Good Day Chris,

Go to this link, click on the user guide link, then go to Annex B. https://www.aws.org/Certification-and-Education/Professional-Certification/Senior-Certified-Welding-Inspector/?step=1

There is a note there that as of current status, AWS does not provide any live or online classes for SCWI.  BUT, it does provide a list of recommended study references for your use. 

If you go to other organizations websites I believe you will find a couple that do provide classes for achieving SCWI standing.

Have a Great Day,  Brent

Anyone know of any prep courses or can recommend a study guide for the SCWI exam?

As for it not being a CWI question, its stated in the book you study for your Fundamentals exam, So i respectfully suggest it could be... that's why i am trying to find out what in the hell they are talking about. Right now, i have no idea...

Regards

Al and I have been both allies and opposition forces through the years.  I do not ALWAYS promote 'ALL THINGS AL'. 

On the other hand, we are friends and I have learned a lot from this man.  And, having taken this course from Al, I can honestly say you will not regret taking it but you could well regret it if you miss it. 

Al has put together a great program that will clear up many questions on WPS's and PQR's.  I have taken some other live and online courses and this is the best I have taken part of. 

And if you are studying for either the CWI or the SCWI exams, this will give you a leg up in this particular portion of the exams. 

Have a Great Day,  Brent

If you are struggling with the Part B examination, this is your opportunity to participate in an upcoming Part B Study Group scheduled for July 5 through 9, 2021.

It is no secret that many people are having a difficult time passing the Part B examination. The examination involves using a make-believe welding standard and using measuring tool that may be unfamiliar to the person taking the examination.

Passing the CWI examinations involves studying and practice. This is an opportunity to focus your attention on preparing for the Part B examination without the complication of competing subjects that relate to the Part A and C examinations.

Contact Al Moore at amoore999@comcast.net for more information.

These study groups have sold out well before the event takes place. It never fails that we have to turn people away because they procrastinated and the group is filled well before the cut-off date. Don't be one of those people.

Best regards - Al

If you are struggling with the Part B examination, this is your opportunity to participate in an upcoming Part B Study Group scheduled for July 5 through 9, 2021.

It is no secret that many people are having a difficult time passing the Part B examination. The examination involves using a make-believe welding standard and using measuring tool that may be unfamiliar to the person taking the examination.

Passing the CWI examinations involves studying and practice. This is an opportunity to focus your attention on preparing for the Part B examination without the complication of competing subjects that relate to the Part A and C examinations.

Contact Al Moore at amoore999@comcast.net for more information.

These study groups have sold out well before the event takes place. It never fails that we have to turn people away because they procrastinated and the group is filled well before the cut-off date. Don't be one of those people.

Best regards - Al

Hey there,
I'm a welding student studying the D1.1 for eventually taking the CWI test.
I recently purchased the 2020 edition and have noticed some significant changes from the 2015 edition (which I don't own). All the study recommendations I've found are referenced to previous editions (obviously/understandably). Any idea here if the exam will be offered on the 2020 edition? It would be a shame to study up on this edition only to find very different clause and paragraph numbers included in the test. Thanks!

Wyatt Ellis

I'm a welding student studying for the CWI exam on D1.1.
I recently purchased the 2020 edition and have noticed some significant changes from the 2015 edition (which I don't own). All the study recommendations I've found are referenced to previous editions (obviously/understandably). Any idea here if the exam will be offered on the 2020 edition? It would be a shame to study up on this edition only to find very different clause and paragraph numbers included in the test. Thanks!

Wyatt Ellis

No Reserve on eBay.

Full NDT training course.

Full AWS CWI official seminar materials, exams, answer keys, supplementary texts, tools, code books, WPS\PQRs, etc.

All the practice exams + answer keys for NDT topics, Welding Fundamentals, WPS\PQRs, Visual Inspection, and so on.

Everything is complete and there are (2) D1.1 code books along with multiple copies of various AWS inspection texts as shown in the images on eBay. All new or like new.

A whale of a deal...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/154131281379

NDT

Everything includes instruction, worksheets, problem sets, exams and answer keys.

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing
NDE Mathematics
Visual Examination (VT-1, 2, 3)
Magnetic Particle (MT)
Liquid Penetrant Testing PT)
Radiographic Testing (RT)
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
QC Mechanical Inspection
Welding Inspection Technology
ASNT Working Safely in Radiography
ASNT Study Guide Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety
ASNT Ultrasonic Testing Classroom Training Book
Introduction Nondestructive Testing - Fourth Edition, General Dynamics\Corvair
Liquid Penetrant Testing - Fourth Edition, General Dynamics\Corvair
Magnetic Particle Testing - Fourth Edition, General Dynamics\Corvair
Radiographic Testing - Fourth Edition, General Dynamics\Corvair
Eddy CurrentTesting - Fourth Edition, General Dynamics\Corvair

Certified Welding Inspector

Includes worksheets, problem sets, practice exams for Fundamentals, Practical & Code. Complete CWI full-week seminar training materials, tools, WPS\PQR guides, etc.

(1) Welding Handbook - Volume 1 - Ninth Edition, AWS
(1) Certification Manual for Welding Inspectors - Fourth Edition, AWS
(2) AWS D1.1\D1.1-2015 - Structural Welding Code - Steel (One brand new\untouched; one tabbed for Code portion of exam)
(1) AWS VIW-M:2008 - Visual Inspection Workshop - Reference Manual - Fourth Edition, 2008
(3) AWS B1.10M/B1.10:2009 - Guide for the Nondestructive Examination of Welds
(2) D1.1 Code Clinic - 2015 Edition - CWI Seminar
(2) AWS A3.0M/A3.0:2010 - Standard Welding Terms & Definitions
(2) AWS A2.4:2012 - Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination
(1) Welding Inspection Handbook - 2015
(1) AWS The Everyday Pocket Handbook for Arc Welding Steel
(1) AWS The Everyday Pocket Handbook for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
(1) AWS The Everyday Pocket Handbook for Visual Inspection and Weld Discontinuities - Causes and Remedies
(1) AWS The Everyday Pocket Handbook for Visual Inspection of AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code's Fabrication and Welding Requirements
(3) AWS Welding Inspection Technology
(3) Welding Inspection Technology Sample CWI Fundamentals Examination - Fifth Edition, AWS
(1) G-W Weld Print Reading (workbook with problem sets) - Sixth Edition
(1) Hands-On Print Reading for Welders - Based Upon AWS A2.4:2012 - Workbook (a very detailed, thorough course with hands-on print exercises)
(1) Hands-On Print Reading for Welders - Based Upon AWS A2.4:2012 - Instructor's Guide
(1) Fillet weld gauge set - used
(2) Measuring tape clamps for I-Beam layout inspection
(1) Markal White Valve Action Paint Marker
(1) AISC Steel Connections QC
Various supplemental AISC Steel Connection reference materials

Full-week CWI seminar materials:

Book of Exhibits, April 3, 2106
Part B Examination Book of Specifications
Homework Book of Specifications Questions, April 3, 2016
Visual Inspection Workshop - Full-Length Part B Practice Test, April 3, 2016
Visual Inspection Workshop - Mini Test, April 3, 2016
Complete tool set (all new\unused)

Please note shipping details\costs.

