CWI: Certified Welding Inspector

A CWI certification is a professional credential awarded to individuals who demonstrate expertise in inspecting and ensuring the quality of welded materials and structures. It signifies their ability to assess welds for compliance with industry standards and specifications.

A CWI certification is not mandatory in all welding positions, but it is often required or preferred for certain welding-related roles, especially in construction, manufacturing, and engineering.

A CWI certification is typically sought by individuals in the welding profession who wish to teach or train others in welding techniques and practices. It’s valuable for educators, trainers, and those responsible for welding skill development in various industries.

A CWI certification is most commonly issued by the American Welding Society (AWS). However, other institutions, such as the International Institute of Welding (IIW) also offer pathways to certification.

The typical process for earning a CWI certification involves:

• Obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent
• Possessing three to seven years of welding-related experience.
• Gaining welding experience through formal education or on-the-job training
• Enrolling in a CWI-preparation course or self-study using AWS or IIW materials
• Applying with the relevant certification body for the CWI exam
• Passing the three-part CWI exam via the AWS, which includes a fundamentals portion, practical exam, and code book exam

A CWI certification offers several benefits to organizations and employees alike. Some key advantages include the following.

Obtaining a CWI certification may pose several challenges to organizations individuals. They include the following.

The cost of a CWI certification can vary, but typically includes expenses for study materials, preparatory courses, and the examination fee. These costs can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on factors such as study methods and exam location.

For example, taking the CWI exam with the AWS costs $1,070 for AWS members and $1,325 for non-members. Keep in mind, however, that these costs are for the exam only.

A CWI certification is typically valid for three years, after which time it must be renewed by retaking the exam or taking 80 hours of off approved professional development courses. Renewal costs typically range between $500-1,000.

Here are a few tips for preparing for a CWI certification:

• Begin studying well in advance to cover all exam topics thoroughly and avoid last-minute cramming
• Invest in reputable study guides and materials provided by the AWS or other certification body
• Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and identify areas where you need improvement
• Consider enrolling in a CWI preparatory course to receive expert guidance and hands-on training
• Create a study schedule, stay disciplined, and allocate dedicated time for review and practice to maximize your chances of success

American Welding Society. The AWS offers a wealth of information regarding CWI certification and certification programs on its website. The AWS is the official body that issues the certification.

International Institute of Welding. The AWS offers a pathway to CWI certification for those who hold IIW diplomas. You can also find more information on the IIW’s website.

AG5’s free skills matrix templates. AG5 offers free skills matrices dedicated to the construction industry and engineering industry. You can use them to identify, track, and manage the skills and certifications your employees possess and need, including CWI certifications.

AG5 stores all certifications in the cloud, providing all authorized personnel with access to the right version of approved certifications. This helps you easily keep track of all data and documentation related to CWI certifications across your organization.

Using AG5’s skills management software, you can monitor the status of any type of certification that is relevant to your workforce, leveraging intuitive dashboards that provide you with a clear understanding of exactly what is needed to keep your employees skilled and safe.

• International Institute of Welding
• American Welding Society