How To Pass The AWS CWI Exam

This video gives you some hints and tips on how to pass the American Welding Society's Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam. I just took the exam last Saturday (08/08/2015) and wanted to explain what I thought while it was still fresh on my mind. Go shelf bars. Thanks for watching and subscribing to TVWeld.
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[@Edaloy27]

I just took the D1.1 2020 this past Saturday(12/22), and got a 90, I strongly recommend paying for a study course, because IMO practice tests are the absolute key to passing this exam, practice questions really get you moving all over the code book, even if you know the answer, find it in the code book. he is correct about the Annexes, the exam focuses on the 5 main clauses 4 thru 8 in the 2020, of course you must cover all 11 clauses in your study. good video. sir.

[@paddyirishman9059]

Thank you so much for the advice which study course would you recommend?

[@Edaloy27]

@@paddyirishman9059 I used the Atlas and averaged 88, as of last year they let you access the study course for as long as you want, not sure if they still do, good luck.

[@paddyirishman9059]

@@Edaloy27 beautiful thank you so much

[@misfortuneempire908]

Did u use your own book at the prometric place?

[@joshwestlake5458]

@@Edaloy27I am also using Atlas. Great stuff and worth the price!

[@FlushtheSystem]

I have been CWI, now SCWI, Yes I'm old. My thoughts if they help I'm glad. 1. YES Use AWS D1.1 Latest edition of course. Make sure you know which edition your testing to. They "ratify" new years of code all the time. $$$$$ 2. TAB TAB TAB, Read the book, TAB the Tables on top of pages, TAB the Figues on the bottom of the pages, TAB the Clauses (Chapters) on the page edge. Simply doing this will help you relate how the book is laid out. Many of the question will have you look at a figure, it will reference a table, and the table will have you go to a code clause. (3) different sections of the book, many pages apart for one question. **Bring book marks to the test* 3. The practical exam, plastic coupons, know the the areas in the code book the pass/fail requirements/failures are listed. TAB THOSE PAGES TO USE DURING THE TEST. 4. Practical plastic coupons, look over the whole thing. Check the casting lines etc. for the plastic to easily discount those. Learn to immediately ignore the random tiny spec for someones calipers or the dent from being dropped. BIG HELP HERE. The proctor is walking around during practical. ME: You can talk to them, I did this exactly: ME: Sir/Madam...I have a question....This divot in the plastic looks like it is from user damage of it was dropped. Do you have a "clean" sample coupon I could use instead? PROCTOR: No we only have these and you are correct that looks like damage, disregard it. YES it works 5. TAKE THE SEMINAR, no question at all. This test for first time takers has only a 63% pass rate. 37% FAIL RATE. I'll add anything I remember in this post. I just finished my second 9 year re certification and the Bridge Endorsement. If you have any questions please ask in a REPLY, I'll check back ASAP. Great video, THANKS

[@drand2017]

25 years old. Wanting this to be my future. I thought i heard about a "reup"/ "recert" period. How often do i need to recert? Thanks.

[@disarray6856]

Just started in the welding industry a little under a year ago. I bought the D1.1 code book just to take my time understanding the code book and being able to understand a lot of things. and yes there was so much shit I did not know including shelf bars! and Charpy V-Notch! I still have a long time before I qualify for it but it's helps me to know that even the veterans have issues understanding wtf a shelf bar is haha. Great video thank you!

[@TVWeld]

Keep at it!

[@isaacquintanilla1726]

Received my cwi in February. So fucking happy

[@TVWeld]

Congratulations man!

[@CassieRivers-vx3ir]

Congratulations!! Where did you go? I'm torn between Hobart & Real Education

[@jerseybean732]

Shelf bars or backing bars are for moment welds with a 3/8th gap to get full fusion just did 24 last week passed all them with ultra sound !!!

[@DavidFinchMMC]

By the way, shelf bars are most commonly used when using the submerged arc welding process in the 2G position and its only purpose is really to keep the flux covering the arc. Let me know how many welding operators can do a 2G SAW weld and keep their flux up without one! Sissy bar, never heard that one...

