Certified Welding Inspector Training: CWI Exam & Skills Guide
Certified Welding Inspector training prepares candidates to evaluate welded work against drawings, welding procedures, specifications, codes, and defined acceptance criteria while preparing for the American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector examination. The training combines welding fundamentals with visual inspection, inspection tools, weld discontinuities, WPS/PQR interpretation, metallurgy, nondestructive testing, and code-book navigation.
The AWS Certified Welding Inspector, commonly called CWI, is a professional inspection credential rather than a welding-performance qualification. Candidates must meet AWS education and welding-based work-experience requirements, satisfy the vision requirement, and complete the required examinations. AWS currently bases the certification program on QC1:2016-AMD1 and lists B5.1:2025 as its welding-inspector qualification specification.
For someone considering Certified Welding Inspector training, understanding the difference between taking a course and earning the credential is important. Training prepares you for the work and exams; certification is awarded only after AWS requirements are met.
What Is Certified Welding Inspector Training?
Certified Welding Inspector training is specialized technical education for people who inspect welded fabrication or want to prepare for AWS CWI certification.
A comprehensive program can cover:
- Welding processes
- Welding terminology
- Welding symbols
- Engineering drawings
- Visual inspection
- Weld discontinuities
- Inspection gauges
- WPS and PQR interpretation
- Welder performance qualification
- Metallurgy
- Destructive testing
- Nondestructive testing
- Codes and standards
- Fabrication math
AWS currently offers several CWI preparation formats, including an 80-hour self-paced fundamentals program, comprehensive in-person instruction, online seminars, and a dedicated three-day Part B practical seminar.
What Does a Certified Welding Inspector Do?
A welding inspector determines whether welded work satisfies the requirements governing the job.
That responsibility can begin before welding starts.
Before welding, an inspector may review joint preparation, drawings, materials, procedures, fit-up, and personnel qualifications. During welding, inspection can involve checking procedure compliance, consumables, joint conditions, or other required variables. After welding, the inspector may evaluate dimensions, surface condition, weld profile, discontinuities, and overall conformity.
The inspector’s job is not simply to decide whether a weld “looks good.”
A professional inspection decision must be based on the applicable drawing, specification, code, standard, procedure, or acceptance criteria. AWS Part B training specifically develops the ability to identify discontinuities, use inspection tools, and determine acceptability using defined criteria and tolerances.
AWS CWI Eligibility Requirements
Not everyone can qualify for the CWI credential simply by registering for a seminar.
AWS currently requires a combination of education and welding-based work experience, along with supporting documentation and a vision test.
Examples of current minimum experience requirements include:
- Bachelor’s or higher degree in welding engineering or welding technology: at least 1 year of welding-based work experience
- Associate or higher degree in welding or non-welding engineering technology, engineering, or physical science: at least 2 years
- Applicable engineering or technical coursework: at least 3 years
- Trade or vocational coursework: at least 4 years
- High school diploma or approved equivalent: at least 5 years
- Eighth-grade education: at least 9 years
- Less than eighth-grade education: at least 12 years
These requirements show why CWI certification is generally aimed at people who already have meaningful exposure to welding-related work rather than complete newcomers.
CWI Vision Requirement
AWS also requires candidates to satisfy a vision requirement.
The initial CWI application documentation currently includes a Visual Acuity Exam Form along with employment verification and other supporting documents.
This requirement makes practical sense because visual inspection is a major part of welding inspection work. Candidates should follow the current AWS form and instructions rather than assuming that ordinary vision or an existing eyeglass prescription automatically satisfies the certification requirement.
Welding Fundamentals for CWI Candidates
A welding inspector needs to understand how welds are produced.
Training commonly covers major processes such as:
Shielded Metal Arc Welding
SMAW uses a flux-coated consumable electrode. Inspectors should understand concepts such as electrode classification, polarity, current, arc behavior, slag, and cleaning.
Gas Metal Arc Welding
GMAW uses continuously fed wire with external shielding gas. Important concepts include voltage, wire-feed speed, shielding, transfer characteristics, and travel technique.
