Welcome to the forum NQM

All the information you need for your questions  are  in these two doccuments.
http://files.aws.org/certification/docs/QC1-2007.pdf

http://files.aws.org/certification/docs/b5.1-2003-errata.pdf

Also use the search function in the foum archives..  There are great threads for people studying for CWI certification.

My wife and I went to HIWT this weekend and took the tour and Elmer showed us around. I thought the man was very informative and knowledgeable . I plan to take the CWI examination around April of next year at the HIWT and I plan to study the material that Elmer suggested ever day untill I take the test.
                MG

I have to retake Part B of my CWI. I failed with a 63%. I passed my D1.1 and Fundamentals test pretty easily, so my overall average was above 72%.
Broken down, my work mainly needs to be done on NDT 2/6, WPS/Welder Qual. 5/10, and Welding Insp. and flaws 16/23. I am surprised I did not do better on the qualifications section....I did do well on that in the D1.1 exam.
Not sure when I'll be retaking the tests, but I would like to work at it now. Any suggestions other than studying the Book of Specifications?
Thanks,

I agree Shane, this is not the place for conversations about nationalities, personal hygiene, or like subjects.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, regardless of the profession; welding inspectors, engineers, doctors, or Authorized Inspectors, there are a few great ones, a few good ones, and some that would lead you to believe they obtained their credentials from a box of popcorn.

We can all recite horror stories of situations that were downright scary; UT techs scanning welds without calibrating the machine, performing MT with the legs of the yoke barely in contact with the work piece, PT performed by flushing the excess penetrant from the test surface with a spray of solvent/cleaner, RT without IQIs, and the list goes on. Hopefully, these are infrequent occurrences and hopefully there is someone present that knows the techniques being employed are bogus and bring them to a halt. One of the goals of the CWI program is to make the CWI aware of what steps are required to preform various NDT methods (not to perform them) so they can recognize when the test method is being performed incorrectly.

It is unfortunate that we tend to remember the few idiots we encounter and quickly forget those individuals that are doing their jobs reliably and consistently. We remember the grocery bagger that place the loaf of bread on the bottom of the bag and the gallon of milk on top of the bread, but we never remember the individual that took pains to place all the baked goods in one bag and the frozen items in another bag.

As someone that teaches courses that prepare folks for the CWI examinations, I meet some individuals that are well prepared before they arrive for the seminar and a few that have never seen a code book and have very little (if any) background in welding or inspection. I had one class that included two ex-security people (fresh from Iraq) that were out of jobs and were looking for an easy way to make a living. Do I need to say they were rudely surprised at the breadth of knowledge and work (study) required to become a CWI? Are all those individuals that sit through one of the CWI classes going to pass the examination? No, it's usually clear to the instructor by the second day who will pass easily and who will struggle. I've had many letters telling me my class was the greatest they ever attended (clearly they haven't been to many seminars) and a few survey/letters saying that were very unhappy because they were only interested in what was on the exam to the point they demanded a list of the questions on the examination. Needless to say, they were less than satisfied with my responses to their demands. It is the few that demand to know just what is on the examination that have me concerned, because if they pass, they will be our future problem children. Their attitude tells all.

Many of the comments I've read are valid and reasonable, but no where is it written that a CWI is an expert in the science of welding or inspection. As it turns out, the CWI is often the one individual that has the best understanding of welding in the company, but still their qualifications and certifications are limited to visual welding inspection. The CWI certification doesn't qualify them as welding experts, nor painting/coatings specialists, nor NDT technicians. Humans, being the what they are, sometimes overstep their abilities or they are sometimes thrust into positions for which they are ill prepared. I still believe the majority of the CWI I know are well worth their wages when they are allowed to do their jobs (without management interference).

As for Joe's statement about being asked to take various exams without forewarning, believe me, he's telling you the way it is. The last time I challenged the degree of difficulty of the exam questions I was promptly given the opportunity to sit and take the examinations. Are the programs perfect or are the tests perfect? Probably not, but I believe they do a good job of determining if the individual has a basic understanding of the subject and the degree of difficulty is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the CWI/SCWI.  I also recognize that for many individuals, passing the CWI is the first step to a new career for themselves and a better way of life for their families. I know the difficulty of the work and effort that goes into developing test questions and I respect the individuals that volunteer their time and effort to develop the programs offered by AWS, ASNT, etc.