[@TVWeld]

I was looking through my code book yesterday and I forgot to mention there was a huge number of questions on skewed T-Joints in the code portion of the exam.

[@welder4life870]

+Brent Harkness thanks.were there alot of references to what exact code on part A closed book if any at all.meaning AWS QC1 ASTM

[@welder4life870]

+Brent Harkness also do you figure it unnecessary to read the whole D1.1 book meaning annexes n all.just got the cert manual for welding inspectors wanted to read as much as possible.leave no room for error.test either nov or feb.depending on confidence of study

[@TVWeld]

+welder 4life Do not read the Annexes. They have nothing to do with the CWI exam. There is not a lot of questions on code in the fundamentals part A section of the test.

[@weldingandstuff]

Have you thought about taking it over the API 1104; I have a few videos about the CWI on my channel

[@damonionrheajones8669]

Hey what's up Brent how you doing bro? I'm a Boilermaker 4th year apprentice. I just became a member for the AWS. My goal is to become a CWI/CWE and I would like to know what books should I use besides the D1.1 code book to get me prepared to pass the CWI/CWE exam? If you could write them down I'd highly appreciate it bro! My email address is [e-mail]

[@paulsunday2656]

I took the test August 2014, for me, Part B was the most difficult. Again, I think API 1104 is a bit easier, but you must know the key words (which section the question is referring to) that will help since time is not on your side. I encourage anybody that wants to register to prepare ahead of time. I'm glad I'm an AWS CWI

[@SouthernOutfitter]

paul sunday hey brother I'm gunna try and go for my cwi 1104 qny input.

[@marquisdaniel1371]

Paul, I have 16 years in welding and I want to become a CWI as well! My 1st problem is how to get the funding?

[@jimmyzowens]

Ironworker Local 86 here.. Great video brother. A quick google search and you popped right up. I am in a 1 week prep class for the CWI test then I head to another 1 week prep directly followed by the test in July. Awesome Video and Thank you

[@edgarcuevas69]

Brent post more videos tips on aws cwi exam please!!!!

[@tylershannon3062]

Thank you for posting this bro I’m about to take the test in a few months when they come to my state! This helped a lot!

[@TVWeld]

Good deal man. Good luck!

[@chadhanebrink8009]

I came looking for tips on taking the CWI test. I left wondering what his workout routine was.

[@Portarius1984]

Thanks for your advice and tips. I'm not as nervous about going through with it. Been really trying to plan a time to do this with my work schedule.

[@alyassini5734]

I'm from Saudi Arabia and I love your videos , thank you very much .

[@3DMachines]

Which position would u most likely use a shelf bar 3G and or 2g?

[@TVWeld]

3DMachines 2G.

[@gino8743]

+3DMachines Vertical; 3G "Back up strip." or Over head.

[@nate91198]

more vids please

[@nate91198]

pleasssseeeee

[@tjvanderloop1686]

Good Reference & Overview...Brent is a good resource... T J (Tom) Vanderloop, AWS Member & Author

[@superiorwelding]

Brent Harkness Thanks for the video. I go for my test in December so these videos will be helpful to me. I look forward to more! -Jonathan

[@OKCswampdog]

Hey man, thanks for this video. I am newly getting into welding for a company and once i get through their training this will be my next step. So thank you for the videos!!

[@weldingandstuff]

Brent; do you have any updated info on the CWI. I try and keep my channel updated with the latest, but as you know AWS changes the Part B often

[@MrJoe-yw5ex]

Took mine in '92. Passed with a 97.1 average. Never renewed due to a mail problem with a change of address. Seeking to renew now and a bit lost as to the best method to renew. Been working with my company on knowledge alone with no problems, but some of the vendors/clients like Shell Oil want to see a current certificate and my company will not pay. So it looks like a 2-3000 dollar price tag to renew. Trying to do the most inexpensive method possible. I originally took a class at the local community college and the instructor had us tab all the pages we needed on D1.1 which made passing the codebook section easy. Need a starting point because I heard the test is much more difficult now. Any thoughts from other viewers or yourself. Nice presentation also.

