I'm studying for my CWI, and I'm having trouble understanding these terms. In one section of the study guide it says ferrite is pure iron. In another section it uses this term to describe the grain structure (grain boundaries) of the metal. I've read other articles that uses it to describe stainless steels (ferritic stainless).

Another term I'm having trouble understanding is the term austenite. In one section, it is used to describe the crystal structure of iron. Yet, it is also used to describe stainless steel (austenitic stainless).

Al,

Of course it could not have been that easy or simple and there would be another twist to unknot.  Good heads up, thanks.  It really helps understanding the details of a problem when they are disscussed with people who grasp the bigger picture.  Looked into the purchase of the code to expand my library and education.  Wow.  D1.1 is the mot expensive book I'd ever bought.  ASME?  It's damn near a lower end house deposit.  Seems like most of the CWIs I have talked to about an ASME welder qualification are not very fluent in the subject, certainly not as familiar as those contributing here.  Am I correct in assuming the course of study and testing for CWI doesn't cover ASME subject matter and the whole area is an additional course of study and seperate endorsement/credential?  I have a trip to the engineering library at UW to schedule, not sure their ASME code edition is current but will at least let me look through the construction code for possible answers.  The job that spurred this exploration into an ASME welder qualification was based on a local city call that called out that all work [in this case, low psi heating gas service] subject to city inspection "be done to ASME Sec. IX" with no further mention of either B.31.1 or B31.3 which are the only ASME distinctions I am familiar with as a welder.  I should probably start by reading just what the two distinctions really mean and refer to.  How about this:  You said B31.3 impose guided bend tests to qualify a welder.  If an SWPS demonstration weld was tested to both RT and guided bends would it be acceptable for B31.3 work, or does the B31.3 WPS need to be established independantly from the SWPSs with a PQR?  Thanks in advance.

"I've NEVER seen an inspector walk off a job."

Hacksaw, my friend, I venture to say you have no CWIs on the jobs you work.

I know of several inspectors, including me, that have walked off jobs where the Engineer or Owner did not support the inspector when things were not code compliant. And yes, it does mean walking away from a paycheck, but a CWI without integrity is in for a short career.

"Again I quote you.."never seen inspectors punished for their screw-ups ".."

Tell that to the welding inspector from Newport News that is doing a three year stretch in federal prison for falsifying inspection reports. I'm happy to say he isn't and never was a CWI.

Buck up little fella and find a company that knows how to meet code. Next step, get some training that is relevant to you chosen trade. Learn something about the codes you work with and then, just maybe, these incompetent inspectors will not ******** you. Rather than stopping for a few cold brews on the way home or watching the game on television, sit down with the code you work with. Yes, be prepared to spend several hundred dollars to buy your own copy. If you visit a college or university in your area they may have a copy of the code you can read and study.

You have filled two tumblers with tears since you started this post. It's time for you to do something constructive. Buy some books and start reading.

Next time when you have a disagreement with an inspector you will know what you are talking about rather than spouting from the sphincter.

Real world? You have no idea. Real world does not mean working ignorant of how to do it right. Real world doesn't mean working with idiots. You can get away with it for a while, but it will catch up with the perpetrators sooner or later.

"I was looking for a job when I found this one." Just because you need a paycheck to pay bills isn't justification to take a job if you are not qualified or to take a job that requires you to do something illegal or immoral. I'm sure there are a number of people serving time that justify their activities because they needed the money.

Al

As a point of clarification, Hobart provides:

Symbols for Welding
Symbols for Nondestructive Examination
Welding Inspection
Welding Guide
Destructive Testing Methods
Nondestructive Testing Methods
Welding Discontinuities and Defects
Binder of further information

Hobart recommends for prestudy:

1.   Obtain a copy of the AWS QC1 Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors.  This is available free as a download from the American Welding Society website at http://www.aws.org/certification/docs/QC1-2007.pdf .  This is the standard for all AWS-CWIs.  Read it completely.

2.  When you have selected the code you will use for the Part C – Open Code Book part of the exam, you should purchase that code book.  This may be purchased from http://www.welding.org/c-24-welding-codes-and-specifications.aspx or directly from the publisher.  Look how it is organized: the table of contents, the index.  Learn how to find information quickly and understand what each section covers.  Bring this code book with you to the class.

3.  Obtain a copy of the AWS – Part B Examination Book of Specifications.  This is available free as a download from the American Welding Society website at http://www.aws.org/certification/docs/Book_of_Specs_Eng_2008.pdf
Read it from cover-to-cover including the footnotes. This book of specifications is the standard you will use for the Part B examination.

4.  If you are experienced in welding but have limited experience in welding inspection, you may choose to attend the Arc Welding Inspection and Quality Control Course (AWI520) at the Hobart Institute to get basic inspection training.  http://www.welding.org/p-160-arc-welding-inspection-quality-control.aspx . This course is not a prerequisite requirement for the CWI course, but can be very beneficial for someone starting out in welding inspection.

5.  If you cannot attend the Arc Welding Inspection and Quality Control Course, you may want to purchase the AWS Certification Manual for Welding Inspectors.  http://www.welding.org/c-18-aws-books.aspx .  It is for self-study.  Read each section and answer the questions at the end of each section.

6.  If you lack welding process experience, you may want to take the 4-day Welding for the Nonwelder course at Hobart Institute.  http://www.welding.org/p-159-welding-for-the-non-welder.aspx.  It provides welding process information and hands-on practice with oxyacetylene welding, shielded metal arc, gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc and flux cored arc welding processes.

7.  You may take the online Welding Symbols Course http://www.welding.org/c-54-online-courses.aspx on the Hobart Institute website. Also, the Visual Inspection Course is online at www.welding.org which may be helpful to you.

Thank you.

Hacksaw,

Your first question: "How can the welder follow "industry best practices" if nobody on the job can give clear and strait(it's spelled "straight") answers on how to fix these clear and common problems?" Spelling is an important attribute to have if you want to become a welding inspector especially when writing concise inspection reports, etc.

1.)You need to keep pestering, bothering everyone up the chain of command until someone takes the time and effort to clear things up for you by answering your query in a concise manner.

Note; If you cannot find anyone in the company that will do this, then I would question myself as to whether or not I want to work with a company that has no communication with their workers... I find that very hard to believe that a company such as the one you work for would not have a person who could look up your queries by either looking at the construction code or standard in order to clarify fit-up tolerances in B31.3...

Al wrote in his previous post: "The inspector's responsibility is to verify the weld meets the code requirements."
You said: "I disagree with this." And then you went on to say: "The inspectors responsibility is to make sure all of the codes are followed...
Proper fit-up is part of the welding code."

2.) Well, I need to clarify for you that "Proper fit-up is part of the welding code." IS NOT part of the welding code because B31.3 is a construction code. Section IX is the appropriate WELDING CODE SECTION hacksaw!

Note: This definitely proves that you need to study for at least six months to a year before you even think of taking a welding inspector course at Hobart because it's obviou that are not familiar with both the construction code (B31.3) as well as the welding code section IX (9), or another example would be Section IIIV, Division 1, Subsection B - Requirements Pertaining to Methods of Fabrication of Pressure Vessels, Part UW - Requirements for Pressure Vessels Fabricated by Welding, General: UW-1 through to UW-3, Materials: UW-5, Design: UW-8 through to UW-21, Fabrication: UW-26 through to UW-42, Inspection and Tests: UW-46 through to UW-54, Marking and Reports: UW-60, Pressure Relief Devices: UW-65 found in ASME's Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC).

And Finally, you said: "ASME does not tell the contractor how to do anything. Yet we can see in the b31.3 link above that ASME clearly does specify how contractors do things. Read the fabrication and installation section."

"Does anybody know if this is the entire code, or just a summary of the code?"

3.) It's just a outline hacksaw.

I leave you with this statement as it pertains to you: "Denial is NOT a river in Egypt." You have much to study Grasshopper! You got some of the best advice from Al who I think is one of the most knowledgeable SCWI's/WE's in the business and yet you dismiss it??? You need to humble yourself if you want to step up and play with the big boys & girls!!! Oh, and I have been in the business more than twice as much as your own 18 years as has so many other good friends in here.

