My opinion is anyone with a solid background in welding and motivated can pass the CWI test. I have done it twice without any prep class. There are good prep classes and there are really bad prep classes. Getting the study materials from AWS and doing a self study for 3-4 weeks is all that is needed. BUT you need a knowledge of inspection tools, their application, and code interpretation.
The second aspect of once getting the CWI is being able to apply it. Most people who get into inspection understand their place. That is to visually inspect and accept or reject welds, welders and or welding procedures to a code, standard or job specification. There is a lot in that and some people cannot do it.

All y6ou need to do is to: K.I.S.S... Meaning KEEP IT SIMPLE BLANK (one can use whatever they want to represent the last letter)!!! :) :) :)

Focus on one book only!!! It's a phony/imaginary code in a phony/imaginary code book!!! So focus on what you find in the phony/imaginary code book regarding how to inspect the samples because if you are still going by the same requirements/acceptance criteria found in the code book you picked for your open book test, then you are setting yourself up for almost guaranteed failure in that part "B" of the exam!!! :( :( :(

So Keep it simple, and focus only on the phony/imaginary part b code book and ALL OF IT'S INSTRUCTIONS regarding the requirements, procedures and acceptance criteria found only in the part B phony/imaginary code book and you'll do fine - CAPECHE??? Good luck and happy hunting next time!!! :) :) :)

Remember!!! Concentrate, and focus on studying, and using the Part B book only in order to successfully complete that part of the exam, and in order to avoid confusion on inspecting to the part b code book as opposed to AWS D1.1 or any other of the allowable codes that one can use for the open book test part of the CWI exam because;

THIS IS NOT THE OPEN BOOK TEST USING AN ACTUAL CODE THAT IS USED IN THE FIELD OR SHOPS!!!;) It is intentionally designed to trick you if you are not focusing on the code you are working to in order to test you on whether or not you can perform your inspection duties regardless of which code you are working from - PERIOD!!! ;)

Finally, practice if you have time in going from the open book test part of the exam and then switch to the part B phony/imaginary code book part of the exam and see how well you can change your focus from one code to another before you take the actual retest on part b because it will give you an idea if you can shift gears on the fly so to speak!!! ;)

I apologize if I'm a bit blunt, but I don't like to sugar coat important stuff unless it's absolutely necessary and it's not in this case here. ;)

Respectfully,
Henry

HG,
  I went from a working foreman....fabricator/welder to all of a sudden the owner said hey...I want you to get the CWI. I did the one week seminar that was instructed by Ron Theiss (brilliant man). I was literally up all night studying all week long to be successful on the exam. For me it was a 180 degree difference to go from fab and welding to the inspecting side of the spectrum. I would say 80% of the content that I learned I was unaware of until that week. Training before the prep by current CWI's as you mentioned at your facility would be very beneficial in my mind.

JJ

mrrpm6900,
Welcome. First there really is no easy way to study for the infamous Part B. Most (maybe all?) of the people I know who have failed the CWI exam was on the Part B.
The only advice I can give is to first "inspect" your samples as soon as you recieve them. I remember mine (2007) seemed to have pencil lead broken off in them and just were kinda overall abused and scratched up. My first encounter with Part B was back in '97 and those of us that took the CWI exam refered to them as the "Fisher Price inspectors KIT". The calipers and other tools were cheap grey plastic just like the weld samples. I thought for sure I was doomed due the the inherent inaccuracy of tools not of Starret or other such quality. If you wear eyeglasses, I usually use "over the counter" types from the pharmacy, make sure they are up to date. BRING YOUR OWN FLASHLIGHT! I am NOT a fan of LED for QC work. Something about the higher end spectrum (of LED) does not seem to work for me. I prefer a 60 lumen or better halogen.
Last I recommend to every one DO NOT use your judgement on this test. Read the question carefully, and decide what they are asking for. I think they intentionally structure the questions to confuse and make experienced Inspectors reach from their memory rather than interpret this bogus code for what it is... a BOGUS CODE!

Hope this helps...it's worked for me twice in 10 years.

FWIW, I think Part B is a nice break from the way it was when all you had was 3 sessions of multiple guess.

Engineers are humans too. There are good ones and there are some that aren't so good. There are some with egos that prevent them from asking for other people’s opinions and there are those that ask for help when venturing into unfamiliar territory.

There are two ways to acquire an education. There is the slow and rocky path followed by those that attend the "School of Hard Knocks" and there are those that sit in a classroom and study the books. The ideal way would be to combine the two systems together, but most people are unwilling to invest the time or the money to take that route. The fact is that even after acquiring a degree, it is the beginning of the education process, not the end. Many senior engineers will agree that it takes about five years of experience before a young newly minted engineer is ready to face the world on his/her own. The learning process continues and over time the youngster acquires "practical experience.” The type of practical experience depends on the company and the nature of the work he/she is assigned to.

Some employers recognize the need to expose the new engineer to a variety of projects and they have a system in place to rotate the youngster through the different departments or in some cases, different plants. Other companies, usually the smaller concerns, do not have the time or the money to invest in providing the work experience the young engineer really needs, but instead places him where the immediate need is the greatest, thereby limiting the breadth of the young engineer's training.

It has been noted that there are few colleges or universities that offer a degree in welding engineering. As for Ohio State University, I have heard rumblings that that program is in question. That means the young engineer has to learn about welding the same way most welders do. On-the-job-training. The “School of Hard Knocks” is one of the few options available to provide practical knowledge about welding. It is interesting to note how many engineers with their P.E. attend the CWI courses offered by AWS. It is one of the few courses available that teaches some of the fundamental principles of welding technology. ASME has a three-day course call Practical Welding Technology that targets engineers. Both courses are fast paced to say the least and both of them cover a lot of information in a very short time frame. While either course is a good beginning, most engineers have to learn about welding the hard way.

There is a lot of information the engineer can be learn by talking with experienced welders. Most welders have encountered the engineer that thought he "knew it all" and refused to ask for advice. The welders are all too happy to let the "elitist" engineer crash and burn and the engineer’s career with the company is often short lived. 

Most of the welders I have worked with are more than receptive to learning more about their profession if the engineer is willing to share his knowledge with them. A little give and take goes a long ways in resolving production problems that are design related.

I have encountered many of the problems mentioned in this thread. My degrees are not the traditional “engineering degree.” So far that has not been a major career killer. In fact, it probably worked in my favor in many respects. After all, I do not think I am cut out to be a company man. I like variety and I have not encountered too many companies that provide the varied experiences I encounter with my practice nor the independence I am accustom to.

Life is good.