Have questions, need more photos ? Then please submit here or on eBay. I will be checking both daily.

No Reserve on eBay.

Full NDT training course.

Full AWS CWI official seminar materials, exams, answer keys, supplementary texts, tools, code books, WPS\PQRs, etc.

All the practice exams + answer keys for NDT topics, Welding Fundamentals, WPS\PQRs, Visual Inspection, and so on.

Everything is complete and there are (2) D1.1 code books along with multiple copies of various AWS inspection texts as shown in the images on eBay. All new or like new.

A whale of a deal...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/154131281379

NDT

Everything includes instruction, worksheets, problem sets, exams and answer keys.

Introduction to Nondestructive Testing
NDE Mathematics
Visual Examination (VT-1, 2, 3)
Magnetic Particle (MT)
Liquid Penetrant Testing PT)
Radiographic Testing (RT)
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
QC Mechanical Inspection
Welding Inspection Technology
ASNT Working Safely in Radiography
ASNT Study Guide Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety
ASNT Ultrasonic Testing Classroom Training Book
Introduction Nondestructive Testing - Fourth Edition, General Dynamics\Corvair
Liquid Penetrant Testing - Fourth Edition, General Dynamics\Corvair
Magnetic Particle Testing - Fourth Edition, General Dynamics\Corvair
Radiographic Testing - Fourth Edition, General Dynamics\Corvair
Eddy CurrentTesting - Fourth Edition, General Dynamics\Corvair

Certified Welding Inspector

Includes worksheets, problem sets, practice exams for Fundamentals, Practical & Code. Complete CWI full-week seminar training materials, tools, WPS\PQR guides, etc.

(1) Welding Handbook - Volume 1 - Ninth Edition, AWS
(1) Certification Manual for Welding Inspectors - Fourth Edition, AWS
(2) AWS D1.1\D1.1-2015 - Structural Welding Code - Steel (One brand new\untouched; one tabbed for Code portion of exam)
(1) AWS VIW-M:2008 - Visual Inspection Workshop - Reference Manual - Fourth Edition, 2008
(3) AWS B1.10M/B1.10:2009 - Guide for the Nondestructive Examination of Welds
(2) D1.1 Code Clinic - 2015 Edition - CWI Seminar
(2) AWS A3.0M/A3.0:2010 - Standard Welding Terms & Definitions
(2) AWS A2.4:2012 - Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination
(1) Welding Inspection Handbook - 2015
(1) AWS The Everyday Pocket Handbook for Arc Welding Steel
(1) AWS The Everyday Pocket Handbook for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
(1) AWS The Everyday Pocket Handbook for Visual Inspection and Weld Discontinuities - Causes and Remedies
(1) AWS The Everyday Pocket Handbook for Visual Inspection of AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code's Fabrication and Welding Requirements
(3) AWS Welding Inspection Technology
(3) Welding Inspection Technology Sample CWI Fundamentals Examination - Fifth Edition, AWS
(1) G-W Weld Print Reading (workbook with problem sets) - Sixth Edition
(1) Hands-On Print Reading for Welders - Based Upon AWS A2.4:2012 - Workbook (a very detailed, thorough course with hands-on print exercises)
(1) Hands-On Print Reading for Welders - Based Upon AWS A2.4:2012 - Instructor's Guide
(1) Fillet weld gauge set - used
(2) Measuring tape clamps for I-Beam layout inspection
(1) Markal White Valve Action Paint Marker
(1) AISC Steel Connections QC
Various supplemental AISC Steel Connection reference materials

Full-week CWI seminar materials:

Book of Exhibits, April 3, 2106
Part B Examination Book of Specifications
Homework Book of Specifications Questions, April 3, 2016
Visual Inspection Workshop - Full-Length Part B Practice Test, April 3, 2016
Visual Inspection Workshop - Mini Test, April 3, 2016
Complete tool set (all new\unused)

Please note shipping details\costs.

Have questions, need more photos ? Then please submit here or on eBay. I will be checking both daily.

Hello Everyone;

The next study group for the Part B CWI examination will start on July 6th and end on July 10. The group will start at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, so, check your time zone and adjust the start time accordingly.

You do have to register. The number of seats are limited, so, sign up now if you want a seat. Fair warning, the last study group filled up in a matter of hours.

I do not send out study materials other than sample problems. If you attend, you are expected to contribute a couple of questions with five possible responses. Only one of the responses can be correct.

This is a study group, not a lecture series. Sign up by contacting:  amoore999@comcast.net

Al

Passing the CWI examinations is a challenge even under the best of circumstances. Each of the three examinations can be mentally exhausting. The key to self-preservation and passing the examination is to prepare for the examinations. Cramming for the examinations usually proves to be a recipe for failure. A systematic method of studying will produce better results.
The questions asked on this forum indicate that the Part B Examination is more troubling than either the Part A Fundamentals Examination or Part C, the Open Code Book Examination. To address the problem, I am offering a free on-line study group to anyone that would like to have extra help in preparing for the Part B Examination.
The study group will be offered over the next several weeks. It will be offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST using the Zoom platform. You do have to register to have access. If you are interested in participating, contact me at amoore999@comcast.net. Zoom is not pre-recorded, so you have to “be there” to participate. The study group will begin June 15th, next Monday evening.

Al

Study Group CWI Part B Examination

A friend of mine in Pittsburg, PA  is interested in taking the CWI exam. I told him that just taking the 7 day AWS seminar before the exam will not be sufficient to pass the exam and that he should either ask to borrow the books and study material from somebody who already passed the exam and study on his own (I’m on the other side of the state or I would let him use mine) or I mentioned that there are some testing labs or schools that may offer a more in-depth CWI training course. I know of one AWS accredited welding school here in Philadelphia that offers a longer training course and exam.
So my question is does anyone know of such a school or lab that offers a more comprehensive course for passing the exam in the Pittsburgh, PA area?

I can tell you for an absolute certainty that the Bolting Endorsement has a body of knowledge posted on the AWS website.  And, the whole thing is being updated. 

Not sure where any "open ended source of materials" comes from. ???

And for what are you buying multiple ASTM's?  Pretty much all of them I ever needed was in the compilation of ASTM's available through AISC and AWS. 

Plan Reading is not an open book exam and is an interesting topic in any format.  How would you like to see a suggested list of study materials?  Classes can be taken from many schools.  Unions train for it.  You do what you must to learn how to read them. 

How many people take the CWI exam without even looking up what the self study materials are?  Many to most.  And of those who look them up, how many buy them and study them?  Few. 

