CWI Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 28, 2026 against American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education
The AWS CWI certification requires passing three distinct exam parts: Fundamentals (Part A), Practical (Part B), and Code Application (Part C). Success demands a deep understanding of welding processes, symbols, and inspection methods. Try our Journeyman Plumbers practice test. Practice with the free CWI practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (500+ questions with answer explanations).
CWI Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the CWI - Certified Welding Inspector exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
The CWI takes about 2 hours and costs $1,255[1][2] (American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education, verified Oct 23, 2026).
- Part A (Fundamentals) of the AWS CWI exam has 150 questions on topics such as metallurgy, nondestructive testing, welding symbols and WPS/PQR.[3]
- Part B (Practical) of the AWS CWI exam consists of hands-on activities using AWS-provided equipment and 46 questions about those activities.[3]
- Each part of the AWS CWI exam has two hours of exam time, with about 2.5 hours of total seat time at the Prometric center.[1]
- CWI candidates must score at least 72% on each of the three exam parts (A, B and C) to earn the AWS CWI credential.[3]
- The initial AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exams cost $1,255 for AWS members and $1,520 for non-members under the AWS price list effective January 1, 2026.[2]
- A CWI retest costs $445 for Part A or Part C, $870 for both Parts A and C, $385 for Part B, and $915 (members) or $1,180 (non-members) for all three parts.[2]
- A CWI candidate who fails Part C (Code Book) must retest with the same code book during the three-year retest period.[4]
- The AWS CWI certification is valid for nine years, and holders must submit a renewal application at years three and six.[3]
- AWS delivers CWI Parts A and C as computer-based tests at more than 450 Prometric centers, while the practical Part B is held in person at AWS seminar sites in the U.S. and abroad.[3]
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
CWI Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions (Part A – Fundamentals) | 150 questions[3] | American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education · Oct 20, 2026 |
| Number of questions (Part B – Practical) | Hands-on activities + 46 questions[3] | American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education · Oct 20, 2026 |
| Number of questions (Part C – Code Book) | 50–65 open-book questions[3] | American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education · Oct 20, 2026 |
| Time limit | 2 hours per part (2.5 hours seat time)[1] | American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education · Oct 23, 2026 |
| Passing score | 72% on each part[3] | American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education · Oct 20, 2026 |
| Exam fee | $1,255 (AWS member) / $1,520 (non-member) for the initial CWI exams[2] | American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education · Oct 23, 2026 |
| Retake fee | $445 per part (A or C), $870 for A and C, $385 for Part B, $915 member / $1,180 non-member for all parts[2] | American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education · Oct 23, 2026 |
| Retake policy | Retest within a 3-year period; Part C retest must use the same code[4] | aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud · Oct 20, 2026 |
| Validity | 9 years, with renewals at years 3 and 6[3] | American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education · Oct 20, 2026 |
| Delivery | Parts A & C: computer-based at Prometric centers; Part B: in person at AWS seminar sites[3] | American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education · Oct 20, 2026 |
| Score release | About 2 weeks after Parts A and C (by email)[3] | American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education · Oct 20, 2026 |
| Late registration deadline | Fast Track up to 18 business days before the event week, $395 non-refundable[5] | aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud · Oct 21, 2026 |
| Registration deadline | 6 weeks before the seminar/exam week[5] | aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud · Oct 21, 2026 |
| Testing window | Parts A and C within 120 days after Part B[5] | aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud · Oct 21, 2026 |
According to American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education, “Covers 150 questions on Destructive Testing, Fabrication Math, Safety, Metallurgy, Nondestructive Testing, Welding Symbols, WPS/PQR, and Welding Fundamentals.”[3]
CWI content outline and where to practise each area
The content areas below are copied from the official CWI content outline published by American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.