Best regards - Al

I am selling some of the books and study guides that I used to pass the CWI exam and some that I  have two copies of.
AWS D1.1 - 2006 new condition (never used) - $225
AWS D1.3 - 1998 new condition (never used) - $75
AWS A3.0 - 2001 very good condition - $75
AWS A2.4 - 1998 very good conditon - $75
Welding Inspection Technology Workbook - like new, no marks - $50
Sample CWI Fundamental Examination -like new, no marks - $25
I also have a copy of the part B Examination Book of Specifications.

API Standard 1104 - 20th Edition - with tabs and highlighted - $150
Study Guide for API 1104 - very good condition - $35
I will throw in a practice exam book, and some study questions for API 1104 if you are taking the CWI exam.

Let me know if you are interested.  campr2267@yahoo.com

If you have related training over the years and can turn in those training certificates (show the proof) then with 80+ hours you can beg out of the retest.
There are other rules that apply such as not repeating a class within the 9 year period and the training needs to be spread out some time and.......
But why take a test when you should be doing some sort of continuous training anyway.
I personally turned in about a third ream of certificates and such for my 9 year recert, then did not have to test. (such as NDT classes) You will still pay just not test.
If you must test then study the practical section of the CWI test.
I have heard that if not now but coming soon you can take other tests such as a different code book or bolting or....... and it can count towards your 9 year.
Al might know more about this..........

Hope this helps

I've been with this shop for several years and when I started I knew very little about the industry. We mainly work on misc. jobs, railing and light structural. Recently I started studying for my CWI and the info that I have been learning has made me realize that we are not doing many things correctly. Examples include that we do not have WPS's, but when asked we write up very poor examples which are accepted, but not remotely correct; our electrode treatment is horrible; ETC...  The opinion has been that it has been OK so far, so why change it when it costs so much? I see all of this going on but no one, including my boss wants to hear it. We get by doing the jobs that we are doing, but I fear that without improving, this is all the company will be. I have a large interest in helping this company grow, since my father in law owns it, but no one wants to do anything about it. The only thing that I have accomplished is being told that it is not worth it, but some of the other welders are staring to understand what I am talking about. Any suggestions on how I can approach this in a way that will get my boss' attention to these matters will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Chuck

Hi Giovanni!

(1) Community Colleges: A two year Associates Degree school which also offers both credit and non-credit courses for both post secondary and non-post-secondary students that must have at least a General Equivalency High School Diploma in order to be accepted along with being able to meet certain minimum aptitude standards which may differ from each state's own requirements. the post secondary courses lead to achieving an associates degree in the major students choose provided they take all of the required courses in order to satisfy the requirements for that specific course major, and some of the courses may not even be for example, welding related...

Some of the required courses may be required because the state education, or accreditation body requires the students to successfully complete those courses also in order to meet the minimum requirements for either the state education department, or the accreditation body to accept that the student has me thew requirements for either an Associates of Occupational Science(AOS), Associates of Applied Science(AAS), or an Associates of Specialized Technology (AST)... An AOS usually has the least minimum curriculum requirements to be met by the school, then the AST, followed by the AAS as being the Associates degree category requiring more difficult courses in the curriculum in order to meet it's requirements.

So the highest level Associates degree would be an AAS, followed by an AST, then the lowest being an AOS and usually the AAS has higher level math, English and other courses in order to meet the minimum requirements for issuance.

Now students can also enroll in courses that do not give credit hours as well as courses that do, but are taken in order to learn a skilled trade, arts and crafts kills, computers, certain languages courses, math courses, psychology, philosophy, etc. just because they are interested in them and want to know more about these skills or subjects on an introducory level, or to complete the necessary courses required in order to be eventually granted an associates degree of some type by completing what htey did not do earlier in their lives because of whatever reason, and as long as the credit they previously achieved will be accepted by the appropriate state education department or accreditation body if the school is a private school offering some, or all of the mentioned associate degree types.

Some community colleges offer courses where internships are granted to the student who achieve higher than average Grade Point Averages (GPA's), and can meet these requirements either at the start of their senior year, or after successfully completing their third semester with the minimum required GPA and have gained the confidence of their instructor that they will successfully complete such an internship. These internships offer the students real world exposure to working in their respective field of study in an entry level position so that when they complete their internship and graduate, they have an edge over the other students of what it's really like to be working in one of the many positions within their respective fields of study.

Finally some community colleges offer to the public, workforce development courses as well as specialized non-credit courses that do offer Continuing Education Units (CEU's) instead of credit hours that can be used in order ot achieve an associates degree... In other words, the CEU's do not count towards earning a degree, but do sometimes count towards maintaining a certification such as a CWI for example provided the courses have something to do related to the duties of being a CWI.

These courses may or may not lead to some sort of certification, yet they may also be designed in order to bring the student up to the level where the student would become prepared for certification... Also, some of these specialized courses are designed to meet the ever changing needs for local, or regional industries and businesses to remain diversified and competative gobally by providing courses to them so that they have a diverse, highly trained and talented pool of employees that are cross trained in various skills in order for the companies to successfully produce a wide variety of products and maintain, or achieve higher levels of quality simultaneously. So basically, that's how most community colleges operate and what they offer their respective communities in a nutshell... There's more, but if I continue to focus on community colleges, I will not cover vocational high schools or technical schools which are confusing enough to explain their differences as well as their similarities... So I'll end the explanation regarding community colleges now and move on to #2 Vocational High Schools.

(2) Vocational High Schools: I will edit later Giovanni! I'm not feeling too good today, so please bear with me, and I'll get back to you tomorrow hopefully.;)

Respectfully,
Henry

Hello I am wonder if anyone can lead in the right direction for study material for national board cert.I am in canada and so courses are not much of a option, studying is not a problem I have my cwi and welding examiner cert any help would be great thanks

Hello I am wonder if anyone can lead in the right direction for study material for national board cert.I am in canada and so courses are not much of a option, studying is not a problem I have my cwi and welding examiner cert any help would be great thanks.

Hope some still check when new posts show up here to follow up.

Just got back from the exam in Phoenix.  Pretty comfortable with my performance.  Had plenty of time to study and had plenty of resources thanks to posters here in this thread.  Had a reasonable amount of experience to add to the book knowledge. 

Overall I felt it was handled very well.  Personally I would have thought the people monitoring the exam should have had a bit more knowledge and understanding about how to handle the code book exams. 

Also,  I never did get EXACT information about what documents could be used IN the exam.  I only used the 13th ed AISC with RCSC Bolting and Specification for Structural Steel Buildings.  Was able to answer all the questions on MY exam from those documents.

But Joe Kane had mentioned that there 'could' be questions in the bank of questions for the exam that covered info from the ASTM's on bolting items.  AND, several of the other exams, SCWI, CWEng, CWS (supervisor), etc are allowed to take any reference material they think can assist them on the exam.

I went back through the AWS website 'Certification' section, the info sent with my confirmation, info on this thread, and I could not find anything about what I was able or not able to take into the exam and use as reference material.

