The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential is awarded by the American Welding Society (AWS). Candidates must meet the education, work-experience and vision requirements AWS sets and pass three examination parts. Part B (Practical) is taken first: a paper-based, open-book exam at AWS test sites in which candidates use the Part B Book of Specifications, an exhibits booklet, plastic weld replicas and inspection tools. Part A (Fundamentals) is a closed-book, computer-based test at Prometric test centers on welding fundamentals such as welding processes, terminology, welding and NDE symbols, weld examination, nondestructive and destructive testing, metallurgy and welding-related calculations. Part C (Code Book) is an open-book, computer-based test of the ability to find and apply the requirements of the code the candidate chose, such as AWS D1.1 for structural steel or API 1104 for pipelines. A candidate needs at least 72 percent on each part and a composite average of at least 72 percent. The certification lasts nine years, with renewals due at years three and six.
CWI Part B practice: 92 questions, two 46-question mocks
CWI Part A practice: 100 questions, two timed mocks
How Part B of the AWS CWI exam works: 46 questions in 120 minutes, the materials and tools you get, how the Book of Specifications is laid out, worked decisions and the traps that cost marks.
How the AWS Certified Welding Inspector exam works: each part's questions and time, the 72% pass mark, what AWS says on pass rates, retakes, fees and a practice question.
Study: Part A Fundamentals
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