Respectfully, or not,
Henry

Updated: Hacksaw, You're as of now entered as a top tier candidate for this years Darwin award... Suck it up and ditch the whining because you're really embarrassing yourself really bad son... Chalk it up as a hard lesson and humble thy self enough to possibly get onto another job. However, Don't even sign up for the AWS CWI exam because you're not ready at all... Next time insist to your boss to go to the actual location where the problem is so you can once and for all show them why, what or how because there's nothing like picture than whatever the amount of words you chose to explain the problem... In other words, Logic and common sense goes a long way in this industry and knowledge is power so, get some for crying out loud!!! 18 years??? C'mon Hacksaw!!! You're embarrassing yourself - PERIOD.

Hacksaw,

What accountabilty and responsibility is any one here trying to weasel out of?
Everyone is trying to enlighten you on how the delegation of duties and responsibilities are broken down "in the real world".
You apparently accepted an improper fit, welded it and suffered the consequences. 18 years? Well, the learning curve is not the same radii for everyone..
FWIW, I've been fired off more jobs than you'll probably ever have if you live to be 137. My learning curve was REALLY Llllooooonnnnnggggggg..... as a welder/fitter.  So just like you, I grew weary of listening to idiot inspectors, etc. took the exam, crossed over to the "Dark Side" of QA/QC. Go for it. Just don't expect to make some great change.

I suggest you get a copy (outdated ones are available in pdf format on line) of the governing code from the job you just got sh!tcanned off of and find out exactly what the code says about O-lets.
Think of this as your First study exercise for the CWI exam you will take someday.

I took the AWS seminar last year and passed. From that experience, I would recommend learning as much as you can about all ndt procedures and any welding process that you are not already familiar with. I had the hardest time when it came down to questions about laser beam or electro slag welding because I had no experience whatsoever with them. I also recommend that you order a CWI toolkit from G.A.L gauge company(advertised on AWS.org) and get comfortable using the tools. I will tell you something that I wish someone would have told me: order the metric kit because they give you a standard kit at the seminar.If you have been welding for 20 years, you should be okay as long as you get a basic understanding of the things that you dont encounter on a regular basis. As far as pre-study books, I would say the Welding Handbook series and the Guide to Visual Examination of Welds would be you best bet.

Good Luck,
J. Prisk   CWI

AWS is the only organization authorized to give the CWI examinations. They have agreements with specific companies that offer the training and the examinations under the auspices  AWS.

AWS also offers the 6 day seminar and offer the examinations on the 7th day as a package deal. Price wise, it is hard to beat their package dal considering the retail cost of the reference materials provided by AWS at their seminars.

I got certified a CWI in 1981. I have attended several CWI seminars over the years just to brush up on what I had forgotten. I always learned something new at each seminar.

No one, and I mean no one, ever leaves the CWI seminar knowing less than they did upon arrival.

Some people do not excel at taking tests. Some people have a difficult time learning new material in the crush of the 6 day seminar. What ever the excuse, the seminar is never a waste of money unless te individual spends more ti,e at the local watering hole than in te hotel room studying.

Words of advice; spend the money to stay at a local hotel so you don't waste time driving back and forth. Two hours of drive time every day is 12 hours of study time lost. Also, leave your main squeeze at home. They are a distraction you don't need if you are going to study for the examinations.

Study all the material you can get your hands on before attending the seminar. I prefer taking te D1.1 open book examination. It offers more job opportunities.

Best regards - Al

Hello to all,

  Let me start out by saying, I am definitely going to take the CWI Exam class at Hobart in Troy, Ohio this year (2013). To my understanding they will provide certain books for the class, listed below. But unlike when I was in High School, I want to study, then study more and then study some more, . Failure is not a option for me.

  I have 20 years of experience welding and have dealt with alot of inspectors, that have approached me to become a CWI. Now I am going to take the plunge. 
 
  I have a list below that has recommendations of books and online courses to get or do ahead of time to be prepared for the class and exam. My name isn't Bill Gates, so I have to purchase the items in stages. I need help with what to do or buy in the best order as possible.

                          Hobarts provides: not a 100% sure though.
                                                                                    
                                  a. D1.1 / D1.1M Coce Clinic Reference Manual
                                  b. API 1104 Study Guide for API Standard 1104 Welding of Pipelines
                                  c. Welding Inspection Technology
                                  d. Welding Inspection Technology (Workbook)
                                  e. Welding Inspection Technology Sample CWI Fundamentals Examination & Key
                                  f. Standard Welding Terms & Definitions
                                  g. Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination
                                  h. Visual Inspection Workshop Reference Manual
                                   i. Guide for the Nondestructive Examination of Welds

                         Recommended Books and Online Courses: Suggestions on which online classes or books to buy first and etc...
                                 a. D1.1 / D1.1M Structural Welding Code Book-------I Have Ordered
                                 b. API 1104 Pipeline Code Book
                                 c. Guide for the Visual Examination of Welds
                                 d. AWS Welding Handbook Series
                                 e. Metric Practice Guide for Welding Industry
                                 f. Standard Methods for Mechanical Testing of Welds
                                 g. Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification
                                 h. API-M: 2008 1104 Study Guide
                                  i. AWS Certification Manual for Welding Inspectors
                                 j. Welding Symbols Online Course / Learning Packet (Hobart Institute)
                                 k. Visual Inspection Online Course (Hobart Institute)

  Any and all help will be much appreciated!

I would strongly suggest studying materials related to welding inspection as soon as possible. Whatever books you can get your hands on. Don't depend upon the class for your motivation to learn. There are so many resources available today that are free or low cost . Information online and otherwise that can help expand your knowledge of welding, inspection, and quality control.

Your years of experience can be a help in some cases but what would be more useful are the years of knowledge gained through that time period related to the field of welding inspection. Only you know what that is. "Obtaining Work" can be difficult for some with years of experience and easy for some with little to no experience. There are many variables. However learning more can NEVER hurt. Become familar with reading codes, not a specific code. Be fully aware of terms used in the industry. Wehn you come across one you don't know, look it up.

My point is to start the learning as soon as possible.

"Hard to pass" is a hard one to define. Everybody learns differently. The class cannot hurt anything other than your wallet but it may be a very worthwhile investment. Regardless of pass or fail, only you can make it a waste of money. It is my opinion that being a welder has nothing to do with being a CWI (no more than an air traffic controller must fly a plane),  however being knowledgable about welding and related topics is extremely necessary. And for those who are interested in their career as a welder, they have probably "studied up" on it some. And those to  whom its just the thing they know how to do to make a living, not so much on  the studying.

I think much of an individuals success at a task is based more on their desire and commitment. There are people here of many backgrounds that are extremely knowledgable about all things welding. More than likely, they love what they do and they commit a great deal of time to learning about it.

I am a welder and have been for many years and when I come here and read some of the information, I am reminded of how little time I have spent compared to many.

Another thought. If your hands on experience is in a particular industry, that may be the place to start gaining the inspection knowledge/experience or asking some questions. If your experience is in structural type work, then that may be the industry to start looking at for learning about inspection. Talk to people on the job etc. get an old copy of D1.1 and read it.

I could go on and on but am teaching a welding class right now and break time is over.

Gerald Austin
weldingclassroom.org

I believe he is refering to API 570 which is the Pressure Piping Inspection Standard. You would do better getting the CWI and getting your feet wet before you start working into the API inspection area.
As for taking the class, anything you do to increase your knowledge is never "Wasted". The people that are telling you that are fools. The test can be passed without taking the class, but you have to be able to take the time to study. The class forces you to focus during the week. And if you do not pass, BFD! Take the thing again. The loosers who you are talking to about the class in one year will still be loosers trying to keep anyone with initiative from progressing.
And when you get to the API test, the odds on you passing the first time are 50/50 anyway.
Take the class and take the test. You are testing the accumulated knoweldge you have aquired over the last 18 years. See just where you stand. If you fail, you know where you are lacking and where you need to study.
Go for it. You can inspect a whole lot longer than you can ever weld.
And remember, as a inspector you have two things to sell, what you know and your integrity.

well said!! I bet you're referring to one of the guys' comments on my post. honestly i feel proud of taking the api 1104. you know the funny thing is, before i took the test i talked to many cwi who took the d1.1 and when i told them i am taking the 1104 they all said i am an idiot because there's no index in the api 1104. so they think that the api 1104 is somehow more difficult because of the lack of index but then they made fun of me for taking an "easier" test!!?? i really dont get the thinking process here. my goal is to get into pipeline inspection and get some api cert and that's part of the reason why i took the api 1104. another reason is i do think there's an advantage of taking the 1104 over the d1.1 because there are more questions in it.

i paid for my own test and seminar as well and for any cwi out there have done that they know it is not cheap, the cost of the whole package plus missing work.not to mention for api 1104 you gotta buy your own codebook which is $300 for about 65 pages of book. now i didnt think the seminar was all that helpful but that's just me and my opinion. maybe i studies hard enough that i didnt need the seminar and thats why i dont suggest people to take it. so if some people got problem with that, THAT'S TOO BAD!! i didnt mean to be show bone by saying i passed the test the first try because i also did say that you have to be dedicated to the studying.

so here , I PASSED MY CWI API 1104 EXAM.

allansitu84516,

Thanks for the advice, and congratulations on passing the AWS CWI Examination!