[@TVWeld]

The same thing happened to me. I didn't renew and it expired. The only thing you can do is retest, basically starting over. I know it sucks but that's what you have to do, and it's even worse if your company won't pay for it. I guess the main thing to decide at this point would be whether you want to take the one week course prior to the exam or not.

[@christopherduren9005]

THIS IS GREAT THANKS FOR DOING THIS ! STARTING TO STUDY FOR TEST !!! BRENT IS THE SHIT !!!

[@weldingandstuff]

Note that the Part B of the exam changed in January 2017 they added Piping and Pressure Piping questions ; I've done a few videos that might help kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep6ceIOCj5eZrMU

[@Cerdo_asqueroso]

Brent: Thank you so much for your advices, I have to take the exam this October and I'm very nervous. Please I beg you to give me some more advices for part B

[@richardbalangon2045]

I completely agree they would want you to fail... a couple time but would this still be relevant now? Thanks, and good video!

[@vivianrichards7274]

hey whats up good and very informative vids I really this would be my third time writing the CWI exams and I really want u to go into deep the practical of the exams and a next thing too the 1104 exams really getting very hard they asking u question in the appendix A B most of the times now! thanks in advance

[@CLUBLIMERZ]

Brent can you do a video laying out the best way to study for the exam and which books/publications to study. That would be great!!

[@CLUBLIMERZ]

Apart from the code book section which study materials are great for the PART A and PART B section.

[@heyman5525]

I appreciate all this. I'm going for it.

[@edgarcuevas69]

brent Harkness thanks for the tips keep them coming

[@sheremetbyevo]

Thanks Brent. Very clear and helpful your explanations. I just signed up and gave you a like. Cheers from Ecuador.

[@bmaas11]

Just a couple comments. With regard to the practical (part B) people that are only taking this part doesn't necessarily mean they failed it the first time. The can be taking as their 9 year renewal. As far as the entire 3 sections of the test go the questions change every year. You will not see the same test again the next year and so on. It may look similar but it's not the same.

[@daviddebroekert506]

The test is always the same format; but there are enough questions to be rotated that you won't see every time, and some that you may see.

[@Gsal83]

I am taking the online Pre-Seminar and will take the CWI exam on 11/5/16. There is a lot of content on atomic structure. Is there a lot of questions on this on the test? Thanks for the vid. This is the most useful content I have found online for passing the test.

[@TVWeld]

There wasn't when I took it last year, but they changed it as of last January. Anybody taken it since then that would know if the new test has this content?

[@michaelcantu86]

did you pass bro??

[@daviddezeeuw8114]

Hey Brent. Love the video, very informative. I am going for a CWI course the end of this month, you wouldn't happen to have a pdf version of that book would you?

[@TVWeld]

I do not. Sorry.

[@wtfthisisstupid09]

I did my written aws D1.1 test yesterday and I got a 70 which isn't super bad for someone who didn't study at all. What I really messed up on was blue print reading, welding symbols, and safety lmao. Yes safety, normally that's the easiest section but for some reason I failed that section. You need a 90% and I got a 86% lol.

[@wtfthisisstupid09]

By the way I took this test in High a School.

[@carlostorres8771]

Woopty dooo

[@theonlyoned6409]

bullshit

[@GruntProof]

excellent man, thanks

[@domesdomes2231]

Taking the CWI seminar exam in Oct. D1.1. Currently a manufacturing engineer been around the welding world for 25+ yrs. 5 certifications from the government long ago. Although never done to much code work. Been hitting the books. Any recommendations/help is appreciated. Brent Great Info!!

[@TVWeld]

Domes Domes You just have to know where to find the right information in the code book. They had a lot on face reinforcements, radiographs, shelf bars, and other testing procedures. There could be anything on it though.

[@TVWeld]

Domes Domes I forgot weld access holes, and welding inspector responsibilities were a major portion as well.

[@steelrhinoceros]

go shelf bars!!

[@marksamluk9879]

My code I took D1.1 woth 2015 edition and got 86. I thought code was eazyer the part B that took me a few time to get it.

[@iw63boomer]

On exam day, I started off with a coffee and added a couple shots of Canadian Mist. Then popped a couple of oxy's. Failed part 1 by one, part 2 by 1 and part 3 by 2. Durn. Next time I will try more Mist.