CWI exam is taken multiple thousands of times per year.  Compare that with exams that are taken less than 1000 times per year.  Some that are taken less than 100 times per year. 

Where would your priorities lie?

I will gladly take constructive ideas from anyone and take them to our meetings and where viable make a push to make changes.  Many have been made in the past couple of years and more are coming but there is lots to keep up with. 

Have a Great Day,  Brent

I think I agree as well.

So long as the body of knowledge (in this case it's usually a code book) is available for study I don't really see a problem.

Having said that..  Voids and flat surfaces usually get filled, (just look at my desk)  and if some special training material is desired by enough folks, somebody will produce and sell it.

For example:  I've built uncounted PowerPoints based on the CWI body of knowledge and about 4 hours of video that goes step by step through the "Guide to Visual Inspection"      For the most part we grow our own CWI's and having a full toolbox is key to making that happen with excellence.

I've never taken the L.A. Welder Qualification Test, so I'm kind of speaking out of my butt if you know what I mean.

From you post, it sounds like you might be studying D1.1. If that is the case, my recommendation would be to purchase or borrow a copy of the AWS publication D1.1 study guide and workbook. I'm assuming you already have a copy of D1.1 from your post. Unfortunately, I don't believe the Welding Inspection Technology text and workbook do justice to he subject of welding symbols. That's why I developed my own material when I taught the CWI, but I can say the AWS WIT text is better than a sharp stick in the eye, so I'll recommend it to you. It will provide you with an excellent basis of preparation for any test relating to welding technology.

Good luck!

Al

I find this post very troubling for several reasons.

1) Lifting someone's signature and placing it on a different document is a crime in most states. I believe it is called forgery and one can do hard time if convicted of the crime.

2) Lifting the stamp and affixing it to a different document is also a misrepresentation of the individual's stamp and identity whether he's passed on or otherwise.

3) If the activities mentioned in this post were to take place and if this individual was a CWI, I would do my best to make sure he wasn't for much longer.

4) Making corrections, minor or otherwise, to a test record isn't something one would do without giving it careful consideration. If the entries are wrong, an assessment must be made whether the report is valid or not. There are acceptable ways of correcting a report that any CWI candidate learns if he is awake during the CWI seminar. If the entries are "that wrong", the test report is invalid. Test the welders again. It isn't just a piece of paper, it is a legal document.

5) "On a different note where do I get a stamp?", The short answer, study for the CWI, develop a sense of ethics, and pass the CWI examination. 

I find this post very troubling on many counts. I would have a serious problem if I found out someone did what this individual is proposing with regards to the CWI's signature and stamp.

I hope the poster takes my comments to heart.

There are times and reasons when it is necessary to look for a new employment even if it is inconvenient. It is all part of being a professional. Many a CWI and quality personnel have found themselves in a situation where their sense of ethics was tested. Bend and the employer owns your soul.

Al

The nature of the questions are the same regardless of the specific code. If you have a study guide for D1.1 or API 1104, the practice questions give you an idea of the type of questions asked on the examination. The difference will be where the answer is found and the details may be a little different as you move to one code to another.

Since one must already be a CWI to take a code endorsement examination, the chances are you have already "learned" how to navigate a code. You most likely have the study guide from your preparation for the CWI. so, simply answer the practice questions and find the answers in the code of your choice.

If you were in one of my CWI classes you were given "supplementary" questions if you took the D1.1 open book examination. Again, use those questions, but find the answer in your code you plan to use for the endorsement. It isn't perfect, but it is a good start.

Al

In past post several people have asked about the availability of courses offering PDHs for their CWI/SCWI recertification.

This is a "Last Call" for the seminar "The Atlas of Welding Procedure Specifications". The course is scheduled for the first week in October. Each attendee is awarded 24 PDHs. This is a three day seminar of instruction on the mechanics of developing a WPS, that includes a prequalified WPS, one qualified by testing, and the SWPS. 

Studying for the SCWI exam or Part B of the CWI examination? This course is for you.

If you want to learn more about how to qualify a welder, this is the seminar for you.

Uncomfortable about writing WPSs and how to qualify a WPS? This is the seminar for you.

What is the difference between a P number, a M number, a Group number? What is an A number? What is the F number? This is the seminar for you.

How do you determine the minimum preheat requirements when all that is known is the chemistry? Learn how at this seminar.

I should mention that the course provides instruction on the use of the WRC diagram for the selection of the proper filler metal for stainless to stainless and dissimilar welds. That is something not covered during the AWS CWI seminar for good reason, it isn't part of the  CWI examination. However, the SCWI examination does include a good number of questions about welding stainless steel alloys.

The attendee is required to bring a laptop computer that is used to work in-class exercises. MS Word and MS Excel are used to generate WPSs and PQRs. The Data Analysis Tool, available as an "add-on" in Excel, is used to analyze welding data derived while qualifying a WPS. Again, this is information that isn't part of the AWS CWI seminar. The seminar "walks" the attendee through the process of using the computer to prepare welding documentation.  The attendees work alone and in teams to solve the in-class exercises to reinforce the information presented during the presentation.

The seminar also addresses a systematic approach to a a welder qualification program which is another area that seems to confuse many new CWIs.

Hopefully, we will not be hit with a major blizzard in October! The hotel does provide transportation from the airport if you call them and let them know when you will be arriving or when your flight departs.

Contact me at amoore999@comcast.net if you want more information about the seminar. Time is short!

Best regards - Al

So, I decided to wait until what appears the end of this as I was so intimidated by Gerald, Lawrence, John, and Al.  What great comments and methods of application all around.  I think I missed someone... was Adam in there too? 

Anyway, I agree here with all of them.  Lawrence's invitation for committee participation is especially notable.  Al's last post was very well expressed and applicable.  It is hard to even consider adding anything on my level as a small community rural welder and inspector to what these giants with larger backgrounds, educational teaching credentials, and vast personal educational accolades have already contributed.  Wait for it....

BUT,  (love that word)  when working in a small community like mine a couple of things become quickly obvious: 

1) I have not gone to the length of Al though I agree with him because of the variety expected of welders in this area.  I end up being asked to qualify welders before they even get a shot at employment so the employers don't have to waste time, money, overhead, etc to get someone qualified and have them bomb.  I may do both sets of tests, mine and theirs, but they don't even get the other chance if they can't clear mine. 

2) D1.1, just like the exams to get the CWI, covers such a broad portion of the structural industry.  It is used by many different types of structural work.  To narrow it down so that you have a cookie cutter one-size fits all code just won't work.  It has already gotten split to better accommodate some industries.  D14 and D1.5 are so related but are now stand alone, for the most part, codes. Employers doing exactly the same type of work may not have the same resources for equipment so procedures are different.  Thus, the welder qualification exam should be different to make sure the welder can do it their way.   