I really think this is important information.  If I don't get an answer on this question on the forum I will start back with phone calls and e-mails to the people who contributed previous information.  I may have taken, and hopefully passed, the exam but this should be readily available information for others.

Have a Great Day,  Brent

Go to the AWS website and bookstore. Download the 2010 catalogue & Order the AWS CM, AWS D1.1 CCRM, AWS VIW-M, AWS WIT-T, AWS WIT-W, AWS WIT-E. Also the D1.1 '08 or '10. Free downloads ANSI Z49.1, AWS B5.2, QC1:2007. This should set you back about $600. Most of these will be included in the CWI prepatory seminar. If you have and study these materials you may opt to just write the CWI exam without the seminar.

you can't take the lA city exam for welding inspector unless you first obtain your
ICC structural steel inspector license. ICC will sell you their license if you have your AWS CWI license
but you will also have to pay for and pass the ICC high strength bolting exam. Remember the City of LA license
is valid only in the city of los Angeles. The outlying cities require a county of Los Angeles license lol Get out your wallet
AWS 850.00   ICC 250 + 75.00 no test fee. city of Los angeles $590.00 county of los angeles ??? AWS D1.1 Book 475.00
aisc Book 325.00 astm book 300.00. study books for tests another 500.00 having your CWI Priceless

its a hard test if you don't study  hard before the seminar you'll have a hard time passing
to much info to absorb in to short a time. 4 cwi's i know all took the seminar and all four failed
I studied the right material and passed 1st time no problem no seminar. there's a reason  only
30%  pass on the first try.

Ok I can see this being an ok program for a neoyphyte to learn some THING about welding technique, procedure and get some training via the internet.   The same knowledge offered can be had via serious search engine effort for FREE.   As far as helping someone become a qualified, I SAID QUALIFIED!!!!, this is a joke because welding is a physical AND mental skill and requires testing for qualifications.  Without oversight of the physical abilities required in (almost)ANY welding discipline this is a waste of time and money.    I am sure there are at LEAST  5000 welders scattered across the country who could and would input a more valuable learning experience for less then 1/8 the time and 1/2 the expense then this class could offer concerning general knowledge of welding.      SECOND    if this is to be promoted as a study program for achieving a CWI            WELL I will just say it for everyone in the trenches.....we need CWI that knows something about welding, those folks will be able to interpret codes accurately.  I look at inspection just like I look at engineering, guys with practical experience seems to be LEAPS AND BOUNDS ahead of there peers doing the same damm job.

Sorry if this come off as a rant but I have a disposition against online schools period, they are NO substitute for actual physical class attendance at this point in time......they could be great...but in my experience the knowledge and credibility thereof is servilely lacking compared to the cost.

I am looking for anyone who has cwi study materials they want to sell.

thanks
Chuck

I agree it is interesting. First I have heard of it. From what I see on the site it is geared more toward companies than individuals.
For someone needing more background before taking the CWI there is a benifit. However, if you have the discipline to take this for 40 hours, then getting the study material and spending 40 hours on that would in the end cost you less than the on line weld academy and the prep-class/self study.
I am a firm believer if one takes the time to study the guides available and has a good background in welding and inspection they can pass the CWI test without a prep class. Especially id you get a lame instructor. However, the prep class can broaden your knowledge by interacting with other candidates and a good instructor. Also there is the networking that occurs when you get a bunch of spark idiots together.

And just to add on the excellent suggestion from jrw159... If you go to your section meeting for your region and contact the person responsible for the library, or the section, or certification chairperson, you could purchase the AWS code books as well as other reference books also... By going that route, you can purchase the study material at a substantial discount, and your section representatives will also steer you in the right direction with which books to purchase, so that every topic covered in the CWI/CWE body of knowledge will be taken into account for you to study further as well as suggestions that will be helpful in preparing yourself for the exam...

Also, most sections do hold meetings, and workshops that specifically cover preparation for the CWI exam which is something to consider as well since they are very good in giving you a better perspective of what you need to prepare yourself for prior to taking the exam, and take as much time to prepare yourself before you take the exam...

I mean, take at least a minimum of six months to a year if necessary to study because if you don't, you will be overwhelmed and almost certainly fail the first time especially if you are not aware of all of the topics covered in the body of knowledge, or have given yourself enough time to study the code your are going to take for the open book portion of the exam, or have given yourself enough practice time with measuring discontinuities, or defects by using the various visual inspection tools as well as reviewing high school math and studying the part B practical exam portion of the exam also...

So, take your time and seek guidance from your local AWS section folks, and ask them for help, and do not take the exam unless you sure that you are really ready for it by finding out as much as you can what you need to prepare yourself for it and giving yourself enough time to prepare for it!!! :) :) :)

Finally, Don't be afraid to ask as many questions you can come up with because, the folks at your local section as well as the many excellent folks in here will give you some good suggestions and if you use the search function in the forum, you can find many, many threads covering a multitude of queries regarding the CWI exam and how to prepare one self for achieving the best possible outcome which of course is to PASS!!! :) :) :)

Respectfully,
Henry

Hello Everyone;

Another year has come and is (almost) gone.

I did not get a chance to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, but I want to make sure I did wish everyone of you a Happy New Year. The Christmas cards I bought are still in their cartons. I went on the road and never got to address them and send them out. They will have to keep until next year.

I hope each of you had a good year in 2009 and if not, I hope 2010 brings you good health and prosperity.

I just finished some interesting work this week. I was inspecting a couple of the largest forging presses located in the Western Hemisphere. Just to give you an idea of the size of one of the machines; the tie rods are nearly 110 feet long (no, that isn't a typo error) by roughly 40 inches square and there are about 6 of them for the one machine. It is huge!

For those of you that are looking for work, I hope you are successful in finding something. My only advice is to diversify and learn more about your chosen profession. Darwin is alive and well. Make sure you are amongst the strong by learning all you can about your area of interest and associated processes.

As a welder, I found stepping up to the challenge of taking the CWI and the SCWI to an adventure that is still unfolding. The information I studied in preparation for the examinations was put to good use as a welder. I made the move from welding to inspection when the opportunity presented itself. Then it was a matter of learning what I could about NDT.

"Welding and NDT,” as Chuck Hellier told me, "go together like hot fudge and ice cream."

OK, those are my words, but that was the sentiment he expressed when he first invited me to sit in on some of his NDT classes. It was great advice that has served me well. I can only offer the same advice to any welder that is interested in advancing his or her career. Welding and NDT are complimentary subjects. A good welder with an understanding of NDT and maybe a couple of NDT certs to compliment the CWI credential is a very valuable individual whether he or she works for a large company or is self-employed. The training and credentials gives you the ability to work in a variety of positions. I have worked as a welder, then as an inspector, and then as a welder again as the opportunities arose.

