CWI Welding Inspector Exam Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The AWS CWI exam information for Part A (Fundamentals) lists 150 scored multiple-choice questions plus 15 unscored pretest questions in 135 minutes, taken closed book on a computer. The content outline spreads questions across eleven areas: Definition and Terminology 15 percent, Welding Processes 15, Symbols for Welding and NDE 12, Weld Examination 12, Welding Performance 11, Test Methods for NDE 10, Heat Control and Metallurgy 7, Welding Related Calculations 7, Duties and Responsibilities 5, Destructive Tests 4 and Cutting 2. The portal mock uses 150 questions in 135 minutes; the 15 unscored pretest questions of the real exam are not simulated.

The CWI credential is a widely used qualification for welding inspectors on fabrication and construction projects, and Part A tests the fundamentals every inspector is expected to know.

Welders, inspectors and quality professionals preparing for Part A of the AWS Certified Welding Inspector examination.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

AWS sets the rules for retaking a part and any waiting period; confirm the current policy in the AWS CWI examination user guide.

AWS sets a minimum score for each part of the CWI examination; the CWI materials the portal follows list 72 percent of the scored questions, so confirm the current requirement with AWS. The mock shows 72 percent only as a self-check. Format: 150 scored questions in 135 minutes, closed book; the portal mock uses the same question count and time without the unscored pretest items. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

The AWS CWI exam information for Part A (Fundamentals) lists 150 scored multiple-choice questions plus 15 unscored pretest questions in 135 minutes, taken closed book on a computer. The content outline spreads questions across eleven areas: Definition and Terminology 15 percent, Welding Processes 15, Symbols for Welding and NDE 12, Weld Examination 12, Welding Performance 11, Test Methods for NDE 10, Heat Control and Metallurgy 7, Welding Related Calculations 7, Duties and Responsibilities 5, Destructive Tests 4 and Cutting 2. The portal mock uses 150 questions in 135 minutes; the 15 unscored pretest questions of the real exam are not simulated. CWI Part A Fundamentals · 150 scored questions plus unscored pretest items · 135 minutes · closed book · computer-based. AWS sets a minimum score for each part of the CWI examination; the CWI materials the portal follows list 72 percent of the scored questions, so confirm the current requirement with AWS. The mock shows 72 percent only as a self-check.

• Definition and Terminology15%
• Welding Processes15%
• Symbols for Welding and NDE12%
• Weld Examination12%
• Welding Performance11%
• Test Methods for NDE10%
• Heat Control and Metallurgy7%
• Welding Related Calculations7%
• Duties and Responsibilities5%
• Destructive Tests4%
• Cutting2%

The content outline spreads questions across 11 areas: Definition and Terminology (15.0%); Welding Processes (15.0%); Symbols for Welding and NDE (12.0%); Weld Examination (12.0%); Welding Performance (11.0%); Test Methods for NDE (10.0%); Heat Control and Metallurgy (7.0%); Welding Related Calculations (7.0%); Duties and Responsibilities (5.0%); Destructive Tests (4.0%); Cutting (2.0%).

AWS accepts different combinations of education and work experience for CWI applicants. Confirm the table that applies to you and the application steps on the AWS certification pages.

AWS charges different fees for members and non-members and for each part, and testing sites may add their own seat or proctoring fees. Confirm each amount with AWS before you register.

CWI certification has to be renewed on the AWS schedule with documented work activity; check the AWS certification pages for what applies after you pass.

Start with the heaviest areas of the content outline: Definition and Terminology (15.0%); Welding Processes (15.0%); Symbols for Welding and NDE (12.0%). Then work through the remaining areas, and finish with timed full-length practice runs of 150 questions in one sitting.

This guide follows the AWS CWI Part A exam information and the AWS CWI examination user guide (certification department revision of March 2024); AWS revises its documents, so check aws.org before you book.