Best regards - Al

Many good points have been made.

The CWI examination, like any examination, is a "spot check" of an individuals understanding of the subject matter. There is a reasonable limit to the number of questions that can be asked within a reasonable time frame at a reasonable cost.

As mentioned, a passing score of 72% means the individual didn't have a mastery of 28% of the subject matter. The written fundamentals examination attempts to ensure the individual has a basic understanding of subject, the open code examine attempts to determine if the individual can navigate a code and look up answers, and the practical exam tries to determine if the individual can evaluate welds using basic inspection tools. The bottom line is the individual doesn't have to score 100% in order to pass the examinations. Along with the written examinations is the requirement the individual have some prescribed level of education and related work experience. If there is a weak link in the system, those two items are most problematic because the system depends on the applicant being truthful in providing the required information on their application.

The CWI is a baseline certification that simply ensures the individual has the basic knowledge and experience to perform visual welding inspection. It doesn't establish the individual as an expert in the field of inspection. That comes with additional experience and study. By the time the individual is considered to be an expert he or she is close to retirement age. I'm sure the individuals being questioned in this case will mature to be good inspectors if given the opportunity.

As for LOP and LOF, I had to ponder what those letters meant. I work with AWS standards and those are not standard terms in "our" lexicon, but they are perfectly acceptable in  API work. 

Look at me, I'm still learning. I've been involved in welding for nearly fifty years and I'm still learning something new everyday.

Best regards - Al

Does anyone know where the "Sample Questions" are located online?

I recently visited a friend who was studying for another CWI exam. He showed me a question about allowable dmensions for an AS-Fitup joint . It appeared none of the answers took into account the statements indicating as-detailed and as-fitup were added together.

This was a 2006 set of questions. It seems odd that a set of samples would have an error but Im sure it happens but it still is a concern. Has anyone noticed this or am I just lost as a goose reading that they can be added together? He missed the last test by ONE question !

This guy is a quality manager for a company and a CAWI however I did NOT witness him doing any inspections :).

I saw it here:  http://www.aws.org/w/a/certification/CWI/

They must have just recently got it in together.  I still haven't found any price or test times on the tests.  I wouldn't mind checking into it myself.  I've been studying, not as much as I should for the ICC certs and have seen some work out there for the ICC stuff.  But seeing how the AWS endorsements are new I would imagine that it would take time to become accepted.  

To those who have taken SCWI... I am sitting for SCWI this Saturday.  I know this is probably late to be asking many questions, but I have a couple.  Paperwork says I can take any reference material I want.  It has a list of recommended study material.  Been studying that.  Plan on taking QC-1:2007, B5.1:2003, WI:2000, D10.4:86,  B1.11:2000, B2.1:2000 (1 generation old), B4.0:2007 and SNT-TC-1a.  I am assuming the one generation older document will not seriously cripple me.  I am assuming that even though it is open book, there is not enough time to look up much on fundamental exam.  The Part B looks like it must come heavily, if not exclusively from B4.0 and B2.1.  Is this correct?  Besides a calculator, anything else I should take???

Any last minute advice?

Well, I just had to get on and say that I tested two days ago on a piece of x-52/12"/.250" butt weld. I was happier with the root pass I ran on the same exact pipe the night before(nice wedding ring inside) but this one was tied in, the CWI's checked it out and gave me the go to cut it up. I was proud of my cap though, it's come along way and was nice and tight and layed right in there. I did my 2 face/root bends and then did 2 nick tests and 2 tensile. Both my tensile's let go at well over 80k and the pipe broke and my weld just sat there and laughed!! That was cool stuff to watch. I also did a knock off, really wanted to do the 12" saddle but could not afford to buy 4-6 feet of 12" x-52.

So I now have my controversial "papers" unfortunately(I think I can live with it though) now I have to seriously look into an SA of some sort but figure I can run my ranger around here on small pipe and try and build up a little egg of sorts. It's sure ain't easy starting this thing from absolutely nothing but I'm sure I would seriously get laughed off a job if I showed up with my ranger 8!! Probably get some chuckles on the small stuff, gotta start somewhere ain't got $20k bustin a hole in my pocket looking for a new home, for that matter I don't have 5k!!

