When I took the test last year, I frantically scoured the net for study material. I found that AWS has two documents for study. I easily found the Quality Assurance study guide, but the NDT study Guide was alot harder to find.

https://app.aws.org/certification/cert1234.pdf           Quality Study Guide SG-4

https://app.aws.org/certification/docs/cert4268.pdf        NDT Study Guide

When I assembled my printed book (downloaded stuff) I printed the "Free Downloads" page and highlighted all the free downloads in my book (i.e. AWS B5.1, AWS QC1, AWS Z49...)
I also put the receipts in for each downloaded resource.

Here are some of the "Must Haves" in my opinion for the SCWI test. Be aware, that you may be a D1.1 GURU, but the answers are not from D1.1, they are directly from the books below...

SCWI-SG-4 Senior Certified Welding Inspector Study Guide – Section 4 Quality Assurance (Free Download)

ANSI Z49.1:2005 (AWS) Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Products

AWS B2.1:2009 Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification

AWS B1.10:2009 Guide for the Nondestructive Examination of Welds

AWS B1.11:2000 Guide for the Visual Inspection of Welds

AWS B4.0:2007 Standard Methods for Mechanical Testing of Welds

AWS B5.1:2003 Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors

AWS D10.4:1986 Recommended Practices for Welding Austenitic Chromium – Nickel Stainless Steel Piping and Tubing

ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems

ASNT SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice: Personnel Qualification and Certification for Nondestructive Testing

I remember the test being intense on Heat Treat/Metallurgy, Nondestructive Testing, Qualification and Certification (Procedure, Welder, NDT), and Safety.

Don't be fooled, I thought this was an extremely hard test. I'm a certified ISO Lead Auditor, Lean Expert and Six SIgma Black Belt, ASNT Level III, and have 30 years of experience with ISO 9001, NDT, and Visual Inspection. Obtained my CWI in 2006.

and yes, I passed...but I'm not bragging about this score......

Hello to All,,

This being my first post in this forum, I am just going to jump right in there with my NEW PART B experience.

Three months ago I decided it was time to "bite the bullet" and pursue the CWI certification. Having been a welder for over 20 yrs, I felt it was time to open new doors (or at least see if any new doors would open). However, one aspect of obtaining the CWI status really hung in my gut, PART B and the out of pocket expense. So, I started "trolling" this forum searching for insight on how to prepare, what to study, how to study, what to expect, what to do, what not to do, and just how difficult the process of passing the exam, PART B in particular, was going to be. During my "trolling" sessions I was able to pick out a great deal of information pertaining to the questions that I had. Some of the information was easy to pluck, some of it was hidden in the various rants of others.

Once all my books arrived from registering in the online pre-seminar, I then figured out where my knowledge was weak and began there. For 2 1/2 months I studied and read all the information I was provided (the expense and the horror stories of PART B turned into a great motivational tool). I brushed up on WPS's, PQR's, and WQTR's every free chance I was afforded. When I got to the seminar I felt as ready as I could be.

The instructor was superb, materials were spot on, and the 2 days spent on PART B answered many of the unknown question of what to expect on exam day (and it really made my gut feel a whole lot better).

Each exam I finished with @ 30 min. to spare. I chose not to review my answers for fear of overthinking the question and changing a right answer to a wrong (learned that from the pre-test).

All in all, I had a good time and through my endless hours of dedication and with the help of this forum and others, I have joined the class of CWI's in passing not only PART's A and C, but PART B as well.

I guess my input regarding the NEW PART B would be: Read it, Learn it, and most importantly, Understand it.

Hope I didn't bore to many of you on my first time out.

Todd

The CWI exam tests to the 2015 D1.1 Structural Steel. There are nine clauses versus the eight in the 2010. Study Hard

Funny you should say that Al. Rather Harsh, yet non the less amusing.
There is actually a very funny story of me getting chased out of a "La Casa del Sol Naciente" in Tijuana back in '87.
I vaguely remember something about my lovely Felina screaming "EL DIABLO" at me and barstools flying.
A combination of Mexican Tequila and Peruvian nasal medicine for some odd reason makes other people misinterpret my words and intentions. Or perhaps it was my butchering of the Spanish language...

I've been perusing the forums, researching the process and have formulated a course of study for the SCWI.

Looks can be deceiving...I 'SEEM' to be many things but I am usually NOT what I appear...?? 

Many classes, regardless of who is teaching them, are currently falling short of totally preparing one for the exams.  With all of the Code changes in D1.1:2015 as well as the changes in the Book of Specifications, weld molds, and adding the new Book of Exhibits to the Part B exam, the test is far different than anything most of the current CWI's and SCWI's are experienced with.

So, you take a class, they say, 'this is what you will need to know for the exams'; WRONG.  It isn't even there anymore or it has changed.  So, be careful about classes preparing you for the exams.  Take a class that teaches you how to inspect and goes through the code books in detail.  With that background you will be able to pass the exam AND will be a better QC/QA person. 

With the proper background, experience, and advance study the seminar will round you out and prepare you for some particulars that are not able to be reached by self study.  The failure curve gets steeper and steeper for those who: do no pre-study, are not familiar with a code book, do not take the seminar, have no inspection experience.  The more you are prepared ahead of time, the higher your chances of success. 

There are very few GOOD study materials available outside of the seminar for the Part B.  You should have some of those if you took the seminar.  If not, take it this time. 

Brent

Brent,
Thank you for the reply. You seem to be very knowledgeable. Before i took my first test I took a series of classes at a local college that was written to cover what the aws requires. Was also taught by a CWI. I will do some digging to see if I can retake those classes.. Also. Where can I find study material for part B? Thanks again!
Link

Grab some plans laying around the office and study them. Or get your PM to PlanGrid you some. If you can read structural drawings you should pass the test. That's what they're testing you on.

