American Welding Society (AWS)

AWS CWI

AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

The premier certification for welding inspectors in the United States, validating the ability to inspect welds, interpret codes, and verify weld quality. Required or strongly preferred for inspection roles in construction, fabrication, pipeline, and structural work.

$1255Each part is allotted about 2 hours (approximately 6 hours total)

What's on the exam

AWS QC1 / CWI body of knowledge (Parts A, B, C)

Welding Processes and Procedures

~18%

Arc welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW) · Oxyfuel and cutting processes · Welding procedure specifications (WPS) · Procedure qualification records (PQR) · Welding consumables

Weld Joints, Symbols, and Drawings

~16%

Weld joint geometry · Welding and inspection symbols · Reading drawings and specifications · Joint design · Fit-up and tolerances

Inspection and Testing Methods

~20%

Visual inspection (VT) · Nondestructive examination methods (PT, MT, UT, RT) · Destructive testing · Measurement and gauging tools · Acceptance criteria

Metallurgy and Materials

~14%

Base metal properties · Heat treatment effects · Weldability of metals · Mechanical properties · Distortion and residual stress

Weld Discontinuities and Defects

~16%

Weld and base metal discontinuities · Cracks, porosity, and inclusions · Causes and prevention · Discontinuity vs. defect evaluation · Repair considerations

Codes, Standards, and Documentation

~16%

Code book navigation (Part C) · Welder and procedure qualification · Inspection records and reporting · Safety in welding · Duties and ethics of the inspector

Frequently asked questions

How much does the AWS CWI cost?

The AWS CWI costs $1255. AWS member rate; non-member fee is higher (around $1,520). Retake and seminar fees are separate..

How long is the AWS CWI and how many questions does it have?

Part A ~150 questions; Part B ~46 questions; Part C ~50–65 questions (varies) — Each part is allotted about 2 hours (approximately 6 hours total).

What do you need to pass the AWS CWI?

Minimum 72% on each of the three parts.

Can you retake the AWS CWI?

Permitted; individual failed parts may be retaken per AWS policy.

What is the best way to study for the AWS CWI?

Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Welding Processes and Procedures ~18%, Weld Joints, Symbols, and Drawings ~16%, Inspection and Testing Methods ~20%, Metallurgy and Materials ~14%, Weld Discontinuities and Defects ~16%, Codes, Standards, and Documentation ~16%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.

Program in development

We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.

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At a glance

Format: Three-part exam: Part A (Fundamentals), Part B (Practical, hands-on), and Part C (Code Book, open-book)
Questions: Part A ~150 questions; Part B ~46 questions; Part C ~50–65 questions (varies)
Duration: Each part is allotted about 2 hours (approximately 6 hours total)
Passing: Minimum 72% on each of the three parts
Eligibility: Combination of education and welding-related work experience plus a passing vision test; application submitted in advance of the exam
Validity / renewal: Certification valid for 3 years; renewed by maintaining requirements, with periodic recertification (typically every 9 years)
Where you take it: AWS-administered exams at approved testing sites
Retake policy: Permitted; individual failed parts may be retaken per AWS policy
Cost: $1255 — AWS member rate; non-member fee is higher (around $1,520). Retake and seminar fees are separate.

Official sources

Fees, policies, and blueprints change — always confirm details with the official source before registering.