This sure feels good though, been planning on doin the test for the last two weeks and when I got done and took a deep breathe and let it out and relaxed!! Now that I know I should be getting my attitude back!! Don't you ol' timers take that "attitude" the wrong way.....I know I don't know everything and openly welcome critisism/advise, the attitude I refer to is, yeah, I can do it. I get that locked in and tests...no problem. That's how I was on ASE tests as a mechanic, go in and sit down, no problem if I don't know the answer I can figure it out. Out of 10 ASE tests, never failed one.....never studied either, except for the 15 minutes before the test on Automatic transmissions out in the parking lot. I always figured if I did not pass without studying, then I was not ready. Obviously have to practice at welding though!

I've seen several posts in here selling the CWI seminar materials. If you have no formal training in welding I highly recommend you purchase them and start dedicating at least 1 hour a day to studying. The seminar should be considered a highly structured review and not the focus of your pretesting.
Being a good or even great welder has little bearing on the CWI success. Study and perserverance..

My suggestion is to take the seminar and schedule the test for a later date

I could possibly part with some of the materials..PM me if interested

Thank you for the input. I have decided to go with the cwi. my only problem is that I want to make sure that I pass and I am wondering if anyone knows of a course that I could take prior to the seminar that would help me to insure that I have the best chance of passing. I don't want to waste money or time off work just to not pass so I want as much knowledge going in as I can get. if there are no classes than some sort of study guide would work.

I'm about to start studying for the ICC certs.  The AISC Steel Construction Manual, boy thats QUITE a book.  Lots of tables, numbers and charts.  I think its going to be quite and endevour but I am excited about it.  I have always liked watching buildings go up and I want to be a part of it.

I've seen a lot of jobs wanting not only CWI but multiple ICC certs too.  Which IMO won't be such a pain in the arse as getting the CWI.  You can take the ICC exams almost anywhere and anytime.  Unlike the CWI where you have to probably travel, take off work (if you're lucky enough to have a job).  Not to mention the costs associated with it.

The ICC exams are like $200 each and the references needed seem to be much cheaper than those of the AWS.

I too have sent out many resumes with no reply.  But that is what I expected be new to the game.  I was told by a big man around town that I need to get the ICCs.  Now that I am looking into some of the local codes I can understand why he told me about the importance of those certs.

right now i make 33.20 hr as a union pipe welder.  im willing to take a pay cut to get my foot in the door,  but im not
going to work for 15.00 hr ,a company in  las vegas advertised for a cwi with icc bolting and icc masonary .is this right
are cwi's really willing to work for that? i've sent resumes to several insp firms most don't even bother to reply. iv've
sent resumes to companies soliciting cwi's immediate openings. not a single reply.  getting very discouraged  with the whole insp scene
orange coast college cwi class $675.00 aws test  1,000.00, api code book 150.00, d1.1 book 300.00 misc study books 250.00
ndt certs ive looked into 500.-1,000 each cert. over 2,000 invested. im signed up with several online job  hunting agencys
any other ideas on how to get in the game  thanks   joe

i recently took aws exam in long beach ca. i chose the 1104  because it is a much thinner book to study and index.
my aws cwi card does not state which test i took test with d1.1 or 1104 or briges  and so on .  Just because i teted under 1104
doesn't mean im not qualified under  d1.1   Joe

I bought these to study for my CWI exams including the 2 corresponding study guides. All 4 books are like new, no markings.
These are the current standards issued by the Canadian Welding Bureau.

hi all, while rehabbing from a hip injury. i used the free time to obtain my cwi license. ive been a steel fabricator/ welder for 28 years.
and im still working as a pipe welder out of local 250 los angeles. Ive been searching online for 6 months now for an inspectors job.
i can't believe the low wages some of these companies are offering. is this a joke aws cwi, with icc structural steel and bolting 15.00 per hr
the wages are all over the place and since io have no real inspection experience the better paying jobs don't  even say no thanks to my resume.
now im wondering if i should go ahead and get more certs  api 570  asme sect 9 etc. I had no problem passing  cwi so i don't think the other tests
would be a problem.  With the costs of all the code books and study info  is it worth it to pursue . what certs are the most in demand any info greatly appreciated
tired of burning rod  Joe

Part C of the CWI examination is the open code book examination. You need to select one of the codes listed at the AWS website and study it before the examination. The most popular codes selected are AWS D1.1, API 1104, and ASME Sections IX and B31.1 with B31.3.