I approach business the same way. I try not to put all my eggs in one basket. I diversify, i.e., I do not depend on one industrial sector for my business. I work with aerospace, pressure vessels, pressure piping, shipbuilding, structural steel, and even dirty, greasy, grimy forging presses. Never say no to a new job that will broaden your knowledge. 

The bottom line is that it may not be enough to be the best at one thing in these trying economic times. Diversify. Read. Read about anything that can help you in your core profession. Most of us are welders or we were welders. There are classes offered at local colleges that can help you become more proficient. There are courses on basic electricity and electronics (nice to know so you can better trouble shoot your equipment), computer aided design, geometry (good to know to become better at laying out steel), as I mentioned already; NDT such as magnetic particle and penetrant testing. For the adventurous there is ultrasonic testing (not for the faint of heart when it comes to mathematics). When the economy picks up (there are signs that it is already starting to turn) you will be too busy to study new subjects. If you are not working, you have some free time, now is the time to pursue additional venues. 

Enough words of encouragement.

Once again, I wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Best regards - Al

I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to which books are the most important for self study for the cwi exam. I have looked at and priced all of the materials this site suggests, and since I am buying them myself I was hoping to cut costs a little bit. any help will be appreciated

Location of incident....Tulsa, Okla. SCWI Exam. Date of violation...Oct. 2009.Test score...62%. Preparation...flipped through some of them books. Background...30 years manager/inspector/welder AWS D1.1, D1.5. CWI....1986 vintage.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Hah, Hah! It's funny now, but it wasn't then. I remember checking in as the only SCWI applicant out of sixty something inspectors. The administrators greeted me with some strange kinda smiles as one asked, "how ya doing today?" Well to be honest, I had a real bad feeling about this test. Now I hadn't ever failed any kind of exam since high school, but this one had me torn. The reference material covered so much that anyone could've easily written 2,000 questions from it...let alone 200. This is where "flipping through some of them books" comes in. So many possibilities for potential questions, there's just no way to retain that much info. So you flip and read and become overwhelmed with info and retain very little new knowledge....major mistake! Now I'd never met a SCWI or anyone who had attempted to become one. So on my own, all I could do was focus on what's the difference between a SCWI and a CWI. Turns out that logic got me pretty far in the right direction...just not far enough.

Disappointed but vowing to return, my plane landed in Reno on Dec. 12th. for round two. I kinda felt like that old wise hound with one bad eye and a crippled leg, but still able to run down anything in the woods. So I greeted the adminstrators with a strange kinda smile, and promptly tore through that test as if I were reading yesterday's news.

My thoughts....Wow!! What a test. Good to see AWS raising the bar.

Morale of the story...take it twice or take a study course. Better yet...know a SCWI.LOL!!!

Btw, Merry Christmas!!!

I for one would definantly encourage you to obtain your CWI. I had the oppurtunity to obtain my CWI certification in February of this year, and I'm glad I did. My situation is a bit different than yours, as I work for a fairly large corporation which paid for study materials, siminar, and hotel accomadations. Passing the test, and having a CWI on staff should certainly help your shop attract business.

Laredo 

The only way the Seminar provides too much information in too short a time frame is if the person taking the seminar is unprepared to take it...

If your expectation is to take the seminar without having a very good background in *everything* covered in the seminar than you are wasting your time and money.

Becoming a CWI is something that takes most people years of preparation to achieve.  Years on the shop floor working with various processes and codes. Years of inspection or years of academic study.

The purpose of the seminar is to help very experienced (you can't sit for the test without verified experience) people and give them a brush up on things they already *should* know by a HIGH LEVEL EXPERT.

The high failure rates prove the value of the certification!

To the original poster.............  Go for it..  You will enjoy the study and prep... You will enjoy the seminar. (just don't be in too big a hurry) and you may find many many ways for that CWI cert. to help you and your employer.

The api 1104 code book is only 76 pages. The D1.1 is over 400. I took my test with the 1104 and got a 98%
Its alot easier to find answers in 76 pages esprcially if you tab the sections beforehand. It doesn't matter what
code you test to your original license just says cwi qc1 . The CWI seminar gives to much information in to short
a time frame to properly study for the test. I bought the books studied on my own for two months did just fine passed 1st try.
I know at least 5 other inspectors who all took the aws seminar for 2,000 and all failed. they usually set the seminar up the week before the test date
just to much info to comprehend in to short a time. I helped two others study for the exam and both passed first try ., save your money
buy the books and study on your own.

I have been working in my shop for 7 years now and have started to pursue my CWI. We are a small fab shop that has started to take on much bigger projects, and I think that it would help us grow if I got a CWI. I have no plans on leaving since I am the longest running employee and my father in law owns the shop. I can't help but look at the growth involved if we increased our credentials. the most that I have discussed this with my boss was not much, but he offered to pay for the study materials. My main question is if I pass the test, is there anything that I can do to help the company without working under an experienced CWI first? It costs a lot of money and my main goal is to expand the company, especially since I will likely be running it at some point. Any info is greatly aprreciated.

Chuck

Mankenberg,

Yes, I mean full blown Procedure Qualification Records for AWS D1.1, 1.2, 1.6, etc.  The PQR is the actual essential variables of the samples.  I have an assistant record the amperage and voltage readings while I'm welding the samples.  The other variables are not live, well maybe the gas flow.  I record the other variables as they are; material type, thickness, position welded in, etc. 

My favorite test is the 3G plates or pipe.  I visually test the samples myself.  If required, I outsource radiographic or ultrasonic, and tension testing.  I bend my own samples and cut & etch my own macro samples.  My next project is to build a tension tester.

I had a full-blown TACOM (government audit) earlier this year.  The Auditor told me to include digital photos within my documents.  Take lots of pictures at each step of the testing process.

Consider my costs for a recent NAVSEA Qualification of 1 5/8" and 2 1/2" tubes.  I needed three samples of each.  Dye Penetrate costs $125, Radiographic Test $350, and Tension Testing & Bend Testing $800.  Total $1275.  Add $75-$100 for UPS charges and hope they pass!!!

I need additional training and qualification to perform NDT except for Visual Testing (more studying, testing, and money).  I can perform Destructive testing with my AWS CWI qualification (no more studying or testing).  I need equipment and codes.  The bend tester is pretty easy to make. 

Good Luck,

Keith

Do a search on here for study material.  There have been a lot of posts on CWI prep. 

I am wanting to take my CWI next year and was wanting to know of any study material I need to look at before I go to the class. I will be doing it to 1104.

dbigkahunna
You didn't read his post? He said he tested for CWI with API 1104 Code, But stated his card did not list said code, just QC1.

http://www.aws.org/education/cwi_seminar.html

API 1104 Code Clinic
This four-hour course covers general code provisions, including qualification of welding procedures for welds containing filler metal additions, design and preparation of the joint for production welding, nondestructive testing and acceptance standards, and automatic welding with and without filler metal additions. Attendees will practice open codebook testing under time constraints.
NOTE: Clinic fee does not include a copy of API 1104, Welding Pipelines and Related Facilities (20th Edition). API 1104 may be purchased from WEX at (888) 935-3464. Attendees will receive our study guide, AWS API Code Clinic Reference Manual.