[@tonymedina922]

Well damn........................................................... U need more Oxy

[@iw63boomer]

@Tony - Thanks for the advice, but are you a CWI? Are you giving me this advice based on your experiences as a CWI? I only ask because I had another CWI explain to me that I needed more mist. But again, thank you for the input!

[@tonymedina922]

iw63boomer No I am not a CWI. But I am a Level 2 across the board in NDE. Your welcome

[@TVWeld]

FYI. I received my test results today 08/21/2015. It took 13 days.

[@DavidFinchMMC]

+Brent Harkness I'm just curious why you retook the test for your 9 year recert vs continued education? I'm assuming it was your 9 year or you let it lapse since you said you took it in 2005, and now again in 2015?

[@TVWeld]

David Finch I let it lapse.

[@carlostorres8771]

Nice content bro very informative

[@charlesmintus3063]

Well done and appreciate the insight.

[@mikeramirez7097]

hello Brent and thanx for all of your input! is there any way you can give maybe a few examples on what the question are actually like regarding the D1.1 code book? if so thanx much! and run us by the practical just a bit more? I will be taking the test in February and greatly appreciate your help! thanx

[@aidanlamborne]

Great video boss

[@boashna]

You put the word shelf bar on google results with your video. .

[@chadcollier6714]

You mention keeping notes and tabs in the book. Is the test an open book test? Or are the notes just specifically for your own reference while studying?

[@TVWeld]

Yes sir it is an open book test. The tabs will help you find things quicker. When you write notes in the front of your book they should include page numbers again to enable you to find things quicker.

[@paddyirishman9059]

Thank you for the video . This is a Three Part test do you have to take it all together or can you take it a different days

[@TVWeld]

I've taken it twice and both times it was all in one day. I have no idea if that's changed. The COVID era has changed a lot of ways testing is done so I'd double check just to be sure.

[@weldingslife5382]

I'm 21 now and I'm trying to study the books on my own before even thinking about taking the exam, I would like to study for atleast a year. Any tips for younger people taking the exams

[@jasonhale3972]

I took the 2 weeks Hobart Seminar and then the Exam on the 10th day, they did a fairly good job with instruction. We had class for 8 hours or so and so much homework for 2 weeks, I stayed up some night till 12:00 a.m. working on homework and in the motel room Saturday and Sunday and still never completed all the homework assigned. The most stressful part for me was the code test, I thought Part A and Part B was fairly easily but the code test was extremely hard. I didn't blow part A or B out of the water but I did pass the two and scored high enough on the code for the CAWI but failed to obtain the CWI on the first try. I retest in 1 month and also got a letter stating that January 2016 the D1.1 testing will be to the 2015 edition instead of 2010.

[@TVWeld]

+Jason Hale I heard that after the 1st of the year the new test was going to a new edition as well. If there are any revisions to the new edition there will undoubtedly be a ridiculously huge amount of questions on the revisions even if it has nothing to do with common practice.

[@weldingandstuff]

great video bro

[@sickrick1087]

Hey Brent, is info still current or has it change much since 2015. Just wondering....

[@TVWeld]

They always change the test a bit, but there are certain topics that will always be on the test. As far as the video I'd say it is mostly still relevant. Usually they will change the test to any changes that they did to the new edition of the code book. That's why they had so many questions on shelf bars the last time I took the test. Shelf bars were a new edition to the D1.1 in the 2015 edition.

[@GLPM100]

obrigado pelos vídeos.

[@supabe45]

well appreciated.. will take in consideration.

[@mikeymoney8676]

What books do you need to pass the cwi and can you get the plastic specimens sent to you before from anywhere i passed the structural code test but seems way harder then that

[@RBurgendy100]

You are an awesome help

[@cjk9416]

Hey Brent! These are awesome videos, I plan on taking my CWI in the next few months and I recently graduated Tulsa Welding School's AOS program. My Q to you is, What should I focus on via fundamental test, some say metallurgy some say brazing. There is a lot to cover and I cannot seem to find practice exams for the Part A exam, could you put me in the right Direction? Thanks!

