Junkiron,
Believe me, I know what you mean. At least 'I' think so. Let me explain.
As many here know, I own a shop in Prescott Valley, AZ. I am also a CWI and do TPI work all over. AND, I am also AZ Section Chairman and Chairman of the Certification Committee of the AZ Section. I have many discussions about this very matter. And the issue being similar to what we often talk about here on the forum between being 'Qualified' and/or 'Certified'.
When talking about that with welders we often cover many aspects of the technical and code defined differences between the two. BUT, we seldom talk about it in depth in regards to Certified Welding Inspectors. See, a person starts out as a welder, does a little in house QC work, goes to a seminar, and rather with luck, skill, or a combination of the two gets 'certified' as an AWS/CWI.
BUT, we often see inspectors who are quite impressed with themselves come onto jobsites who haven't a clue how to properly carry out the responsibilities of a CWI. In so many ways the position really needs additional training in order for the CWI to be truly 'qualified'. There is much to learn that goes beyond what is learned at the seminar. And, though there are many qualifications that were expected to be met to qualify for the exam, way too often these qualifications do not prepare the new inspector for what they are going to be up against. This has even proved to be the case with some who were welders, become NDT techs, and later became CWI's. They may have many good qualifications and good knowledge and understanding of the codes. But, applying that to their new position as a CWI is beyond them with their current abilities.
How many jobs do you know where, regardless of previous education, certification, experience, etc, the new hire is not put through some form of further training? And, it has always been the stand of AWS, and stated in many of the inspector references, that this is an employer/customer responsibility to make sure that the CWI meets the proper qualifications, skills, and experience for the job at hand. But, as we all know, with profits at stake, production schedules to be kept, and many other factors to be taken into consideration, this often doesn't happen to the degree that it should.
Now, as to your statement about how easy it is... many here know that the pass rate is not all that high. And, having taken the exams myself, I know that it is quite a test. AND, to expand on that, my oldest son just went to Las Vegas for the seminar and exam. He has worked for me for about 16 years and has been in other areas of construction as well. We drilled and studied. He sat through the seminar. He took the exam this last Saturday. The instructor for the seminar informed the class that as of February the exams had been changed. Partly because the WIT book is has been updated as well as the current edition of D1.1- 2010. But, also, just as you and many others have expressed concern over, the integrety of the exams was possibly becoming a bit of a question as the pass rate seemed to be climbing (this sentence is my thought from info available, not from AWS). Besides, it gets changed from time to time to make sure it is a trustworthy system of qualifying CWI's.
Many of the seminar instructors ask their students to inform them on rather they passed. They use it as a gauge as to how well they are doing their job to teach the materials and get them to be apply to search for answers. The current impression amongst instructors is that the pass rate is even lower with the new exams than they were before.
Personally, I think this is a good thing. Now, I'm not too sure I want them just trying to see how hard they can make it just for the sake of having a hard exam. The question is rather it is doing it's job of weeding out the unqualified, unready, unlearned applicants while allowing those who know their stuff to pass. Believe me, we really do want the best possible people to be inspectors. Also, it will be contended that with more failures comes increased revenues as the testees will have to pay for more exams. I don't feel this is a proper appeal as they do not control rather people keep retaking the exams. There are some who will keep trying for something regardless of cost. Besides, take it enough times and you may get 'lucky'. At what point does it cease to be about qualification and only about luck?
My son is not a teenager and personally, I have not seen any teens come through an exam I have proctored. There are some pretty young ones though. But look at B5.1. Age is not part of the qualification. Experience and education.
Also, CWI's only need a cursory knowledge of WPS's. They aren't expected to write them, though they are allowed. So is anyone else at a fabrication shop or erection company. I have known many who could use a lot more training about them. But, they are to be approved by the engineer. The CWI only needs to know enough to make sure they are being followed in production. They should be as capable as the welders to read them.
Bottom line: I personally agree that many need further training in the application of codes, WPS's, measuring methods, and many other functions. But, be careful about what you expect out of a CWI.
BTW, my son passed. We are going to be slowly changing from fabrication to all inspections work.
Have a Great Day, Brent