BY ATTENDING, YOU CAN LEARN:
API 1104 testing requirements and acceptance criteria.
The proper terminology that gets you to the right section of the code  quickly.
How to use any code, standard or specification by understanding the core of the problem or question.
Note: You MUST purchase your own copy of API 1104, Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities (20th Edition). AWS does not supply this codebook. Contact WEX at www.awspubs.com or phone (888) WELDING (935-3464) to purchase your copy of API 1104, 20th Edition.

Jacob,

You sure can take the exam before the 5 year requirement... The only difference is that if you pass all three parts, you would have to wait until you become a full fledged CWI/CWE once you have the 5 years under your belt... So until then, you would be given CAWI status instead, but that is only if you pass! Also, you must meet all of the requirements of AWS QC-1 as well.

I would suggest to look into the AWS website which you can browse directly from the forum via the link above ,and visit the Certification section where you can find all sorts of relevant information regarding your future aspirations. Once there take a look at QC-1 which you can download and view via .pdf to get a better understanding of the requirements as well as the alternative avenues available to you as well...

Then take a look for the "Body of Knowledge" which should also be in .pdf format to help you get a better idea of what topics are to be covered in the exam and how to better prepare yourself once you decide to take the plunge... finally, in this forum there are so many queries regarding the CWI exam that it'll make your head spin!!! Seriously though, there is so much really good advice posted in here by many upstanding individuals over the years that you would be doing a disservice to yourself in not studying them as well, and all you need to do is to use the search function for the forum and you should be busy reading for quite some time so, feel free to ask even more questions.

Respectfully,
henry

Thanks Chris,  Yeah,  I have lots of tabs in mine as well; Welding, bolting, QC & inspections, materials cleanup & prep, etc.   I use this book all the time and it sure is easier with tabs at key locations.  Thanks for the info on the workbook. 

John or Joe, does one of you know if the same is true of tabs for the AWS Bolting exam?  I am hoping they are handling it as they do the D1.1.  But, I will deal with whatever the rules are here.  This is another one of those issues people need to know BEFORE they get to the exam.  Especially since we have to buy the book ahead of time from another organization, study for the test, show up on test day and take the exam.  If someone comes in with thier book already tabbed, they will have to sit down and remove all the tabs before taking the exam.  NOT COOL!!  And as Chris and I have said, we use this book on the job everyday, it is already tabbed for our convenience.  Hope someone has an AWS answer.  We know where ICC stands.  I thought I had asked that of Peter and Terry in the Certifications Dept, but can't find anything, must have forgotten that as I was typing.

Joe,  I hope my post last night did not come off wrong.  I just wanted you to know that I take these tests, certifications, inspections very seriously.  And after getting to where I am now, I also take the position that one needs to know a lot more about his chosen profession than most of us do.  I have always been an information sponge, but apparently needed different sources so I could learn more about the actual codes and their application to my work.  Seminars seem the logical way to do that, not just exams.  Give the people on the job the materials and training they need, and work quality will improve making it easier on the inspectors trying to insure that quality.  Your help and sharing of knowledge has always been important to me. 

Thanks to all who have answered my continual series of questions to put this together.  And I put it in this public forum for the benefit of others.  I could have just gotten the answers to my questions from Peter, Terry, Joe, AISC, etc. and kept it all to myself.  But there have been so many questions in several areas of this forum about bolting and the new Bolting Exam that I thought it a good idea to try to put all the information together in one place.  Have you actually tried to find even part of this info on the AWS web site?  A lot of it is there, but it is difficult to find.  Some of it is not there.  How would anyone know about the ASTM questions if you, Joe, had not just told us about it in the last couple of posts?  I know we need to study and know our job material, but, I have AISC, IBC, every reference book listed for the CWI, code books, other reference books, and I ask alot of questions.  BUT, if there are going to be questions from a particular set of references, I think we should know it. 

BTW, Chris, try this:  http://www.steelstructures.com    For some reason, I'm no computer wiz, the format used here needs the other info ahead of the address to get it to show blue and link.

Just my two tin pennies worth.  Have a Great Day,  Brent

<<< MOVE OVER. 

Joe,  for my part, apology accepted.  I didn't take it as harsh as what it apparently was, though it did seem to have a 'sarcastic, constructive, informative, tone'.  (Am I good at 'hearing' tone in thread communications or what, okay, probably not). 

My last sentence did state, 'I know you can't give me the actual test questions' (or close to that).  Sorry you didn't understand what I meant.  I do understand your concerns about sample questions.  I find them a good study method, but seldom look at the multiple guess answers.  If I can't answer it in sentence form without the aid of the answers I need more study on the questions subject matter.  I do wish the AWS offered a seminar on Bolting though.  Seems like the more info a person can have on any subject, the better he can do his job rather he gets certified as an inspector or not.  I have been through most of the resource material for CWI with my son (who is my shop foreman).  We use the WIT book to help certain training opportunities with employees.  I have encouraged every shop owner in my area to send at least one person to the 'seminar' for CWI rather they take the test or not.  They need the info and resources handed out at the seminar.  Then they have no excuse for not knowing most of the things required of them when an inspector comes through the door.

I do want to see the exams difficult enough that not just anyone can pass.   I appreciate the commitment of all those who give of so much of their time to put all these exams and info together. 

I am one who studies all the info I possibly can to prepare for a test.  I did with the CWI, and that is my purpose here.  Trying to find out all that will in any way contribute to my ability to pass because I have all the knowledge I can possibly retain and the resources to find what I can't remember.  Add that to as much practical experience as possible and I have only myself to blame if I can't pass.  (How many people do you know who have read completely through the 13th ed twice in less than a year, and more through everything 'bolting' I could find in it?)  I want to know where to find the info I need on the test.

BTW,  AISC also has 'Steel Design Guide 17: High Strength Bolting' which seems to have some good resource material in it. 

Thank you for the other info on upcoming exams and Bodies of Knowledge as well as all your help with my questions so I could gather info on the Bolting exam.  A couple more questions:  Is it okay to have tabs in the AISC Manual as it is D1.1?  What resources besides the 13th ed can we take into the test?

Have a Great Day,  Brent

Brent,
John,
All the other readers,

Sorry I blew up at that question.  In the last two years, I have seen people give test questions and intimate test advice to prospective CWI candidates.  I object to most of it.  I realize now that you were looking for something along the lines of the Q&A book that AWS puts out for the CWI Exam.  (I also happen to be against this practice, because the  Questions in that book are so close to the real questions, that a person could study that book and become a CWI without even being able to "...Speeel Inspeeecter". 