[@TVWeld]

I would start with making sure you know the code book front to back. A lot of schools don't cover a lot of codes because there are so many. Try to find somebody that just took the test and took the one week course before the test and they should have some materials to study from.

[@cjk9416]

Thank you for the reply. On your CWI test were there any ISO9001 questions (part A)?

[@randyhenricks7071]

For fundamentals, get a book called Welding Inspection Technology. They even have a companion volume with sample questions on each chapter. I think all the questions I saw on the fundamentals were covered in that book.

[@cameronhohepa2156]

is the shelf bar used with SAW process in horizontal position as it keeps the the flux granuals in place ? awesome vid mate

[@TVWeld]

+Cameron Hohepa That's exactly what David Finch said in a comment below. Check it out.

[@E-Yahya]

What is the study material needed for preparing to the exam?

[@11rajusiva11]

Hi Brent, i done B.Tech(ECE).I have 3 years work experience in my course related that is telecom field.but i want to switch over to API Course .pls give me a suggestion

[@yunloongtan3258]

hi i am planning to take the test, just wanted to ask on which chapter shall I focus on if I use AWS D1.1 structure code.

[@AJ-sb8qk]

Have you taken the D17, I'm thinking about studying for it

[@Paw95]

I took welding at a vocational school for my last two years of high school. Can I jump straight to this. Or is their schooling I have to take before I go for it?

[@jacobwade2878]

Paw95 you just need time in the field

[@johnmullin4415]

Hey Brent I am taking my cwi seminar on april 16th and then the test on the following weekend. With the new testing method do I take part B and then A and C at a testing center a few weeks later? Also do you think two months is enough time? I am ASNT Certified in RT,MT,PT,VT and UT and 6 years of experience.

[@TVWeld]

I didn't know they had a new testing method. It used to be that you took it all in one day.

[@bostonblue704]

Hey Brent, I'm taking the D1.1 exam next weekend. I've made a ton of flash cards and I feel like I'm wasting a lot of time trying to memorize every term. Although I know they're important, do you think theres a certain section or group of terms I should focus on?

[@bostonblue704]

btw I'm talking about the terms from the chapters of the welding inspection technology book

[@rauledmundotolabin9376]

Hi Brent! I´m from Argentina and i'm taking the test next december. You mentioned in the video that they give a seminar a week before the actual test... can you take the seminar online?

[@TVWeld]

I believe they do now have something like a 80 or 90 hour online course.

[@claybryant5777]

Brent, I am taking the test/seminar in November. I purchased the online study guide when I registered. How much of the math/metallurgy etc is on the test? I only have a month to study and don't want to waste time on studying the wrong thing. Thank you in advance!

[@queen684masunu6]

How did it go?

[@dhruvalpatelpmcssipl535]

Want to Learn RT Film Interpretation & Acceptance Criteria of Defect as per Clause 6 of AWS D 1.1

[@aplong1911]

Thank you for making this video I found it to be very helpful!

[@theonlyoned6409]

thank you for posting this. is the test harder now then it was in 2005? I am going to take in 3-17

[@TVWeld]

I don't think it was harder, but I took the class in 2005 and this time I just went and took the test. I had less preparation time. You also lose the interaction with the other people that are taking the test if you don't take the preparation class. Someone in the class may know somebody that just took it and could give you a heads up on the important sections. Such as weld access holes, skewed T-Joints, shelf bars, responsibilities.

[@kelseypeek8869]

What are your thoughts on the online CWI pre seminar? How long do you recommend studying before taking the test?

[@TVWeld]

+Kelsey Peek You can never study too much. How much you need to study really depends on your background. Usually someone taking the exam has a pretty good idea where their strengths and weakness's are. If you've never had code work, then you probably should start with that. As for the online pre seminar I have no experience with that. I don't even know anybody that has gone that route before. I think your best bet for the online pre seminar is to find someone that has done it and get some feedback from them. If you do find someone that has taken it, I'd love to hear what they have to say.

