AWS (The American Welding Society) is the worldwide leader in certification programs for the welding industry. Since the CWI (Certified Welding Inspectors) program inception in 1976, AWS has certified more than 100,000 welding inspectors alone, plus thousands more working professionals across other certification categories. AWS conducts exams in locations around the world, including 550 U.S. sites and 40 countries each year. Many candidates mistakenly assume their field experience is enough to obtain certification, only to end up frustrated when they fail to pass their exam. Certification exams are intentionally comprehensive to ensure the welding industry the high-quality personnel needed to handle these complex roles. The process requires almost everyone to prepare to some extent - even those with years of experience:
How much preparation? It depends upon your current skills and knowledge.
Are the rewards worth it? The rewards are often worth the time you invest: certification can boost your earnings significantly and expand your career opportunities.
While there are a few books that can be purchased from the AWS and outside sources on the CWI exam, there are no publications dedicated to helping CWI candidates pass the exam. This title was written for that express purpose. This work is a comprehensive collection of preparatory exam questions and answers for welders, inspectors, students, or anyone interested in the welding metallurgical field. The work boasts appendices that include tables, formulas, lists of organizations and major corporations employing welders and inspectors. David R. Quinonez has over 25 years of experience in welding, welding inspection, and nondestructive testing. He is currently a quality inspector performing dimensional, welding inspection, and nondestructive testing. His level II certifications include UT, MT, and PT. Past certifications also included level II RT, ET, ASNT level III MT, PT, and AWS-CWI. As a former civil service worker, Mr. Quinonez's initial experience in nondestructive testing began while working on nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. Subsequent positions included NDT and welding inspection on Rolls Royce gas turbine engines, F-22 stealth fighter airframes, missile defense, commercial/military rocket programs, pipeline, and structural steel on private sector and public works projects. Ch 1: Oxyacetylene Welding & Cutting (OAW & OAC); Ch 2: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW); Ch 3: Gas Metal Arc Welding; Ch 4: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding; Ch 5: Flux Cored Arc Welding; Ch 6: Survey of Other Welding & Cutting Methods; Ch 7: Brazing & Soldering; Ch 8: Controlling Distortion & Heat Treating; Ch 9: Welding Symbols & Joint Preparation; Ch 10: Welding Metallurgy; Ch 11: Electrical Safety & Power Supplies; Ch 12: Welding Positions; Ch 13: Inspection & Discontinuities; Ch 14: Qualification & Certification. Appendix A: Directory - Associations & Organizations; Directory - Businesses & Corporations; Directory - Labor Unions; Specification Material Resources. Appendix B: Acronyms/Abbreviations; AWS Letter Designations for Welding & Allied Processes; Elements, Symbols, & Melting Temperatures. Appendix C: Tables/Formulas; Conversion Factors.