It probably would be helpful if you knew that the Bolting Endorsement, the Drawings Reading Endorsement are really prerequisites for the AWS Special Inspector/ Structural Inspector Exam, that I hope will be out before next summer.  To even take that exam, you have to be a CWI, Take and pass the D 1.1 Examination, the Bolting Examination and the Drawings Reading Examination.

With that Exam, I hope to publish a complete Body of Knowledge booklet, which will be about 40 pages long.

One of the problems with AWS Multiple Choice test Questions, is that we have to make questions with the 5 answer format.  Well, that is the AWS Standard for questions, but is does not really lend itself to test an inspector's knowledge of Structural Inspection.  For Instance, If I want to ask "If I loose a nut while installing a TC bolt assembly, is it permissible to use a nut from different source?

The answer I want from you, the field inspector should be in a yes / no, form. Answer: No, you are not allowed to do that. (But if you want to become a manufacturer and perform all the tests found in the ASTM Standard, you could possibly do it, but the question stem would not give you that option in the wording of the question.)

I wanted to structure the entire program to view the questions the way you would get them as an inspector in the shop or the field.  In the field, you would hear the ironworker/connector drop a nut, and some ground man would run over to some bucket of nuts (used for regular bolts), and toss one up.  As the inspector, you should hear and see this, and instantly know that it is not permissible.  Therefore, a yes/no answer format would be best.  When I try to ask that question,  then have one correct answer and four other wrong answers for the "multiple guess test question format", it becomes impossible to use this vital question.

Joe Kane

Randy, if you are looking for information on the AWS Bolting study, exam, and endorsement,  go down the forum listings to the 'Structural Bolting' section.  There is a thread there, I'll get the name, should know it since I started it but I don't,  that some of the guys and I have been compiling all needed info and resources.  Should answer about any question you have.

Also, you will need to get your request in early as when you first tested for CWI.  Then they will send you a packet, just as before, with all the info you need and put you on the list so there are test materials and space for you at the testing site you go to for whatever test you desire to take.  Just taking the endorsement exams, you could probably work in two or three of them in the course of the day of exams since the first timers are taking three sections of tests.  You might want to ask about that though.

Have a Great Day,  Brent

EDIT: 'AWS Bolting Exam Endorsement'

AWS has a study guide for API 1104 that is intended for homestudy.It is the same one used for the CWI review/preparation seminars.

The endorsements are listed on a separate card issued by AWS.

You can take the endorsement any time or any place offering the CWI examinations. Contact the Certification Department and tell them you want to take the API 1104 examination for the endorsement. They should be able to take it from there.

Good luck. Don't forget, any of the endorsement examinations are accepted toward the 9 year renewal.

Bewt regards - Al

Can anyone on the forum shed some light on what it is the AWS offers to those who choose to add endorsements to their existing CWI. I tested to D1.1-06. Passed. Fine.
Now I am interested in deepening my knowledge and I would like to add an API 1104 endorsement to my certifications . And yes AL, before you post your opinion stating that a certification is just the beginning of understanding the knowledge necessary to intrepret a code, I agree time and experience are better than certifications. If anyone can share, does the AWS issues a card showing endorsements or lists this on the certification. I am aware my current card lists me as a CWI w/o any reference to code tested on. Also, are there any references anyone can offer for practice tests on 1104, study guides or websites offering info on general knowledge of 1104.
Warm Regards,
Randy

KK, 

There are many threads within this database with more information about your question than you can shake a stick at.  You can find them pretty easy by using the 'Search' function here. 

Also, if you go to the main website, then to 'certifications', then 'Certified Welding Inspector', then 'CWI Program Package', down toward the bottom will be a section on 'self study materials'.  All the recommended materials are good to have even after you test.  Some are references that will be handed out the week of the seminar and exam.  It is still beneficial, though not mandatory nor absolutely necessary, to purchase them ahead of time and study them before ever reaching the seminar.  You can always sell or hand out the extras to fellow employees or others interested in improving their welding knowledge.

The main item to study is your D1.1.  My second choice would be the WIT book.  From there, there are many opinions.  None are wrong.  It all depends upon how serious you are and how deep your pockets are.  The Certification Handbook is another good one.  Several people here really like it for pre-exam study.  The WIT book will be given to you and gone through at the seminar, but, as you will get a closed book exam of a couple hundred questions from it, it does not hurt to know it well.

The area I directed you to for the references will also show you some free downloads that will explain all the requirements and qualifications to become a CWI.  QC1 would be very beneficial to go through as would B5.1.

Hope this is of some help.

Have a Great Day,  Brent

Ok several of yall know me and you also know I am fixing to be out of my little cushy aerospace job....eventually anyway.  Since I need to make green and I can't seem to find the 3n1 oil I need for my busted up joints....I am thinking on changing paths and moving into another area in welding.   I am facing the music and realizing that I probably will never  be able to keep up again in a boiler shop or stick welding some pipe in the field off a ladder or what have you......well these super easy gigs sitting in a chair tig welding don't grow on trees.    ANYway......

I read somewhere in my fever dreams that I need a year of inspection to qualify to take a CWI test......is that correct?   Cause I do not have that. But I am interested in schooling up and testing out as CWI and working my way into NDT certs as well.  I love what I do and different/deeper aspects of welding seem to keep my brain interested.  That's why I frequent this forum, because a lot of times it tickles my brain.  

So do I need a year of "certifiable" inspection, ( I missed that on the application)??  How many bones will the test cost me...including applicable study material?  Will I be able to find work in this field?   It's either this route or push my way into production/contract management, I do got a little planning experience, but I would much rather stick with welding if I can make it lucrative (travel or not).   Thank you for your commentary.

Sincerely
Tommy

Boy has this taken some time to get info put together.  Some of you may already have your own questions answered, but, I thought I would update this anyway for those who may find it worthwhile.

After giving AWS some time, and I believe the posted info has been changed because I don't remember seeing it in this particular presentation format before, and sending a couple of e-mails to the certification contact person, and getting material from AISC, and checking info from ICC, talking to others especially some who already have the certs,  I think I can state some 'DEFINITES' in regards to the AWS Bolting Certification.