[@dexterthayn8431]

I will be taking the CWI Exam on 9/19. I have a couple questions to ask you.. Can you give us some details on the Skewed T-joints. Also Can you go over table 4.1 and table 4.10 I am having problems with the footnotes confusing me I have heard that doing a certification will qualify you for fillets on 24" or greater pipe and I am having problems finding that. I heard that Zloss is a big deal on the test is that true? Thanks.

[@TVWeld]

+Dexter Thayn Z-loss is one of the main questions when it comes to skewed T-Joints. Know it. Footnotes are one of the main tricks the AWS uses to mess you up. You'll think you have an easy answer, but there is a footnote on it and if you don't read it you'll mess up the answer ALWAYS look for a footnote. If you do a pipe certification, depending on what position, it will certify you for fillet welds on plate depending on the position. I think what you're talking about with the 24" pipe is that after 24 inches pipe that big is generally considered plate.

[@TVWeld]

+Dexter Thayn I found the 24" pipe stuff. It is in the Table 4.1 section. If you look in the plate section under the production pipe welding qualified section in the butt joint category you'll see a footnote b. If you read the b footnote it says that if you qualify on plate you can weld pipe that is equal or greater than 24 inches, but it is only for grooves. P.138 2010 edition.

[@wesleybarrilleaux8521]

+Dexter Thayn How did you do Dexter?

[@humbl3ninja]

hey watched your vids thanks for the info one question. what all do I need to take to the exam as far as equipment goes? just the code book I'm testing on?

[@TVWeld]

Code book and a calculator.

[@chrisp4138]

what about d1.5? any videos on that code?

[@dg-xr3gc]

do they allow you to use the book when your taking the test?

[@TVWeld]

yes

[@MotherAmerica-ci1uu]

Good stuff 🔥🔥🔥

[@MushrooMania888]

Hey Brent.I have no experience in welding at all but plan to take the exam in the future, but I heard that you can still take the exam but you will be titled as a certified associated welding inspector and then you gain your experience after to become a full fledged cwi. Do you know if this is true or not?

[@TVWeld]

A CAWI is a cert that the AWS used to give you if you almost passed the CWI exam. I heard they were getting rid of that (That's just hear say) because if you have a CWAI cert you can't really do anything. You have to work directly under a CWI (which is a good idea if you can find somebody that is willing to do that) and the CWI still has to be responsible for all work that is done. It's not really a cert that you want to strive to get. You are better off working in the welding field, and if possible working directly with a CWI that is a good teacher, and going directly for a CWI cert.

[@MushrooMania888]

so working under a cwi also counts as experience towards the cwi exam? cause i thought it was just straight welding

[@TVWeld]

I don't believe it has to be just straight welding. This is off the AWS website.Bachelor or higher degree in welding engineering or welding technology - (4) years maximum substitutionMinimum of (1) years welding based work experienceAssociate or higher degree in welding or non-welding related engineering technology, engineering, or a physical science - (3) years maximum substitutionMinimum of (2) years welding based work experienceEngineering/Technical courses that can be applied to Bachelor or higher degree in Welding - (2) years maximum substitutionMinimum of (3) years welding based work experienceTrade/Vocational courses - (1) year maximum substitution for successfully completed coursesMinimum of (4) years welding based work experienceHigh school diploma or approved high school equivalency diplomaMinimum of (5) years welding based work experience8th grade level of schoolingMinimum of (9) years welding based work experienceLess than 8th gradeMinimum of (12) years welding based work experience

[@DaltonP2156]

Is this info still up to date

[@johnnavolt8122]

Hey Brent I'm currently studying for my CWI test, I work for Bravada Yachts and we primarily deal with aluminum 5052 is this going to be beneficial?

[@TVWeld]

Any experience in the welding field is helpful. I'm sure you deal with visual inspection stuff all the time which will help. I'd figure out which code book you are planning on taking the test with and start becoming familiar with it.

[@Guap303]

But what if you want to inspect pipeline does D1.1 certify you through 1104 as well?

[@TVWeld]

What you take the test with doesn't limit you to that particular code. For instance if you take the CWI exam with the D1.1 you can still certify someone to the 1104.

