The contract your employer signed when they were awarded the purchase order will specify what codes and standards apply. I know of no welding standard that recognizes the AWS Certified Radiographic Film Interpreter.

There is a big push at AWS to have the candidates for the SCWI attend the training required to become a CRFI. Actual certification is encouraged.

I opposed the move for a number of reasons. The primary reason I objected is that during my entire career as a CWI or SCWI I have only encountered a handful of jobs where RT was required. Having said that I will say that my practice does not concentrate on bridges where RT is performed on a regular basis. The majority of the work I get involved with has moved to UT instead of RT for obvious financial and safety reasons.

My views on the program are that AWS has invested a good amount of time in developing the program and now they have to show that it was worth the effort. I fail to see that as a reason to force people to include it in their portfolio if their work does not involve RT. My position was, and still is, that the marketplace should drive the need to become a CRFI. If there is a need, the program will flourish, if not, it should be allowed to wither and go away.

Back to your question; If your employer or you view CRFI training as a benefit, by all means, take advantage of the opportunity. Recognize that the code you are working to probably does not recognize or require such certification.

Best regards - Al

Just a comment. I tried several years ago to get a certification for radiographic interpretation from ASNT. They told me I need to take their Level III exam. When I asked them how many pieces of film would I look at they said none. I mentioned that if I passed the Level III exam by studying all necessary material and attending classes and courses I could conceivably pass the test and not know how to interpret the results. They said that would be unlikely since I had to have so many years as a Level II to take the test and that I would receive interpretation experience as a Level II. I told them I knew of companies that were sending out Level II's to shoot and black box film all day then the film was developed interpreted and returned to the fabricator the next day with rejects defined and marked on the film and the RT reports. They said that could happen but it was unlikely. It happens all the time and still does today.

I also asked how many screen shots from UT do the Level III's look at. Reply, no screen shots. Brings into question the entire gambit of Level III exams doesn't it. Why do you need the entire Level III qualification when you only interpret the results.

I'm proud of the AWS for developing the CRI program and do plan to take it some day. Something that has been needed for a long time. I interpreted film for my former company for over 30 years with an authorization letter that I was their representative for radiographic interpretation. I had been a Level II when I went to work for them, in fact that knowledge is why they hired me.

I'll pit my film interpretation against any ASNT Level III, in my field of experience of course, pipe and pressure vessel welding. Never presented myself as a structural welding inspector.