1)  It is an 'Endorsement' to your CWI for those who are already CWI/SCWI's;
2) Others can take it and get a certificate of completion, does not qualify you to inspect bolting;
3) The info is on the AWS web site under 'Certifications', then on the CWI Endoresements;  You will have to do a little digging through other places as well to put together 'all' the info, that's partly why I thought I might try to save anyone interested some time;
4) There are study materials which are purchased through AISC, they are listed on the AWS site: AISC Steel Construction Manual 13th ed. which includes RCSC of June, 2004;  Also need 3rd ed LRFD which may be in Steel Construction Manual as well but not listed as such that I see, waiting for an answer from AISC;
5) You can take the test anywhere AWS is giving the CWI exam, they will send you a packet confirming time and place, there is a place to mark that as your non-code endorsement exam choice on the application for examination on the site;
6) Only one day, no seminar prep for 'Bolting'; ( if there is a CWI seminar/exam going close to you it can really simplify things expense wise);
7) Cost for an endorsement exam is $275.00;
8) No eye exam is required for this exam;
9) Does not expire nor have to pay to renew, keeps on going as long as your CWI is valid;

One question, of Chris in particular, but anyone,  Chris, you went to a 2 day seminar on bolting & print reading?  ICC?  I believe that is what I saw.  Was it worthwhile, where was it, who did it, how much was it?  Could be worth looking into since AWS does not offer a seminar on bolting.

I think that is about everything I have so far.  Sorry it has taken so long to put this info together.

Have a Great Day,  Brent

I have what i need coming now. Thank you.

I will go through it several times to become familiar with it. A freind of mine works with this code frequently and i will get with him too for pointers. I know there are alot of mistakes made on the paperwork, i will do my best.

I purchased API months before CWI training. After studying both it, and an outdated D1.1 I decided the D1.1 was laid out better for me to locate information quickly. I tested to that d1.1 after recieving the new version at training. There is no hole in my story, it is no story. It is the circumstances as they are. There is no clearer or other way for me to give this information. I have tried every way i know how.

The three or four of you all that have provided useful information, and advise are appreciated. This is what i needed, useful information.
Henry-I am sure you probably also have a wealth of information on these codes. Certainly more experience with them than i. A little constructive critisicm, please use this knowledge that you have to help others rather than falling off the deep end. There are always going to be newbies, just like in welding that can use good advise from the more experienced. It is always best to ask for help from more experienced people than to just guess your way through i correct mistakes later. Many dont care if they are accurate, i do. 

I know as a welder, i had some high quality experienced hands help me along the way. I learned a wealth of information from them. They had no problem with helping me, probably because they wanted me to succeed but also had the self confidence that i could never outperform them. I usually found those that wanted to keep things secret, had nothing to hide. They weren't that good to begin with.

Just a little food for thought.

Wow, what confusion?
I have not replied, as i have been working, (I too am an instructor) all day, and at class (finishing my degree this semester) all night.
Just got home. I must say, either i did not state my need well enough, or some did not read it well enough.
I too have thousands of dollars in tools invested in this business. Three machines in the garage. Big blue, diesel-nice welder. A little ranger, fantastic generator for the house, and a little idealarc for the hobby tig work. Plenty of $ in torches blah, blah blah. continual purchase process.

I was not asking for a handout. I have paid for everything i have including my CWI, prep books and course and that college i spoke of.(also all of those expensive textbooks that are part of it.) I am new to the CWI world. I do not work as a CWI, and have no immediate plans to.
It was the next step on the resume. Maybe someday i will work as an inspector, but not now. I do however, on occasion get the oppurtunity to test a welder for a couple of extra bucks. This is the first time i will have tested a welder to ASME. I tested to, and am more familiar with d1.1. I know that i have a new copy of API 1104 that is useless to me that i would sell if someone needed it, so i thought the same could be true for ASME. I purchased API for CWI testing, and decided I was more familiar with AWS. Good thing probably because i scored a 92 on the code. I will likely never do anything with that API other than read for entertainment.

I am not asking for someone to "give" me anything. Note that i did ask what edition and how much. Perhaps i instead should have said, new edition only, and how much? I would not test without the code. I did, however point out that i was already aware of the acceptance criteria, but need a copy in hand. The reason i stated this was to avoid some smartalic saying "you should already know that if you are a CWI." Perhaps others have tested enough, that they do not need to have this in hand? I do need it. I tested to this same procedure myself and question that all of the information on my own qual. papers are correct. I will not be writing WPS to ASME, and will not be doing any NDT or VT on the job. My limited knowledge of this code is that Section 9 contains all necessary info for welder qual. so that was the book i was looking for. If this information is incorrect, maybe you could educate me regarding the necessary materials for overseeing this testing. Again i do not claim to be an ASME expert, it is not my background. If i can perform welder qual. tests on the side to make a couple of bucks, there is nothing wrong with that. That is part of why i took the test. If my career were in inspection i would purchase $2000.00 of books. Maybe someday the need will arise. I can however tell you that i know for a fact that i am more thorough and accurate than other CWI's i have worked with, including those that have tested me. It is my intention to be accurate and ethical.

Feel free to comment on my limited knowledge on this test. Perhaps i am correct, perhaps not. (thats why i need the code)
6" sch. 40-SMAW

0-1/8" root opening       0-1/8" root face
Root-complete fusion, complete penetration-0-1/8", no blowthrough no suckback
Face-uniform appearance, gradual trasition at the toe. No undercut exceeding 1/32" total amount of undercut no more than 2" in 12" of weld.
No porosity, no underfill. Max face reinforcemtn 1/8".

Bend specs. 1" wide bend tests, face bends centered at 1:30 adn 7:30. Root bends oppisite.
Acceptance crit.-no flaws over 1/8" in lenth in max direction. Total lengths of flaws under 3/8". Corner cracks same as D1.1?

This is off the top of my head with no code to back it up. Probably close, with some inaccuracies. I will know once the book is in hand.

Let the vein in the forehead relax. I think you may have jumped your blood pressure unnecessarily, then again maybe you disagree.
I will say that i do read these posts for hours. I never post. I have learned a great deal reading these posts. Al, i would say that having never spoken with you i do respect your knowledge. I do not have the same experience level with inspection and have learned specifically from some of your posts and personal knowledge/experience. The reason i do not tend to post is that i do not want to get caught up in one the hangings that takes place in this forum. I probably shouldn't have made this one? I hope i didn't offend anyone, as this was not my intention-only to better explain my situation. I can benefit from adn appreciate advise, as I am new to inspection. I do also believe that education is a continual process. Thats all i do-teach, grade, repair, go to class, study, test-on and on all week every week, on both sides-teacher and student. When i took the AWS prep class, i only slept two nights that week. I read that stack of books over and over. I read D1.1 cover to cover 7 times that week not to mention the practice quizzes, WIT etc.

I expect to purchase the book, adn will. Hopefully cheaper from someone who doesn't really use it. Otherwise i will have to suck it up and buy a new one. I was attacked as though i expect to get something for nothing, or i expect to work with no tools which neither is accurate.

Best Regards to you fine gentlemen.

So yesterday about 10:00 am I was informed that I would be taking the CWB exams (reciprication for AWS CWI) at 8:00 am today. I did not have access to the code books, only some cheap study guides that did not even pertain to the tests that I would be taking.

jrw159

I think one person might have mentioned it but in case they didn't, I'll take stab at it...

