The AWS CWI exam: three parts, format, scoring and fees

The CWI exam at a glance

You take Part B first. Its confirmation letter carries the eligibility codes you use to book Parts A and C at Prometric.

Part A: what you know cold

Part A is under 50 seconds a question, with no code book and no notes. AWS publishes a minimum weight for each of its ten domains, so you can see where the points are before you study. The CWI Part A guide breaks down the domains, and the Part A formula sheet has every formula with a worked example.

Part B: what you measure

You sit at a table with a plastic replica set, a tool kit and a booklet of documents and photos, and every answer comes from measuring something or checking it against the Book of Specifications. That's about 2.6 minutes a question. The CWI Part B guide has the tool list and a plan for the 120 minutes.

Part C: what you find fast

AWS offers Part C on more than one code. D1.1 covers structural steel and API 1104 covers pipeline welding, so pick the code your work runs on (how to choose). The code opens as a PDF with word search switched off, so speed comes from bookmarks and clause numbers. The CWI Part C D1.1 guide shows the drill.

How the CWI test is scored

• 72% on each part and a 72% composite. A strong Part A won't carry a weak Part B.
• Scores round down to the whole percent.
• Results: Prometric emails a preliminary score report for Parts A and C within two hours. AWS's score letter follows two to four weeks after your last part.
• Pass rates: AWS publishes none for any part. See what AWS does publish.

What the AWS CWI exam costs (2026)

The initial exam fee for all three parts is $1,255 for AWS members and $1,520 for non-members, with Prometric seat fees included. AWS adds a $125 processing charge for domestic applications sent by email or paper mail. A Part A or Part C retest costs $445 and a Part B retest $385. The CWI exam cost guide compares the seminar packages, and the CWI exam cost calculator builds your total.

Booking, dates and retests

1. Check you qualify for the experience your education level needs: how to become a CWI lists every combination.
2. Pick a Part B event and note its application deadline. The CWI exam schedule lists dates by state and month.
3. Apply to AWS. The Part B confirmation letter arrives about four to six weeks later.
4. Book Parts A and C at Prometric at least 30 days ahead. Where to take the CWI exam covers each site.

Miss a part and you retake only the failed parts when your composite is 72% or higher. You get three retests within three years of your original test date, and the second and third need documented training first. The CWI retest rules have the details.

Start with the free 10-question check

See where you'd lose points before you pay for a sitting. Take the free 10-question check for Part A, Part B or Part C (D1.1). It's scored by domain and takes no signup. The Fillet Gauge course then gives you a lesson for every exam subject, two full-length timed practice exams per part and a worked explanation with every answer.

FAQ

What is the AWS CWI exam?

It's the three-part exam for the American Welding Society's Certified Welding Inspector credential: Part A Fundamentals, Part B Practical and Part C Code Application. You need 72% on each part and a 72% composite average.

How many questions are on the CWI test?

Part A has 165 questions in 135 minutes, Part B has 46 questions in 120 minutes, and Part C on D1.1 has 55 questions in 135 minutes.

Is the CWI exam open book?

Part A is closed book. Part B is open book with the Part B Book of Specifications, and Part C is open book with your code as an on-screen PDF, with word search switched off.

Where do you take the CWI exam?

Part B runs at AWS-approved sites on AWS event dates. Parts A and C are computer-based tests at Prometric test centers, booked with the eligibility code from your Part B confirmation letter.

How much does the AWS CWI exam cost?

The initial exam fee for all three parts is $1,255 for AWS members and $1,520 for non-members in 2026. AWS adds a $125 processing charge for domestic applications sent by email or paper mail.

What happens if you fail one part of the CWI exam?

With a composite of at least 72%, you retest only the parts you failed. You get three retests within three years of your original test date.

Sources

Show the list

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector page, American Welding Society. Retrieved 24 Oct 2026.
• CWI Examination User Guide, American Welding Society, revision 09.04.2026. Retrieved 17 and 24 Oct 2026.
• CWI Part B Practical Examination Information, American Welding Society, Rev. 03.01. Retrieved 20 Oct 2026.
• Certification and Education Program Price List, American Welding Society, effective 1 January 2026. Retrieved 17 Oct 2026.
• AWS QC1:2016-AMD1, American Welding Society, clauses 6.2.3 and 6.2.5. Retrieved 17 Oct 2026.