How to Prepare for a Welding Inspector Exam
To become a welding inspector, you'll need to sign up for the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam offered by the American Welding Society (AWS). Obtaining this certification will allow you to work as an inspector of welding procedures for individuals hoping to become a Certified Welder. To sign up for the CWI exam, you'll need to submit the correct documentation, including an eye exam. You can also prepare by studying the recommended resources for the exam, a list of which can be found at the official website for the American Welding Society, www.aws.org.
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Instructions
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Exam Requirements
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Download an informational packet for the Certified Welding Inspector exam from www.aws.org. This document contains all the pertinent information about the exam and the forms you'll need to fill out to be eligible.
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Fill out the application included in the packet. The application will require information about your work history and contact information from your present and past employers. The number of years of work experience combined with years of educational background (including high school) usually needs to be around 10 years to be eligible for the exam.
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Schedule an appointment for an eye exam with an nurse, doctor, optometrist or certified physician's assistant. At your exam, have the professional conducting your assessment fill out the Visual Acuity Record included in your packet.
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Submit the application to the American Welding Society, along with the Visual Acuity Record and an application fee. Fees for the exam are around $1,000 for non-AWS members and $800 for members. The materials can be sent to the following address:
American Welding Society
Certification Department
550 NW LeJeune Road
Miami, FL 33126
Study Resources
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Study the preparatory materials suggested by the AWS, which are listed in the application packet. Some suggested readings include the Welding Inspection Handbook, Welding Inspection Technology Workbook and Guide for the Visual Examination of Welds. These materials can be ordered at AWSpubs.com or by calling 1-888-WELDING.
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Sign up for an optional seminar week leading up to your exam. You can check a box on the first page of the application to sign up for the week of classes that will review key information you'll need to know for the exam. The seminar includes classes like Welding Inspection Technology and a Visual Inspection Workshop.
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Practice welding techniques in the weeks leading up to your exam. Have other welders inspect your work, and do the same for theirs. It's important to brush up on your procedures in addition to studying from reference materials.
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Tips & Warnings
Submit your application at least six weeks before the test date. Any applications mailed after that point are charged a $250 Fast Track Process Fee.
Keep a copy of all application materials you submit, and use Priority Mail with a Tracking Option when you send in your application.
