How to Be a Certified Welding Inspector
Becoming a certified welding inspector (CWI) requires extensive experience in the field of welding. You will need to submit several qualifying documents that must be approved before you can take the exam. These include proof of your visual abilities, verifiable work experience and education history. Many students study from test resources before taking the exam. Once you are certified, your work as a certified inspector will include reviewing the work of individuals taking the certified welder test.
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Instructions
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Certification Requirements
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Visit the American Welding Society website, Aws.org, to obtain a packet of information about the certified welding inspector exam and the required documentation.
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Complete the exam application included in the packet. The form will include your personal information and the test site of your choice. You'll also need to list the code of the application on which you'd like to be tested, such as pipeline, bridge or railroad welding. List your work experience, employer contact information and education history. Read the instructions carefully because you will need to have a required number of years (usually about 10) of work and education experience.
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Schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist, optometrist, medical doctor, registered nurse or certified physician's assistant to complete a full eye exam. The medical professional administering the exam will need to complete a visual acuity record, also included in the AWS packet.
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Submit your application materials and the exam fees with a check made payable to the American Welding Society. Exam fees vary each year so check at Aws.org to find the correct price.
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Use preparatory materials to study for the exam. In the AWS packet you'll find a list of recommended study resources, including the Certification Manual for Welding Inspectors, the Welding Inspection Handbook and the Guide for the Visual Examination of Welds. The packet also includes a breakdown of the subject areas covered in the written examination, according to how many questions there are in each category.
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Take the certification exam on the scheduled date. You will know the outcome in a few weeks. If you successfully passed the exam, you'll receive a card showing proof of your certification.
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Tips & Warnings
On your application, you may check a box to choose to participate in a seminar week leading up to the exam, which including preparatory classes to help you study for the exam.
You can refer customers or potential employers to AWS.org to verify your status as a Certified Welding Inspector.