I noticed a comment about taking a test 12" off the floor.  That really is good in many ways.  Especially if most of the work the welder will be doing is in that position.  Why let them take the test in a comfortable chair with the piece at a comfortable arms distance to run a pretty bead when the work will never be positioned there? 

I know some welder tests and inspectors tests for NDT that are done in some of the most awkward positions.   Teachers said, they may have to work there, so, they will practice and test there. 

This is all up to the employer not AWS and some code committee that has no idea of your particular needs and requirements. 

Besides, can you imagine how expansive and voluminous D1.1 would be if it tried to cover every conceivable condition and application?  It would be worse than ASME or the City of LA codes. 

As a testing witness and test conductor I, and I know several of these other guys, have a set of instructions that are basic information on what and how things will be done.  It will vary but still be presented when doing a test for a particular company that wants something different implemented in their test. 

Just as the problems we now face because our government has been tasked through the years with being the final say so on every little jot and tiddle in our lives, AWS is finding itself more and more tasked with super detail defining of every aspect of all codes.  That was not the intent.  It can't and really shouldn't be done that way.  Personal accountability, responsibility, knowledge, and expertise all come into play and contribute to each situation with each one's unique set of essential variables.

Do you really want the code to specifically detail what kind, if any, band saw you will use and how to cut the coupons and/or components for the job?  The type and quality of grinders and cut off wheels, grinding discs, sanding discs, etc?  When you will use a torch vs air arc and/or plasma?  What if you can't afford all this equipment or would not have the kind of work to keep it busy enough to justify its' purchase? 

Have you done a test by torch cutting the coupon bevels and no grinding for prep?  I have.  I would prefer a grinder thanks.  Just like I recommend self study, online seminar, and face time seminar for those taking the CWI exam, I want to give myself every advantage for success.  BUT, not all Contractors can afford the newest latest greatest piece of every mentionable material prep equipment. 

We have to allow variables.  This is not a cookie cutter business nor world. 

Is there room for improvement?  YES!!  And we all know how to adjust when needed even though we some times dig in our heels because WE HATE CHANGE. 

You keep making suggestions.  Think outside the box.  Silence will not get us anywhere.  Disagreement is always welcome as it challenges us to make our case more distinctly and intelligently. 

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day,  Brent

(Introducing myself here is funny, because I am introducing myself to a bunch of old friends, who don’t know we are old friends.  I have never met/corresponded with most of you, but have spent a great deal of time over the years reading, learning from, arguing with myself about, and in general enjoying your discussions on the Old Forum and more recently the Member Forum.  I only recently became a member of both the Old Forum and the Member Forum. Thank you to all of you for the information you have shared with me over the years.)

I am a welding teacher and CWI.  I teach for the Workforce Development Division of the Colorado Community College System. 

I provide on-demand welding training/testing designed to meet the specific needs of each company I teach for. 

If a company needs an employee trained to weld a new widget made out of X material with Y process to Z code, the company calls the school, the school applies for a government grant, and then sends me.

(It is a lot like Welfare… except there is more work involved between the time we ask for government money and the time I get paid.  On that same note, I am a lot like an expert… but with less expertise and more questions.)

I have been a member of the AWS for 2 years, a CWI for 2 years, and secretary of the Southern Colorado Section of the AWS (Section 146) for 2 years. 

I did not join the AWS during the years I worked as a professional welder because, after much study on the subject, I came to the conclusion that membership in the AWS offered nothing that was a benefit to me as a welder. (Those of you who just started sharpening your knives and grinding your axes, bear with me on that last thought as it ties into what I need help with.)

At my employer's request, I joined the AWS 2 years ago and shortly thereafter earned my CWI. My employer paid for both expenses. My employer also asked me to become involved with the local Section of the AWS in an attempt to further the goals of the Workforce Development Division. 

The first AWS Section meeting I ever attended happened to be the meeting held to elect Section Officers for the next 2 years.  Not knowing that I had walked into an officer election meeting, I volunteered the information that I was looking to become more involved with the AWS… and was promptly elected secretary.         (What better way to learn the ropes and be involved?)

To summarize all of the above, I only joined the AWS because my employer requested it and paid for it. In all the years I worked as a welder, I was fully aware of the AWS and never once saw any membership benefits compelling enough to motivate me as a welder to join.

(I need to add here that if I had known when I first started welding that membership in the AWS gave me free access to the entire AWS publication library through my local section of the AWS, I would have joined the AWS in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, the existence of a section library was not something that anyone else, including the AWS, felt was important enough to publicize to welders; and as a result, I did not actually learn such a thing existed until I had been secretary of Section 146 for almost a year.  When I found out, it was like discovering hidden treasure.  I mention this, but also have to say that even though I would have seen the section library as a benefit worth spending my money on, I don't know any other welders who would feel the same way.)

This brings us to the present. I have been secretary for 2 years.  There is very little interest or participation from the community, and the AWS still provides me with no leverage to help me entice welders to join.

(My attempts at organizing an AWS Codes & Standards book club did not pan out. Apparently getting together on the weekends to spend hours reading code books to each other out loud and discussing their hidden meanings was not every welder's dream. Who'da thunk it?)

How do I sell the AWS?  More specifically, how do I sell the AWS to Welders?

Before I continue further and before any of you rush off to write an answer to that question, I need to say that the very existence of the Southern Colorado section of the AWS (and my continued involvement in this section) is due to the hard work and stubbornness of a handful of men who love welding, and believe in the idea that the AWS represents.  They have simply refused to give up trying to make the section work, in spite of the lack of interest from the community, and the lack of AWS membership benefits for welders.

I also need to mention that in the 2 years I have been learning the ropes as an officer with Section 146, I have made a royal nuisance of myself with a constant barrage of questions to AWS headquarters.  They have gone above and beyond to help answer my questions and provide me with the information I need. Thank you, Rhenda, and all the others I have bothered. (If my picture is on the wall at AWS headquarters and you all are throwing darts at it, make sure you printed it out really big… I don’t want to add to any of the stress my phone calls and emails may have caused you by making you try to hit a passport sized photo of me.)

Furthermore, please don’t view the tone of my writing in the following questions and discussion of those question as being upset or angry, or attacking the AWS.  That is not my intention.  I love welding and the idea of what the AWS stands for, and I am trying to figure out how I can help my local section grow. 

This is a call for help. 

The only way I know to get the answers I need is to state the problem as directly as possible from the perspective I see it.  If I have the wrong perspective or am addressing the wrong problem, please help me change.

So back to my question…

How do I sell the AWS to welders?

To phrase it another way, what benefits does a welder get from joining the AWS?

(No need to refer me to the AWS benefits webpage. I have read it and did not find it helpful.)

