I read somewhere that you had to have 5 years welding related experience to become a CWI. I went to welding school in August 2003 and finished the 7 month welding program, and I have been welding ever since. I was wondering, when August 2008 comes around, would I meet the experience requirements, or is school not accepted as experience?
I believe you would qualify for the 5 years. Unless I'm mistaken, education falls into the realm of experience, i.e., a combination of education and experience.
Check the main page of the AWS web site, and find the certification information. Look into AWS QC1-2007.....I think it refers you to AWS B5.1 (thankfully it's free now), that gives the education and experience requirements. I'm not sure if your schooling would factor into your experience, but it never hurts to check it out and try.