Unfortunately, many who take the CWI test do not pay for it themselves and are required by "the owner" of their career and lives to test under other criteria.
I say, given the choice, test on the API cuz it is a cheaper book.
Of course, if yo "Boss" tells ya what to do, then...... you don't need no books or studying, the company will pay for the seminar.

Way to go for your first time.
I guess your co-worker might think it is tougher than you present it......

to all the people on this forum who thinking about getting their CWI, GO DO IT!! it is not as difficult as what some of the CWIs have told you. here are some of my advices:

1) do all you can to get your hands on the seminar materials,most importantly the practice exams and questions. and give yourself AT LEAST two-three months to study on the material back and forth as many times as you can especially the WIT.

2)if you follow the advice above then DON'T attend the seminar except the hands on part which i do think is helpful for people who don't work in testing lab and havent seen many bend samples

3) if any code books are the same for you, TAKE THE API 1104 code book exam. in my opinion AWS makes it a big advantage for people taking the API 1104 by adding more questions. because you lose less points from one question that you dont know and by having more questions you have more chances to get more points.on top of that the API 1104 is a much thinner code book that you can actually read through the whole thing a few times. i read through it 3 times and came up with a highlighting system that i think work pretty good for me.

i am a NDT inspector and have never welded in my life. i pass the test the first try. a coworker of mine took the test with me the same day and failed. that was his third try. i believe it is very possible to pass this test if you really dedicate to it and give all you can to study for a couple months.

good luck to you all future CWIs

I believe if you pass the exam in all three aspects it is only a matter of paperwork to upgrade to CWI when you meet the experience requirement.

If you are high on your learning curve and can also swing the seminar, It seems like a good idea to get the test behind you while you are fresh in study mode.

As John mentioned, there are significant limitations to the "associate" designation.  But if you are working under the authority of a CWI there are still tasks you can perform as an inspector...

I'm sure some others will chime in with advice as well.

Once again, I am tasked with helping prepare some individuals for their upcoming CWI exam.
One person emailed me with the news that some of his fellow employees passed all but the Part B. Following is the Part B specific advice I sent to him. Let me know if I should add anything or have provided incorrect information. Just because I've taken it more times than FDR's been reelected does not necessarily make me an expert....
Thanks for any additional tips or comments.

As I most likely mentioned; Every one I have known personally and probably 80% of the 80% first-timers that fail the CWI exam do so on Part B. I think it is an excellent test to gauge how well the candidate is going to perform "in the field".
Good news for your fellow employees is that they only have to take Part B for the next go-around.

1) Remember, DO NOT assume anything. Look It UP!!! This is a Mock Code and has nothing to do with any actual bonafide code. Similar in some cases, but often amusing in it's tolerance of flaw size and quantity.
1a) It is different than the one provided for study with subtle changes to prevent those with good memories from memorizing it and thereby zipping though the test.
2) It is intentionally crafted to confuse and make you forget my advice in rule #1.
3) Interpretations are most likely going to be Borderline... almost but not quite judgement calls.
4) Learn how to use a fillet gauge. Do you really know HOW to Measure a fillet weld?
5) Do you know how to use a pair of calipers? Micrometers? I don't remember if the scale/ruler provided is in 10ths or fractions, but verify this prior to use.
5a) Do you floss regularly? Just checking to see if you actually are reading this.
6) Do you wear glasses? If so, make sure you have a New pair in the current prescription.
6a) If you use cheaters in the hood, then you need to bring a long a pair of Quality reading glasses.
7) And, if memory serves me correctly, there are a couple of English to Metric and vice versa conversions. Never mind, you will need to bone up on your basic math anyway for the other parts of the Exam.

Hello Gentlemen;

I'm a little late jumping in on this thread, but late is better than never in some cases.

Brent you are absolutely correct in your assessment that AWS only takes the individual so far in preparing/studying for the CWI examinations. That being said, the seminars are designed as a review of the subject matter that may be on the examinations. There is a presumption that the individual taking the examination has a solid back ground in welding. That back ground, i.e., the qualifying work experience is very broad. While the assumption is that the individual is going to be filling the roll of a visual welding inspector, that isn't the only function served by the CWI.

You are a good example of the multiple rolls some CWIs fill. You are a welder, a shop owner, an inspector, and I assume you have done your share of teaching others how to weld and I'm sure you have offered a fair amount of advice on matters relating to welding and design. What level of training would have to be provided to prepare an individual to fill the multiple roles you do?

AWS offers the CWI review seminar, but there are many other seminars offered by AWS that do provide more detailed information and training, but most people do not take advantage of them until after they have taken the CWI examinations. Consider the seminars that are offered during the year by AWS and all the seminars offered by AWS at FabTech. Many of those courses can be used to prepare an individual for the SCWI. There are other resources available as well from organizations such as ASNT, ASM, ASME, and others.

The one argument I hear is that the seminars offered by these organizations are too expensive. To that I say have you looked at the cost of taking a college course at a university recently? The cost of an hour of classroom time at a university can easily exceed $75.00 per session.  Lab fees? Higher yet. Education is not cheap. It is damn expensive to get an education in terms of monetary expenditures as well as time needed to travel, attend class, and to study.

AWS is like any other organization, they are market driven. They provide services for which there is a demand and when there is a profit to be made. You operate your shop the same way. If there is no money to be made, you seek work where you can turn a profit. The Certification Committee operates the same way when people ask us to consider different certification programs. We have to consider whether there is enough market demand to develop the certification program and the training materials required to prepare a person for the requisite examinations. It takes a lot of time and effort to develop a training program and it takes a lot of money to hire a facility to conduct the training. You would tell me I'm full of hot air if I told you what it costs to rent a conference room at a major hotel and provide "snacks" for coffee breaks, never mind a meal at lunch time.

The resources are available, but you have to seek them out. AWS can provide a limited range of seminars, but only when they can be justified.

Brent, I consider myself to be like you in many respects. Some people might say we are overachievers. I wanted to know more about welding, so I did my homework to find it. I attended just about every seminar offered by AWS. I completed a program offered by Ohio State University. Basically I attend a series of courses offered by the Department of Welding Engineering. OSU offered a series of welding engineering courses that involved attending classes for one week per month for about a year. That meant I took time off from work to attend the courses and paid for airfare, hotels, and meals as well as the cost of the courses out of pocket. I enrolled as a student at OSU so I could take the final examinations to get university credit that I could transfer to the college that granted my BS. I took related courses at several different colleges and universities to get the engineering back ground I wanted. I studies civil engineering and earned a degree in Civil Technology, I took courses in physics, solid state electronics, thermal dynamics, and calculus, and yes, I even took English classes. I took my NDT courses from Hellier and qualified as a Level III for five different NDT methods. All of the costs came out of my pocket. It wasn't cheap. However, the training and instruction is available, but there is no door-to-door salesman knocking at the door, you have to seek it out.

Best regard - Al

Tex,

I feel everyone should study ahead of time and I look at the seminar as a means for "fine tuning" the necessary information you need to pass the exam.  More than half of the folks in my seminar in 2003 were not prepared enough, and spent their evenings cramming.  (several dropped out the second day)  The seminar moves quickly, several chapters in the textbook each day.... and the huge amount of information presented only compounded the problem for the ones that were not prepared.  This year I heard the CWI passing rate is still around 50%, why go through the hassle of repeating the exam?

I studied with another inspector and we did one group study session each week for 6 months.  Check your private message mailbox.