Not trying to be mean but it is one of those things that either you can do it or you can't. The drawings they give you are a little odd but that's what they're testing you on is your ability to hit the curve ball. Just like the CWI Part B. Inspectors need to be able to hit the curve ball.

I believe this is what is being spoken of:

https://app.aws.org/certification/docs/SCWI_studyguide.pdf

So I just hired on with an engineering firm in Michigan. I have an NDT background with level II certs in MT, PT and VT. This company, however, does a lot of building reviews that requires an S1 ICC cert. I dont yet have my CWI due to not having 3 yrs experience (I only have a little over 2). I have zero bolting inspection experience (100% weld) so its all new to me. I know the format of the exam and have been prepping for a few days now. I have all the books (2015 IBC, AISC, steel inspection manual) and its been a bit overwhelming. I never had any idea bolting inspection was this complicated (A325, A490, twist off, etc). I purchased the ICC S1 online study course and it has helped quite a bit to familiarize me with the code and its format. I have a lot of plan reading experience with my time spent doing weld inspection on nuclear subs but never have read plans for buildings and bolts.

My question to you folks is have any of you taken it recently and if so, do you have any tips?

Don't know how many versions of this exam are presented by AWS, & no study guides or practice materials are available (aside from the whole AWS publication library).  Even though it's an open-book exercise, you'll have little time to consult the books; your minimum of 6 years as a CWI is your most valuable asset, particularly if you've had diverse experience.

FYI - some years ago - my exam included what appeared to be an unusually large proportion of questions on LT & AET.  Be cool, & best wishes!  SCWIs aren't standing on every street corner; according to Miami, as of July 2015 the world had 876, & 360 were in the USA.
gary

I don't know of any practice questions available, nor is there a prep seminar like there is for the CWI exam.
It's all self study and experience with the materials.
I expected the test to be rough, and it was, but multiple choice answer tests are not so bad. The most correct answer is right there, you've just got to pick the right one.
The saving grace is that you can bring any text or notes you have with you to the exam. How long it takes to find answers in the reference materials you bring depends on how familiar you are with them.

Tim

I found a couple threads about SCWI on here. Good info, I just can't find any solid direction for studying for this test other than the BOK from AWS (20 Specs!). Didn't know if anyone knew, or had any, SCWI practice material/questions.

I did see this post which is great info
https://app.aws.org/forum/topic_show.pl?pid=234875;hl=SCWI%20Exam

Any other advice than the above post for taking the SCWI exam? Was the test what you expected when you took it?

Does anyone have some pointers before taking the CWI API exam.

I have tons of study materials.   For those of you that have taken and passed I was curious if there are some things you would focus more on in hindsite prior to the exam?

Thanks,
Galen

Congratulations and welcome to the Club.
Sorry, but your timing's a bit off for the "Pick of the low hanging fruit". Jobs are scarce industry wide and therefore competition is high.
I suggest you try to get more training and certs. RT Interp, MT, PT, UT etc. How about computer skills? Do you have a working knowledge of Office, Power Point, Excel, and Outlook? How are your technical writing skills? Can you take fotos and add circles, arrows, text and post them into a report? If not I highly suggest you start a self study. If all you can do is play games, shop on Amazon and eBay, then I might suggest some professional training.
When times are slow, take advantage if you can and make yourself more marketable. It hurts less if you don't have to take time off from work to take tests, attend seminars and schools. At least that is my personal philosophy.
Not knowing your location, flexibility, background or the career path you have envisioned, there are still plenty of opportunities out there.
I have years behind me in this line of work and I spend everyday sending CVs when between projects. I am a contract Inspector and I have to decide between where, when, how long, how much $$$, plus a host of other variables.
I can understand not wanting to "get thrown to the wolves", but do you have any relevant experience.
QC/CWIs should try to get some training/mentoring before going full throttle.

Yes, you are now Certified... but how qualified are you?
Give us some specifics and we'll try to help.
Best of luck to you in your search.

They are giving the books to some people before the seminar, but not to others. It is driving the instructors crazy. Everyone is trying to do their best, but it would make sense to set the policy and stick to it. My vote is to send everyone the books as soon as they pay the fees and leave it to them to bring all the books to the seminar. If they can't manage to do that, they should try something that doesn't require responsibility and self reliance. No books, go home, we don't need you. Sounds harsh, but life can be harsh. We want the cream, not the whey.

The fly in the ointment is the employer that signs up an employee and doesn't tell the employee. So, how does one sign the application if they don't even know they are attending the seminar? Hummm. Interesting.

When asked, I always tell prospective candidates to attend the CWI seminar and take the examination the following month at a different site. That allows sufficient time to study. If one can't find the time to study during that four weeks, it is time to consider whether one is serious about earning the CWI.

"But I am working overtime." Time to make a decision, you want to become a CWI, certification as a NDE Level XX, or college degree or you want to continue maintaining the status quo. I've heard all the excuses and I've been there. One must choose to forgo the overtime or the game on television to attend the required courses and to do the homework. No one hands you the CWI credential, NDE certification, or college degree without you putting in the time and effort to fulfill the requirements.

Another reality; if only 30% pass, that's the 30% we want. I think the pass rate is higher, but not everyone has the drive and dedication needed to fulfill the position of a CWI. A close examination of the qualifications of a CWI are impressive. I will support every effort to raise the bar to ensure those individuals that earn the CWI credential can do the work. 

