They are giving the books to some people before the seminar, but not to others. It is driving the instructors crazy. Everyone is trying to do their best, but it would make sense to set the policy and stick to it. My vote is to send everyone the books as soon as they pay the fees and leave it to them to bring all the books to the seminar. If they can't manage to do that, they should try something that doesn't require responsibility and self reliance. No books, go home, we don't need you. Sounds harsh, but life can be harsh. We want the cream, not the whey.
The fly in the ointment is the employer that signs up an employee and doesn't tell the employee. So, how does one sign the application if they don't even know they are attending the seminar? Hummm. Interesting.
When asked, I always tell prospective candidates to attend the CWI seminar and take the examination the following month at a different site. That allows sufficient time to study. If one can't find the time to study during that four weeks, it is time to consider whether one is serious about earning the CWI.
"But I am working overtime." Time to make a decision, you want to become a CWI, certification as a NDE Level XX, or college degree or you want to continue maintaining the status quo. I've heard all the excuses and I've been there. One must choose to forgo the overtime or the game on television to attend the required courses and to do the homework. No one hands you the CWI credential, NDE certification, or college degree without you putting in the time and effort to fulfill the requirements.
Another reality; if only 30% pass, that's the 30% we want. I think the pass rate is higher, but not everyone has the drive and dedication needed to fulfill the position of a CWI. A close examination of the qualifications of a CWI are impressive. I will support every effort to raise the bar to ensure those individuals that earn the CWI credential can do the work.
I've heard comments from engineers taking the seminar that there is no way AWS can actually expect someone to remember everything covered in the seminar. Another comment heard repeatedly; "I've never studied this hard in my life." To those remarks I say, "If I can pass the examination, anyone can, but it takes effort and dedication to study all the materials and do all the homework."
You and many others have put in the time to learn the material. No one handed you the credentials you have earned. The credentials cost you time, lost wages while you attended the classes, and just think of the television, football, basketball, and baseball games you missed. You made a decision and you did the work needed to earn the credentials.
Granted, some people have to take the exams, study, take the exam again, and repeat the process until they have mastered the materials. No one has ever said it is an easy examination. Some people need the extra time to master the material. Different people, different approaches to digest and learn the material. It is just the way it is. Dedication and determination is what is required. Hey, I passed, how hard can it be?
Best regards - Al