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR)
- Overseeing non-destructive testing (NDT) methods
- Maintaining accurate qualification records for third-party audits
Why Employers Value the CWI Credential
Across high-stakes industries—including construction, oil & gas, shipbuilding, power generation, and aerospace—employers rely on the CWI as the definitive benchmark for personnel authorised to accept or reject a weld. This level of accountability is precisely why the CWI examination is significantly more rigorous than any other AWS certification.
How WeldFab Tech Supports Your CWI Journey
Preparing for the CWI examination demands more than just technical knowledge—it requires strategic readiness. WeldFab Tech offers a complete, hassle-free pathway for candidates in India:
- Preparatory Training – Comprehensive classroom and hands-on instruction aligned with AWS requirements
- Application & Documentation Support – Expert assistance with forms, records, and submission packages
- Mock Examinations – Simulated tests that mirror the actual exam format and difficulty
- Exam Hosting – Convenient, on-site examination facilities so you can focus entirely on your performance
With WeldFab Tech, you gain access to a fully integrated support system—eliminating the need to coordinate logistics, travel arrangements, or administrative paperwork. We bring the entire CWI examination ecosystem to you, so you can concentrate on what truly matters: earning your certification and advancing your career.
Ready to Become a CWI?
Take the next step with confidence. Let WeldFab Tech handle the details while you prepare to join the ranks of the world's most respected welding inspectors.
Benefits of AWS-CWI
The CWI is in demand across construction, manufacturing, oil & gas, shipbuilding and aerospace, and is accepted internationally without re-qualification.
Internationally recognised credential
High demand across industries
Higher earning potential
Authority to sign off on inspections
Stronger job security
Eligibility for government and export projects
Diverse roles: inspection, QA/QC, supervision
Deeper command of codes and standards
Ability to prevent and diagnose weld defects
Access to the AWS professional network
Independent consulting opportunities
A base for endorsements and senior credentials
Why choose WeldFab Tech
WeldFab Tech specializes exclusively in welding and fabrication services. In addition to our core operations, we offer comprehensive training, exam preparation, and full logistical support for the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) program in India. Our structured approach ensures that candidates are thoroughly familiar with the examination material and fully prepared before they sit for the official test.
- Experienced international faculty
- AWS CWI examination hosted in India
- Application and documentation support
- Mock examinations and practice papers
- Part B practical with real weld replicas
- Code book training for your selected code
- Classroom, live online and hybrid batches
- Corporate and group programmes
- Personalised mentoring throughout
- Post-examination and renewal guidance
What the course covers
The programme follows the AWS CWI body of knowledge, taught towards all three examination parts.
- Welding Processes
- Welding Metallurgy
- Welding Symbols & Drawings
- WPS, PQR & WPQ
- Weld Discontinuities & Defects
- Destructive Testing
- Non-Destructive Testing (VT, PT, MT, RT, UT)
- Visual Inspection Practice
- Inspection Tools & Gauges
- Duties & Responsibilities of the Inspector
- Welding Safety
- Fabrication Mathematics
- Codes, Standards & Specifications
- Code Book Navigation
- Reporting & Documentation
- Mock Examinations
Education and experience requirements
Eligibility is a combination of formal education and welding-related work experience, supported by documentation. The higher the qualification, the shorter the experience requirement. A vision test is required in addition.
EducationMinimum welding-related experience
- Bachelor degree or higher in welding engineering or welding technology
1 year
- Associate degree or higher in welding or engineering technology
2 years
- Engineering or technical courses at bachelor level
3 years
- Trade or vocational welding courses
4 years
- High school diploma or GED
5 years
- 8th grade education
9 years
- Less than 8th grade education
12 years
Your CWI step-by-step journey
The route AWS publishes, from choosing the programme to holding the credential. WeldFab Tech runs alongside it — eligibility, forms, training and the mock papers.
Getting started
Review certification programs
Review the certification programmes, the work experience and training requirements, the education requirements, and the AWS qualification and certification specifications.
Getting started
Review application requirements
Review the required forms, and download the Work Experience, Employment Verification and Vision Acuity Exam forms.
Getting started
Prepare for applying
Complete the Work Experience form, have your employer complete the Employment Verification form, book the vision acuity exam and a passport-compliant photo, then scan and save every completed form and the photo.
Getting started
Review exam information
Review the knowledge, code and practical exam requirements, and the seminar, course and examination schedules.
Open AWS account
Complete the online application
Create or log in to your AWS account, follow the online application instructions, upload all required forms and complete payment.
Open AWS account
Review member benefits
Review the AWS individual member benefits. Applicants who pay the non-member price receive a 3-year AWS membership as part of the application process.