Best regards - Al

Are these hanbooks the actuall codebooks. I have been informed by a CWI here that the hardest part of the test is knowing how to use the book and that is what I should find a study guide for. Thanks

Maybe you can get your company to spring for the cost of a set of Welding Handbooks from AWS. They are a great reference and they contain all the back ground (and more) needed to pass the CWI or SCWI examination. They may not honor your request to purchase study materials for the CWI exam (they are provided at the seminar), but good reference materials such as the Welding Handbooks can be used by anyone that is responsible for inspecting or designing welds.

A couple of my Welding Engineering courses at Ohio State University used the Welding Handbooks as the course text.

Best regards - Al

I am currently on contract in Iraq and will probably be sent state side to test for CWI is there anything that I can download or order on-line that I can get for study material to be better prepared.

JW,

If I remember right, when I was studying for the CWI test, there were a couple of the books with sample questions that did not have a correct answer for the question when using the equation exactly like they had it posed.

Annex I; I5 has the formula differently than how you show it.  D1.3 has it even different yet.

One thing to remember, if testing, use the formula as they give it to you in the question.  If using for work, use the one out of the code and the section (clause) that applies to what you are working on. 

And, I too, came up with 0.2748; depending upon how many decimals you went out and how you rounded= 0.28

Have a Great Day,  Brent

By the way,  WELCOME to the forum.  Hope we are helping.

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

Part B is available for anybody to download and print off for study if they wish...  You don't need to wait for the exam to see Part B

The thing to remember with the code portions is that it is important to reference the text and tables quickly for every question you can...

The purpose of studying the Books, D1,  1104, Part B, etc. is to become familliar with how they work and where particular information can be found...  The purpose of studying these books is "NOT" to commit information to memory.  There are too many footnotes and exceptions to approach these questions by memory.

How much of a challenge would in be for a CWI to transition from Carbon steel background to aluminum?

I do not have access to D1.2 to study up and it's been 10yrs since I had a class on aluminum. But I've been laid off from the job I've held for the last 7yrs and in my area it seams that all of the opportunity for a CWI is in Aluminum mostly certifying welders.

I agree with Lawrence.  It looks like overlap.  Poor technique or process.  Maybe they didn't remove all the flux/slag in between passes.  I'll bet you a cup of coffee that there's no penetration in that second weld.  I recall similar photos in one of the CWI study guides.

Good luck,

Keith

Hey Joey,

I just realized that response may have been at me. Actually I 1st certified as a CWI in 1990. Thus I was 26. Where did you take your course at ?

I have taken the complete exam 3 times and passed it without anything other than self study and thus have paid NOTHING for mine. Therefore I agree that your certifications are much more valuable than mine.

Does that meet up to your scrutiny ? I mean I would hate to not meet up to your requirements . Being the internet and all, that is so important.

So I guess you win that bet. We can put that on your "permanent record" .

You want to win.  I'd never admit to receiving a C, let alone a D in an area of study. 

A four-year collage degree covers many areas of study, just like the different areas in the CWI Exam.  Some classes (areas) you just can't grasp, and you settle for a C.  Other areas you ace.  The overall GPA should be greater than a B.  Would you put on your resume a 1.47 GPA (D)?

The goal is to win.

I think if you study the material, take the week long class, have the required experience, and work on your weaknesses, you'll pass.  Don't set yourself up to lose.

