CWI Part A vs CWI Part C (D1.1): how do these CWI parts differ?
Part A is closed book and broad: it covers the fundamentals of welding and inspection in about 50 seconds a question. Part C is open book and narrow: at least 75% is qualification, fabrication and inspection in your chosen code, at roughly 2 minutes a question. Memorize for Part A; practice lookups for Part C. You can take them in either order once Part B is done, within 120 days.
CWI Part A vs CWI Part C (D1.1) at a glance
| CWI Part A | CWI Part C (D1.1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | AWS CWI Part A Fundamentals Exam (Certified Welding Inspector) | AWS CWI Part C Code Book Exam: AWS D1.1 Structural Steel |
| Questions | 150 scored multiple-choice questions plus 15 unscored pretest items (165 in total) | 50 to 60 scored multiple-choice questions; English forms add about 5 unscored pretest items (55 to 65 in total) |
| Time | 135 minutes | 120 minutes (135 minutes on forms with pretest items) |
| Passing score | 72% on Part A (each of Parts A, B and C must be passed at 72%) | 72% on Part C (each of Parts A, B and C must be passed at 72%) |
| Format | Closed book, computer-based | Open book: bring AWS D1.1/D1.1M (check the edition on your confirmation letter); a digital copy is provided for most code exams |
| Cost | Included in the initial CWI exam fee for all three parts: US$1,255 for AWS members or US$1,520 for non-members (non-member price includes a 3-year AWS membership). A Part A retest costs US$445 | Included in the initial CWI exam fee for all three parts: US$1,255 for AWS members or US$1,520 for non-members. A Part C retest costs US$445. The code book is bought separately |
| Languages | English, or language-assisted forms in Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, Russian and Portuguese (English shown alongside) | English (check aws.org for other language forms) |
| Where | Prometric test center (computer-based) | Prometric test center (computer-based) |
| Level | AWS CWI Exam | AWS CWI Exam |
What each exam covers
CWI Part A
- Definitions, Terminology and Joint Design
- Welding Processes and Cutting
- Welding and NDE Symbols
- Weld Examination and Discontinuities
- WPS, PQR and Welder Qualification
- Nondestructive Testing Methods
- Metallurgy, Heat Control and Destructive Tests
- Calculations, Duties and Safety
CWI Part C (D1.1)
- Code Organization and General Requirements
- Design of Welded Connections
- Prequalified WPSs
- Qualification of WPSs and Welders
- Fabrication
- Inspection and Acceptance Criteria
- Stud Welding, Tubular and Existing Structures
Which should you take?
Part A is closed book and broad: it covers the fundamentals of welding and inspection in about 50 seconds a question. Part C is open book and narrow: at least 75% is qualification, fabrication and inspection in your chosen code, at roughly 2 minutes a question. Memorize for Part A; practice lookups for Part C. You can take them in either order once Part B is done, within 120 days.
Try both, free
Each free practice test takes about 10 minutes and shows your score by topic. No signup.
FAQ
What is the difference between CWI Part A and CWI Part C (D1.1)?
Part A is closed book and broad: it covers the fundamentals of welding and inspection in about 50 seconds a question. Part C is open book and narrow: at least 75% is qualification, fabrication and inspection in your chosen code, at roughly 2 minutes a question. Memorize for Part A; practice lookups for Part C. You can take them in either order once Part B is done, within 120 days.
Which is harder, CWI Part A or CWI Part C (D1.1)?
CWI Part A: 150 scored multiple-choice questions plus 15 unscored pretest items (165 in total) in 135 minutes. CWI Part C (D1.1): 50 to 60 scored multiple-choice questions; english forms add about 5 unscored pretest items (55 to 65 in total) in 120 minutes (135 minutes on forms with pretest items). The longer exam covers more ground, but the harder one is the one further from your daily work. Take both free practice tests to see where you stand.
Can I hold both CWI Part A and CWI Part C (D1.1)?
You need all three parts to earn the CWI: Part A, Part B and Part C, each at 72% or better.
How do I prepare for CWI Part A and CWI Part C (D1.1)?
Start with the free practice test for each, then study by topic. Premium is per exam ($147 a month each), so most people start with the exam they'll sit first and add the second when they're ready.
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Exam details are summarized from AWS's published information as of October 2026. Confirm with AWS before you book. CWIQuizBank is not affiliated with the American Welding Society or Prometric.