The most important aspect that you need to remember especially if you already inspect welds, is the FACT that you will be inspecting the samples to a "code" that is NOT one that is actually used in real practice!!! In other words, it is NOT a REAL CODE!!! Once you focus on that, and work the book of specifications that is in front of you, and not to whatever code or standard that's still in the back of your head which more than likely be the last one you were working to, then you will do well...

Along with all of the other suggestions given to you by the other contributors in this thread, remember to relax and take your time because if you are as experienced as you say, you will have more than enough time to complete Part B. In fact, you should have started familiarizing yourself with the most current version of the book of specifications used in Part B for some time now and if you haven't done so, then go over to the certification section of the AWS website or better yet, here's the link to the .pdf file:

http://files.aws.org/certification/CWI/Book_of_Specs.pdf

Download it and study it well... All of the rest will fall into place provided that you focus on the Book of specifications in front of you... Finally, the reason why so many of those folks you mentioned failed part B is really because they were not focused on working the samples according to the Book of specifications they were supposed to be working to and instead, were thinking along the lines of the last real code that they were previously working to which would be obvious if one was to more closely examine the answers based on how they came to certain conclusions on how they interpreted the acceptance criteria from what was actually rquired of them from the book of specification they were supposed to be working from!!! Basically, a very simple error in judgment that cost them that part of the exam - PLAIN and SIMPLE!!!

Respectfully,
Henry

I just received my stamp.After all the stress of studying and the CWI exam in Miami I am thrilled to have it. As a matter of fact, an AWS approved sharpie marker would have been good enough for me!

Have a good weekend peeps...whats left of it.

DuckWilly

I took the CWI exam in Miami 9/26/2009. My code for the exam was D1.2  I recieved an email this week indicating I made CWI.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

To all of you out there scheduled for the CWI exam the best advice I can give you is study,study,study! While I passed all three exams on the first try at least half of those in attendance were retesting.Also if you take the exam at AWS Headquarters in Miami avoid the "Deep Sea Double" fish sandwich sold at the 'Checkers' hamburger stand next door.AWS should investigate the recipe as I suspect the tensile strength of "filets" used to make the sandwich are suitable for structural applications. Not to mention the 180psi of flammable gas it has proven it can produce immediately after consumption.My apologies to fellow my fellow test takers and good luck to everyone else out there in queue to take theirs.

DuckWilly

Hi,

Can anybody please send me  a soft copy of NACE/BGAS study materials to nandeshkumar@rocketmail.com ?

Help is appreciated.

Regards,

cwi4361

Using the M.D. analogy- An MD can perscribe medicine regardless of specialty.  A pediactrician can prescribe my wife allergy medicine if he/she sees fit.  It's my understanding that this is a core capability of a doctor.  I highly respect the doctor who is professional enough to say "I don't know" and send you elsewhere or take the time to study whatever issue there may be.  Reviewing welder qualification paperwork is (should be?) a core capability of a CWI.  RT/UT is not.  A CWI is not certified to conduct RT and UT.  Those endorsements (they're not endorsements but different certifications, really) are completely separate from the CWI certification.  AWS would be wise to consider branching out that way if anything.  (Look at the various API UT certs- QUTE, etc.)

It is incumbent upon the individual CWI to be adult enough to admit he/she can't do something -or study until he/she can- when going into a realm outside of his/her expertise or "niche".  Most of my work is around 31.3, 1104, or Section VIII.  I do occasionally inspect structural as well.  I have to do a bit of research when I am doing structural to "refresh", and while not an expert at the structural code (or any other), I am certainly qualified and certified to do so.  I would stongly recoil at the thought of eventually having to get a D1.1 endorsement, a B31.3 endorsement, BPV code endorsement, as well as an 1104 endorsement just to stay marketable and work under those codes.  It is my understanding that there are several code tests available to CWI candidates and that is fine, as long as taking one doesn't ever exclude one from working in the others.  Offer courses in these codes or "niche" areas, and give people certificates of completion or whatever.  Education is great!  An "endorsement" (to me) implies competence above and beyond other CWIs who are without it (thereby de-valuing their certification).

As I understand the endorsement in question, it is more of an additional requirement for AWS ATFs, not necessarily an additional requirement for individual CWIs.  I'm suprised there isn't a lot of pushback from ATFs.  Then again, they save themselves conducting due diligence and shift responsibility for their employees to AWS by sending a CWI out for a new cert. I still think it is an effort to certify someone to do something he/she is already certified to do.  Once a person passes a test, that person's performance is not AWS' responsibility, IMO.  If one passes the CWI course just on some welding supply shop janitorial experience (bear with me here) and a two week course, one could also pass an endorsement test on the same basis. 

I think we do see eye to eye.  The certs mean one meets the minimum requirements... on-the-job day-to-day competence is (as you stated) the employer's responsibility for a CWI, just as it is for welders.  There's no way for AWS to control this, after the exam is passed.  AWS is no more responsible for a lazy/incompetent CWI than a test facility is for a welder who passed a 6G pipe test but can't do his/her job when put out in the field under real-life conditions.

If CWI competence/quality is a concern, it seems like the initial exam is a good place to start.  Break it out into more categories with minimum pass scores maybe?  I agree that one could pass the exam with little to no knowledge on welder qualification documents (even then you have a 25% chance of guessing right!).  That seems a bit odd, doesn't it?  I agree with your statement that such a test would mean nothing to me, if I were engaging a CWI involved in such documentation.

AWS-
Please don't de-value my CWI credentials by introducing new "supplemental endorsements" that give companies a warm and fuzzy about someone before they have done due diligence in evaluating a CWI's knowledge/experience, and imply a lack of knowledge if one is without them.  I understand that this is not the intent, but I can almost guarantee that will be the result.

Edit-
I understand that the endorsement in question here only applies to AWS ATFs, I guess I may be applying the slippery slope argument here.  Once CWI competence is questioned by implication (via an endorsement requirement), the floodgates may be opened, so to speak.  Fix the initial test, fix the re-certs, but I (for whatever it is or isn't worth) oppose endorsements that cover something we as CWI should already know.

And understand, of course, there will always be those who are just really good test-takers, who can pass a test after some home study and/or a shake-and-bake course, with little to no knowledge of what the job really entails.  There will always be those.

I've never been to Hobart but would go.  The CWI is a good hard test of knowledge.  I wouldn't recommend a one or two week preparation course as the main body of your study.  It should probably represent 20-30% of your test preparation study.

In a perfect world, a CWI candidate would have studied before hand and used the course as a brush-up prior to taking the test.  They should have a working knowledge of welding and inspection. 

I find it hard to blame the instructor for failing.  They're there to guide, fine tune, and help with your weaknesses.  The CWI candidate should pretty much "know" the information.

Good Luck,

Keith