I've heard comments from engineers taking the seminar that there is no way AWS can actually expect someone to remember everything covered in the seminar. Another comment heard repeatedly; "I've never studied this hard in my life." To those remarks I say, "If I can pass the examination, anyone can, but it takes effort and dedication to study all the materials and do all the homework."

You and many others have put in the time to learn the material. No one handed you the credentials you have earned. The credentials cost you time, lost wages while you attended the classes, and just think of the television, football, basketball, and baseball games you missed. You made a decision and you did the work needed to earn the credentials.

Granted, some people have to take the exams, study, take the exam again, and repeat the process until they have mastered the materials. No one has ever said it is an easy examination. Some people need the extra time to master the material. Different people, different approaches to digest and learn the material. It is just the way it is. Dedication and determination is what is required. Hey, I passed, how hard can it be?

Best regards - Al

Al,

I think this is one of the best seminar and subsequent exams that has been put together by any organization I have seen, ASNT, ICC, City of LA, as well as previous AWS CWI exams.  The class presented by Dave Diaz was second to none (except maybe one of yours).  Well prepared, covered all needed information to be prepared for the exam, corrected misconceptions about certain aspects of the work as well as how to be prepared for and take the exam, gave great test taking tips, tips on tabbing, highlighting, and other study and time saving tips. 

I took some time before one session and did a powerpoint on what to expect upon arrival at the exam on Saturday morning.  Helped to take some of the anxiety out of what is actually the easiest part of the day.  Everyone came well prepared for registration and no one forgot their code book, calculator, etc.  All cell phones were turned off and there was total understanding of the rules and why some things are what they are. 

Yes, the replicas were amazing.  Very good quality considering they are plastic.  The questions were very good for preparing the students for the exams.  The tool kit had very appropriate deletions and addition/replacements.  The Book of Exhibits is very good for giving applicable illustrations for PQR, WPS, and Welder Qual understanding. 

All students told me they thought it was a good test, even if those who weren't at all sure they had passed. 

I'll go into more detail later when I catch up on some sleep.  The last two weeks have been grueling.  3-4 hours per night does not a good disposition make. 

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day,  Brent

AcidFox,

WELCOME TO THE AWS WELDING FORUM!!

As I am uncertain of the EXACT direction of your question, let me make a couple of observations.

1) Once one has taken and passed the 3 part CWI exam they are qualified and certified to inspect to any code. 
2) But, AWS has an endorsement program that one may utilize to prove proficiency in other codes.
3) D1.1 Structural Welding Code- Steel does not contain D1.5 Bridge Code within it's texts; they are separate.
4) If an employer desires proof of comprehension of a specific code then D1.1 does not 'contain' D1.5; they are separate.
5) You will need the D1.5 Bridge Code in order to self-study for the open code book exam for the D1.5 endorsement.
6) There are no different 'qualifications' for taking the exam and inspecting to D1.5 than there are for D1.1; they are the same.

Hope we answered your questions.

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day,  Brent

One can use one of several welding standards for the open code book examination. D1.5 is one of the approved codes. The only codes covered during the AWS sponsored CWI seminar are API 1104 and AWS D1.1. If you want to use D1.5, you have to prepare yourself by studying the code on your own.

Best regards - Al

I like the process. I think the part B that I took was fair. I guess I added my .02 to the specific "the new part b" discussion as someone who has taken it, and was very unprepared. I wanted people to know that you must be very prepared to take it. The test pulls from a wide range of practice, as is the point, and requires a wide variety of skills, again that's the point. My opinion from that point forward is just that. My opinion.
I've been in this field a long time, I didn't just show up expecting to take a class/seminar, and to magically pass this test. I did expect a preparation to take the test. I expected that seminar/class to test my existing knowledge and reveal my weaknesses, so that I could study those, gain knowledge and become better rounded.

I was provided exactly that on part a and on part c, as promised, prior to actually having to sit down and take the actual test. What a great experience and opportunity! What I did not get was the same experience and opportunity on part b. It is just that simple. Here are the facts.
We got:
Here are the tools we think will be in the kit (close)here are the weld samples we believe are similar to new part b samples (pretty close btw), here is the new part b specification (surprise it's different to what you studied for weeks in advance of this class), here is what we think will be in the book of exhibits (way off btw). They might ask you to measure this, or measure that, we are not sure.(they were not)
We are not here to teach you to be inspectors (valid point) we are here to teach you to pass this test (but we have no sample questions or any practice questions for you to work on whatsoever) good luck!

So there was no way to reveal your weakness except to take the actual test. There was no way to focus the expansion of your knowledge. I'm an expert at what I do, and I am very confident that I did well at the things geared toward my small part of the field. Admittedly, I'm not an expert in the wider field the test represents. That doesn't make it an unfair test. It just means that there are many things I have never seen in my small area that I need to educate myself on in order to pass the test. I didn't have any idea what those things were prior to taking the actual test because I was not prepared properly.

So for those that have never taken it, or for those preparing to take it, do not rely on anyone to help you figure out where you are weak unless they can actually give you problems to solve upfront. Many will have experienced the types of things that tripped me up in their everyday inspection life. I did not. Some may not have experience things I am an expert at, the things I found easy. My point is I paid someone to prepare me, and they were not ready to do that for the new part B. So beware.

That isn't a vent, but a cautionary tale on how the new part B went for me. I shared it hoping that it will help someone meet the challenge. As for me, I will work hard and study the areas I don't have experience in, and I will pass this test as a better rounded professional, worthy of the CWI stamp. It's what I would have done prior to the test, if the preparation for the test had included it, and it's what I'll do now having taken and failed the test.