I took the test in March, I found myself quite happy i studied and i wasn't one of the people who just paid money and felt they were entitled to the CWI, I studied for a little over 4 months, i read anything i could get ahold of, i asked questions, i over studied, i learned things that were no where near as close to what is on the test, i am quite happy i understand the physics of the electron, it allows me to explain and understand things in more detail, I was quite happy i took a intro to NDT class and read the Handbook of Non Destructive Evaluation, there are questions about NDT, Im not a NDT tech, Im a welder, i made over 300 flash cards on various welding symbols, i made flash cards about any definition i couldn't remember or really have a freaking clue about, i learned the difference between groove and tensile orientation, i read and re read every book at least twice, The week of the test i drove an hour and a half each way, no mind you we stayed until 7-8 some nights and back at it in the morning, i rarely picked up a book during the week prep course when i got home, there was no time, i showered and slept, I found the WIT book to be invaluable and the sections on Metallurgy and Physical properties of metals i supplemented them with more materials, some of it was over what was on the test, but all in all i found it to be useful information today, What im saying is you can always learn more, calm down spend as much time as you can each night without burning yourself out, i don't recommend waiting and betting on the course to teach u everything, as always you will have someone who can't stay off the cell phone or has to go to the bathroom rite when the instructor is talking about something you have never heard about before. I stayed the night before the test eat myself fat, slept and woke up early eat breakfast and did a few prayers (personal preference for myself), So after the first test i had set a mood and was done in a little over an hour on the 150 question part, So i found out i knew enough to pass it with flying colors, when i was done with it, I knew i had passed that part, The next test was the code book, the problem occured when they said if you have anything wrote in your book we will kick you out of the test, ( different than what the aws paper work and the instructor said) so here we are erasing anything and everything in our books, threw me for a curve wasn't ready for this, 15 minutes into the test my hearts still pounding but im calming down and getting back into my groove, i missed 3. Part b was the portion that was the problem there was no way to study for it, i didn't know what to expect, ( heres the part the about the ndt and the various directions of tensile stress come into play ) So i had the question about the orientation of the crack, good deal had to do what the instructor said, only answer what the question asks, just cause its 1.375 wide and it says something about thickness but not width and it passes thickness does it break out, no, cause it only asked about thickness not is it 1.5 wide minimum, I had the most part with part b, my vwac was bent and was not correct by any means, the math was okay but i had one question i couldn't figure out for the life of me, i challenged it and went on, it was about a preheat, the thing about it nothing in part b had any of the same numbers in either C or F, so i just guessed and moved on until the end, after i finished i felt confident with everything but part b, little to my knowledge i passed and here we are today, Do your studying don't take it to be a joke and pursue your dream, the next thing, forget all the damn hype, i spent over 4000$ in books and seminar and gas and taking off work and every other thing to go do this, today i have a number and i plan to go do an endorsement possibly this March. BTW my typing skills suck, this is just my experience, good luck.

Brent,

Yes, yes, yes! Thank you for your professionally stated insights and opinions. I wholeheartedly agree with everything you just said. I know my approach to the exam preparation wouldn't have worked for everyone, maybe not for anyone, but it worked for me. I guess I did take it a little lightly, but yeah, 30 years in the welding industry does teach you a lot and to tell you the truth there wasn't a whole lot on the exam that I didn't know at one time or another. Don't get me wrong, there were many, many learning moments, and many times during the seminar that I thought, wow, so that's why I've had to do that for all those years! It was a very positive experience and it was just what I needed to go along with the knowledge that I already had.

I also completely agree that our profession involves the safety of others, and would never presume to perform inspections on something that I wasn't comfortable with. That being said, just because you take the exam on a certain code, that does not make you an expert in that code and certainly does not mean that you can only perform inspections to that code. I am continually studying the various welding codes and increasing my knowledge base. Being a constant reader of this forum has been an excellent way to sharpen my understanding. We never stop learning, right? Nearly all of my CWI inspections so far have pertained to AWS D1.1, D1.3, D1.4, D1.5, and ASTM A488. Haven't performed a single inspection to API 1104, go figure.

I will definitely be more cautious in my advice to others and will strive to remember that everyone has a different set of skills and experience to draw from. So go ahead and study for a year if it makes you more confident, people.

As for you, Mr. Lawrence, your crass remarks are not appreciated. You embarrass yourself and others with your unprofessional verbal jabs. If we were in the playground, why I'd...

John and Al, when I took mine most of the questions about NDT were in the Part B and were simply pictures of one or two components of a particular process (MT: a yoke or a container of powder or a picture of a container of flourescent liquid with the name on it, etc) and you had to name rather it was UT, MT, PT, or RT.  Very simple with even minor reading of reference materials and I beleive even contained in the WIT book (I'll have to look at the newest edition and make sure).  Part C (Codebook) probably had a question or two from Clause 6 about NDT, I think they mainly involved RT.

Even at that, there were only a couple questions, if you have the rest of your ducks in a row it won't sink you.  And our seminar instructor actually took a few minutes and gave some quick info on the NDT arena that pretty well covered the questions asked.  It wasn't in depth by any means but was enough for a CWI to be able to say that, 'YES, they used MT when it was called for', or, 'NO, that's not a UT unit, what are you doing?'  We are not expected to be able to calculate the location of discontinuities, that's their job.  We just have to know they are using the correct equipment. 

And yes, it did ask about orientation of the crack as to the position of the yoke. 

With the bank of questions to draw from, someone may not even get such questions.  And no matter what, there weren't enough to sink anyone just because they weren't familiar with NDT.

Al, I really like your rundown of how to get prepared.  As a proctor at the exams I see it all the time.  Guys who come to town to vacation in AZ while taking their CWI.  Or they come from another state and spend the week with family here.  Besides added driving time they have too many distractions.  Not good.  I even advise local people to stay at the hotel and leave the wife at home for the week.  May cost more, but would you rather have to re-take the exam because you weren't prepared. 

Have a Great Day,  Brent

PS/edit: And I will say it again, I still advocate buying the WIT book & your code book at a minimum before the seminar to study.  Pass the extra WIT book off to someone else, especially a high school or college when done.  And you can never have too many copies of the code book.  (Though right now as a Sustaining Company member, Section Chairman with part of the Section Library, and my own copies of code books for doing inspections I'm beginning to wonder about that one, I'm putting together quite a duplicate library).

Al, there are several questions about NDT methods that CWIs need to know a little about...I can't imagine that anyone armed with only the knowledge gained during the seminar could pass those questions without having some prior knowledge about the particular methods in question.
IIRC, there was a picture of a Ultrasonics scope with an indication on the screen, the question asked where this indication was in relation to the beam index point. If someone didn't know jack about how a UT machine worked, or have any knowlede of the math involved to calculate the location based off the info given on that screenshot, I can't imagine how they could answer that question correctly without venturing a wild guess. After all with most of those questions, you have a 20-25% chance (depending if there are 4 or 5 choices to choose from) of guessing the right answer, so maybe folks could just wing it without studying and make a passing grade.

That CWI gave you an accurate summation of the CWI seminar and how to prepare one's self mentally for the examination.

AWS has offered the CWI seminar for nearly thirty years. The success rate is pretty good compared to other "reviews" I have attended.

There is a presumption on the part of AWS that the individual attending the seminar has a solid back ground in welding. AWS B5.1 provides a listing of the related work experience needed to qualify for the CWI. The type of work that qualifies an individual to sit for the CWI is varied, but it also provides some insight about the subject matter the CWI candidate is expected to be familiar with. It would be wise for anyone interested in taking the CWI to review both B5.1 and QC1 to understand what they are getting themselves into and what subjects can be studied to prepare for the examinations.

My recommendation to anyone thinking about taking the CWI examinations is to read the Welding Handbooks. Every subject included in the examination is covered by the Welding Handbooks. The correct answer to every question on the CWI examination can be found in the Welding Handbooks. It is a sizeable investment to purchase the handbooks, but then again, the CWI is the one event in one's career that changes their life.

The amount of time necessary to prepare for the examination is dependent on one's back ground in welding. Few people have sufficient knowledge to pass the examination based on work related experience alone. Some individuals have a strong back ground in engineering and design, but they have no practical experience in welding and NDT. Others are already certified in one or two NDT methods, but they have little knowledge of design or welding.

Welders, well what can I say about welders? Talk to any welder and they can fix anything but the crack of dawn or a broken heart. They can redesign and work around anything designed by an engineer so that it will not fail again. A good welder can look at a weld and tell you if it is sound or not. Typically their welds will pass UT, RT, MT, or PT; unfortunately every other weld they see looks like dog excrement.  They can weld uphill, downhill, side to side, left handed, right handed, with a mirror ... you get the picture. Unfortunately, even the best of welders are not as well versed in all subject matters as they might believe. Terminology usually trips them up. The basic principles of metallurgy are black magic to many.

The bottom line is that the CWI covers a broad spectrum of subjects that come into play when an individual works as a CWI. The expectations are the CWI can function in many different capacities. The job entails more than looking at a completed weld and pronouncing it as good or bad.

