CWI is Qualified to do what?

By jon20013 (*****)

Date 11-14-2007 18:03

Typically speaking, CWI's are qualified to perform Visual examination of welds. Interpeting Xrays (and gamma ray RT film) "may" be within a CWI's capabilities but these should not be considered a "given."

Performing PT testing is usually required to be performed by an ASNT SNT-TC-1a NDE inspector although once again, the CWI may be capable (thus qualified) depending on what, if any codes are invoked.

By Lawrence (*****)

Date 11-15-2007 10:15

Kurt

This should help

Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
http://files.aws.org/certification/docs/QC1-2007.pdf

By 803056

Date 11-22-2007 19:00

The best response I can think of to this question is to refer to AWS B5.1. It delineates what functions a welding inspector should be capable of performing. AWS B5.1 defines the three levels of qualification for welding inspectors.

AWS QC1 delineates how the welding inspector is qualified and certified. One purpose of the examinations administered under the QC1 program is to provide a means of determining if the individual has a working knowledge of the subject matter described in the "body of knowledge" listed in AWS B5.1.

The employer still has the responsibility to determine if the certified inspector has the training and work experience needed to fulfill his/her job responsibilities. Remember, the individual only needs to score 72% on the composite and no less than 70% on any one of the three parts to become a CWI (or SCWI). The point is that the certified individual is not necessarily an expert on the subject of inspection. As an example; a person that passes the examination and is certified as a CWI may not have the training and understanding of the applicable welding standard (code) to properly document a WPS while another individual may have extensive experience doing so before taking the examination. It is the employer's responsibility to make sure the CWI can develop a WPS if that is part of the job description.

Best regards - Al

By CWI555

Date 11-22-2007 22:59

The quik and easy answer is to look for someone with the required experience per ASNT TC1A for RT and PT who also has the CWI. However; even in that, you need a program to support that. If you are starting from scratch, It may be a good idea to look for a Level III in the methods you require who also has a CWI cert or better. That option will cost you more, but that individual is qualified and certed to create the program if they have relevant experience.