The three parts at a glance
Each part must be passed at 72%. Candidates receive a consolidated AWS score report about two weeks after finishing Parts A and C.
| Part | Format | Time | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A Fundamentals | 150 scored + 15 unscored pretest questions, closed book | 135 minutes | Prometric test center |
| Part B Practical | 46 questions on hands-on tasks with weld replicas, tools and the Book of Specifications | 120 minutes | AWS-authorized exam sites, paper based |
| Part C Code Book | 50 to 65 questions from the code you choose, open book | 120 to 135 minutes | Prometric test center |
What each part covers
Part A's AWS test specification sets minimum shares: definitions and terminology 12%, welding processes 12%, symbols 10%, weld examination 10%, welding performance 9%, NDE 8%, heat control and metallurgy 6%, calculations 6%, duties and responsibilities 4%, destructive tests 3% and cutting 2%.
Part B sets minimums for welding inspection and flaws 34%, procedure and welder qualifications 28%, and mechanical tests, NDE, and use of specifications and drawings 8% each. Part C sets minimums of 25% each for qualification, fabrication and inspection, and 5% each for materials and design, and reports and records.
Order and timing
- AWS requires Part B before Parts A and C. Taking Part A or C first invalidates the exam.
- Parts A and C must be completed within 120 days after the practical.
- You choose the order of Parts A and C, and book them separately with Prometric using the eligibility codes in your AWS confirmation letter.
- Part C is open book. For applicable code exams AWS provides the code on screen as a PDF, in English only, and printed copies aren't permitted for certain exams. Your confirmation letter says what applies to you.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free CWI Part A practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Fees in 2026
The non-member initial price includes a 3-year AWS Individual Membership. Fees include Prometric seat fees for the computer-based parts. Check the current price list on aws.org before you apply, because AWS can change fees.
| Item | AWS member | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
| Initial CWI exams (all three parts) | US$1,255 | US$1,520 |
| Initial exams with Part B training | US$2,000 | US$2,265 |
| Retest: Part A or C | US$445 | US$445 |
| Retest: Parts A and C | US$870 | US$870 |
| Retest: Part B | US$385 | US$385 |
| Retest: all parts | US$915 | US$1,180 |
Retest rules
- AWS allows up to three retests within three years of your original test date.
- The first retest needs no additional training.
- The second and third retests need documented training first: 40 hours if retesting all parts, 16 hours if retesting one or two parts.
- A failed Part C must be retested using the same code.
How to prepare
- Download the free Book of Specifications from AWS and read it before you take Part B.
- Tab your code book and practice finding tables quickly.
- Learn the A3.0 terms, A2.4 symbols and the basic formulas without a book for Part A.
- Take timed practice tests: Part A gives you just under 50 seconds a question.
Frequently asked questions
What is the passing score for the CWI exam?
72% on each of the three parts: A, B and C.
Which CWI part do you take first?
Part B, the practical. AWS requires it before Parts A and C, which must then be completed within 120 days.
Can you take the CWI exam online?
AWS delivers Parts A and C at Prometric test centers and Part B at AWS-authorized exam sites. Its current guides do not describe a remote proctored option; check aws.org for updates.
How much does the CWI exam cost?
US$1,255 for AWS members and US$1,520 for non-members, for all three parts. Retests cost US$385 to US$915 for members depending on the parts retaken; non-members pay the same except for all three parts, which is US$1,180.
Official sources
Practice tests for these certifications
AWS CWI Part A Fundamentals Exam (Certified Welding Inspector)
Part A tests the welding fundamentals every inspector must know without a book: terms and definitions, welding processes, welding and NDE symbols, weld examination, procedure and welder qualification, NDT, metallurgy, calculations, inspector duties, destructive tests and cutting.
AWS CWI Part B Practical Exam (Certified Welding Inspector)
Part B is the practical: you measure plastic weld replicas with real gauges, review WPSs, PQRs and welder test records, read NDE photos, and judge each item against the AWS Book of Specifications.
AWS CWI Part C Code Book Exam: AWS D1.1 Structural Steel
Part C tests how fast and accurately you can find and apply requirements in the code you chose, here AWS D1.1, the Structural Welding Code for steel.
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not legal advice. AWS rules change; confirm with AWS before you apply.