I don't think that was soap boxy at all. I agree with what you have said. I found it to be a fair test. And, I wouldn't want to go through that if it was for something watered down. We would disagree some, but not all on the speed element, but better self preparation through additional study can over come that for test purposes. I find myself in situations where speed is importaint and where the pressure is on, so I get it to an extent. The time factor is fair for simulation. I agree with your view on teaching to take the test, vs teaching the content, to the point of this. If you bill yourself as a school who is training you to pass this test, that is what you'd better be doing. You'd better have simulations of that test, and you'd better work it and work it and work it. My time is such a class made it easy for me to assess what I knew and what I didn't know, with the exception of the part B. I quickly found that I knew how to search and use the code. I've been doing that for years. My weakness in that area was doing it fast, especially in areas I do not have to use in daily work life. So, I practiced speed, and read, studied and worked on my weak parts. I think the fruit of that was that I'm more knowledgable than I was before. Enough that I feel the part C went fine for me under a clock. Similarly, for part A, it quickly became obvious in practicing and study, that the areas I am weaker in, are the same areas I found weakness in while studying for part C. Logically, those should be similar in part C, and they are for me. However, part B is different in that you add the element of test pieces and tools. Added are additional elements from different industries, which are fair, as you should be able to switch between, but can really screw you up if you have had no practice doing that in a time crunched situation. Again, it's a fair test. Back to the part about teaching you to take a test. This simply was not done for part B. There was no real preparation given. Can I do the work? Yes I can. Could I do it accurately in the given time, bringing all the elements together on that day? Nope. And because of that, I do feel that I'm not ready to carry that certification. Now that I have taken the test, I know exactly what it is like. I know where I need to work. I know the things that now take me 6 min to figure out, and need to take me 2. I'm happy to know those things. I'll get better, and I'll get more comfortable doing it. I'll pass it, and be better because I studied those things.

The shame is that I can do the work, I just needed to learn to do it fast. I needed to be trained to take a test. There are people who use that type of training to find where they are weak, then study the heck out of it. I didn't just want to pass, I want to pass knowing I'm reasonably strong in all the areas needed. As I said, studying to take part A & part C revealed areas of study I was weak in. I'll continue to study those areas. But we had no such study for part B. There was no way we could reveal our weaknesses until we cracked open that booklet. Now we know, and the smart ones will use it to be better at what they do.

Where we were failed I believe is that we had no practice that would reveal that prior to the test. I think Hobart decided to teach less, thinking if they taught to the old part B, people would come out saying that practice was nothing like the new part b. So, they went light, choosing to wait and see how it turned out. It was a bloodbath. I think future classes will get the benefit of this. There will be more time spent doing practice tests that reveal which areas you are weak in, and allow you to make a choice to better yourself in those areas through further study and practice. We just didn't get that tool in this class until we took the test in real time. I won't waste it. I would not have wasted it had we had the chance prior. We just didn't get it.

Some people choose to learn to only pass a test, some people choose to use that knowledge to find their weakness, and improve their skill through study. I'm the latter of the two. It's not good enough to just pass. Regardless, of how some choose, it was not delivered in this class. As it relates to the new part B, I believe it may not make a difference. If Hobart didnt teach anyone to take it, they were without a valuable tool to learn from. They didn't teach this class to take it, so we went without. If the old part b would have been taught similarly, I suspect it would have been the same bloodbath.

I look forward to learning more and tackling this again. I'm glad it will be meaningful to say CWI. Otherwise, why do it?

My post was not making a charge at anyone's qualifications or lack thereof.  I was showing how the system works in order to provide the most competent inspectors as possible into the work place. 

Once one passes the exams it still should be a given that they have additional training through their employer but that is left totally to the employer and way too many think that once the exams are passed they need to nothing else and the new CWI gets thrown to the wolves no matter if they are in a lab, shop, or TPI position.

Another way workplace stress is simulated is by the time factor of the tests.  How else can one see how someone will respond under pressure?  It isn't that you are limited in time on the job.  But how do you work and respond to stress when a welder, lead person, or engineer is standing there needing an answer so their people can get back to work? 

See, there are times when time is critical but it is more about getting your adrenaline pumping to see how you can do under pressure.  Are you able to handle several questions coming at you all at once?  Finding the answer fairly quickly in the codebook and not shooting from the hip? 

These are not easy things to simulate on a test.  AWS has done a fair job.

Now, remember, this is their test, approved and documented through other organizations to be effective, accurate, and established for fairness and equality.  This test is not to be a respector of persons.  It is equal stress and information across the board in many cross sections of our industry.  It would not work to have a dozen separate tests for each small subdivision: brazing, structural, automotive, aerospace, etc.  And yet some of that is worked in by allowing different open codebook exams and endorsement exams.  The main thrust is common ground for all and most of the information is good background for all inspectors.  It gives us an understanding of welding not normally presented in most welding curriculum in HS and college.  With that background we are better able to do our jobs.

But if one goes to a class that focuses on teaching people how to pass the test and not on the material in whole then there is a weakness in the end product. 

Some people need more time than the one week seminar and I get that.  But that is where self study should come in.  Figure it out for yourself and make it personal in both your own understanding abilities and your particular work environment.  It will mean more and have a direct application for you.

THEN, the instructors at any seminar can help you understand some of the things that are outside your normal pervue so that you can get some things right that you would have missed by yourself.  And, they help you with some items like tabbing your book to speed you up and teaching you how to get to areas quickly by analyzing the question to see where the answer may be. 

There is a lot to this test.  And, the test has changed over time.  Some see the negative changes, others the positive.  The goal is not to fail people.  It is to properly test the qualifications and pass the best people. 

