What I want to know is why AWS can't work with NCEES (http://www.ncees.org/) to establish a "Welding Engineer" exam for the Registered Professional Engineer? At one time the State of Ohio offered a P.E. exam for welding engineers, but I have not seen it listed recently. My only option, short of learning Civil or Mechanical Engineering, is to take the Metallurgical Engineer exam in order to obtain a license that would permit me to offer services as an "engineer" in my state (and most others). If I'm going to invest significant study time for a test as rigorous as the CWEng exam, it has to have significant value in return. The AWS CWEng is not recognized by the state in lieu of P.E. registration, nor is it likely to ever be. So, it has no real "value" other than one more piece of paper to hang on a wall or list on a resume. If AWS were to develop the study materials and refresher course for the P.E. exam and work with NCEES to develop exams, that would get more interest than the current AWS CWEng program. Look at the big picture AWS and consider the needs of the members, industry and the public, not just your own financial interest!
Marty