[@Guap303]

@@TVWeld thank you

[@jasonshepherd6255]

Thanks for the info. Can you still inspect Pipe with the D1.1?

[@TVWeld]

+Jason Shepherd Yes you can.

[@Syed_rashid.....19]

I am a mechanical engineer and I want to do AWS CWI but problem is that I have only 1 year experience ... So what I do ????

[@TVWeld]

You are probably going to have to wait I believe one more year as long as you have a degree. If you go to the AWS website they have the requirements for eligibility to take the exam. The years of experience requirement goes down based on your college degree.

[@alanaispuro5619]

Hello brent like this video a lot ,, im about to do my test this year (2021) Do u think all this tips are still good for this test ? Or is there anything they could change or add on this exam...? Thanks for all..

[@TVWeld]

They do new revisions all the time. The new stuff they put on the test will be on any changes that they put in the newest edition of the code book that you are taking the test with. I'd say that all the information in this video is around 90%-95% still relevant.

[@alanaispuro5619]

@@TVWeld thanks a lot ,,, do u have or do u sell any personal guide or info u have to study for that test ?

[@TVWeld]

@@alanaispuro5619 Sorry I do not. I gave all the information and study material to a guy that was about to take the exam and never got it back.

[@dharmeshchauhan5664]

I am Indian . I stay in Mumbai.I Pass ITI (Welder) .Pl.. Suggest institute in Mumbai for become a welding ispector

[@lukasdefranco3452]

Do CWI's do any welding of their own? I don't want to become one if all they do is check other people.

[@TVWeld]

Some do and some don't. It really depends on what your employer wants you to do. You certainly can't certify yourself as that would be a conflict of interest, but it if you were already certified before you took the test and keep your welds logs up you should be good to go on continuing welding.

[@asaadalabadi403]

Thanks

[@michaelcantu86]

what classes do we take to be a cwi? im about to start welding classes in a week. im very interested in being a cwi.

[@TVWeld]

The CWI class is done through the AWS. There are some schools that offer courses that help you in passing the CWI exam, but you'll most likely have to go to a different school. They are few and far between. If you are about to start welding classes, I'd wait until you are done with those before thinking about taking the CWI exam.

[@edgarcuevas69]

hey brent how much math problems was in the cwi exam? and if any what type of math?

[@TVWeld]

edgar cuevas There was five or six questions in the practical portion of the exam. It was mostly figuring out tensile strength. Tensile strength = pull/area. They give you a formula sheet for that section. One thing they did to try to screw you up, and talking with people in the parking lot it worked, is they would take the answer and convert it from PSI to KSI. Nobody speaks in that language. Nobody says that weld pulled at 78 kilo pounds per square inch. That K instead of a P just means move the decimal place over three spots, so if you figure out a tensile pull to be 78,000 pounds per square inch and they want it in KSI your answer would simply be 78 KSI. They do that just to mess you up and there won't be a formula for that in the formula sheet.

[@steveb9361]

Brent Harkness Thanks for posting this video I'm starting the seminar 8-16 and taking the test 8-22 so I am doing my best to absorb all the information I can from the D1.1 code book.Thanks for the info on shelf bars!!

[@monkeymuggs]

I need major help.

[@RdeckerStynkBait.]

Read read read, tab that book.

[@Abduljalil-mv2gv]

How important is it to take the aws test. Will it effect employment options. If so how

[@TVWeld]

Abdul jalil If you pass the CWI exam you'll definitely have more job opportunities. It'll mean higher pay and more job options. You'll be able to move just about anywhere and find employment.

[@jacobwade2878]

Hey Brent, what did you score on the Part B (if not too personal)? Thanks for the videos btw

[@TVWeld]

The second time I took the CWI exam I was close to failing the part B. I think it may have even been a 72%. The first time it was in the 80's. The second time I took the test most of the people that were there taking it again had failed the part B section, and when I left after taking the test I had no doubt I passed the part B with flying colors. I was a bit shocked when I barely passed it. I'm not sure why I scored so low, but that was definitely my lowest score.

[@jacobwade2878]

Brent Harkness thanks man.