| Official content area | Practice on this site |
|---|---|
| Cutting[6] | CWI Welding Process Fundamentals Practise telling the cutting processes apart by how they work, what materials they suit and what edge quality to expect. |
| Definition and Terminology[6] | CWI Fundamentals Learn the standard names for joints, weld types and weld parts so that wording in a question never hides the answer. |
| Destructive Tests[6] | CWI Destructive Testing and Properties Match each destructive test to the property it measures and know how specimens are taken and judged. |
| Duties and Responsibilities[6] | CWI Code Book Application Practise deciding what an inspector may and may not do, and when a decision belongs to the engineer or contractor. |
| Heat Control & Metallurgy (carbon and low-alloy steel)[6] | CWI Metallurgy and Weld Discontinuities Connect heat input, preheat and cooling behavior to the cracking and property problems they cause in steel. |
| Symbols – Welding and NDE[6] | CWI NDE Methods and Symbols Read the arrow side, other side and supplementary symbols until you can decode a drawing without hesitation. |
| Test Methods- NDE[6] | CWI Nondestructive Examination Methods Know what each NDE method can find, what it cannot find and the basic principle behind how it works. |
| Weld Examination[6] | CWI Practical Visual Inspection Practise spotting and naming discontinuities visually and judging them against acceptance criteria. |
| Welding Performance[6] | CWI WPS, PQR, and Welder Qualification Sort out what a welder performance qualification covers compared with what a procedure qualification covers. |
| Welding Processes[6] | CWI Welding Process Principles Compare common arc processes by shielding, equipment, typical discontinuities and variables that matter to an inspector. |
| Welding Related Calculations[6] | CWI Fundamentals Tech Work through the arithmetic for heat input, areas, percentages and conversions by hand until the steps feel routine. |
Worked examples: how to reason through CWI questions
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Example 1
Question: Visible weld metal protruding beyond the base metal surface on the root side of a one-sided groove weld is called:
- Face reinforcement
- Melt-through
- Undercut
- Overlap
Answer: B. Melt-through
Explanation:
Melt-through is weld metal that shows on the root side of a joint welded from one side only, so B is correct. Face reinforcement (A) is excess metal on the face, the side the welder works from, not the root side. Undercut (C) is a groove melted into the base metal at the toe and leaves a notch rather than extra metal. Overlap (D) is weld metal that has flowed over the base metal surface without fusing to it. The rule to remember: first ask which side of the joint you are looking at, then ask whether metal is added, missing or unfused. That sorts most visual discontinuity questions.
Example 2
Question: During an Ultrasonic Test (UT) of a thick plate, a technician uses a transducer to send high-frequency sound waves into the material. The fundamental principle that allows for the detection of an internal flaw, such as porosity or a crack, is that the sound waves will:
- be absorbed completely by the flaw.
- change their frequency upon contacting the flaw.
- be reflected by the boundary of the flaw.
- increase in velocity as they pass through the flaw.
Answer: C. be reflected by the boundary of the flaw.
Explanation:
Ultrasonic testing works because sound is reflected from a boundary inside the material, so C is correct. The instrument times the returning echo to locate the flaw. Complete absorption (A) would leave no echo to read, and testing relies on reflection. A change in frequency (B) is not how a flaw is detected; the signal timing and amplitude carry the information. Increased velocity (D) is wrong because sound speed in a given material is treated as a known value, and a flaw does not speed the wave up. The rule to remember: UT reads reflected echoes from interfaces, so a flaw has to present a reflecting boundary.
Example 3
Question: When AWS D1.1 specifies that a WPS must be 'qualified in accordance with Section 5,' the Contractor's obligation is to:
- Submit the WPS to AWS for approval before welding
- Develop the WPS using prequalified parameters only
- Test weld test assemblies per Section 5 and document results on a PQR
- Obtain engineer approval for the WPS before any testing
Answer: C. Test weld test assemblies per Section 5 and document results on a PQR
Explanation:
When the code says a WPS must be qualified under Section 5, the contractor tests weld assemblies and records the results on a PQR, so C is correct. Submitting the WPS to AWS (A) is wrong because AWS does not approve individual procedures. Using prequalified parameters only (B) describes a different route that avoids testing, which is the opposite of qualification by test. Getting engineer approval before any testing (D) puts a step ahead of the testing that the section actually requires. The rule to remember: qualification by test means weld, test, then record on a PQR. The WPS is the instruction, and the PQR is the evidence behind it.