Scheduling
Application process begins
Receive the automated email confirming submission, read it for the important information and next steps, and track the application through the online self-service tools.
Scheduling
Application approval
Receive the application confirmation letter from AWS, schedule Part B directly with AWS, and schedule Parts A and C with Prometric.
Examination
Take the Part B exam
Complete the Part B practical examination at the AWS examination location.
Examination
Take the Part A and C exams
Sit Parts A and C as computer-based tests with Prometric. Preliminary score reports arrive by email within 24 hours of completing the exam.
Results
Official score report
AWS issues the official score report in four weeks or less. It covers Parts A, B and C together, and tells you whether any part needs retaking.
Results
Passing exam results
The credential certificate and wallet card arrive by mail in approximately six weeks. The credential stamp is sent separately and arrives in about the same time.
Results
Renewal and re-certification
Review the renewal and re-certification time periods and requirements on the AWS website, along with the member benefits that come with the credential.
Results
Share the accomplishment
Start using your new credential, and notify your employer, your peers and the AWS Member Network.
Exam information
Three parts, each marked independently, each requiring a minimum of 72%. Parts A and C are computer-based at Prometric centres; Part B is hands-on at an AWS examination location.
- The three parts need not be sat together — Parts A and C can be scheduled once the eligibility codes are issued.
- Parts A and C are offered in Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Bahasa as well as English.
- A failed part may be retaken within one year, with a retake fee per part. Failing all three means reapplying as a new candidate.
- The Part B practical closes 6 weeks before the exam date in the US and approximately 4 weeks at international exam locations; international applications take a further 4-6 weeks to process, so the real deadline is earlier than the published one.
- Endorsements are available to CWI and SCWI holders — Structural Steel (D1.1), Pipeline (API 1104), Aerospace (D17.1) and several NDT credentials — and count towards re-certification.
| Exam part | Format and requirement |
|---|---|
| Part A — Fundamentals | 150 multiple-choice questions on welding processes, destructive and non-destructive testing, metallurgy, welding symbols, WPS/PQR, fabrication maths and safety. 2 hours. Minimum 72%. |
| Part B — Practical | Hands-on inspection of weld replicas using AWS-supplied gauges and tools, plus 46 related questions worked against a supplied Book of Specifications rather than a published code. 2 hours. Minimum 72%. |
| Part C — Code Book | Open-book, 50 to 65 questions on the one code selected at application. 2 hours. Minimum 72%. |
Choosing the Part C code book
Selected on the application form. Choose the code you actually work to — Part C is open-book, and speed comes from familiarity with the layout.
- AWS D1.1 — Structural Welding Code, Steel
- AWS D1.2 — Structural Welding Code, Aluminum
- AWS D1.5 — Bridge Welding Code
- AWS D15.1 — Railroad Welding Specification
- AWS D17.1 — Fusion Welding for Aerospace Applications
- API 1104 — Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities
- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Sections V, VIII and IX
- ISO standards, for candidates working to international specifications
Renewal and re-certification
The certificate runs a 9-year cycle: renew at years 3 and 6, re-certify at year 9. Renewal applications must reach AWS at least 60 days before the due date.
- Renewal at years 3 and 6 requires documentation of continued activity in welding inspection, plus the fee.
- Re-certification at year 9 is by one of exactly four routes: retake Part B, accumulate 80 Professional Development Hours across the cycle, pass an endorsement examination, or obtain the CRI credential.
- A grace period applies after expiry, after which the certification lapses entirely and re-certification is required.
Documents and resources
What AWS asks for with the application, and what to prepare with. WeldFab Tech reviews the completed set before it is submitted.
- CWI Examination Application
- Employment Verification Form
- Visual Acuity Exam Form
- Additional Qualifying Work Experience Form
- Passport-Compliant Photograph
- Photo ID Requirements
- Candidate Attestation Agreement
- AWS Certification Price List
- CWI Examination User Guide
- Official Exam Reference Guide
- QC1 — Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
- B5.1 — Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors
- AWS Welding Inspection Technology (WIT-T)
- ADA Disability Accommodations Request
- Change of Site / Cancellation Form
- Rescore Request Form
- Certification Duplicate Order Form
// Downloads
Quick Documents
Every form, standard and body of knowledge you need for Certified Welding Inspector, straight from AWS.
// Testimonials
What AWS CWI candidates say
“Part C was the part I feared. The code-book drills in the classroom meant I could find a clause in seconds by exam day, and I cleared all three parts in one sitting.”
“I had eight years on site and no certificate to show for it. The eligibility paperwork alone would have stopped me — WeldFab handled the application end to end.”
“The practical session with the replica samples and gauges is exactly what Part B asks for. Nothing in the exam was a surprise.”
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