I have attended many CWI programs over the years. I used to attend one every three to five years just to stay on top of my game. I never failed to learn something new or relearn something I had forgotten. Every instructor brings different experiences to the table and each presents the information in a different manner. It never ceased to amaze me when people in the class stated they had no back ground in welding before the seminar, but they are dumfounded when they don't pass the CWI examination.

The seminar requires total immersion in the books and exercises provided by the seminar. It requires self discipline to study the books when the television is sitting a mere four feet from the desk. It requires self discipline to dedicate the time and energy to read and work through the practice questions. It is no place to bring your wife and children. You are not going to have time for fine dining, long evenings at the neighborhood watering holes, or enjoying the local entertainment. It is not the place to send three or four workmates. Preparation for the CWI is something that requires an individual to spend time alone with the books. No one can study the material for you.

My advice is to prepare before attending the seminar. Purchase the Welding Handbooks (no minor investment, but they are something you will use as a reference during your career). Study the handbooks. Attend the seminar alone. Study the material alone for the first few evenings. Unplug the television and stay out of the hotel bar. Do all the homework assignments and do not allow yourself to fall behind. There is little time to recover once you do fall behind in your studies.

To anyone considering the CWI examination; you can pass it if you do the work. The CWI seminar is a review, not a training class. You need to prepare for the seminar so you can take full advantage of what it has to offer. If everything being covered in class is new information, you were not prepared for the class.

Best regards – Al

I was told by a CWI that bare minimum you would want is the week of, but that meant constant study while not in the seminar. It was only advised to do it that way if you are one sharp cat. Everyone else states 1 to 2 months of study prior to the seminar. The only problem is you don't get your books until you are in class and nobody wants to loan thier precious and expensive books out. The most important discipline is during the tests. You have to basically say F the time li.it and focus on reading and understanding the questions otherwise you will get spun out and get them wrong. The test is a buffet of questions that are easy to get wrong if you don't thoroughly read and understand whats being asked for.

I just down loaded the API 570 Application today.
Found out they have a test site here in Kuwait in December and I have til the 19th of Sept. to get it submitted.
Just thought I'd toss out the buoy for any advice and study books/recommendations for any who have this cert.
Getting to be too many CWIs out there and I thought it might be a good way make me more marketable.
Can't have too many certs in the wallet.
Thanks in advance.

Funny how ever since the CPWI mud slinging fest (that I sorta poked the hornets nest on) posted in here came up... I'll be darned if I haven't seen a few ads online advertising for that.
I get stateside, might give ol' Wormellis a call and get me one of them too.

Tex,

You will get as many answers to your questions as there are people who respond to your query.  John gave you some good advice in doing a search on the forum for past threads on the topic.  Lots of past info here free for the using.  Just hit the 'Search' function button at the top of the page here. 

But, some brief info for your consideration.

How much YOU need to study depends not only on past experience but also on any other schooling in welding, your personal abilities to retain info and choose the best answer, your desire to know a lot about the trade you are involved in, your background in inspections/QC as well as hands on welding (blueprint reading, welding symbols, inspections tools and their correct usage, code application, etc), and much more.

Personally, I recommend all the study you can afford both in money and in time.  If you go to the AWS Website, Certifications, and go to the 'Body of Knowledge' there is a list of recommended self-study books.  I recommend getting the WIT book even though you will get one at the seminar for the cost of the seminar.  I also recommend the Welding Inspection Handbook and there is a study book that goes along with the WIT book.  Beyond that it is all up to you.

If you truly want to stay in pipeline related work then by all means study the API 1104 Codebook.  But don't let the size of D1.1 fool you.  It isn't that difficult if you know your way around in it.

Now, one bit of misinformation...According to QC1, the book that gives the guidelines for testing CWI candidates, the test breaks down into three parts this way...
1) Part A=Fundamentals- Closed book general knowledge:       150 questions (minimum, but pretty close);
2) Part B=Practical- Open bogus book and samples and tools:    46 questions (minimum, but pretty close); and
3) Part C=Codebook- Open book D1.1, 1.5, 1.6, 15.1, ASME:     46 questions (minimum, but pretty close).
It doesn't matter which code book you use, you will have right around 46-50 questions.

The Body of Knowledge section of the 'Certifications' page will give you a breakdown on the types of questions that will be on each part of the exam: safety, metallurgy, inspections, etc. so you can concentrate study on your weak areas.  Also, note how many questions will be in each of those areas, sometimes it isn't worth spending much time on as some may only have 1 or 2 questions.  Why try to get real familiar with a subject that may not have many questions?  Read and study all of it.  But really go after the areas where the questions are to be concentrated from. 

Good Luck, Have a Great Day,  Brent

I've been trying to mind my P's and Q's lately but this one is important.

The advice  "not to worry to much about studying before the test"  is stupid and foolish.  Just no other way to put it.

The failure rate for first time CWI test takers is well above 50%  This includes professional engineers and assorted college grads as well as people with VAST amounts of experience.

This is not a test to sleep on. 

Mr. Retention may have done just fine by sucking up what the seminar has to offer alone... Most people don't. 

If you are not a person who is deeply immersed in welding and inspection code, you need to get that way BEFORE sitting for the test.  

I do agree that a guy like you is a great candidate!

I would suggest a 1 year plan of study, with a capstone of the week long seminar before you sit for the exam.

Im gonna bite the bullet. After being in the welding game for 20 years and just now healing up from a broke back that happened on the job in 09, I am ready for the next step. Been planning on becoming a CWI for a while and have been checking into it.

What do I need to know going into it.
How long do I need to study before the seminay? (I WILL be taking the class)
Tried talking to CWI's around here, but they dont seem to wanna share info.

As I said earlier, I have been welding professionally for 20 years. Heavy industrial, mining, shipyards, oilpatch and pipelines. The last several years has been mostly in the patch and on pipe and will be where I will probably stay.

Thanks
Tex

hi i am a NDT inspector taking my CWI exam this October. i am testing to API 1104. i have never welded before, inspection is what i do. i have only been studying for about 2 weeks on only one book" CERTIFICATION MANUAL FOR WELDING INSPECTORS fourth edition" from AWS. i also just ordered the 1104 codebook which will come in a couple weeks so i can study that one too. anybody has any input and suggestions? i especially want to know what other books i should be getting to study on the practical part of the exam. thanks

hi i am a NDT inspector taking my CWI exam this October. i am testing to API 1104. i have never welded before, inspection is what i do. i have only been studying for about 2 weeks on only one book" CERTIFICATION MANUAL FOR WELDING INSPECTORS fourth edition" from AWS. i also just ordered the 1104 codebook which will come in a couple weeks so i can study that one too. anybody has any input and suggestions? i especially want to know what other books i should be getting to study on the practical part of the exam. thanks

Just want to say thanks to all that have posted info about the SCWI exam.
The info I learned on this site was very helpful.

Here's some feedback about the exam:

The code book test was mostly based on B2.1, with a few additional questions from each B4.0, QC1, SNT-TC-1A and general ISO quality system requirements.
They gave example scenarios of a paticular PQR parameters and asked several questions based on each scenario.
The questions were typical, What F number, what thickness ranges qualified, etc.
The scenarios themselves were off the wall examples that ensured you had to use all the table notes and alternative requirements, the kind of things that are often open to interpretation.
The saving grace was that there were only 46? questions, which allowed semi-adequate time for flipping through the books to find answers.

The fundamentals test was a humdinger. There were questions from all related topics.
Several questions about each, VT, PT, MT, UT, ET and RT.
Few questions about AET, HDT and Helium leak testing.
Several questions about Austenitic SS, D10.4 based.
I spent too much time looking up answers in the books, for accuracy, and had to rush through the last 10 or 15 questions to finish on time. (134? total questions)
I intended to challenge 5 of the questions, because they were hogwash and BS, but I didn't have time to do so.

This advice was good, but I spent too much study time on AET, HDT and B4.0, and not enough time on B2.1 and the Guide for Non Destructive Testing.
Those with a better NDT background than I would not have as much trouble as I did with the fundamentals.

All in all, I'm cautiously optimstic that I passed, but most likely cut it close, one way or the other.
Now I've just got to wait and chew fingernails until I get the results sometime within the next 6 weeks...

Tim Gary

Few individuals have the back ground required to take the CWI examination "cold turkey". Most people need to prepare for the CWI seminar offered by AWS. The AWS seminar is not intended to take a novice with little to no back ground in welding to the expert level in one week. The AWS seminar is a review of those subjects the candidate needs to be familiar with in order to pass the test.

