The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential is run by the American Welding Society (AWS). AWS is a private certifying body, not a government agency, and this explainer uses only AWS's own CWI page for facts about its own program. It answers one practical question: once you earn a CWI, how long does it last, and what keeps it active? Nothing here describes a rule change. Whether an employer, code or contract requires a CWI is outside this post.
How long is a CWI valid?
Nine years, with check-ins along the way. Under "Renewal," AWS states: "The CWI certification is valid for nine years" and "requires the submissions of a renewal application at years three and six after the initial activation date."
So there are two kinds of step: a renewal at years three and six, and a recertification at the end of the nine-year period.
What does the three-year renewal ask for?
A work history check. AWS states: "To qualify for renewal, CWIs must confirm no breaks in practice/employment exceeding two years within the prior three years, as described in B5.1:2013-AMD1 - Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors."
On timing, AWS says: "Renewal applications can be submitted as early as 11 months before the certification expiration date." It adds: "It is recommended to send in the renewal application at least 60 days before the due date."
What happens if you miss the renewal date?
AWS describes a grace period: "If the renewal application is not submitted within this timeframe, AWS provides a 60-day grace period, although the certification will be listed as "expired" during this extension."
After that, AWS says: "Applications received after the grace period but within one year of the expiration date may still be eligible for renewal." Late submissions after the grace period carry administrative late fees, and AWS states that "the renewal process will only commence once these fees are fully settled." When everything is in, "the CWI certification will be reactivated."
The page does not say what happens to an application received more than one year after the expiration date; ask AWS directly in that case.
What is the nine-year recertification?
Under "Recertification," AWS states: "Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) have several options for recertification at the end of their 9-year certification period." The options shown on the page are the Part B Practical Exam, continuing education, Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI) status and adding an endorsement. Three of them in AWS's words:
- The Part B Practical Exam. AWS states: "The Part B Practical Exam for CAWI/CWI consists of hands-on activities using equipment provided by AWS, and 46 questions related to those activities."
- Continuing education. "CWI recertification can be achieved through continuing education by accumulating 80 Professional Development Hours (PDHs)." AWS adds that "the content must be in one or more of the subject areas as defined in the Education and Experience Requirements" of AWS B5.1:2013-AMD1.
- Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI). "Achieving CRI status will satisfy the CWI's requirement for 9-year recertification."
Among the recertification application documents, the page lists a "Visual Acuity Exam Form." AWS's page also says, for first-time candidates, that they "must pass a vision test."
How this differs from the AWS Certified Welder program
The CWI is an inspector credential. AWS's Certified Welder program for welders works differently; our earlier explainer covers its continuity rule: AWS Certified Welder: continuity every six months.
What OSHA rules say about welding
OSHA's federal welding rules (29 CFR 1910 Subpart Q and 1926 Subpart J) set workplace safety requirements; they are covered in our OSHA general industry welding study guide and OSHA construction welding and cutting study guide. This post makes no claim that OSHA requires a CWI.
Where to check before you act
These are AWS's program rules as shown on its page on the date above. AWS's page is the authority, so confirm the current requirements, deadlines and fees with AWS before you apply. Welding certification is a planned topic on goraedu; see all certifications for its status.
goraedu is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the American Welding Society or any government agency.