Now, I'm not taking the test, I am proctoring the test.  I still want to sit through the seminar for PDH credit and for general knowledge in how things have changed and want to see what the instructors are now teaching prior to the test.  I teach a class through our section, nothing like the seminar, on how to be prepared for the CWI exams.  I teach what to do and what resources to use for self study as well as how to organize your paperwork to avoid the pitfalls of AWS losing your paperwork because it went in to them in so many separate packets that it takes awhile for all your info to be brought together in one place.  I try to take some of the pressure off so people can concentrate on the material of the exams and not be sidelined because they must redo paperwork that they didn't keep copies of, etc.  Little things in being mentally prepared for what is going to happen at the exam.  What tools are in the kit with more time than just one or two days to work with them.  For example, if you don't use mics much, leave it alone at the exam.  All it will do is take up valuable time trying to calibrate it when you could be answering questions. 

Off my soapbox.  All of the people doing training are trying to be helpful in their own way.  But you are still the one responsible to make sure you are ready and qualified.  AWS's qualifications for SITTING the exam are minimal.  They still don't mean you are qualified to do the job.  That's where additional training, apprenticeship, mentoring comes in. 

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day,  Brent

I agree with what both you and Brent are saying.  I would not say I had a ton of print reading experience prior to taking the CWI.  I was a fitter/welder and started as a grunt in the union when I get my real first taste of formal Code print reading. But I had been welding to prints for many years.  I was also in welding school at the local college at night for a few years.  I remember reading and studying 4 months in advance of the exam, every single night, after the test I was so sick of welding haha.  Took me a good few weeks to want to open a book about it.  

I teach an LA City prep course to prepare students for the code test, and built the class more of a CWI style understanding.  I broke down each clause into its own sets of questions and it covers clause 1-6 and came to 137 questions.  I teach the class clause by clause, one a week.  For their final I take 50 questions from the 137 and give them 2 hours to complete it.  Between us I do not judge their grade based on finishing it all in time but more how many they attempted vs how many they got correct.   I think running them slowly through each clause will help it all stick better and create some real smart welders to send into the welding world.  Plus if they do good, the LA City would be a cake walk.

J

Did he pass the examination?

While many of these people "qualify" to sit for the examination, how many actually pass the examination?

Of the three parts of the CWI examinations, Part B probably filters out those individuals that truly lack the experience needed to function as a CWI.

Very few individuals that sign up for the CWI have the back ground needed to pass the examination without additional study. Whether they work in a "code" shop or not, few welders have the necessary experience looking for information in a code book or experience with all the different welding processes covered by the examination, few engineers have experience examining welds, and few QC personnel  have experience with all the different welding processes. In each case, the candidate has to expand his  knowledge of welding, inspection, codes, mechanical testing, and metallurgy. Whether they obtain the knowledge by home study, taking a class at a community college, a for profit organization, or AWS sponsored seminar is not an issue. Whether one can pass the examination with a 72% correct score is the issue. Of all the variables at issue, the least pivotal is whether the candidate has experience. That will come soon enough when the CWI picks up his fillet gages and walks through the shop door. In any event, it is the employer's responsibility to assess the CWI's experience and capabilities before assigning them to a project. The CWI credential is not the end point, hopefully it is the beginning of a life long learning experience.

Just my thoughts on the process of qualifying to be a functional CWI.

Best regards - Al

I'm curious as to whether or not the candidates at the beta exam had new Part B specific training or did they take it "Cold"?
When was Part "B" first used?
Seems it was brand new when I took it in '98.
My 9 year is due in 10 months and thinking about taking it just so I can advise others (Nu-B CWI candidates) on a course of study.

Thank you very much!

Now study more so I dont screw it on my job as a CWI!

If you actually study the VT material from ASNT and go through a class to get Level II VT qualified you will find many things that are not exactly the same.  It goes way beyond just the 'looking at welds' qualification of a CWI. 

You will study the eye and see why certain lumen brightness flashlights are really needed and what angle works best for said light.  You will learn more about metallurgy and how it pertains to castings and forgings as well as standard welding.  You will learn the difference between direct and indirect inspections.  AND MUCH MORE. 

Much of this is also covered in the MT and UT classes that I took but not all of it.  But ASNT does go beyond AWS when it comes to some of the material required for qualification.

So, no, they are not the same.  Even the eye exam is different, J1 not J2. 

Then, there are definitely areas of the trade where those added lessons are of importance and very applicable so they don't recognize the reciprocity cert anyway if they know what they are looking at. 

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day,  Brent

I would have loved to do Boot Camp, but didn't want to spend a butt ton of cash ,week off work, travel, hotel... Took the structural plan reading endorsement and was out the door $275 later, with an endorsement that enhanced my marketability. (Special Inspector)
There are a buttload of CWI's out there that can't read structural drawings, and this endorsment makes clients, building officials, etc. more comfortable.
And the best part? Didn't study for one minute.

Happy New Years to everyone! This year I am going to make my CWI even more valuable by obtaining the CRI endorsement. Does anyone know exactly which books are going to be the BEST for studying material??? On the AWS website, in the body of knowledge section for the CRI, there are around 10 books listed that are advised for reference materials... Is it possible that there are 2 or 3 out of those 10ish that will be way more useful than the rest??? I ask this because-1, I do not want to buy all of the books if I don't have to, and 2- when I studied for my CWI, I noticed that out of the 9 or 10 books I had studied, less than half were of actual importance. There were a few books that were extremely helpful and packed with lots of knowledge, while the other books were pretty much just filled with repeated explanations/terms (that were just worded differently), AND I could find all of their information in my main-use books. Any clues as to which books will be the most helpful??? Thanks guys!