I have always suggested that a person interested in becoming a CWI home study before taking the CWI seminar. It is difficult to master the broad range of subjects that are included on the CWI examinations in the limited time frame of five or six days.

I used to make it a practice to attend a CWI seminar about every five years just to brush up on all the subjects we are supposed to be familiar with. I found that each instructor had a wealth of experience that he integrated with the course material making the presentations more interesting and informative. I never left a seminar without learning something new or something I had forgotten.

I have been involved in preparing people for the CWI examination for many years. The Connecticut Section used to offer a series of one day weekend sessions covering each of the main topics on the examinations. It took a couple of months to complete the series, but it gave the attendees plenty of time to absorb the information.  Boston likewise used to offer training sessions for their members. I am sure other sections did the same for their membership.

As someone sitting in the classroom, it was pretty evident by the second or third day who stood a good chance of passing the CWI examinations and those that had little chance of passing. The people interested in studying were sitting toward the front of the classroom where they could hear and see the instructor. They did the assignments and were prepared for the day’s lessons.

Those people with less interest were sitting in the back of the room. They were the last to arrive in the morning, last to arrive after lunch, and rarely had their assignments completed for the next class. They were the individuals reading the newspaper before class.

I have sat in the classroom and watched individuals play games on their laptop and in one case the individual was trading stocks rather than listening to what was being said in class. Then Friday afternoon the stock trader had the gall to ask the instructor for extra help because he was falling behind.

The people that prepare for the AWS seminar in advance are in the best position to gain the most benefit from the seminar. Those that do not prepare before attending the seminar are often overwhelmed by the flood of information presented by the instructor.

The instructors cannot study the material for those planning to take the examinations. Studying for the CWI examination is an individual effort. Group study is of limited benefit if the individual does not do the assigned reading and complete practice questions beforehand.

The CWI examination is an English comprehension examination. Can the individual read the question and understand what is being asked? It is an examination that assesses the individual’s familiarity with terminology and to a limited extent, logic. An individual with a limited mastery of English or poor reading skills is going to struggle with the CWI examination.

The bottom line is that anyone that is serious about passing the CWI examination has to prepare for the examination. The more one prepares, the better the chances are of passing. Whether one studies at home or attends the seminar is an individual decision. The bottom line is that five or six days sitting in the classroom with an instructor is no guarantee one will pass the examinations. The secret is no secret; study, study, and more study is the way to pass the CWI.

Best regards – Al

save your 2000 study on your own. i know at least a dozen cwi who took the aws seminar
and failed miserably. ive heard thje hobart school is better. i studied  at home had no problem
passing. get the wit book read it practice tests read it again and again iis about the only book i studied
also get the aws weld symbol book. know basic math  convert dec to fract inches.  i cant believe
the number of people ive met who failed the open book code test. if you take the test withapi 1104
its only 84 pages.  i never even opened the book prior to the test . aws just wants your money.
some community colleges offfer cwi training for a fraction of the aws seminar that has a70 % fail rate
ive helpefd several other welders become cwi and i have a 100% pass rate first try for all i personally feel the test
should be much harder and encompass a broader range of material.

1.  “Welding process and position of welding missing; fails AWS D1.1, 2.3.5.1 PJP Groove Welds. Shop drawings shall indicate the weld groove depths ‘S’ needed to attain weld size ‘(E)’ required for the welding process and position of welding to be used.”
  a.  I read this as only needing to write the “S” and “(E)” (depending on the process/position used) in the weld symbol. The reviewer reads it as requiring both the “S” and the “(E)” values as well as requiring the process and position to be used. I understand that specific PJP welds per Figure 3.3 call out differing “S” values depending on the process/position of welding; however, I don’t see a requirement to place the “S” and the “(E)” and the process/position for CJP welds despite having similarly varying “S” values depending on the process/position of welding.

  Is it required by code to place the process and/or position of welding on the shop drawings?

Response:
The contractor responsible for the welding must provide direction to the employees that will be performing the fabrication. The detailer is the individual tasked with providing much of the direction needed by the workers doing the work. Simple short cuts taken by the detailer can save the detailer several seconds of his valuable time, but it can cost the fabricator many hundreds of dollars if not thousands of dollars in delays when the requirements are not clearly specified. Workers on the production floor are not mind readers. They do not know what the detailers intent was if the drawings are not clear. The few extra minutes spent by the detailer on providing complete clear information will pay dividends in the form of fewer delays, fewer RFIs, and reduces the chance the workers will misinterpret the fabrication requirements.

Welding is considered to be a controlled process. It isn’t left to the welder to decide which welding process or WPS is applicable. There are different means of conveying the information to the welder. One method is to select a prequalified joint detail from those depicted in either figure 3.3 or 3.4. The joint designation, e.g., C-U2a-GF for instance, defines the welding process as either GMAW or FCAW and it defines the joint details. The joint designation is placed in the tail of the welding symbol. The joint is defined as a CJP in the example. The detailer, in my opinion, should include all the pertinent information to the welding symbol and leave nothing to chance. The detailer should not list the generic joint designation in the tail and expect the workers to reference D1.1 to determine what the groove angle, root opening, etc. are supposed to be.

A2.4 states that when only the depth of the groove is indicated the minimum weld size must be equal to the depth of preparation. That fails to take into consideration the added requirements of the construction code, i.e., D1.1. The code states that if the groove angle is less than 60 degrees, the weld size is assumed to be 1/8 inch less than the depth of preparation (per side). It is not the worker's responsibility to know the code; it is the detailer's responsibility to provide the worker with all the information necessary to meet the requirements of the code.

In the case where the joint is a PJP, the contractor (by means of the detailer) must specify the welding process as well as the joint detail, e.g., BTC-P5. In this case the welding process is SMAW. In this case the groove angle is less than 60 degrees, thus the weld size is 1/8 inch less than the depth of the bevel. Both the depth of bevel and the weld size must be listed by the welding symbol. Failure to list both leaves the welder and the inspector in the dark regarding whether the detailer was smart enough to factor in the need to increase the depth of the bevel in order to obtain the correct weld size. Call it professional courtesy and professionalism if that smoothes ruffled feathers. Call it good practice.

As a third party inspector, I interpret welding symbols that only shows the depth of preparation to be CJP. It is the conservative, safe way to interpret the welding symbol. Many fabricators have company policies in place that specify all welds as CJP unless both the depth of preparation and weld size is specified.

Regarding position; most shop welding is done in either the flat or horizontal positions. There are instances where the welding position has an effect on the weld size or the required Z-loss. This is the case with flare bevel, flare V, and skewed joints. In those cases the detailer must take into consideration the welding position. If the detailer assumes the worst case, he can indicate his assumptions in his calculations that are provided to the Engineer.

A quick comment on welding symbols is in order. Standard welding symbols are sufficient for the majority of welds required. However, there are certain weld types for which there are no standard welding symbols. The skewed joint is just one such weld type. A weld in a skewed joint that is less than 80 degrees is no longer described as a fillet weld in D1.1. As such, the fillet weld symbol is no longer appropriate. A detail/sketch of the weld joint defining the dihedral angle between the members, the leg lengths, and the Z-loss if applicable is a much better way of defining the welding requirements. The contract drawings provided by the Engineer only define the effective throat. It is the detailer’s responsibility to translate the effective weld throat into the dimensions (leg, throat, Z-loss, etc.) needed to produce a completed weld with the required size. The dimensions must be the dimensions the welder can use to deposit a weld of proper size and dimensions the inspector can use to verify the weld is the proper size. All too many times I am forced to used drawings where the dimensions have no direct correlation to the dimensions needed by the workers on the production floor. The welder should not be forced to use a calculator to derive the dimensions needed to actually fabricate the part or assembly. I back charged my engineering/design department for the production time lost when my layout people had to calculate dimensions or ask for assistance from engineering to actually layout a part. The department head laughed it off the first time, but the second time it wasn’t a laughing matter when it was demonstrated that it cost our department nearly a quarter million dollars of lost productivity because the detailers were not doing their job. 

  2.  “Use of PJP BTC-P10-GF requires that weld size be calculated per AWS D1.1, 3.12.2.1. (3) The PJP square groove weld B-P1 and flare-bevel groove welds BTC-P10 and B-P11 minimum weld sizes shall be calculated from Figure 3.3. Submit calculations as part of drawing submittal”
  a.  The reviewer is constantly placing this statement on our submittal responses where we show a flare-bevel groove weld. I have a 5”x5”x0.375” HSS tube with a 0.25”x10” plate placed flat along one 5” side and extends past the edges of the HSS. I call out a (3/8”) flare-groove weld symbol as calculated per this joint detail in figure 3.3. The exact figure when using the calculation given is act 0.351625”, so I rounded up to the next 0.0625”.