How to use these practice tests
Begin with a baseline. Take the fundamentals set and the code book set cold, without notes, and write down every topic you missed. Group the misses by the official content areas in the table above, then work through the matching practice set for each weak area, reading every explanation, including those for questions you got right.
Use the official AWS material alongside the practice sets, not instead of them. Our questions are written by us to build recall and reasoning and are not real exam questions, so treat them as a check on your understanding. For Part C, spend most of your time with the actual code book edition that AWS lists for your exam. Practise finding answers quickly by learning how the book is laid out: the table of contents, the index, and where tables and figures sit. Tab and annotate only as far as the AWS rules allow.
For Part B, rehearse the visual and measuring skills with real weldments and gauges if you can reach them, since reading a question set cannot replace handling the tools. In the final days before your seminar or test, retake the review sets and the weakest area sets, and confirm your testing location, your identification and the rules for what you may bring.
Free CWI Study Tools
Interactive CWI resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- Free AWS CWI Questions and Answers — 11 questions with instant scoring and answer explanations
- CWI flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- CWI study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- CWI cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
CWI Exam Flashcards
Essential concepts for the Certified Welding Inspector exam
🏗️What does the welding symbol flag indicate?
The flag indicates a field weld, meaning the weld is to be performed on-site rather than in the shop.
START CWI PRACTICE TEST🔥What is the primary cause of porosity?
Porosity is typically caused by trapped gas in the weld pool, often due to moisture, contamination, or improper shielding gas coverage.
REVIEW CWI QUESTIONS📏What is a V-WAC gauge used for?
A V-WAC gauge is used to measure undercut depth, crown height, porosity checks, and pit depth comparison.
TRY CWI MOCK EXAM📘What does AWS D1.1 cover?
AWS D1.1 covers the Structural Welding Code for Steel, one of the primary codes tested in the CWI exam.
PRACTICE CWI TEST NOW⚠️What is arc flash?
Arc flash is a painful eye condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the welding arc without proper eye protection.
GET CWI EXAM PREPCWI Certification Study Guide
This study guide breaks down the essential components of the CWI certification process. From understanding the exam format to knowing the costs, use these tabs to navigate your path to becoming a CWI inspector.
- Topics: Welding-related work
- Questions: Verification
Seminars to prepare for the rigorous exam.
- Topics: CWI Exam Prep
- Questions: 40-Hour Courses
The CWI part b practice test is often the most difficult section. Focus on learning how to correctly use the V-WAC gauge, fillet weld gauges, and micrometers. Practical application is key to passing this section of the CWI test. Try our Safety Trained Supervisor practice test.
Budget approximately $2,000 - $3,000 for your CWI certification journey, including exam fees, code books, and preparatory courses. This investment typically pays off within the first few months of employment as a CWI inspector.
CWI Test Day Checklist
- ✓Valid Government ID
- ✓AWS Confirmation Letter
- ✓Code Book (Part C)
- ✓Simple Calculator
- ✓Inspection Tools (Provided)
- ✓No Smart Devices
- ✓Arrive 30 Mins Early
- ✓Review Flashcards
Ready to Pass the AWS CWI?
Join thousands of certified inspectors who used our CWI practice test to succeed. Start studying today and boost your career.
Submit your CWI renewal application 60 days before expiration. You can renew by showing work experience or by earning Professional Development Hours (PDHs).