Most people I have talked to boil the benefits down into 4 areas:
1.  Networking
2.  Discounts
3.  Education
4.  The Opportunity to Give Back

Let’s define the term "benefit" so we are all on the same page before we get too far into this discussion. For the purpose of generating revenue, let’s assume that for something to be considered a sell-able benefit, it has to pass two tests.  First, it has to be exclusively available to those who spend money to get it. (The exclusivity test is fairly easy to quantify.) Second, it has to add a perceived value to the buyer that is equal to or greater than its cost. (The perceived value test is much harder to quantify, but also gives us the room to manipulate customers' perception to our advantage.  This is the reason it is possible to sell a $60,000 pickup to a welder making $40,000 per year.)

Let’s use the exclusivity test and the perceived value test to evaluate the “benefits” that I listed.

Networking:  I don’t know how other sections do it, but we invite anyone who is still breathing to attend our section meetings, which means they can get the benefit of networking without the cost of membership. So networking fails the exclusivity test and thus cannot be considered a sell-able benefit. If we only invited members to participate, we would have almost no participation. (I would like to point out that I do believe networking can easily have a perceived value that is much greater than the cost of membership in the AWS, but without exclusivity it is not sell-able.) 

Discounts:  The discounts offered by the AWS very easily pass the exclusivity test.  After all they are only available to members. The problem with the discounts is that they do not offer a perceived value that is greater than or equal to the cost of membership.  I can see some of you winding up to hit me with the whole list of discounts and incredulous comments, wondering how I can’t see their value, but remember we are talking about value as perceived by welders.  Go back through the list of available discounts that are listed on the Membership Discounts Webpage https://www.aws.org/membership/Individual, and tell me how many of them would actually motivate a welder to part with his money.  I can’t find any. 

Education: Once again this easily passes the exclusivity test, but fails the perceived value test.  Let’s say that I am a welder who just graduated from a 2-year college program.  I will ask two questions when presented with the opportunity to purchase AWS educational material.  Can I afford the material, and will it help me get/keep a job?  Well, I just finished a whole bunch of classes with the same names as what the AWS is offering, and the person looking at my resume still seems to think I only have entry levels skills in those areas.  So what’s the point in paying the AWS money to let me study the same information again?  Besides I learn best hands on.  (I have taken some of education programs offered by the AWS just to see what they were like, and I thought what I saw was excellent.)  I am also going to slip the Welding Journal in here and mention that, as a welder, I did enjoy reading it, but I never knew any other welders who did. The welders I knew all thought it was over their head.

The opportunity to give back: Once again we can look at this through the tests of exclusivity and perceived value, but since it is more a matter of altruism, let me put it this way:  How many welders do you know who have received so much benefit from the existence of the AWS that they want to pour their time and money back into it just to benefit others?

I can’t sell the AWS to welders with the selling points I have been given.  Without the participation of welders, my section will continue to struggle. I don’t know how to get welders involved.  My section faces many of the same problems other sections face all across the West, probably the biggest problem being the large geographic dispersion of members.  The barrier to participation is much higher, which means the motivation to join must be higher as well.  The current participating membership is made up of company owners/management and CWIs. The several hundred welders that this section could easily reach have no interest because they see no value.

I have searched through this forum and the Member Forum and think I have read every post that even mentions benefits to membership (it took a really long time, almost as long as writing this post ), but none of the benefits that are mentioned actually fit the benefits test. I can't sell them.

(I have also read every scrap of information available in the Section Tool Kit concerning promotions and activities that other sections have used to bring people in.)

I need help.

How do I sell the AWS to welders?
How do I help my section grow?

Thank you once again for the many years you have already spent providing me with valuable information. I look forward to your replies.

Seth

P.S.
If you have survived reading this extremely long post, please don't take this as an opportunity to rail on the AWS--that is not my intention here.  If the local section is the grass roots of the AWS, then from what I can see, the roots are dying.   I don't know how to advance the science, technology, and application of welding if none of the people who apply the science and technology of welding ever show up. Help me figure out how to get them here.

Hello,
im a welder trying to gain some more technical expertise. I've been studying code parameter and so on and recently came across to a table that explains the maximum reinforcement allowed on a weld. The table includes some values. My question is the maximum reinforcement allowed seems to change depending on the "design temperature". Whats is this design temperature? Is it the temperature the weld is going to be exposed to?
This can be found on this pdf https://www.aws.org/library/doclib/cwi-partB-BOS-customary20170418.pdf on page 14, table 5.
Thank you

If you have recently been told that the API 1169 is required by the end of 2018 - You heard correctly.
  I am advised, being interviewed for mainline projects coming on line in January 2019 that No inspectors will be hired without the API 1169 certification.
My AWS CWI and API 570 certifications and 36 years experience notwithstanding, I am currently enrolled in an EWN NETWORLD with an exam scheduled 2 June.
     In January of 2016 after studying this program, the Boards of both the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) and the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA), which represent many of the pipeline owners in North America, voted to endorse having 100% of the pipeline inspectors who work for their member companies obtain the API 1169 certification by the end of 2018. INGAA and CEPA made this decision in order to enhance the quality of pipeline construction.

C. L. Williams
Chief Inspector
Williams ASR Project
Pennsylvania

This was posted on the AWS Member Network. Probably the wrong site. Therefore the re-posting to possibly the better forum

For those individuals who would consider becoming an AWS QC1 CWI the following should direct your study: From the AWS Web Site CWI Certification Link - Download the FREE QC1 CWI Documents: QC1, B5.1, and Book of Specifications (BOS), and use the search function for ANSI Z49.1 Safety in Welding.
Note from QC1 the section 5 lists the Education and Experience Requirements. Section 6 lists the Examination Requirements for CWI and the structure of the 3 exam parts and the Minimum Number of Questions. AWS B5.1 Section 5 Lists the Education and Experience Requirements.
Now the AWS B5.1 download; Section 4 Functions and 4.2 Capabilities. "...at a minimum, be able to perform the tasks listed in Table 1." This minimum will be tested in all three parts of the CWI exam (Part A Welding Fundamentals, Part B Book of Specifications and Part C the selected Code (Candidate Selects the Code or Standard to be tested).
The Part C and Part B are open book. Learn to navigate through them, do not memorize answers. Know where to find the answer!
The following publications utilized in the CWI Seminar are available from the AWS Bookstore. As an AWS member the cost for D1.1 Structural Code - Steel $411 / or code or standard of choice for exam, D1.1 Reference Manual - Code Clinic $63, Welding Inspection Technology$210, WIT Workbook $60, A2.4 Symbols $123, A3.0 Terms & Definitions $129, B1.10 Guide for NDE $84, 10 piece toolkit $270 (use for practice with the BOS and evaluate shop welds). About a $1350 investment which will pay huge dividends for the exam and inspection career.
Not included with the CWI seminar materials but recommended publications in addition - B1.11 Guide for VT $84, & WI:2015 Welding Inspection Handbook $66 and the Ninth Edition, Volume 1, AWS Welding Handbook $147 ($35 plus as part of AWS Membership.
$88).
If the cost / expense of the above is prohibitive; utilize the AWS Section's Library - if not all, many of the above publications are in Your AWS Section Library.
Prior to the exam or exam & seminar PLAN for a scheduled study time over a period of time (30, 60, 90 - 180 days / how much preparation time is per individual candidate). Outline the topics to be studied and using a daily planner; plot a study chart and follow it!!!
Life gets in the way - Fail to Plan - Plan to Fail!
Remember, the Exam Candidate Writes / Takes the exam and is responsible for the results.