Hi superflux thanks for replying. I know what you mean about all those little note books. Just studying for the CWI test I must have filled 18-20 steno pads. My real question is, Do I need to know Micro soft Word and all that computer Jazz ?Is there certain formats for PQR's,WPQ's, etc. or does each job have their own forms and filing system?

Al,

No, I didn't burn any bridges, additionally I have been performing VT, PT and MT for one of my biggest clients for 6 years. 

I have looked into the ACCP option but here in lies the problem, becoming ACCP certified, would that rewind the clock as far as experience? It would be very costly to pay a level 3 to follow me while i perform NDT inspections. when it comes right down to it, I need to comply with the ASNT, If I can design a program (already done) and comply with my NDT certs and additional self study, is this compliant?

I have had insurance since the start of my business in 2010, it was 3 million and i recently up'ed it to 5 million.

It would be so much easier if you were allowed to perform NDT inspection with your CWI, I recently took my 9 year re-cert and there are plently of NDT questions on the test!!

Hello Fred;

Now I have a better idea of your situation. Your classroom training never expires as long as you kept records of the training, test scores, etc. The training can even be "home study", but that gets tricky as far as documentation. The relevant experience can be a little tricky if you left after burning your bridges. You need to have a way of verifying the time worked performing MT, PT, etc.

For your situation I would recommend that you obtain your ASNT ACCP certification as a Level II. You will need to apply through ASNT and you will need to provide documentation of your classroom training and related work experience. It is not unlike applying for the CWI examinations.

ASNT has test sites around the country where you can sit for the ACCP Level II examinations. That save the expense of traveling to Ohio and it allows to take the examinations in a more timely fashion. The ACCP is a central certification schema so it doesn't expire as you go from one employer to another. In your case, you would include recognition of the ACCP certification into your written practice. ASNT becomes your defacto certification agency. Self certification is always questionable. ACCP keeps everything above board.

You will still need to work with a Level III that is also ACCP certified to help you write your written practice and your procedures.

If you are interested in working as an independent, don't forget the insurance. That is usually the hard part of operating as an independent CWI/NDE.

By the way, applying  to ASNT for your Level II VT is a snap. Send two box tops, two thin dimes into ASNT along with verification you have your CWI and presto - you are ACCP certified as a Level II for VT welding inspection.

Best regards - Al

Chris -
Just a note - You will not need the micrometer for the test, they will give you one during Test B put it off to the side.
You will not use it during the week as well. Need dial caliper to measure strip widths that's about it.

There might be 1-2 questions in the Fundamentals of a picture of a micrometer to read.

REMEMBER DON'T USE THE MICROMETER it will only put more stress in the test if you don't know how to use it. There is no time to learn in test-mode.....

Study D1.1 and WIT.

Just took the CWI Test this past Saturday...

Good Luck...

Ex. Part 2: When the PQR was created, 6 passes were made in total. And as we can imagine running these 6 same passes on 5mm of material seems a bit excessive. Is there a way to note "can be accomplished with a single pass per side?" I'm not finding anything in D1.1 that says "add or remove the number of passes" ?

You can write multiple WPS's off of one PQR. It's good practice for your 5MM weldment to have it's own WPS based off your existing supporting PQR.

BUT with all of that under Electrical Characteristics 9)a) we see the condition of:

"An increase in heat input or volume of weld metal deposited per unit length of weld, over that qualified. The increase may be measured by either of the following: J/in =  (Volts x Amps x 60) / Travel Speed
Weld Metal Volume - An increase in bead size, or a decrease in the length of weld bead per unity length of electrode.

Doesn't this nullify any ability to increase the amps, volts, as those increase the heat input?

Not necessarily. With the increase in volts and amps can come the increase in travel speeds that can in turn keep your heat input in check with the essential variables. Travel speed is also an essential variable so everything has to be monitored so when audited you are within spec.

Just...so very confused as to what is going on here. Really starting to question how I passed the CWI exam....

Where and with who did you take your CWI exam?  Just messin with ya man! Don't sweat it brotha. We all started somewhere. Keep studying, asking questions, and learning on here. There is so much one can learn on these forums.

Cactus,

Took the CWI seminar/test last week. My recommendations STUDY D1.1 and WIT. Do not try and study all the downloads and extra stuff that you find on the internet or from are AWS brothers. I had stacks of stuff. It will turn your brain into mush, literally.
Highly recommend to take CWI test prep. I didn't have a chance to do this.

We had a study group each night from 7-9pm a few guys on there 2nd try.

Know the testing methods - Brazing/Soldering for some reason.

I must say our instructor was very good, but needs to stick to an agenda which moves very fast.

Good luck!!

Brent,
Went through the CWI seminar/test last week in Des Moines, Iowa. All books were supplied (surprised) and a package of measuring tools as well.
Although, I recommend WIT, D1.1 to study months before you take the exam. This is no joke stuff!! Too say the least.

I would highly recommend attending a CWI test prep AWS, Hobart, etc. I didn't have the opportunity...

In the fundamentals test alone at least 50% + questions on brazing/soldering -Huh, RT-UT - ET, etc. This was breezed through during the seminar.

There are a couple downloaded copies that each student will need to bring. Can't remember off hand  I still haven't recouped from last week.
Any questions are welcome.

Take Care -

OK.  It is about time this came together.

If you have not noticed, AWS bought out the outfit that used to be in charge of our technical distribution and brought it in house.  Hopefully this will HELP streamline some things with the ordering of materials.

But, this is the best item I have seen for those preparing for CWI exams.

YOU CAN NOW SIGN UP FOR THE SEMINAR AND EXAM AND THEY WILL MAIL YOUR BOOKS DIRECTLY TO YOU SO YOU CAN BEGIN TO STUDY EARLY. 