- +Industry-recognized credential boosts your resume
- +Higher earning potential (10-20% salary increase on average)
- +Demonstrates commitment to professional development
- +Opens doors to advanced career opportunities
- −Exam preparation requires significant time investment (4-8 weeks)
- −Certification fees can be $100-$400+
- −May require continuing education to maintain
- −Some employers may not require certification
Sample CWI Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free CWI practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
A welder's performance qualification test requires a nick-break test on a groove weld. What is the primary objective of this specific destructive test?
- A. To measure the weld's ultimate tensile strength.
- B. To determine the hardness of the heat-affected zone (HAZ).
- C. To reveal the internal soundness and fusion of the weld metal.
- D. To calculate the percentage of elongation for ductility.
Answer: C. To reveal the internal soundness and fusion of the weld metal.
The nick-break test involves cutting notches into the weld and then fracturing the specimen along the weld line. This exposes the internal fracture surface, allowing for a visual examination of the weld's internal quality. It is specifically used to check for discontinuities such as slag inclusions, porosity, and lack of fusion.
When AWS D1.1 requires a 'CVN test' as a supplemental essential variable, what property does this test measure?
- A. Weld metal hardness at elevated temperature
- B. Notch toughness (impact energy absorbed at a specified temperature)
- C. Ultimate tensile strength of the deposited weld metal
- D. Ductility as measured by percent elongation
Answer: B. Notch toughness (impact energy absorbed at a specified temperature)
The Charpy V-Notch (CVN) test measures the notch toughness of weld metal by determining the energy absorbed when a notched specimen is fractured at a specified temperature.
During a transverse tensile test of a welded specimen, which of the following properties is NOT directly determined from the test data?
- A. Impact Strength
- B. Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS)
- C. Location of fracture
- D. Ductility (via elongation)
Answer: A. Impact Strength
A transverse tensile test measures a material's response to a slow, static pulling force, which is used to determine its ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, ductility (elongation and reduction of area), and the fracture location (weld metal, HAZ, or base metal). Impact strength, which is a measure of toughness under a high strain rate, is determined by a dynamic test like the Charpy V-Notch test, not a tensile test.
An all-weld-metal tension test differs from a transverse weld tension test in that it:
- A. Measures HAZ strength only
- B. Tests the mechanical properties of the deposited weld metal alone
- C. Includes base metal in the gauge length
- D. Evaluates root pass strength exclusively
Answer: B. Tests the mechanical properties of the deposited weld metal alone
An all-weld-metal tension test extracts the specimen entirely from deposited weld metal, isolating its mechanical properties.
CWI Questions and Answers
Sources & last verified
- American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education — time limit (official source). “If you are taking an exam with multiple parts (for example, CWI, Parts A and C), each part is two (2) hours of exam time…” Verified Oct 23, 2026 · source checked Oct 23, 2026.
- American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education — exam fee, retake fee (official source). “Initial CAWI, CWI Exams ♦ $1,255 $1,520” Verified Oct 23, 2026 · source checked Oct 23, 2026.
- American Welding Society (AWS) — Certification and Education — number of questions, passing score, validity, delivery (official source). “Covers 150 questions on Destructive Testing, Fabrication Math, Safety, Metallurgy, Nondestructive Testing, Welding Symbols, WPS/PQR, and Welding Fundamentals.” Verified Oct 20, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
- aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud — retake policy (official source). “An applicant who fails to pass the Part C – Code Book portion of the CWI examination is required to retest using the same code…” Verified Oct 20, 2026.
- aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud — late registration deadline, registration deadline, testing window (official source). “The $395.00 Fast Track Fee is charged for this service and non-refundable.” Verified Oct 21, 2026 · source checked Oct 21, 2026.
- aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud — other (official source). “cutting” Verified Oct 28, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud — Late registration, registration deadline, test dates, retake policy, exam information · verified Oct 2026
- aws.org — Time limit, fees, retake fee, test delivery, exam format, passing score, score release, score validity · verified Oct 2026