Good luck,

Keith 

been reading other posts about taking the cwi exam - yes it is hard - you need to study about 6 months - you can get all the books you need from AWS - will cost about 2000.00 - if a member will be about half and it's really worth it - if you are a vet you can get all this paid for including the test -  it's called "vets upward bound" - it's a nation wide organization - i am going for the CAWI - you only need 60% to pass instead of 72% - it just might give you an edge and then later go for the big one - rich

Hello tungstencarbide, WABO is completely based on AWS codes and procedures so you can't go wrong with an AWS/CWI pathway. If you would like more information on the WABO system, go to: www.wabo.org, this is their website and might answer a lot of the questions that you have. I believe there are also some of the preparatory classes for AWS/CWI available at some of the community/technical colleges located fairly closely to you. If not, the seminars are usually given in Seattle, Spokane, or Portland. Yet, you should also look through the archives on the forum here for a lot of really good study and practice information, along with tips for being successful on gaining your CWI. There is a bunch of it available at your fingertips on this site. Try using the search function and using such headings as "CWI exams and questions", "preparation for CWI testing", or other similar headings. Best of luck to you and regards, Allan

Due to requests from local companies and candidates, the North Florida Section will be presenting a course to prepare a candidate to take the CWI exam.  The course will be given in Jacksonville FL starting on 2/17/09.  There are a few seats left.  Cost for the course is $1056 (the same cost as the member price for the materials).  The cost for the CWI exam is in addition to course cost, is the responsibility of the candidate and is payable directly to AWS.

The course uses the same materials that AWS uses.  It is given for 3 hours each on 2 nights a week starting in February and continuing until mid-May when AWS comes to town to give the exam.  Instructors volunteer their time and come from the local area.  They have expertise in the discipline they present.  When our section used to present this course back in the early 90's, we had better than 90% pass rate.  This gives the candidate plenty of time to absorb and study the material presented.

I will check back on the forum daily until the start of the course to see if anyone has any questions.

Due to requests from local companies and candidates, the North Florida Section will be presenting a course to prepare a candidate to take the CWI exam.  The course will be given in Jacksonville FL starting on 2/17/09.  There are a few seats left.  Cost for the course is $1056 (the same cost as the member price for the materials).  The cost for the CWI exam is in addition to course cost, is the responsibility of the candidate and is payable directly to AWS.

The course uses the same materials that AWS uses.  It is given for 3 hours each on 2 nights a week starting in February and continuing until mid-May when AWS comes to town to give the exam.  Instructors volunteer their time and come from the local area.  They have expertise in the discipline they present.  When our section used to present this course back in the early 90's, we had better than 90% pass rate.  This gives the candidate plenty of time to absorb and study the material presented.

I will check back on the forum daily until the start of the course to see if anyone has any questions.

I know most of the posters here are either CWI or studying for the exam to become one. What better place to ask a question like mine...
My company and the inspection company are at odds.

I'm not going to mention names or everything that's taken place over the past few months, for now lets call the inspection company: "Company X".
The project is valued around $2M (our contract), we have 19 welders, fitters and laborers in the shop, the company opened the doors in 1985 (so this isn't our first job). The project docs say the fabricator, must telephone and schedule and inspector 48 hours prior to needing inspection. No problem, I would expect the same notification and I obied by the terms.

We supplied the GC with all the WPS, quality assurance program, MSDS and pertinent documentation 2 weeks prior to the welding stage of the project.
I personally telephoned X on a Thursday requesting weld inspection the following Monday morning. The person whom I spoke with acknowledged my request and ended the call.

Meanwhile, our shop loaded the skids with WF beams, TS columns and placed pallets of shear tabs, stiffeners and plates along side the fitters fab area.

Monday morning rolls around and the inspector wasn't at the shop. No big deal, this happens from time to time whenever a new inspector starts at our facility. The shop foreman figured the inspector was just running late or had trouble finding the shop... meanwhile the shop started welding and fitting the beams and columns loaded the follwoing Friday. It's now 9:00AM and no inspector. We call company X to find out what happened. X says a misunderstanding must have taken place and a new inspector would be at our shop the following morning. The shop continued to weld and fit that day without the inspector present ( I can't send 20 people home because the inspection didn't show up). The following day, again no inspector. We call again but this time they told me that an inspector wouldn't be coming because X didn't approve our welding procedures.
Back and forth we went for hours and finally I removed all the material from the shop and started working another project that was waiting in the wings.
3 weeks went by until we had everything worked out. Now the GC is blaming us for delay of the project and company X failed and wrote NC notices on everything produced during the 14 hours without inspection.
X wrote the school district and told them we were at fault.

