CWI Part B vs CWI Part C (D1.1): how do these CWI parts differ?
Both reward using a reference well. Part B's reference is the Book of Specifications, a sample code written for the exam, and the answers come from measuring replicas and reading documents. Part C's reference is the real code you chose, here AWS D1.1, and the skill is finding and applying requirements quickly. The two have similar-looking limits that differ, so keep them separate in your notes.
CWI Part B vs CWI Part C (D1.1) at a glance
| CWI Part B | CWI Part C (D1.1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | AWS CWI Part B Practical Exam (Certified Welding Inspector) | AWS CWI Part C Code Book Exam: AWS D1.1 Structural Steel |
| Questions | 46 questions on hands-on tasks with plastic weld replicas, inspection tools and a Book of Exhibits | 50 to 60 scored multiple-choice questions; English forms add about 5 unscored pretest items (55 to 65 in total) |
| Time | 120 minutes | 120 minutes (135 minutes on forms with pretest items) |
| Passing score | 72% on Part B (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 | Open book: the Part B Book of Specifications (2017) is provided, paper-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 (US$2,000 / US$2,265 with Part B training). A Part B retest costs US$385 | 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 (U.S. customary units in the US and Canada, metric elsewhere); language-assisted forms in several languages, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish and Portuguese | English (check aws.org for other language forms) |
| Where | AWS-authorized exam sites (paper-based, usually at the end of an AWS seminar week) | Prometric test center (computer-based) |
| Level | AWS CWI Exam | AWS CWI Exam |
What each exam covers
CWI Part B
- Inspection Tools and Dimensional Tolerances
- Structural Steel Acceptance Criteria
- Pipeline Acceptance Criteria
- Pressure Piping Acceptance Criteria
- WPS and PQR Review
- Welder Performance Qualification
- Mechanical Tests and NDE Exhibits
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?
Both reward using a reference well. Part B's reference is the Book of Specifications, a sample code written for the exam, and the answers come from measuring replicas and reading documents. Part C's reference is the real code you chose, here AWS D1.1, and the skill is finding and applying requirements quickly. The two have similar-looking limits that differ, so keep them separate in your notes.
Try both, free
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FAQ
What is the difference between CWI Part B and CWI Part C (D1.1)?
Both reward using a reference well. Part B's reference is the Book of Specifications, a sample code written for the exam, and the answers come from measuring replicas and reading documents. Part C's reference is the real code you chose, here AWS D1.1, and the skill is finding and applying requirements quickly. The two have similar-looking limits that differ, so keep them separate in your notes.
Which is harder, CWI Part B or CWI Part C (D1.1)?
CWI Part B: 46 questions on hands-on tasks with plastic weld replicas, inspection tools and a book of exhibits in 120 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 B 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 B 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.