I just wrote my exam last Saturday (March 3rd) so I think I can advise on this. Let me start by saying that I have an engineering background so my view of the exam may be biased based on my background. However, I still think the CWI exam is a tough one even for an experienced engineer (I'm definitely not the smartest however..lol). In a nutshell, your background matters and it's hard to advise on what to focus on if I don't know your background but I'll try.

Generally, for Part A I think if you read and comprehend the Welding Inspection Technology book (commonly WIT-book) by AWS you should be fine. The book covers MOST of what you need to know about the Fundamental (Part A) of the exam. I say most because after studying the over 300 page book I still came across question I couldn't answer but you learn enough to know over 90%.

For Part B, THIS IS THE BIG DEAL! I promise you, Part B will drain you no matter your background! You generally don't have enough time because you have weld replicas, ****ty measuring tools, fake Book of Specification, and a Book of Exhibits containing WPS's, PQR's, WTQRs and other info that you need to navigate though. However, I attended a good one week training in Houston and the instructor did a good job and I can proudly tell you I finished and had a good amount of time to review my work. Of course the result is not out yet but I'm pwetty optimisitic. Fingers crossed.

For Part C, I opted for API 1104 and it was quite straight forward. Of course I did prepare for it by reading the spec and marking it up. FYI you're allowed to come in with your own copy of marked up specification.

So.. in summary unless you have all the time in the world i would bother reading all the recommended materials listed in the BOK.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

Hi, studying for CWI exam and as I go over the AWS suggested criteria I am wondering just how technical this exam really is. Just how detailed are the questions? For you guys both seasoned and fresh as an inspector please give me your honest feedback. Currently studying ANSI Z49.1 Safety of Welding, Cutting, and Allied Products. Also what were your methods of studying?

Thank you!

EDIT: Also how long did you study before you took the exam and passed the first time?

OK, you might want to reconsider giving up on the degree program. Once you have a degree you can always get the CWI. Believe me, the degree will make a big difference in your earning power. It will also be a boon to your opportunities as a CWI.

It took me many years to complete my degree attending college at night. As soon as I had the piece of paper saying I "knew something", a different world opened up.

As for the examination, there are a number of question relating to NDE. If you study the "Guide for NDE of Welds" (B1.10 I think), you should be all set for the CWI. All the questions on NDE come from that guide.

Best regards - Al

I have NO welding experience or knowledge so please excuse my ignorance! My boyfriend currently has a job as a Welder and I'm trying to help him prepare for the LA Certified Welder Exam so that he can be certified. I'm trying to find the best book for him to study for the exam, he already has extensive welding knowledge but I've been searching all over the internet and all of the books appear to be for CWI and I'm not sure if that kind of book would be okay to use as well? Below are a few that were looking like the best options, can anyone recommend on of these below or perhaps a better book I should be looking for. ANY help is so appreciated - thank you for your time! :)

~Welding Licensing Exam Study Guide (McGraw-Hill's Welding Licensing Exam Study Guide)
~QuickPass Certified Welding Inspector AWS/CWI Study Guide
~Welder's Handbook: A Guide to Plasma Cutting, Oxyacetylene, ARC, MIG and TIG Welding, Revised and Updated

There are a few different practice test that are available to the public that came from different UA locals' websites, like I already indicated.  I'm just asking about study or reference material.  AWS does the same thing for their CWI test and code tests.  Other companies do a lot of test prep for the CWI test too. This is not an unreasonable request.

No I don't have the CWI yet but I am signed up for the 10 day preparatory course with Real Educational Services in August and will be taking the exam that following Saturday. I wanted to sign up early to give myself plenty of study time before the course starts cause with anything else in my life if I'm going to do it I'm going to do it to my full potential and I refuse to fail. I do have some contacts in the inspection field that I'm sure I could contact but I'm the type to try on my own before I ask for help. I'm sure if I asked them they wouldn't have a problem lending a hand because my reputation is in good standing with pretty much anyone I have contact with. I'm a hard worker and I always try to do my job right the first time. I do plan to stay with the company I am at now and continue to weld for them while I search for an opportunity that fits my future. I know my first step is to gain experience so the pay rate doesn't have to be great st first although making $15 an hour or something wouldn't cut it. I'm really hoping to not have to travel much although I know some travel may be required from time to time with pretty much anyone. I live in Houston Tx so I know there are a lot of refineries and vessel shops in the area. I think the CWI will be a great pay off for my family and I in the end but like anything it's gonna take some hard work and persistence to get there which I'm not  afraid of. Thanks for everyone's post I really do appreciate it.

So, you don't have the CWI yet.  Just wondering if it were worth it and what kind of work you would be able to get. 

Even with the added info that can be difficult.  Depends upon your contacts, reputation, home location (even if willing to travel), how much you want to be home, how much you want to make, how much you have to make, how much you are willing to spend to get started, and much more. 

You have a great background.  Some good study time should prepare you for the exams.  But hit the real world job market and see what doors would open up for you if you had that CWI. 

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day,  Brent

what courses that aren't included in the pre-cwi course do you recommend ?

I won't take the seminar or the online pre course because I just looked and I feel that if I take them now I will forget the material by the time I take the exam next year. Plus the online pre course is only available for 90days once you purchase it. its to much money to have to take them two times.

So I guess the main way to prepare is getting the suggested self study books. Is there a place where I can buy some used books ?

WWHHOOOAAA there Hoss.  Way overboard. 

Several of those are just two day break downs of the Seminar Week pack.  You don't need them separately.  Now, since you can't take the exams for another year, I would recommend doing the online courses including, if you wanted to, some that are not included in the Pre-CWI course.  When you take that they will send you the books listed as INCLUDED in the seminar week as 'FREE' handouts (we all know they aren't FREE, you paid for them with the course).  I better check something out, I may have just misspoke.  You may have to sign up for the seminar week AND the online classes to have the books included.  But, you can take the seminar this year as well as the online class and then wait until next year to take the CWI exam.  That will give you additional study time and preparation in your chosen code book. 

If you have looked at the application process there is a list of suggested self study books that can be used after taking the online class and seminar to help you get a different and more complete perspective of everything involved with being a CWI.  If you have not seen this list, let us know and we can get you the link or list so you can order what you need.  Again, on that list are several of the books that are also included in the seminar price and you really don't want to buy duplicates if you have no need for them.   The process has changed a little, but I bought ALL the books on the list and studied.  When I took the seminar I kept those books and gave them to my son to study.  He is also now a CWI.  We give books away to new prospective CWI's whenever we see the type of person we want to help.  Every time you take a course with AWS you are going to get the newest editions of several books that are part of the class/seminar you are taking.  If it is a duplicate, give it away or sell it. 

