An AWS Certified Welding Inspector, or CWI, is responsible for inspecting weld quality, workmanship, and conformance to specifications. Since welding is a vital aspect of building construction, vehicle manufacturing, infrastructure, and much more, CWIs help ensure the safety of the general public.

How much does a CWI make a year?

The average salary for a CWI pays $72K a year, with overtime included. The hourly rate is about $26.64 an hour. Most reports show CWIs rack up an average of 17 hours of overtime a week. The salary of a CWI has grown over the past few years.

How long does it take to get CWI certified?

Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) Candidates need at least two years of experience in a welding-related job. Certified associate welding inspectors can only hold their level of certification for three years, after which they may take the test to qualify for the certified welding inspector credential.

What does CWI class mean?

CWI Certification can lead you to a career that is stable, engaging and fulfilling on all levels. From associate certification to senior-level credentials, most welders find career expansion as an inspection professional to be both rewarding and lucrative.

Are CWI in demand?

The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) profession is among the most stable, lucrative, and steadily growing trade careers in the country. According to CareerTrend, the job demand for welding professionals is set to increase by 6 percent between 2016 and 2026.

Is it worth becoming a CWI?

A CWI is one of the best paid welding careers available. Depending on where you work, as a CWI you can expect to make around $35 per hour or higher. In fact, Morris said CWIs who are willing to move around the country and work as contractors can expect to find pay at rates as high as $75 per hour.

Do you have to be a welder to become a CWI?

In order for you to qualify to become a CWI, you’ll need a certain amount of practical welding experience. However, if you have an associate degree in engineering, engineering technology, or physical sciences, you’ll only need 3 years minimum work experience.

How many CWI certifications are there?

There are over 97,000 Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs). Each of them has demonstrated expertise by passing a comprehensive exam that covers welding fundamentals, hands-on application, and codebook knowledge.

How much does it cost to become a CWI?

As of 2020, the CWI exam costs $1070 for AWS members and $1325 for non-members. Once you’ve been certified, however, your CWI certification is valid for 3 years. After 3 years, you’ll need to renew the certification, which costs between $525 and $1090.

What can I do with a CWI certification?

Welding offers many career paths for individuals to pursue, from pipefitters, iron welders, sheet metal workers, robotic weld technicians to welding equipment salespeople and more. Certified welding inspectors, however, remain among the highest-earning professionals in the field.

What percentage of people pass the CWI exam?

If so, you have probably heard that the exam is pretty tough. Although the American Welding Society (AWS) does not publish information on passing rates, it is estimated that only about 30 to 40% of CWI hopefuls pass the test on their first try. The body of knowledge for the CWI exam can be owerwhelming.

Can a CWI certify a welder?

The only way for a welder to become “certified” according to the American Welding Society is through an ATF (Accredited Testing Facility) by a CWI (Certified Welding Inspector). Becoming a CWI is strenuous in and of itself, but the strict standards to which the AWS holds an ATF are second to none.

How many times can you take the CWI exam?

A maximum of three (3) retests are permitted in the three-year period from your initial exam date. If you took the CWI Part B exam or an endorsement exam for 9-Year Recertification and failed the 72% minimum, you are permitted to retest only the same exam under the rules noted in the previous paragraph.

What does a CWI test consist of?

The CWI exam consists of three parts: the fundamentals, practical application, and code application. You’re allotted two hours to complete each section. You also need a score of 72% or higher for each section in order to pass.