YOU MUST ALSO SIGN UP FOR THE ONLINE CWI PREP COURSE WHICH HAS PRETTY GOOD REVIEWS.

WHEN SIGNING UP FOR BOTH THE ONLINE CLASS IS DISCOUNTED; ONE DISCOUNT FOR BEING AN AWS MEMBER, ONE FOR SIGNING UP FOR THE COMBO PREP COURSES.

So:

1) Sign up for AWS Membership ASAP to get the best prices on everything;
2) Sign up for the COMBO Prep Class for CWI;
3) Go through the online classes with your books at your side;
4) Go to the seminar and DON'T FORGET YOUR BOOKS BECAUSE THEY WON'T HAVE THEM AT THE SEMINAR FOR YOU!!

You no longer need to buy two sets of materials in order to study ahead of time.

Get to work and Good Luck.

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day,  Brent

Hello All,

Has anyone stayed at the Wildwood in in Des Moines, Iowa for there CWI seminar /exam.

When I made reservations a couple months ago they said they were booked for a wedding and then
found a room when I told them I was with the AWS group.

I made a couple reservations one there and one at Fairfield Inn right down the street.

Just concerned about noise and studying with weddings and dogs allowed. Reviews are mixed online.

Thanks

Seminar? Instructor???
I took the TEST back in '86 after ordering the study materials from the AWS. Read most of the materials supplied in 3 months prior to the exam. I suppose the 12 month welding program I attended 10 years earlier was a very good one since the CWI exam seemed to be little more than our final exam at VoTech School. Heck, I had never even seen a code book until 2 weeks prior to the exam when a friend that was on the Alaska Pipeline gave me a well worn stapled, 35 page Xerox'ed copy of API 1104 (15th Edition?) complete with circles, arrows, blood, mud and frayed/tattered edges to use for test day.

I think it all boils down to as my late great friend Lloyd Rummel (Who was a Proctor on the first CWI test) had on his classroom blackboard: "There is no substitute for daily preparation".
That being said, I have heard countless stories from failed candidates. The common back story is, they all expect the seminar to do it all for them.
One piece of advice is to sharpen your basic math skills in simple conversions. That way you will be able to spend more time pondering the difficult questions rather than trying to figure out the psi on a tensile pull question.
Find some one in here to buy the books from or get your own and then sell the new ones you get at the seminar.
Read, read and read some more.

Just a point of information; the individual providing the training is not permitted to administer the qualification test.

With regards to the CWI seminars, the intent is not to provide a beginner with the training required to transpose into a position as a welding inspector. The intent is to provide a thorough review to someone that has been working in some capacity with a recognized welding standard and is familiar with quality control functions.

Having said that, it is apparent there are a number of folks that sign up for the seminar that have little, if any experience, working to a code and have no experience in quality control or in many cases welding or welding inspection. These same people are upset when they and overwhelmed by the breadth of information presented during the seminar.

Those individuals that arrive at the CWI seminar, well prepared and with the requisite experience do very good on the examinations. Those found lacking, well, let's say they have their homework to do in preparation for their next attempt.

There are those venues that provide a more relaxed pace that are perhaps better suited for those individuals without the experience in quality control and weak in welding technology. AWS does not make it a prerequisite to attend their CWI seminar. One can home study, take a seminar offered by any number of private companies, or in some cases attend training sessions offered by their local section of AWS. Everyone has to determine what course is the correct one for them given their particular situation. The training doesn't have to break the bank if one studies on their own and purchases the necessary books a few at a time and spread the effort over time.

In my case, I took several seminars offered by my local section. I remember one course that spanned ten weeks and covered welding processes. Another weekend was spent covering welding metallurgy. Another training seminar was on the subject of NDT. None of these training sessions were specifically intended to prepare a person for the CWI, but it did fit the bill and in many respects was overkill for one intending to take the CWI, but that was before AWS had a formal training program. 

AWS has online based training available to those looking for such training. One can study at home without loosing work time or a paycheck. They are a bit pricey, but there are less expensive alternatives for those not inclined to spend the money for the online courses. What ever course of study is taken, education is always expensive, if in no other way than it takes time and effort on the part of the individual that expects to expand their employment opportunities.

Al

Thanks In Tension.
You've summed up why the CWEng is attractive to me, as I've never had the time or means to get a degree.
I've built a resume through wide ranging experience over the years that negates the need for a degree, including an SCWI, but I think a CWEng would be a good addition. I like the fact that I can get that cert simply be demonstrating my knowledge through passing the "Final Exam", without having to go through years of collegiate pre-requisite courses to get to that point.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think that having that cert would make me qualified to start passing myself off as a PE, it's just a value adding resume addition.
The thing that concerns me about being able to pass the exam is the mathematics, which is not my strong suit. I intend to take some of the necessary collegiate math courses as part of my study regimen, but would love to discuss the exam with someone who's taken it in order to help me ensure I'm concentrating on the right things.
AWS B5.16 does a pretty good job of detailing the body of knowledge, but every little bit helps.

How about you JWInspect? Not trying to hijack your post, just adding comments, trying to drum up responses. Why are you interested in CWEng?

Tim

The American Bureau of Shipping requires a bachelors degree in an engineering discipline to even be considered for an ABS inspector/surveyor position.  They mostly recruit ex-Navy/Coast Guard engineers so there's tough competition and other credentials are needed to stand out from the crowd... especially when they're downsizing, which they are doing presently.  My regular ABS inspector has an advanced engineering degree and has been an AWS SCWI for going on 25 years and was recently laid off due to the market outlook.  Now we're flying people up from ABS headquarters in Houston on a regular basis in his absence.  This will vary depending on your location.
Other similar class societies such as DNV will hire surveyors without a 4-year degree.  Holding a CWI certification is a good starting point.  Your experience qualifies you for the exam, now it's just study, study, study.