Keep in mind, we have 3 other school projects currently in fabrication during this time and 2 other inspectors from different companies full time. One of the inspectors has been at our shop for almost 2 years... This has never happened to us before and I'm at a loss as what to do.
The costs incurred by this are unbelievable. My position has always been that even if X had a problem with the WPS, they should have sent the CWI to our facility to watch the welding until the paper was as they wanted.
That's how it's worked with every other inspection company and the AWS commentary  says that all the procedures don't have to be finalized prior to X sending an inspector.

Any advice or criticism is appreciated. 

Maybe my skull is thicker than most, but what the heck are you trying to tell us?

Surely you are not saying you don't know anyone that has passed the CWI examinations other than yourself. If that is the case, I would start to hang out with a different crowd unless you enjoy being the only person in your cluster without a mono-brow! That gene pool needs some outside influence my friend!

Passing or failing has little to do with the instructor. Passing or failing the examinations is something the individual controls by studying the materials provided at the AWS sponsored seminar or similar preparatory class or study materials that one purchases and studies on their own. I don't care how good the instructor is, if you don't prepare for the examination, you most likely will not pass. Few people have the diverse back ground necessary to pass the CWI or the SCWI without proper preparation.

I had one person tell me the first time he took the test, he didn't crack a book once. Surprise of surprises, he failed. He failed all three parts of the examination after sitting through a seminar, again without reading the materials provided. I was at the second seminar he attended and he was no where to be seen after the mid-morning break. Did he pass the examinations on the third attempt? I somehow doubt he did.

In contrast, I know a number of people that have passed the examinations on their first attempt. I taught a CWI course for the Ironworkers in San Diego for several years. I could tell by the second day which candidates were preparing for the examinations and which individuals were most likely to pass. My co-instructor and I had a 85 to 95% success rate in predicting who would pass the CWI and who would fail simply by observing who was studying and who was partying. Those that passed did not attend baseball games, football games, or frequent the bars in the evening. They could be found in their rooms studying every evening. These individuals took their trade seriously and their approach to passing the CWI was the same as their approach to work. They were all business until the job was done, then they partied!

No, I'm not going for the CWI. I was certified as a CWI in 1981 (on a bet with an engineer). I took the entire CWI examination again in 1984 so I could take the D1.1 open book examination (I didn't find API 1104 that useful).  I passed the SCWI in 1998 and again in 2006 (on a dare because someone overheard my comment that the SCWI wasn't difficult enough). Never open your mouth unless you know who will hear you! A case of "put up or shut-up"! When will I ever learn?

Best regards - Al

The examinations are detail oriented. The ability to read what a passage says versus what you think it should say is a very important part of taking the Part B Practical examination. The ability to read English proficiently is important.

Many people have difficulty following the tables in the Part B examination because they fail to read all the applicable footnotes. They also have difficulty using the micrometer and dial caliper if they don't use them as part of the their everyday work. Mathematics, although rudimentary, can be difficult if you are not proficient using a calculator or calculating areas and using conversion formulas.

None of the examinations are terribly difficult if you are familiar with the materials and if you have a broad background in welding, destructive testing, hands-on inspections, etc. The problem is that many people sitting for the CWI examination are involved in only one or two of the areas of "body of knowledge" covered by the CWI examinations. A welder may have never seen how a bend test or tensile test is performed. A lab tech that performs destructive tests may not have been in a welding shop to see the different welding processes commonly used. A NDT tech may have no experience performing destructive tests. Some of them may have never had to read or use a welding code before studying for the examination. The CWI covers a wide range of subjects and the person considering sitting for the examination has to have a level of proficiency in all the subjects included on the examinations.

Considering the number of individuals that have been or are currently certified, the test can be passed if the necessary materials have been studied before the examination. That being said, it amazes me when someone tells me they didn't study before the examination, but the test was too difficult for anyone to reasonably expect to pass. Duh!