Before anything else, if you are not an AWS member, sign up now.  Members get a 25% discount and if you don't do it early you end up paying for it with the cost of the seminar anyway.  It can usually work out to be cheaper to do that right away and then start taking classes, seminars, and buying books.

Any other questions, just ask away.  I know I didn't cover everything but that is a start.

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day,  Brent

Whether the hotel provides breakfast is dependent on the hotel. We stayed at the DoubleTree at Logan Airport and they had a breakfast that would knock your socks off. Others, nothing, not even coffee or tea.

AWS provides lunch Tuesday through Friday. No longer is lunch served on Monday. They served the instructor a cold sandwich on Monday. It sucked.

QC1 and B5.1 are free downloads available at the AWS website when you sign up for the class. I recommend you download Z49.1 while you're at it. It is one of the free things available from AWS. It is the basis of all safety related questions on the CWI examination. I believe the attendee is also responsible for downloading the Book of Specifications when signing up for the examination. It is needed to complete the "homework" before attending the seminar.

For books, you will receive the Welding Inspection Technology text (WIT) and the workbook with all the review questions. You will get a copy of AWS A2.4 - welding symbols, A3.0 - terms and definitions, B1.10 - guide to NDE of welds, Study guide for D1.1 or API 1104 if you take one of those two codes for the open book code examination, if you take API 1104 there is a handout with questions for that standard, the Book of Exhibits for the 2-day VT seminar, a mini examination and a longer practice examination as part of the VT seminar, and finally a practice examination for the Fundamentals based on the WIT text book. Let's not forget the tool kit and a flashlight.

While the price charged by AWS for the seminar sounds like a chunk of change, considering the standards provided, the tool kit, etc., it is a bargain. Other organizations typically charge about $1000.00/day for their short courses. Consider what one would pay for the books alone, never mind the price can include the cost of the examination and as Brent mention, lunch for 4-days.

Al

Just got my results and passed. 91%. That was a load off.

The fundamentals test was all over the place. Being a CWE i figured I would not have a difficult time with this. WRONG. I was literally on question 138 when the test supervisor announced "one minute left". I had many questions I marked to go back and review that I didn't have time to do. I read a post from another SCWI that said many of his question were open to interpretation and I will say I agree. Many abstract questions that if you don't study you will not do well. Some questions I couldn't even find in the AWS Welding Handbook and I honestly don't think they were in any document in the SCWI BOK.

The code part B, that I thought would be the difficult one, was easy for me. I study my *&^ off for 5-6 months prior to taking the test and had my Specs tabbed and almost memorized though. I had enough time to go back and review all 62 questions again during to 2 hours and change some I overlooked info on. Read EVERY question completely! Some question have a tiny bit of info that changes the answer to something different that you assume is the obvious.

If you come across this post and looking for info on the SCWI exam, I will say this. STUDY. This isn't a test you don't have to prepare for. You will be asked questions outside of your inspection experience and need to really have info ready from memory. You will not have enough time to look up many questions on the fundamentals part. So, know the BOK. Exclusively SNT-TC-1A, QC1, B5.1, B2.1, and d10.4, metallurgy and Quality. I was very surprised and concerned at the amount and type of QA/ISO questions I answered. These are what really ate up my part A time. You need to know how to find info in B4.0 quickly as well. TAB!
I was the guy that took all the books with him in a suitcase filled complete, but only used the specs and the Welding Handbook VOL 1. I also took the Real Eductional SCWI training and can say that it was worth it and helped me prepare. I recommend this...good luck finding anything else too. This SCWI info is few and far between. Don't be discouraged at negitive posts or this one for that matter. If I can do it you can as well. Just prepare, tab and study!

Thank again to all that took the time to help me through this. The info was great and needed.

Anybody who isn't 'worried' about the CWI exam...worries me.  The seminar is a long way from making you a shoe in.  What else have you done to prepare for the exams?  Have you purchased any books to do self study prior to the seminar/exam?  Do you have an old copy of the D1.1 to be getting used to? 

Tell me you aren't going into this cold turkey...Please.

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day,  Brent

I recently took the CWI exam for the first time and the questions for the classroom portion and the study exam required a lot of searching of the code and book of exhibits and the 'best "answer" was sometimes a little gray. I found the actual test on Saturday to be more straight forward and although I barely passed the practice exam I scored 15 points higher on the actual test. Our instructor assured us that he had been told by former students that the real exam would be easier and he was correct. If you get familiar with the "code "for part b so you can move through it well you should do well.

Do you even have a copy of the code to refer to?

If you learned nothing else while studying for CWI, you should have learned that you have to understand the code you are working with and refer to the code while you performing your duties as the inspector tasked with ensuring the work complies with the code and project specifications.

The responsibilities of the piping inspector are far more involved than those inspecting to AWS D1.X structural codes. You will also be dealing with material specifications for fitting, pipe, valves, pipe supports, hangers, etc. Some will be ASME specifications, but also ASTM specifications as well. Pipe supports will be inspected to the AWS structural code. So, if you are only familiar with API 1104 you may easily find yourself cornered in unfamiliar territory. You need the appropriate standards to perform you job.

The best advice I can offer is to get a copy of the project specifications, drawings, and the process piping code and study them before getting to the job site. If there are pipe supports, get a copy of D1.1 and study it as well.

Al

Good for you!

Now remember a few key things:

1. Never sign off on anything you didn't do, personally and completely.
2. Never quote from a code book that's not in your hand.
3. Never inspect based on opinion, use the approved acceptance criteria instead.
4. If you let something go once, you'll be required to do the same for now on.
5. You don't have to sign off on things that are not right, but others may.
6. "Shall" means it shall be. "May" and "Should" are alternatives and recommendations.
7. Your not done studying. Now is when you need to need to focus your studies on the current job requirements.
8. Try not to do stupid things that give CWI's a bad reputation, like making up your own rules as you go, and being unethical.

Plus a few hundred more things....

Tim

I have only recently discovered this forum during my studying for CWI and was amazed that in a for profit world there was such a resource that was free of charge not to mention the camaraderie that is evident amongst those who participate. The people in here give so freely of their time and the knowledge they spent years accumulating merely to advise persons such as myself who have no other resource to turn to it will truly be a sad day if this resource is taken away from people who like myself will be flying blind without it. So to hear people who I have come to respect just from reading what they have written over the years think of walking away will truly dilute this forum. So here is to AWS reading these comments from so many and reconsidering changing 1 of the best information sources out there or at least making it accessible to all and keeping within the spirit that it was originally created

More NON MEMBERS come to this forum with CWI preparation and study questions than any other place. 

