Have to side with dbigkahunna on this one. Granted it takes time to get in, and no the test is not an easy one, but it does take some experience to go with it above and beyond the minimum required to sit for the test. That goes for any QA/QC/NDE position. You can make it to level II UT anglebeam in less than a year and a half, but that doesn't mean you know what your looking at, or what your doing. The same for 570 or 510, NACE and about every other central cert. In all of them there are those that pass the test, but don't have a clue, and then there are those that pass who have experience to go with it.
Bottom line is, the CWI is not a culmination but rather a beginning. I don't care who you are, no one can know everything, and with the realms of welding and inspection being widely diverse as it is, that top level experience is where the money comes into play. In my opinion, an entry level CWI should be in the 30 to 35 range in the industry relevant to the one that got them the time necessary to sit for the test. Outside that industry, it's only good for about 20 to 25 in my opinion. Your 50 dollar rate applies to those with 20 plus years experience to go with the cert, but even then there has to be relevant experience and other certifications to go with it. It is definitely worth having, but don't try to ride that poney by itself.
Regards,
Gerald