Best regards - Al

Shawn,
Welcome and congratulations on your descision and enthusiasm concerning the CWI. Many welders are lulled into a false sense of security because of their numerous years of "experience". It has been my observation that no matter how skilled one may be, without proper Technically acurate training and information, you chances of passing are limited. There is much to be learned and studied towards being successful on the Exam. There are many welders out there that I would be honored if they would let me grind for them if they would teach me their techniques...Yet curiously enough (I find this amazing) many do not know squat about the actual facts and science of Welding.
Please make liberal use of the Search function on this site and you will probably receive more answers to your questions than trying to hammer it out of us. Not wishing to be rude, but most questions have been addressed here repeatedly in the past and there are several Phd. thesis' contained in these pages if you just look. If you can decipher just one of Stephan's posts, you'll ace the exam!

BTW.  The exam aint nuttin...Wait'll ya actually  gotta inspect and write a report...
Where do ya learn how all that works anyhow????

Study hard and good luck.
john

Hello.
The company I work for is in the process of getting its AISC Cert.And they decided that I should become a CWI.Ive welded for over 20yrs so I think I got the exp. part ok.The books I gotten to study are Welding technology workbook,AWS welding Inspection handbook,A.4 standard symbols for welding and brazing and non destructive examination,A3.0standard definitions,and certification for welding inspectors.I'll be going for D1.1 code,I'm slated to take the test mid-summer so I feel I got more enough time to prepare.But what I'm wondering is,do I got the right books?should I be looking at some differant books?

Shawn

I need more info on this certification. I had some training in college a long time ago, and am curious as to the depth and breadth of this exam. Will the pre study like that of the CWI exam be enough or should I be looking at additional training else where? I am located in Michigan so if you know any good resources here that would be a tremendous help? Thank you. JRN

shall i need to study AWS D.1.1 even I choose API 1104 for examination in CWI ,part c ok but what about part B ? can any one help me in this part

I am very glad I took the seminar.  It helped greatly filling some of the gaps that I couldn't fill on my self study.  John Husfeld was the instructor.  I think he did a very good job presenting the material. 

I have heard horror stories on the Part B of the exam.  I think I did very well on that.  Notice I said, "I think".  There were several people there that were taking this part over for the 2 or 3rd time.  I believe that I did my best on that section, I just hope my best coincides with the answers.  But I am sure that I made well above the 72% mark.

The Fundamentals part of the test was a bit nerveracking.  I don't think I did as well on this part as I would have liked even though once again I'm sure I passed it.  It was a little more indepth than I was thinking that it would be. 

And the Code portion.  This section is the one that I studied the most.  I have never welded to or knew about "codes" until I started to research welding inspetion so I thought that I might come up short in this section.  I studied the Code deligently and tabbed the book in my own way that allowed me to find everything that I needed.  I finished that portion with about 10 minutes to spare.  If I didn't study and read the Code as much as I had over the past few months, I think that clock would have killed me.

All in all I think I passed.  It was a very interesting experience, being away from the family and meeting a wide range of people, from welders to the lowly, LOL, engineer, all trying to gain their CWIs.  I appreciate the advice and encouragment that I got from all on this forum, and the support that I found during the seminar.  I will be stressing over the next few weeks wainting on my results from Miami but I am ready to work when I get the nod.  But when I DO get them I know that it will be a well deserved position that I will treat with pride.

Thanks for the list, Bryon.  I've been searching the forum here for a while looking for answers, but still have questions 

I'm looking at taking the CWI exam myself (API 1104) and am looking at what books to buy before the seminar and found this list of Reccomended Self-Study Material :  http://files.aws.org/certification/CWI/CWI_Exam_only_pkg.pdf (click "Body of Knowledge")

What are the thoughts on getting B1.10, B5.1, and WIT-W? (recommended by AWS, but not Bryon). 

What about the books included with the seminar (ie: WIT-T, WIT-W, A3.0, A2.4, VIM-M, API-M)?  Should a spend the $582 for the books now only to get a second copy at the seminar?

While certainly I don't mind spending money on things I'll need and use, I don't like to waste it on what isn't needed.

have any one any pdf or doc file contain samples questions about the API 1104 and can I have more information about practical section in the exam what it consist of and how to answer it , i need general information because i plan to take cwi self study ,I hope any one have files or information to post please

Look under certification on the AWS Website.  Hit the CWI switch and near the bottom is a list of recommended study material.

douche,
Unless you can or have taken an equivalent test (CWI,level III, ICC, 653,510) with no prep (self study only), then I would suggest the prep. The failure rate is very high.

