It is not "automatic" Level II with an AWS CWI certification.
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) has an agreement with the American Welding Society (AWS) to provide access for AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWIs) to Visual Testing (VT) certification under the provisions of the ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP). The purpose of this agreement is to facilitate companies’ and individuals’ compliance with current and anticipated personnel qualification requirements for Visual Testing.
ACCP provides visual testing certification in accordance with ASNT Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A. It is the most widely referenced NDT program document and is widely specified in codes and standards, most notably by ASME. Under the agreement, current AWS CWIs and SCWIs holding valid certificates may qualify for the ACCP VT Direct Visual technique for the General Industry (GI) sector based on the AWS examinations already taken. Interested individuals will complete an ACCP application form and supply ASNT with a copy of their current CWI or SCWI wallet card, along with a currently valid Jaeger J-1 visual acuity form. No other documentation will be necessary for the ACCP Level II VT GI-Direct certification.
Qualified CWIs and SCWIs may also apply for ACCP Level II VT certification in the Pressure Equipment (PE) Sector and for the Remote Viewing Technique. PE interested applicants will need to comply with the requirements for the GI Sector listed above and document three years’ experience in pressure-related visual inspection. This cost is $200 for new application and additional $100 for PE or R Sector add on & must have a SNT Level III or AI attest (signed letter) to you having 3 years of experience in VT of Pressure Equipment.
CWIs and SCWIs seeking ACCP VT certification for the Remote Viewing Technique also must comply with the GI Sector requirements and additionally document remote viewing experience, listing the remote equipment used.