People who take the CWI exam must become members (pay the fee)

If not for this forum there would be fewer people confident enough to approach the exam... and many more people pass the exam due to the help provided here.

More money for AWS

Do a simple Google search on any difficult technical welding, fabrication, metals joining question... The first and best responses come from here... (A credit to the AWS)   This is a fact and really not open to dispute.

When this goes away... The credit goes away... The money goes away.

How's that JS  ??

I have a work release guy that works with me that is wanting to study to become a CWI. He still has a couple of years before he gets out but is wanting to get everything in order if he can. He is asking me if the construction work that he has done through the prison will count towards his eligibility. I told him he would have to get letters from all his supervisors stating his work experience. Has anybody dealt with this before?

jdschauerman...

You're not crazy - yet. 

I have been in contact with AWS in regards to this matter.  Their explanation as to the cause of text errors is typographical and layout errors made by the printer.

There are more than just a few errors in the AWS study materials - both in the required and suggested body of knowledge texts as well as the online training.

Incorrect formulas, mis-located images, missing\incomplete sentences, quiz questions that do not contain the correct answer, etc.

The older versions of the WIT text and study guide (quizzes) have more errors than the latest version - but they all have overt errors.

The best that you can do is catch and make a mental note of the errors as you study.

Someone that doesn't pay attention - well - it could mean the difference between that person passing or failing the CWI exam.

Considering the cost of all the materials - and the fact that some of us have no resources other than the AWS study materials to learn - it is frustrating and sometimes downright infuriating  - but it just is what it is...

Good morning all. I am currently studying to take my CWI 1104 test. I'm not sure if I am going insane because of all the studying or if I am actually seeing numerous errors in the study texts? As I go through and take the tests in AWS CWI examinations volume II I am following the math formulas to a "T" yet I regularly come up with a different answer than the one given. For example in the calculation of tensile strengths, finding the area of a circle, etc. Has anyone else noticed this or am I doing something wrong and just not catching the error? It seems like the formulas given do not work consistently for all the practice questions. If I am not going insane and others have noticed this to be true. Are there any other study materials available that are accurate? Materials related to CWI test prep other than what I have and not just general math tutorials? Thanks for the help

in studying for cwi  exam I came across root face dimensions of 1/4 inch max but as fit tolerances of plus or minus 1/16 am I right to assume those tolerances do not apply in this case and the joint should be 0 to 1/4 .  Going as high as 5/16 is not an option? As always thank you for your time in answering my question.

As someone who got thrusted into a Quality Control lead position which subsequently meant I had a need to start studying everything let alone for the CWI test, this board has been an essential tool for me. There's  been numerous times I've searched something and the question has already been asked. I can only speak for myself, but it would be a huge blow to lose the information here.

To study the Welding Handbooks is very good advice and is always my first suggestion to a prospective CWI.  If somebody genuinely has the requisite experience and can digest Volumes 1 & 2 + selected Codebook, he/she should be well prepared to sit for the exam, word games or not.  I play more puzzling games at work everyday than I've seen on a CWI exam. 
HJLBX, there are mistakes in the study material but expect the exam questions to be well-vetted... yes, some are tricky but judging by your ability to pick out the errors in the study material I think you'll do fine.  After all, you're going through the same analytic process in picking out the study material findings as you will be in selecting the right answers on exam day.
Overall, I think AWS does a pretty fair job administering the exam.  Especially compared to other certification bodies.

LOL... no it is not an ego thing.  I haven't failed the test because I haven't taken it yet.

And if I pass the exam - that's great.  If I fail it - well then - I will survive re-take it another day.  I haven't failed any certification exams yet - but as all things in life - there is a first time for everything.  A good attitude about that possibility is important.

Preparing for certification exams - in my experience - is just as much an exercise in frustration management as it is about learning the material.  The only way to minimize the frustration is to begin preparing far in advance.

I have carefully followed both your and Brent's advice regarding preparation for the test.  By the time I take the test - in either Sept or Dec - I will have 10 to 12 months of self-study and online preparation.  I have already taken a few classes and will attend the Seminar Week in Sept.  The quality of training materials - and especially test guidance is deficient - but I have reached the conclusion that this is just how it is when it comes to both AWS and 3rd party CWI training courses.

I am just trying to get a "feel" for what is on the exam.  Different people and online sources say different things about the actual exam questions.

In the engineering field, one studies the theory and code.  The engineering exams do not use "word games" to make questions or answers vague, but instead focus on what the test taker knows.  The questions and answers are clear, specific, to the point and measure the test taker's mastery of the full range of technical areas - mathematical, scientific, engineering as well as the applicable codes.  Extraneous information is included, but not in such a manner as to "jam" the test taker up.  Many - like hundreds - practice exams that include actual exam questions from prior years are available for student learning.

On the engineering exams there are hypothetical cases, but if you know the code = prepared yourself by using one of the many available 1000+ question test banks covering each code, then you have learned enough about how the questions are asked and the type of hypothetical engineering cases to pass the exam.

I understand people's complaints.  At the same time, I also know that many complaints about exam failures are unfounded.  The test taker did not adequately prepare themselves - studied 2 months - and failed the exam.  This a big one where engineers are concerned.  "Oh, I'm an engineer - I will pass - I've been using the code for 6 years..."  I can tell you most specifying engineers do not know the various codes adequately - even after 10 years - or more - of professional practice. I have also seen guys who passed all of Real Education's practice exams with scores in the 90 %s - and still fail the actual CWI exam.

So I am just trying to figure out what gives... trying to make heads-and-tails of it...

The whole basis of AWS offering the online seminars is that the courses will adequately prepare the test taker to pass Part A

In, and of themselves, they will not.  Everything that one needs to pass part A is already in the WIT text.

Personally, I think the policy regarding the Seminar Week and the online courses is somewhat of a ploy to earn more money for AWS; you can get all the Seminar Week texts before the seminar only if you purchase the online seminars.

Also, you only get two chances to pass the final exam at the end of each course.  If you want the AWS certificate for the course (for PDHs), then you have to repurchase the course and re-take all of it.

The time limit of 3 months - I am not aware as to the rationale behind it.  I suppose it is meant to force the student to study the material.

On the whole - are the online courses a good thing - yes, but only if one does a lot of studying prior to, during and after...

That being said, my experience with online training is that - on the whole - it hasn't been a great experience.  There are a lot of problems.  There is no substitute for face-to-face interaction with a real expert.  I use the terminology "real expert" deliberately - because a CWI credential is not evidence of being a real expert.  I have asked different CWIs the same question - and each of them have given me different answers - and it turns out, in the end, none of the answers were correct.

There is a need in the marketplace for an extended CWI preparation course - similar to a college semester in length.  Or multiple courses that are a semester in length.  This is how most people get the best understanding and retain the information learned long-term.

I think the week-long seminars are worthless - unless one has truly studied and prepared themselves during the prior 6 to 12 months.