[@jacobwade2878]

Thanks for taking the time to help people and answer questions. One more question for you: how important is it to know formulas for volume of cones and tangent angles and such for the actual exam?

[@TVWeld]

Not important at all.

[@morganmclaurin5865]

Hey I’m fresh out of high school and I have no experience what so ever but I joined a 8 day program that supposed to go over the D1.1 guidelines . Do you think this class will be enough to pass the test or should I find some more resources ?

[@TVWeld]

Anything is possible. Usually when people take a class like that it really depends on how good the class is, how good the instructor is, and how good the student is. Did you check the field experience requirements for taking the test? If you're fresh out of high school in order to take the CWI exam you'd have to be working in the field while you where going to high school. I'd double check to make sure you're good to go on those requirements before you get in too deep.

[@ianbatterson2331]

You can only be a cwi assistance need work experience for a cwi license

[@mikeymoney8676]

Do you have a video about tabbing the book properly

[@TVWeld]

I do not. When I took the test I didn't tab the book, I wrote down topics and page numbers on the inside of the cover.

[@andrewcrappel9051]

What is the best study material to use for Part A?

[@TVWeld]

Any welding text book is good for part A because it is on general welding knowledge.

[@Grimgrinpeg]

I'd like to know exactly which books I need because D1.1 it seems like there are several and I'm shopping online and I don't know how many I actually need or how many there are even

[@TVWeld]

The latest edition of the American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 Structural Steel Welding code is the book you want. It is one book, and it is expensive so make sure you are buying the right book.

[@tsicking4264]

CERTIFICATION MANUAL FOR WELDING INSPECTORS is a book I HIGHLY recommend. It is $150 from AWS and it covers basically everything you will have to know on part A. It covers basics of all NDT, welding processes, details about being an inspector, and has a great section on symbols and general joint geometry. It has some good practice tests in it, that will let you know if you have it down or not. B1.11 is not a bad book to have handy, Guide for the visual examination of welds....probably could find a used version of either with some looking. Those two will get you ahead of the game before taking the seminar. Of course having the codebook to tab and get familiar with is important.....knowing how to navigate the book is crucial to part C of the test. All the practice tests are quite ridiculously expensive, but if you can snag some used ones cheaply it would not hurt you...like AWS WIT-E:2008. The more you prepare the better off you will be! I know quite a few folks that never cracked a book and just showed up to the seminar+test and failed miserably. Hope that helps a bit, good luck to you.

[@daviddebroekert506]

@@tsicking4264 Maybe they thought that paying the money for the test would give em a pass.

[@henryhurtado5029]

Can i use a printed out copy of the code book for the exam?

[@TVWeld]

You can use the code book for the code portion of the test. It's open book.

[@henryhurtado5029]

@@TVWeld yes but does it have to be an actual paperback version sold by AWS? I have a pdf and have printed it out and bound it... just wondering if i can use the printout version

[@TVWeld]

I believe the AWS makes you buy the newest version. They definitely won't let you use a printed copy though.

[@axelmilan4292]

Is there any way to get something like a "practice exam"?

[@TVWeld]

Tough to get. You need to find someone that has recently taken the one week prep. course. They usually have some materials.

[@axelmilan4292]

Brent Harkness thanks

[@Markitos203]

How realistic is becoming certified without going to school?

[@TVWeld]

+Markitos203 It's possible, but the fundamentals section would be extremely difficult to pass without some kind of welding schooling or lengthy work experience with people around you using proper terms ( no slag language).

[@Catnaploverft6]

what is the cost of taking the AWS test?

[@daviddebroekert506]

money

[@NoahCorbala]

how long did you study before taking the CWI

[@TVWeld]

I had just finished my Bachelor's degree from Ferris State University in Welding Engineering Technology. As for studying right before the test I took the one week course the AWS offers and studied every night during that time period.

[@MikeRyanLR]

Hows the pay?

[@tohniol5350]

What are the prerequisites of becoming a cwi?

[@TVWeld]

This is the website that explains what qualifications you need to take the test: www.aws.org/certification/page/certified-welding-inspector-2

[@kaiserkhalid4549]

Sir please give me study material or book in PDF