Not really Jim.

Employers can insist on an employee agreeing only to work for them (exclusivity) which is totally reasonable.   But that is not the case here it seems.

These guys want our new friend to represent THEM as a test conductor, but they want him to represent himself for the responsibility.   His employer benefits from the work as I understand.. so they should compensate.

Who sent him to school, if anyone, and who paid for the exam, if anyone, has no bearing on where a CWI can and cannot work.

The CWI credential is issued to the individual, not the employer. The code of ethics applies to the individual, not the employer. That's why the individual is charged with a violation of the code of ethics and not the employer.

The code of ethics applies whether the individual is performing in the capacity of a CWI or other functions. The CWI is expected to perform those job functions for which he or she is properly trained and qualified to perform. The CWI can be held accountable if he/she is assigned by the employer to perform a function for which they are not properly qualified to perform. For instance; the CWI is directed to perform NDE (other than VT of welds) without the required qualification or certification. The CWI can be charged with a CoE violation if he/she performs the work even though he did it under the direction of the employer. 

Just my opinion - Al

This from an old post:
The CWI stamp is like a new wife. At first you want to show it to everyone and stamp everything, but as time goes by you will use it less and less and finally you'll say, "Yea, I have a stamp. You really want me to stamp that paperwork?" I'm being sarcastic!

The requirement for CWI involvement is customer driven more so than being code driven. It is because of the hard earned reputation of hard working, diligent CWI's that the reputation of all CWIs are held in high regard. The CWI stamp is the CWI's signature and alerts the reader the inspection was performed by a CWI and report was written by a CWI. It is for that reason the CWI must strive to be professional in all aspects of his work. The written report is our deliverable to our client. The CWI should use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation when writing a report of his/her findings. 

The value of the stamp lies in the recognition it has with our customers. That recognition is earned by every CWI that strives to excel at their job and continues to improve their knowledge of  tasks they perform everyday. They set themselves apart from others (without the credential) by doing what right, doing what's honest, and maintaining a high level of integrity when others are willing to sell their soul for a dollar. The CWI isn't afraid to walk away from those situations that require the inspector to look the other way or to accept substandard work in order to keep their job.

In short, being a CWI is about honor, honesty, and integrity and protecting the unsuspecting public from unscrupulous contractors. It is about doing what's right everyday regardless of the assigned task. It is about accepting only those assignments for which the CWI is qualified to perform. What sets the CWI apart from other inspectors is their integrity and self respect.

It is the CWI responsibility to protect their reputation. Once the inspector's reputation is tarnished, his future as a CWI is short lived. It has been my experience that the number one reason why many CWIs have had short careers is because they let their sense of right and wrong falter. Protect your reputation and the reputation of every CWI by doing what's right in all situations at all times. Don't be afraid to take a stand, but know your ground, research the before taking a stand and choose your battles carefully. Know that your reputation is at stake every time you use that stamp and affix your signature to that document.

Good luck in your new career. It won't be easy, but it can be very rewarding to know you made a difference.

Best regards - Al