CAWI: Begin Your Welding Inspection Career
CAWI: Begin Your Welding Inspection Career
Welding inspection is a process to ensure weldments conform to specific codes, standards, or documents. An Associate Welding Inspector aids in this process under the guidance of a Welding Inspector.
The Certified Associate Welding Inspector is a credential designed for budding professionals eyeing a career in welding inspection. Still, it needs to hold the experience for the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification. The CAWI credential provides a steppingstone for the next level as a CWI.
You will gain practical experience working with Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWI) and Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI). A CAWI performs inspections alongside a SCWI or CWI, who determines final acceptance.
Application, Renewal, Recertification
Application, Renewal, Recertification
Visit my.aws.org to enter information, submit required documentation and a current photo, register for seminars and courses, and make payments.
The CAWI credential is valid for three years and is non-renewable. There is no way to recertify as a CAWI either. If you do not pursue CWI or SCWI certification and continue working as a CAWI, you must apply from scratch.
Select from the options below
See Below
CAWI Initial Application
- How it Works
- Required Documents
- Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
- Training
See Below
CAWI Renewal
- How it Works
See Below
CAWI Recertification
- How it Works
CAWI Initial Application
-
Overview
-
Documents
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Exam Information
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Training
CAWI Requirements and Process
To earn the Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) certification, candidates must pass a vision test and present documented proof of a certain level of education and work experience.
A minimum of 2 years of work experience is required for a high school diploma or equivalent holder. Those with at least 8th grade education need 4 years of work experience. For individuals with less than an 8th grade education, a minimum of 6 years of work experience is required.
Candidates with at least 8th grade education, alongside one year of vocational training in welding, require 3 years of experience. If you have two years of post-high school education in welding, engineering technology, or physical sciences, a 6-month work experience suffices.
Application Process
Visit the online portal to provide the required documentation, make payment and register for seminars and courses to enter their information, submit the necessary documentation, photos, and register for seminars and courses.
Make sure to have the following documents ready before starting the application process:
- Employment Verification Form
- Visual Acuity Exam Form
- Additional Qualifying Work Experience Form
- Photo ID Requirements
CAWI STANDARDS
A CAWI certification ensures the certificate holder meets all of the specification and certification requirements found in:
- QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
- B5.1:2013-AMD1 -Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors
Technical and Reference Documents are provided when registered and attending an AWS Seminar.
If an applicant/candidate is not attending an AWS Seminar prior to testing and is planning to self-study, please review the Recommended Self-Study for Examination section below.
TECHNICAL AND SPECIFICATION DOCUMENTS AND REFERENCE MATERIALS
(AWS CAWI BODY OF KNOWLEDGE)
- Certification Manual for Welding Inspectors
- Welding Inspection Handbook
- D1.1/D1.1M Structural Welding Code-Steel
- D1.1 Code Clinic Reference Manual
- API 1104 Study Guide for API Standard 1104 Welding of Pipelines
- Welding Inspection Technology
- Welding Inspection Technology (Workbook)
- Welding Inspection Technology Sample CWI Fundamentals Examination & Key
- Standard Welding Terms and Definitions
- Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination
- Guide for the Nondestructive Examination of Welds
- Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors
Technical and Reference Documents are provided when registered and attending an AWS Seminar.
To purchase any of the AWS publications or the API1104 Codebook visit the AWSBookstorewebsite.
To purchase any of the ASME publications, visit the ASME website.
REVIEW THE AWS CWI EXAM USER GUIDE(PDF)
Other forms and documents:
To earn the CAWI certification, candidates must pass three exams: Part A Fundamentals, Part B Practical, and Part C Code Book.
Part A, covering topics from destructive testing to welding fundamentals, and Part C, an open-book test on code understanding, are computer-based tests conducted at Prometric Test Centers. Part B, a practical exam on hands-on welding activities, takes place at various US locations.
Candidates can bring one of several code books for the Part C exam, such as AWS D1.1- Structural Steel Code or ASME BPVC Section IX.
AWS will email a Confirmation Letter after reviewing and processing your application, which allows you to schedule your exams with Prometric.
To progress to CWI, candidates need a minimum score of 72% on each part of the exam.
AWS conducts CAWI Part A (Fundamentals) and Part C (Codebook) exams via computer-based testing at over 450 Prometric Centers worldwide, located at prometric.com/aws.However, the Part B (Practical) exam locations differ.
Learn more about Prometric CBT and Exam Centers:
- Understand Prometric’ssecurity process at an Exam Center.
- Review a tutorialon how to navigate the screen during your CBT.
- Familiarize yourself with the CBT environment by scheduling an appointment toTake a Test Drive Before Exam Day.
- Learn more about your Prometric test day experience on ourFAQ for CBTpage.
- Access Prometric’s various other resources, by visitingprometric.com/aws.
- Prometric Exam Center COVID Policy
- Prometric Exam Center Cleaning Practices
The Part B (Practical) exam is administered at various US locations hosting AWS seminars and international locations through our International Agents. Refer to the Exam Schedule and the International Contacts for Seminars and Exams.
Note, you will receive your Part B Exam score only after completing Parts A and C. Expect an email with exam scores about two weeks post completion.
Exam Preparation Training and Seminar
Part A - The Fundamentals Pre-Seminar offers an in-depth, 80-hour online program on essential concepts for CAWI, aiding preparation for the Part A Fundamentals exam.This engaging course, divided into easily accessible modules, can be accessed anytime.
Part B - The Part B Practical Seminar offers three full days of in-person expert guidance, aiding preparation for the Part B Practical Exam. It covers the review of specifications, application of WPSs and PQRs, hands-on learning, and a timed practice exam. Supplementary materials are provided, including an AWS Welding Inspector's Toolkit and access to online resources.
Part C- For the Part C Exam, AWS offers self-paced online code clinics to help candidates familiarize with popular codebooks like D1.1, D17.1, and API 1104.
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CAWI Renewal
Overview
Because the Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) credential acts as a stepping-stone to a CWI credential, it is valid for three (3) years and cannot be renewed or recertified.*
*For additional details on the CAWI renewal or recertification, please refer to QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
CAWI Recertification
Overview
Because the Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) credential acts as a stepping-stone to a CWI credential, it is valid for three (3) years and cannot be renewed or recertified.*
*For additional details on the CAWI renewal or recertification, please refer to QC1:2016-AMD1 - Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
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