Is it required by code to show the actual calculation either on the shop drawings or on a piece of scratch paper?

Response:
No, the code does not require the calculations to be shown on the drawing. However, it is common practice to provide the Engineer with a copy of the calculations so the weld sizes can be verified by the Engineer. 

  3.  “Weld symbols fail AWS A2.4, 5.4 Break in the Arrow, 5.4.1 Groove Welds. When only one joint member is to have a bevel-groove or a J-groove or both, the arrow shall have one break and point toward that member (see Figure 6). The arrow need not be broken if it is apparent which member is to have the bevel- or J-groove (see Figure 7). It shall not be broken if there is no preference as to which member is to have the bevel- or J-groove. A broken arrow need not be used for joints in which combined welds are to be specified and it is apparent which member is to be beveled.”
  a.  The contract documents show an arched W10x33 section sitting atop a flat concrete surface, with the centerline of the arch approx. 2’ below the surface of the concrete. The arched beam section is split into two halves at the centerline and is specified to be CJP welded in the field. On my shop drawings, I show the joint and all the dimensions/parts that are around the joint along with the weld symbols. The weld symbols (B-U5a – double-bevel groove weld) are shown with more than one break in the arrow line, so that I don’t have multiple lines crossing other lines (which leads to confusion in my mind).

  Is it acceptable to show a weld symbol with more than one break in the arrow line?

Response:
It is not common practice to have the arrow zigzagging every which way. Clarity should be the goal. Too many zigs and zags can be confusing.

  4.  “Curved surface stud welding is not pre-qualified in AWS D1.1, 7.6, Examples of stud applications that require tests of this section are the following: (1) Studs which are applied on non-planar surfaces or to a planar surface in the vertical or overhead positions.”
  a.  I have shown on the shop drawings a stud welding to a piece of angle-iron at the radius section between the legs; it’s an embed angle for a door frame. The weld symbol simply states the size of the weld stud, the quantity and the pitch.

  Is it required by code that I specify whether or not a process is pre-qualified?

Response:
You are the fabricator’s detailer. The welder takes his direction from your drawings. They should provide the welder with all the information required to properly fabricate the member that is depicted. As noted before, welding is a controlled process. It is not left to the welder to select a welding process. That is management’s responsibility. You represent management.

In this case, the stud cannot be welded to the inside radius unless you demonstrate your equipment can do so, i.e., the procedure must be qualified as described in Clause 7. The alternative is to weld the studs using SMAW or other prequalified welding process with a low hydrogen electrode as described in Clause 7. The size of the fillet weld is dependent on the material thickness and the diameter of the stud. Use the larger of the welds required by Table 5.8 or 7.2.

This Engineer is doing you a favor by providing you code references to help you correct your omissions. 

You might consider taking the one day AWS D1.1 review course offered to people studying for the CWI examination. The issues you have raised are typically addressed in the presentation. Better yet, consider taking the entire CWI review. There is a plethora of information presented that would be very helpful to someone that is relatively new to AWS D1.1 and welding in general. You can send me a personal message for more information.

Bear in mind that I am expressing my opinions on the subjects. There will be several other opinions presented here that may very well differ from what those I have expressed.

Best regards – Al

I'm going to take the SCWI exam in New Orleans next month and am studying the recommended materials.
I've also searched info from past posts here on the forum.
I've read that a lot of the exam is based on:

B2.1, specifically procedure qualification info
D10.4, specifically heat treat info
ISO 9000 Quality System requirements
Advanced NDT methods such as AET and HDT
B4.0
VT requirements
Heat Input calculations (don't forget to bring a calculator!)
Basic components of a borescope

Some of the info provided was about the need for and upcoming changes in the exam, and to not be afraid to challenge erroneous questions and answers.

Any fresh or additional advice on how to best focus study time / materials would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your time and consideration,
Tim Gary

Steve,

Your best bet is to go to the AWS Website and go to 'Certifications'.  From there you can search the CWI database and get all your information.  From there or the 'Bookstore' you can download QC-1 for free and also read the qualifications.  Also read through the suggested self-study materials list and see what you may want to buy and study before you would take the seminar and exam.  I do recommend the seminar.  Odds of passing are considerably higher for those who take it. 

After wading through this information you can better decide if you really want to pursue it.  It is worth it.  Best move I made.  Only wish I had done it years earlier.

Have a Great Day,  Brent

And, as I have said many times before on this forum and this topic, Get all the books.  EVEN THE ONES THAT COME "FREE" at the seminar because they are included in the cost and are part of the week long seminar.  For self study this is a must.  But I highly recommend it for PRE-study even if taking the seminar.  If you have already studied the WIT book as well as all the other recommended study materials (a list of which can be found on the paperwork for the application for the seminar and exam) then you will be able to spend more time studying the Code book during the exam week. 

I know, I am mixing self study and seminar studiers (a word?) but the point is, you can't be TOO prepared for this exam.  And the more you learn before you become a CWI the faster you will learn how to apply all that knowledge when you get a job as a CWI.  It won't be as quickly forgotten as if you only studied the week of the exam and then crash and put all the books away.  To my wife's dismay, I LIVE in those books.  It is my life now.  And knowing what I am doing is critical.  NO, I don't try to memorize the Codes.  But the more time you spend in them the easier you can find things when an issue arises. 

And Lawrence, I did not get anywhere close to a perfect score either.  But being half way between failure and perfect on all three parts was a lot more comfortable than passing with a score in the low 70's.  I felt much more assured that I knew the material.  Of course, I tend to be a perfectionist and don't like failure.

Have a Great Day,  Brent

This is a good thread Brent.

I think I prolly studied with "some" dicipline for 18 months before I sat for the CWI exam.  Because my employer was willing to send me to the seminar, I went...  One of the best professional experiences in my life... Lots of learning and lots of contacts made.

I was pretty confident before the seminar... Felt even better after it..  But I did *not* get anything close to a perfect score on that exam even with alll the groundwork laid in ahead of time.

Self study is perfectly valid... The only thing I would suggest is that the student/learner be VERY diciplined about study and have a strong grasp about how comprehensive that exam actually is.

I agree with 803056 and am also "home schooled".
This forum is what I used for my CWI exam.
Dig through the ASME and or D1 forums. Seek out the questions and then find the answers yourself. Only after diligent research should you return to the thread and verify or get help to find the answer.
Granted, your first few attempts will most likely get you back on the forum, but as you gain familiarity and experience with the code(s) of your choice, it will become easier. Eventually, you will find yourself providing answers to future posts. That would be totally cool, right?

That is my "poor man's" approach.
As I've said before, the seminar is not going to give you a Brain Transplant. It should at best be a review and last minute study guide.
Option 2 is to go to work as a Trainee/Tech with a company that will provide you with OJT and sponsor you for the seminar.
Study hard and good luck to you.

hi .. im currently studying my 570 and api 510,  These are basically a set of instructions for the inspector to apply to the items being inspected, i would think a structural aws inspector would inspect to d1.1 with exception of some of the pressure vessel or piping, and in my understanding most codes (piping) reflect back on b31.3 process pipe sense its new construction but, then again EVERYTHING is at the COMPANYS discretion.
     If they want your welding test to compose of a juggling 3 flaming bowling ball pins while jumping up and down naked.. then thats the test.   as for rod ovens and rods,the contractor in a refinery wants to make sure u are using 7018 and you have an oven they will mandate that when u get hired and in most case they will supply.  But there can be no confusion to what is -none conformance- when welding HF acid or high pressure lines that could have a huge environmental and safety impact if done incorrectly.  Now welding on a rig i know we take short cuts some times and i doubt most rig yards have api inspectors but surly any good or competent Contractor will give a welding test  and may have a cwi  but anyways.  ITS basically up to the OWNER/USER they set all the rules.    I dont see anywhere in api 570 or 510 that covers welding rod condition, they just state what kind of rods you can use for which metal groups.  

                                                                          hope that answers helps a little

PFI,

WELCOME TO THE AWS WELDING FORUM!!

Had to get that taken care of,  Al and Joe were a little remiss in their responsibilities there.