Flux-Cored Arc Welding
FCAW uses a tubular electrode. Depending on the process variation, it may use external shielding gas or operate as a self-shielded process.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
GTAW uses a nonconsumable tungsten electrode. Inspectors may need to understand shielding gas, filler-metal addition, cleanliness, tungsten condition, and heat control.
Submerged Arc Welding
SAW commonly uses continuously fed wire beneath granular flux and is frequently applied in mechanized or automated production.
Welding fundamentals are specifically included among the subjects on the current CWI Part A examination.
Welding Symbols and Engineering Drawings
A welding inspector cannot verify fabrication correctly without understanding what the drawing specifies.
Training can cover:
- Fillet-weld symbols
- Groove-weld symbols
- Arrow-side and other-side notation
- Weld size
- Weld length
- Contour requirements
- Supplementary symbols
- Dimensions and tolerances
A weld may have a smooth surface and consistent appearance but still fail inspection if its size, location, joint configuration, or other specified details are incorrect.
Welding symbols are part of the current AWS CWI Part A Fundamentals exam.
Understanding WPS and PQR Documents
WPS and PQR knowledge is central to professional welding inspection.
Welding Procedure Specification
A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) provides instructions for producing a weld.
Depending on the procedure and governing requirements, it may address:
- Welding process
- Base material
- Filler material
- Joint configuration
- Position
- Electrical variables
- Preheat
- Interpass requirements
- Welding technique
An inspector may need to verify that actual production follows the applicable WPS.
Procedure Qualification Record
A Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) documents the variables used and test results obtained during procedure qualification.
The simple distinction is:
WPS = instructions for production welding.
PQR = record of the procedure qualification test.
AWS includes WPS/PQR knowledge in Part A and practical WPS/PQR application in Part B.
Welder Performance Qualification
Procedure qualification and welder qualification serve different purposes.
A welding procedure qualification demonstrates that a procedure can produce acceptable results under defined conditions.
A welder performance qualification demonstrates that an individual welder can perform the required welding within the applicable qualification rules.
A welding inspector may need to confirm that the welder assigned to the job holds the appropriate qualification for the process or work being performed.
AWS Part B preparation includes instruction on welding procedure qualification and performance qualification concepts.
Visual Welding Inspection Training
Visual inspection is one of the most important practical skills for CWI candidates.
Before Welding
The inspector may check:
- Joint preparation
- Bevel geometry
- Root opening
- Alignment
- Surface condition
- Material condition
- Applicable WPS
Finding a fit-up problem before welding can prevent more expensive repair work later.
During Welding
Inspection during production can involve checking process conditions, interpass cleaning, consumables, temperature requirements, or other items specified by the governing procedure or quality plan.
After Welding
The completed joint may be inspected for:
- Weld dimensions
- Profile
- Reinforcement
- Undercut
- Alignment
- Surface discontinuities
- Overall workmanship
AWS’s Part B seminar uses replica weld specimens and visual inspection tools specifically to build these practical skills.
Common Weld Discontinuities
CWI candidates learn to recognize common welding discontinuities and compare them with applicable acceptance criteria.
Porosity
Porosity consists of gas cavities in weld metal. Some porosity is visible at the surface, while internal indications may require another examination method.
Undercut
Undercut is a groove adjacent to the weld toe. Its acceptability can depend on factors such as depth, length, location, and the governing code.
Incomplete Fusion
Incomplete fusion occurs when required fusion is missing between weld metal and base metal or between weld beads.
Incomplete Joint Penetration
Incomplete joint penetration relates to insufficient penetration through a joint where greater penetration is required by the joint design.
Slag Inclusion
Slag can become trapped in weld metal, particularly with welding processes that produce a slag covering.
Cracks
Cracks are important welding discontinuities that require evaluation under the applicable acceptance requirements.
A key inspection principle is that discontinuity and defect are not interchangeable terms. A discontinuity becomes a rejectable defect when it fails the applicable acceptance criteria. AWS Part B training specifically emphasizes determining discontinuity acceptability from defined requirements.
Welding Inspection Tools
A CWI needs more than theoretical knowledge.
Common visual inspection tools can include:
- Fillet weld gauges
- Bridge Cam-type gauges
- Hi-Lo gauges
- Steel rules
- Calipers
- Tape measures
- Straightedges
Correct gauge use matters because accept-or-reject decisions may depend on relatively small dimensional differences.
