WHAT IS WELDING INSPECTION?
The purpose of welding inspection is to determine if a weldment meets the acceptance criteria of a specific code, standard, or other document.
WHAT IS A WELDING INSPECTOR?
A Welding Inspector’s responsibility is to determine if a weldment meets the acceptance criteria of a specific code, standard, or other specification and to oversee non-destructive testing and ensure proper materials are available during testing.
WHAT IS A CERTIFIED WELDING INSPECTOR?
Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) must demonstrate a keen attention to detail along with other requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities, and are often considered the safety nets that catch potentially catastrophic mistakes.
It’s the CWI’s responsibility not only to determine if a weldment meets the acceptance criteria of a specific code, standard, or other specification, but also to handle qualification records, oversee non-destructive testing and ensure proper materials are available during testing.
Therefore, it is important that the CWI is familiar with welding processes, welding procedures, welder qualifications, materials, and weld testing limitations, as well as how to read blueprint drawings, prepare and keep records, prepare and make reports, and make responsible judgments.
WHAT IS THE CERTIFIED WELDING INSPECTOR PROGRAM?
The AWS Certified Welding Inspector credential is one of the welding industry’s most recognized certifications. Many industry professionals who earn their CWI credential are highly regarded and sought-after throughout the welding industry. Becoming a CWI means that you have demonstrated the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities to earn this prestigious credential.
A CWI should align with the technical and ethical principles required of their position as outlined in AWS B5.1:2013-AMD1 Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.
By employing or contracting CWI’s, hiring organizations can improve safety, reduce risk, and meet the technical criteria and standards developed and updated by AWS industry experts.
The CWI credential can serve as the foundation on which welding industry professionals can build lucrative and rewarding careers.
Additionally, because the Certified Welding Educator (CWE) Certification exams are identical to Parts A and B of the CWI exams, CWI candidates can choose to pursue a CWE credential and earn both credentials at the same time.
A CWI candidate or a current CWI can choose to enhance their credential by adding one or more of the AWS endorsements*. These endorsements also count toward recertification requirements.
AWS offers three additional certification programs (SCWI, CAWI and CWE) to match the needs of professionals who have either more or less related experience than that required to become a CWI.
*Endorsements are supplemental inspection credentials available to all CWI’s and Senior SCWI’s to enhance an individual’s skills and career opportunities.
Review the AWS Certification and Qualification Standards for more detail:
QC1:2016-AMD1 – Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors
B5.1:2013-AMD1 – Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors

https://www.aws.org/certification/page/certified-welding-inspector-cwi-program