Anyway, as I have not taken the SCWI exam myself I cannot really add much to their responses.  I would however suggest as much study as possible in each of the suggested self study references.  I just saw an add in the Inspections Trends for a company that does seminars for those wishing to take the SCWI exam, at least I think my mind remembers that correctly.  Since you are a current CWI you should have received it in the mail or can view it on line here on the main website.

I have begun thinking that direction myself and begun information searches as I will qualify in the near future and I am one that likes to face those exams with all the advance study and information I can get. 

Have a Great Day,  Brent

I don't know what you mean by an "open format".

The last time I took the SCWI (you, I've taken a couple over the years just for the heck of it), it was an open book examination where you could use any reference you could lug, pack, pull, or truck into the examination room. All the questions are based on references available from AWS.

A good portion of the examination included questions relating to quality control systems (including the most usless system in the world; ISO) and functions. There was a good number of questions relating to NDT. One half the examination was looking up answers and information in B2.1. That portion of the examination was directed to qualifying welding procedures and to a lesser extent on how to qualify a welder. It was structure similar to the CWI Part B examination where you had to look up specific information, enter the information on a form, determine the range of thickness qualified, blah, blah, blah.

You do not have to evaluate plastic weld replicas, you already did that when you passed the CWI.   

In general, I thought it was a reasonable examination. There are portions that I thought could be beefed up and certain areas that didn't really relate to my day to day work, but then again, the type of work we each do is never the same. We all serve different markets.

As always, things are always changing at AWS and how the certification is earned/awarded. The SCWI program is going to be revamped in the "near" future, but it is still a work in progress. I should wait until the changes have been reviewed, voted on, and approved before going into any details, after all, it will be changed again several more times before being inplimented.

Study material: none that I am aware of. Check the "body of knowledge" listed in B5.1 for a fairly good break down on the subjects that must be included in the examination.

Best regards - Al

I'm taking my SCWI exam in a few months and I'm a bit confused about the AWS-recommended self study (examination preparatory material),  Is this the subject matter that the tests will contain? or is it the books listed on the application page (page 1) in the box "open format"

additionally, does anyone know if there is a practice exam for SCWI exam?

Now that is funny.  I don't care who you are.  I always tell people the "secret" to passing is STUDY hahaha.  Everyone always wants to know if the CWI or API tests are hard. . . . .nope they're easy as pie.  Just keep that 50% fail rate forever to scare people off.  I love it. . . . . I had an auditor ask me one time when I was testing welders on a boiler outage what my title was and I told him grief counselor. . . . . all this and a paycheck too!!

Joe,

After reading your reply to Lawrence,  your one statement  “I just BELITTLE any CWI who needs to go to the Boot Camp for 9 year re-certification…”   helps me understand your opinion a little clearer than I did when I read your reply to me.   “Choosing” to go and “needing” to go are two entirely different things.

I don’t fit the stereotype of the people you think take the recertification course. I’m not an engineer, not lazy or incompetent, and if you are implying a pseudo CWI is someone that is not genuine ….  Well, that shoe doesn't fit me either.  Actually, when I took my CWI examination I used borrowed study materials, organized a study group and enlisted the help of another CWI as a resource person. I studied for months.  My examination was on a Saturday and I was one of the last few people to turn in my test in all three sessions.  I was confident I scored well, and in fact I did. On the practical examination I only missed two questions.  I am a working inspector and at the end of the day my blue collar is generally as dirty as my hands and knees are. I am very fortunate in that I have several longtime customers, the longest being 33 years, and I work with a group of very skilled welders that understand the importance of quality as much as I do.

All that said, with a little refreshing I’m 100% confident I can pass the practical examination.  Considering the recertification course is only an option I’m exploring.  The time away from my job is no problem, the cost of the course is not an issue, I will be paid while taking the class, and I enjoy interacting with other professionals.  A 12 hour day is normal for me, so 14 hours a day of classroom time is no big deal provided the time is well spent and interesting.

Thirdeye

While I haven't participated in the 9 year recert course, I have taken advantage of a number of AWS sponsored courses. 

I'm very fortunate that in my line of work professional development is required/encouraged and when times are good, even paid for.

In fact I try to take one of those courses anually,  I have taken  MT, PT & UT courses by Mr. Thiess (sp).   I have taken the "roadmap" seminars and WPS/PQR development seminars with Ken Coryell and I have take the full week CWI prepatory boot-camp with Ed Bohnart.

I mention the names of the instructors for a reason,,, They are giants in our industry. If the door is open, only a fool wouldn't jump on the opportunity to learn from them. They know and share things that aren't in books and study guides

What I like best about the 3 men I mentioned is that their teaching style/method is strongly linked to the sharing of business scenerios that they have experienced; meaning they integrate the code or inspection principles into their presentations rather than just vomiting facts to a group of guys at tables.   I have also heard some negative stories about some of the presenters, so it might be worthwhile to really do some research before investing in the training if that's the way you go.

The time I spent in those seminars is an important part of my professional development. To this day I continue to network with a number of professionals I met at those seminars, and it has been a professional boon to me, and in some small way maybe even me to them.  I have gotten consulting work from, and passed on consulting work to, some of the folks I've worked with at those seminars. 

As far as Joe Kane goes...  You are entitled to your opinion, however, you also mention time and again in your postings in this forum, your personal membership and affiliation with various certification and code committees you sit on as a volunteer for the AWS, and in "my opinion" that holds you to a higher level of discourse than the average poster on this forum.

Shaming somebody for seeking professional development, whether or not that training exempts a person from an exam is less than kind and less than what somebody who represents the AWS even in a tertiary manner should pronounce.  I don't like calling out my betters or biting the hand that that has been both kind and generous to me over the years, but I also strongly disagree with essence of Joe K's post in response to Thirdeye.

API 577 would be applicable IMHO.  Also a lot of AWS books that ID cold lap but I don't have them with me. . .it's the one about the discontinuities etc. you study for your CWI.  Hit em with the 577 section below its a good catch all about craftsmanship.  Hit em with C and E. etc.:

4.4.1 Appearance and Finish
Verify post-weld acceptance, appearance and finishing of
the welded joints.
4.4.1.1 Quality control items to assess:
a. Size, length and location of all welds conform to the drawings/
specifications/Code.
b. No welds added without approval.
c. Dimensional and visual checks of the weld don’t identify
welding discontinuities, excessive distortion and poor
workmanship.
d. Temporary attachments and attachment welds removed
and blended with base metal.
e. Discontinuities reviewed against acceptance criteria for
defect classification.
f. PMI of the weld, if required, and examiner’s findings indicate
they comply with the specification.
g. Welder stamping/marking of welds confirmed.
h. Perform field hardness check (see 9.10).
4.4.1.2 Potential inspector actions: rework existing welds,
remove welds and make weld repairs as required.

Has anyone used online cwi training? I ordered one of the modules and it was the same questions from the API 1104 study guide, word for word. They refunded my $ but i feel like there is a slight injustice in my stomach still.

It has more to do with which way you want your career to go. If you plan on inspecting in the Oil and Gas industry, then go with 1104. If you plan on working in the structural world, then D1.1
Remember though, API 1104 does not recognize AWS CWI certification. So if you think taking the test with 1104 will help you in securing a pipeline inspection job, well that is not the way it works. May not be fair, but that is just the way it goes.
The intent of the CWI program is to test the inspectors knowledge of welding and the ability to use basic inspection tools and accept and reject welds to a standard. It comes down to what you have worked in. I took my test to 1104 because that is what I am famillar with. I believe had I spent the time to study D1.1 I would have passed the test using it.
And when you pass the test, remember it is just the beginning. In addition to my CWI I have and maintain 5 additional certifications and have in the past had to train and qualify in MT, PT and UT. The CWI is only the beginning.
When I started inspecting full time I had a welding rig and all the farkles and sparklys. I wanted to be able to weld and inspect.
Be sorta versitle.
The best advice I ever received "If you are going to weld, weld. If you are going to inspect, inspect. You cannot be the best at both. You can be good at both but never the best. And what are you going to do when you get laid off a inspecting job and go looking for a welding job with a contractor you inspected over the week before." I sold all the sparklys and farlkes. Kept my SA200 for about 5 years, then sold it. And I have never looked back.
Both careers can be frustrating or rewarding. Just depends on you.
I would research pipeline integrity as a career path. With welding experience, a CWI and two to three years as a gypsy with a PI company, you can write your own ticket. If you have the drive and desire.

I am set to go to the week long CWI seminar in about a month and a half, but Im trying to get a prepared as possiable. Where can I find study guides or aids to go along with the D1.1 and D14.3 code books to help me prepare for the CWI examin.