Welcome to the forum Hoboken,

You are asking all the right questions!

In some ways shipbuilding is it's own world with DOD and Navsea requirements that differ or exceed AWS codes.

In general terms for learning how to better manage a welding operation I would suggest the following:
Study for the CWS (Certified Welding Supervisor) designation.  It is an excellent first step toward the CWI, it shares much of the same body of knowledge, is based Process, Quality, Manufacturing, and Inspection...Rather more broad than the CWI.  But the exam is less difficult.  

I would suggest Jack Barckhoff's "Total Weld Management" and the "Certified Welding Supervisor Manual for Quality and Productivity Improvement"  Both published by the AWS.

Having and using daily, the applicable codes and standards required for production will make you stronger and more conversant with the shop floor wealth generators.

Join your local AWS chapter and attend the meetings.  The networking and involvement is priceless... Plus the regular plant tours may get you in the door of some local players to see how they do things that you might never see otherwise :)

Come here (the forum) and ask questions often...  There are at least a couple of NavSea specialists and also a number of aluminum experts here that can speak to process and code issues with authority.

Welcome !

I am planning on taking the CWI Early next year.
(Planning on the taking the seminar also, and don't have vacation time to do it this year)

Anyway,
I have a few questions.

If I'm not mistaken, the "pre study" workbook is only available to you for 90 days (after you sign up)
I am somewhat familiar with d1.1 (we used d1.1 in our plant specific codes)

I plan on ordering the d1.1 book.

1.Do I need to order the NEW d1.1 book that's coming out soon?
Or will I still be able to use the current d1.1 book?

2. What kind of math skills do I need to brush up on?

3. Is there a book or 2 that I can order to be "pre-studying" now?
I was looking at ordering the "weld inspectors handbook" in the AWS bookstore.
Besides being a good book to have, would there be info in it that will help me on the test?

4. The tools on the hands on inspection part of the test, micrometer,dial calipers, standard scale?

I have been looking for info to stuff in my brain, and help me brush up on stuff that I haven't used in a while.
I have been reading this forum for a few days, and I know there is some outstanding help on here.
Thanks
Dino

I'm in north Charlotte I have been studying WIT for the last few weeks . I have been welding for the last five years structural steel. I'm looking for someone to study with,trade material or just give me advice. If your in charlotte and are already or studying for CWI I could use all the help I can't get. I appreciate it.

Gerald,

I have to disagree but cannot give the documentation at the moment being out of state on 'vacation'.

It is NOT SNT-TC-1A that we are referencing.  It is the individual materials that are to be studied and tested to in order to be Certified to either VT, MT, UT etc of the ASNT disciplines. 

When you take the courses of study on line or from a level III, read the required materials, and then test for those you will be taught and tested for this information. 

That distance is in the VT classes which I took a couple of years ago so am not positive of the answer though I believe the one for Glyn's question is c-24" though without the multiple choice answers being there I had thought it was 18". 

I don't remember it even being mentioned in the MT classes but it would be difficult to accomplish MT beyond what you could reach with your arms extended in front of you to hold the yoke and powder puffer, so, a couple of feet. 

And it has often been stated by others on this forum just as Glyn's post theorized that with the eye exam requirements one would think that direct observation/inspection would be accomplished within that same range.  But there is no D1.1 or any AWS code as far as I can recollect that makes this definitive. 

The angle of inspection is not as 'mandated' as the distance though the reasons for 30° being ideal are gone over with much discussion about the eye and reflected light.  Again, mainly in VT but mentioned in MT classes I took as well. 

So, in a way you are still correct, it is possibly not PART of an ASNT code.  But it most certainly is part of what is taught to get certified for VT to ASNT standards.  Few people get this.  Most get the reciprocity cert when they get their CWI.  Not the same.  Take the class.  You'll learn a lot. 

Brent

Not exactly sure what you are after, but, if I am even close then classes offered by NDT College for ASNT VT level I and II cover many aspects of fatigue, castings, forgings, and other items not really covered by the AWS for CWI study and testing.

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day,  Brent

So I am in the process of studying to take the D1.5 endorsement for my  9 year CWI renewal.
Have a quick question I hope as to why the D1.5 reinforcement on a welder Qualification is 3/16 verses D1.1 which is 1/8.
Can anyone tell me why this is?

Thanks
Rich

Happy Monday to all out there,

Need to study for the CWI seminar/exam. Which books should I purchase? Currently I have older versions of D1.1, Welding Inspection Technology, etc. All borrowed.

Been in or around welding since the early 80's but weak on the codes...

I seen the 2015 edition will be out soon anyone know when this will be available.

I'm sure this question has came up many times. Intimidation is setting in.

Thanks for your time....

Buy as many of the books they give you during the CWI seminar and start studying them;)

Those books are mostly for the General Knowledge portion of the exam which is a CLOSED BOOK EXAM.  So, NO, you are not allowed to use them.  You can study anything though most of the needed info is in the WIT book. But none of them are allowed open during the exam. 

The only open book is your chosen code book during the Part 'C' : Open Codebook Exam.  Then you can use your D1.1, API 1104, or whatever. 

The Part 'B': Bogus Book, or, more properly, the Book of Specifications, exam has it's own book that is also an open book as far as that goes.  But there are no other books allowed besides it.

Highlighting is not a problem with most testing especially for AWS CWI exam.  They encourage it.  But, only for the open codebook exam.

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day,  Brent