AWS’s current Part B training provides inspection tools and replica weld specimens for hands-on practice. The three-day seminar focuses on measuring discontinuities and using specification information to determine acceptability.
Nondestructive Testing Fundamentals
CWI candidates also study the basic principles of nondestructive testing.
Common methods include:
Visual Testing
Evaluates accessible weld surfaces, dimensions, profile, and visible discontinuities.
Liquid Penetrant Testing
Can reveal surface-breaking discontinuities in suitable nonporous materials.
Magnetic Particle Testing
Used to identify certain surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials.
Ultrasonic Testing
Uses sound energy to evaluate material below the accessible surface.
Radiographic Testing
Uses penetrating radiation to provide information about internal weld conditions.
Nondestructive testing is included in the current CWI Part A examination.
CWI certification, however, should not be confused with separate qualification or certification to perform every NDT method. Additional employer, training, experience, or certification requirements may apply.
Destructive Testing and Metallurgy
Part A also covers destructive testing and metallurgy.
CWI preparation may therefore include concepts related to:
- Guided bend tests
- Tensile testing
- Macro examination
- Material properties
- Heat-affected zones
- Welding heat cycles
- Cracking
- Preheat
- Postweld heat treatment
An inspector does not need to perform every laboratory test personally, but understanding why a test is performed makes qualification records easier to evaluate.
AWS CWI Exam Structure
The current AWS CWI examination consists of three parts.
Part A – Fundamentals
Part A currently contains 150 questions.
AWS lists subjects including:
- Destructive testing
- Fabrication math
- Safety
- Metallurgy
- Nondestructive testing
- Welding symbols
- WPS/PQR
- Welding fundamentals
Part B – Practical
Part B currently contains 46 questions associated with hands-on activities.
AWS identifies practical areas including:
- WPS and PQR application
- Inspection tools and methods
- Required practical activities
The Part B exam is administered directly through AWS rather than through the same Prometric process used for Parts A and C.
Part C – Code Book
Part C is an open-book exam designed to evaluate the candidate’s ability to locate and understand information in an approved code.
It currently contains 50 to 65 questions, depending on the selected code option. AWS lists options associated with structural steel, pipelines, structural aluminum, bridge welding, railroad work, aerospace, ASME-related standards, and ISO material.
Candidates should study the exact edition listed in the current AWS exam reference guide instead of automatically using the newest published edition.
What Score Do You Need to Pass the CWI Exam?
AWS currently requires candidates to achieve a minimum score of 72% on each exam part to obtain the CWI credential.
That means a very strong score on Part A cannot compensate for a score below 72% on Part B or Part C.
Candidates need balanced preparation across fundamentals, practical inspection, and code navigation.
How Are the CWI Exams Delivered?
AWS currently administers Parts A and C by computer-based testing at more than 450 Prometric centers worldwide. Part B is administered separately at AWS educational examination locations.
AWS also currently requires candidates to complete the Part B practical portion before taking Parts A and C.
This means candidates should plan exam logistics carefully rather than assuming all three sections will necessarily be completed during one weekend at one location.
Certified Welding Inspector Training Formats
There is no single required CWI preparation format.
AWS currently offers several choices.
Self-Paced Online Pre-Seminar
The AWS online pre-seminar contains 80 hours of fundamentals instruction and can be used to strengthen Part A knowledge before more intensive exam preparation.
In-Person CWI Seminar
AWS currently offers a comprehensive six-day in-person seminar designed to prepare participants for the CWI exam.
Part B Practical Seminar
The dedicated Part B seminar provides three full days of instruction using gauges, weld replicas, WPS/PQR exercises, specifications, and practice questions.
Online Instructor-Led Training
AWS also currently lists two-week and eight-week online CWI seminar formats. The eight-week program uses interactive online instruction, while AWS describes the two-week course as another instructor-led preparation option covering all three examination areas.
The best format depends on prior experience, learning style, available study time, and which exam section needs the most improvement.
Welding Inspector Safety
Welding inspectors frequently work close to active welding operations, cutting, grinding, hot metal, electrical equipment, and other shop or field hazards.