I like you am also a new CWI. I haven't received my information in the mail yet, but I was so anxious to find out that I went to the CWI quick check on the AWS site and type in cert numbers until my name showed up. My cert number ended in 1 which evidently means that I passed the exam. I tested using the D1.1 code book, which was not as difficult as I thought it would be. The part B gave me fits, especially the plastic models.  The seminar was very informative, but I would advise anyone thinking of taking this exam to begin studying well in advance. We were reminded time and time again that the seminar is just a refresher. At any rate I was very pleased with the instructer. Now that I've passed the exam, the real learning begins.

Live from Texas,
JT

       

HOW MUCH MATERIAL OF THE CWI COURSE , IF I WANT TO TAKE THE EXAM SELF STUDY WHERE CAN I FIND SOME GOOD INFORMATION A BOUT THE EXAM THREE PARTITION?

Bob and others,
I have even less clue than you fine experienced gents.  But whilst studying for the CWI exam I am reading cover to cover D1.1:2008.  I have been reading these posts on the cope cracks and I have found something in the Commentary of D1.1 that I would like to see if it might help the cracking.

Figure C-5.2 shows three "Examples of Good Practice for Cutting Copes".  My inexperienced, yet inquisitive eye, found this figure and would like to know if any of you guys have any thoughts on the possiblility of this being a "solution"?  I read through some of your articles and it is very intriguing to me.  I wish I had more answers and less questions, but what are you gonna do.
Thanks

THE NEW IMPROVED ANSWER ACCORDING TO BRYON

Weldcome to the Forum,
Before anyone else can respond.  And the fact that I have just been Ok'd to take my CWI exam here I go:

1. Do a search of the forum. 

2. One of the following codebooks (dependent on the Part C that will be taken for the exam): D1.1, D1.2, D15.1, D1.5, ASME Sect VIII & IX, or the API 1104

3. Additional study material:  CM:2000, WI:2000, WIT-T, -W & -E, A3.0, A2.4, VIW-M, D1.1CCRM, or API-M

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the reply al. Yeah I busted out on the open book test on my inital CWI exam.(two correct answers short). Then on my retest I busted out again(two answers short). Now I have to take 40 hours of additional training before I can take another retest. I'm wondering if documented on the job training is acceptable or do I have to take some kind of course study be it correspondence, classroom, ect.(more money). If I have to go the course study route I'll have to do a correspondence course because there aren't any local schools offering QC type courses and I can't afford to attend an out of town institution. Do you have any info on correspondence courses that offer the training I'll need. Do you have a link to ASM or a web address for them. I'd appreciate any info you can give on whether AWS will accept on the job training or info on correspondence courses anyone may offer if I have to go that route.

Thanks for your help- Matthew

Are the Commentaries in D1.1:2008 helpful when studying for the CWI exam.  I have nearly made it through the main body of D1.1 and getting ready to hit the Annexes hard, but am still wondering about the commentary.

Thanks in advance.

hogan,
So with that said, the +U is still a minimum root face of 1/8" no matter what?  If the plate was 1 inch then the root face could be between 1/8 to 1 inch?  Then that wouldn't be a double groove then right.  It is a bit confusing, but I too am studying for the CWI.

I am assuming that a PJP square butt without the double V is not prequalified or it would be under Joint designation B-p1b  -GF, am I right?

I assume you were given a read out (by AWS) of what areas you had problems with and those areas that you did well in. Most people have difficulty on just the open book code examination, or the part B practical examine, and some have trouble on the fundamentals examination. Some people have trouble on all three parts.

You can concentrate your efforts on those areas that you found to be most difficult. You can take a course in basic math at a high school that offers adult courses in the evening if that was your area of weakness. You can take a course on strength of materials if you had problems answering questions on mechanical testing. You can look for a course on NDT at a local college that has industrial technology and offers an overview of NDT. You can take an AWS sponsored CWI review, go to Hobart, or other commercial operations that offer training. You can take a home-study course offered by ASM in NDT, metallurgy, etc. There are many different avenues open to you so that you can concentrate your efforts on the specific subjects you need help with.

Best regards - Al