🔥 AWS CWI Exam
Pass the AWS CWI Exam on Your First Try.
500+ practice questions covering Parts A (fundamentals), B (practical), and C (code book). Master weld discontinuities, NDE methods, and AWS D1.1 standards. Free to start. First-time pass rate among app users: 86%.
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500+
Practice Questions
12
Topics Covered
86%
First-Try Pass Rate
Free
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About the AWS CWI Exam
The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification is administered by the American Welding Society (AWS). It's a three-part exam that tests your knowledge of welding inspection, metallurgy, codes and standards, and practical defect identification. The CWI is one of the most respected credentials in the welding industry.
Part A is a 150-question multiple-choice test on fundamentals. Part B is a 46-question practical exam where you visually inspect weld specimens and identify defects in real-time — this is where most candidates struggle. Part C is a 46-question open-book test on the AWS D1.1 structural steel standard. You must score 72% on each part.
The CWI certification is valid for 3 years and requires recertification. Candidates must have at least 5 years of welding experience, with at least 2 years in inspection, to be eligible. The credential opens doors to quality control positions in fabrication shops, construction, and manufacturing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the CWI exam?
The AWS CWI is one of the hardest welding credentials to earn. Part A (fundamentals) has a ~75% pass rate, Part B (practical) has ~60%, and Part C (open-book code) has ~80%. Most failures happen in Part B, where candidates must identify weld defects on physical specimens under time pressure. The app prepares you specifically for Part B's challenges.
What are the three parts of the CWI exam?
Part A: 150 multiple-choice questions on fundamentals (welding processes, inspection techniques, metallurgy). Part B: 46 practical questions where you examine weld specimens and identify defects. Part C: 46 open-book questions on AWS D1.1 code. You must pass all three with 72% on each part.
Do I need work experience to take the CWI exam?
Yes. AWS requires a minimum of 5 years of welding experience (can include design, fabrication, inspection, or testing). At least 2 of those 5 years must be in inspection. You'll need documentation from employers to prove experience eligibility before AWS approves your exam application.
Is Part C really open book?
Yes — you can bring the AWS D1.1 code book into Part C. However, you only have 1 hour for 46 questions, so you won't have time to look up every answer. You must know the major sections and where to find critical information quickly. The app teaches you where to find answers in D1.1.
How long should I study for the CWI exam?
Most candidates study 200–400 hours total. Spread learning over 6–12 weeks, focusing heavily on Part B practical identification. Study 1–2 hours daily, practice exam simulations weekly, and review failed questions immediately. The app's adaptive learning focuses your time on weak areas.
What's the pass rate for the CWI exam?
The overall three-part pass rate is roughly 40%. Many candidates pass Parts A and C but fail Part B, which tests judgment and experience. AWS reports ~75% pass Part A, ~60% pass Part B, and ~80% pass Part C. Part B separates experienced inspectors from test-cramers.