OSHA identifies welding-related hazards including metal fumes, ultraviolet radiation, burns, eye damage, electrical shock, cuts, and other physical injuries. Proper work practices and personal protective equipment are important controls.
Inspectors therefore need to understand site safety even when they are not personally holding the welding torch.
Training vs. CWI Certification
Completing Certified Welding Inspector training does not automatically make someone an AWS CWI.
Training develops skills and prepares the candidate for the examinations.
AWS certification requires:
- Qualifying education and work experience
- Supporting documentation
- Vision requirements
- Part A
- Part B
- Part C
- At least 72% on each exam part
This distinction is especially important when comparing commercial training providers. A course may prepare someone for CWI testing without having authority to award the AWS CWI credential itself.
CWI Renewal and Recertification
CWI certification also requires maintenance after the initial exams.
AWS currently states that the credential is valid for a nine-year certification period, with renewal applications required at years three and six. At the end of the nine-year period, several recertification options are available.
One current recertification route is completing 80 qualifying Professional Development Hours. AWS also offers a dedicated recertification seminar designed to satisfy the 80-hour continuing-education option.
Credential holders should check current AWS requirements as their renewal or recertification date approaches because program rules can change.
Where Can Certified Welding Inspectors Work?
Welding inspection skills are relevant in industries and environments such as:
- Structural fabrication
- Construction
- Pipeline work
- Manufacturing
- Pressure-related fabrication
- Shipbuilding
- Transportation
- Welding quality departments
- Third-party inspection
The exact responsibilities depend on the employer, project, governing code, and any additional qualifications required.
Holding CWI certification does not automatically authorize every type of inspection or NDT activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Certified Welding Inspector Training?
Certified Welding Inspector training prepares candidates to inspect welds, interpret procedures and codes, use inspection tools, identify discontinuities, understand testing methods, and prepare for the AWS CWI examinations.
What Does CWI Stand For?
CWI stands for Certified Welding Inspector, a professional certification administered by the American Welding Society.
Do You Need to Be a Welder Before Becoming a CWI?
You do not necessarily need to hold a production-welder certification, but AWS requires qualifying welding-based work experience. The minimum amount depends on your education.
How Many Parts Are in the CWI Exam?
There are three: Part A Fundamentals, Part B Practical, and Part C Code Book.
What Is Covered on CWI Part B?
Part B focuses on practical inspection and currently contains 46 questions related to hands-on activities, including WPS/PQR application and use of inspection tools and methods.
Is CWI Part C Open Book?
Yes. AWS currently describes Part C as an open-book examination designed to test the candidate’s ability to locate and understand code requirements.
What Score Do You Need to Pass the CWI Exam?
Candidates currently need at least 72% on each of Parts A, B, and C to earn CWI certification.
How Long Does CWI Training Take?
There is no universal preparation period. Current AWS options range from an 80-hour self-paced fundamentals course to a three-day Part B seminar, a six-day comprehensive in-person seminar, and multi-week online preparation.
Can Certified Welding Inspector Training Be Completed Online?
A substantial part of CWI preparation can be completed online. AWS currently provides self-paced and instructor-led online options, although practical Part B preparation and the Part B exam involve hands-on inspection activities.
Does Completing CWI Training Make You Certified?
No. Training prepares candidates for certification. AWS also requires eligibility, vision documentation, and successful completion of the required exams.
Conclusion
Certified Welding Inspector training develops the technical and practical skills needed to evaluate welded fabrication against defined requirements. Effective preparation covers welding processes, visual inspection, welding symbols, inspection tools, WPS/PQR documents, welder qualification, metallurgy, destructive and nondestructive testing, code navigation, and safety.
For AWS CWI candidates, the current examination consists of Part A Fundamentals, Part B Practical, and Part C Code Book. Candidates must satisfy AWS eligibility and vision requirements and currently need at least 72% on each exam section to earn the credential.
The strongest inspection decisions are based on procedures, measurements, codes, and acceptance criteria—not personal preference or weld appearance alone. For experienced welders, supervisors, engineers, and QA/QC professionals moving toward professional inspection work, developing that disciplined approach is the central purpose of Certified Welding Inspector training.
