CWI retest rules: which parts, how many times, and what AWS asks for
✓ Checked 17 Oct 2026 against AWS QC1:2016-AMD1, clause 6.2, and the CWI Examination User Guide.
Start with your AWS official score letter. It tells you how AWS's retest policy applies to your results. Before booking preparation or another exam, identify the parts required, your attempt history and the documents you need. A study plan and a retest application serve different purposes; keep both on your checklist.
The Fillet Gauge overview explains the exam parts. This guide focuses on retesting for initial CWI certification.
Which parts do you retake?
✓ QC1 clause 6.2.3 permits failed-part retests with a composite of at least 72%. If your composite is lower, use the AWS score letter to establish the required route.
The User Guide, page 17 states that CWI requires 72% on each part and a 72% composite average. Check your final AWS results rather than planning from a remembered score.
Put the score letter, exam dates and application records in the same folder. Label each part clearly so you can compare the result with the retest booking. If the letter leaves your route unclear, ask AWS to clarify it before spending money on an appointment.
How many retests are allowed?
✓ The User Guide, page 18 limits retests to three within three years of the original test date.
Make a dated attempt record before selecting another date. Include the original test and each later sitting, the parts taken and the outcome. Do not treat the published maximum as a reason to rush into another appointment. Use the available preparation time to address the difficulty that affected the previous attempt.
What changes after the first retest?
QC1 distinguishes the first retest from later retests:
- ✓ First retest: additional training evidence is not required.
- ✓ Second or third retest covering one or two parts: 16 hours of further instruction specific to the failed AWS B5.1 subjects and categories.
- ✓ Second or third retest covering all three parts: 40 hours of further instruction in welding inspection subjects and categories from AWS B5.1.
See QC1 clauses 6.2.5.1 and 6.2.5.2. The User Guide requires completion before applying for the retest. Do not assume a particular commercial course will be accepted.
What documentation does AWS ask for?
✓ QC1 clause 6.2.5 requires a detailed training description, contact hours per course or session, and a completion certificate or letter. Each contact hour means at least 50 minutes of instruction. Missing evidence can delay results.
Before buying instruction for this purpose, obtain a sample of the documentation the provider will supply. Compare its subject coverage with the parts you need to repeat. Keep the course description with the completion record so the certificate has supporting detail.
The retest provisions do not explicitly resolve self-paced online instruction. Obtain AWS clarification before relying on that format for an application. Fillet Gauge's diagnostic and practice content makes no claim to satisfy these requirements.
Can you change the Part C code?
✓ The User Guide, page 14 requires the same Part C code throughout the retest period. Record your original code choice and check the applicable edition in your retest instructions before preparing.
Use the Part C D1.1 guide if that was your code. Use your own licensed reference for study, and practice locating the relevant clauses rather than memorising isolated answers.
Build a preparation and booking checklist
Once the route is clear, separate administrative work from study. Confirm the required parts and supporting records, then compare the current exam costs. Leave time to complete any required instruction and gather its documents before applying.
For study, read the Part A guide or revisit the Part C guide. The Part A diagnostic and Part C check can help organise practice. Treat the results as study feedback. AWS decides retest eligibility and application acceptance.
Sources
Show the list
- AWS QC1:2016-AMD1: Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors, American Welding Society, clauses 6.2.3 and 6.2.5 through 6.2.5.3. Retrieved 17 Oct 2026.
- CWI Examination User Guide, American Welding Society, revision 09.04.2026, pages 14, 17 and 18. Retrieved 17 Oct 2026.
Facts checked 17 October 2026 against the sources listed above. If something has changed, tell us and we will correct it within 2 business days.
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