The AWS CWI exams cost $1,255 for AWS members and $1,520 for non-members in 2026. A seminar plus exam package costs $3,070 for members and $3,335 for non-members. These prices come from AWS's Programs Price List, effective January 1, 2026, and AWS says prices may change without notice.
Below are the main fees, what non-member prices include, retest costs and what you pay later to keep the card.
Exam fees
| Item | Member | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
| Initial CAWI or CWI exams (Parts A, B and C) | $1,255 | $1,520 |
| Initial exams plus Part B training | $2,000 | $2,265 |
| Upgrade from CAWI to CWI | $325 | $590 |
| CWI by reciprocity with CWB or INWC | $670 | $935 |
| CWI by IIW waiver | $830 | $920 |
AWS's price list notes that non-member prices generally include a three-year AWS individual membership, except where a footnote says otherwise. Student and early-career memberships do not qualify for member pricing. Prometric seat fees are already included in the listed prices.
Seminar packages
AWS runs CWI seminars in person and online. Seminar-only prices do not include the exam.
| Option | Member | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
| Seminar and exam package (D1.1 or API 1104 focus) | $3,070 | $3,335 |
| 2-week in-person seminar and exam | $3,935 | $4,200 |
| 2-week or 8-week online seminar and exam | $3,070 | $3,335 |
| One-week seminar only (D1.1 or API 1104) | $2,245 | $2,510 |
| 2-week in-person D1.1 seminar only | $2,875 | $3,140 |
| Part B training seminar only | $1,135 | $1,230 |
| Seminar retake within 12 months | $1,010 | $1,010 |
AWS also sells a self-paced CWI Pre-Seminar online course: $1,030 for members and $1,360 for non-members on its own, or $900 when bought inside a package. Online API 1104 options need a $1,500 refundable deposit.
A seminar is not required to sit the exam. It is a structured review, and the package price includes the exam fee, so the seminar part costs about $1,815 extra for members ($3,070 minus $1,255).
Retest fees
If you fail a part, you pay a retest fee for that part. AWS's CWI page says you complete all three parts before retaking any of them.
| Retest | Member | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
| Part A or Part C | $445 | $445 |
| Parts A and C | $870 | $870 |
| Part B | $385 | $385 |
| All three parts | $915 | $1,180 |
Each part needs at least 72%, plus a 72% composite across all three. Passing Part A on the first try saves you $445, which is a good reason to test yourself before exam week. Our free CWI diagnostic scores you on every Part A topic.
Other costs to plan for
The fees above are not the whole budget. Plan for:
- The code book. Part C is open book, and many candidates bring their own copy of the code. Check AWS's current Part C guide for the edition (currently AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2020) before you buy.
- Travel and time off for an in-person seminar and the Part B exam, which is held at AWS seminar locations.
- A vision test. AWS requires one for eligibility.
- Study materials beyond what a seminar provides.
Keeping the CWI: renewal and recertification
A CWI is valid for nine years, with renewals at years three and six and recertification at year nine (AWS CWI page).
| Item | Member | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
| Year 3 or 6 renewal by work experience | $650 | $915 |
| Year 3 or 6 renewal by examination | $1,040 | $1,305 |
| Year 9 recertification by Part B exam | $1,165 | $1,430 |
| Year 9 recertification, non-exam option (80 PDHs) | $795 | $1,060 |
| Year 9 CWI/SCWI course | $2,130 | $2,395 |
Endorsement exams taken at Prometric, such as D1.1 or API 1104, cost $445 for members and $540 for non-members.
These renewal figures are from the 2026 price list. AWS's CWI page shows slightly different renewal amounts in places, so check the price list on the day you apply.
Is membership worth it?
On the initial exam alone, members pay $265 less ($1,520 minus $1,255). AWS says non-member exam prices generally include a three-year membership, so a non-member who pays the higher price already gets a membership, which may give member pricing on later fees while it is active. Compare the current membership price with the savings before you choose.
Before you pay
Make sure you meet AWS's education and experience requirements. A high school graduate needs at least five years of welding-based work experience for the CWI. Our how to become a welding inspector page has the full table. Then check the exam format, and read how hard the CWI exam is to plan your study.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the CWI exam cost?
In 2026, the initial CAWI or CWI exams cost $1,255 for AWS members and $1,520 for non-members, according to AWS's price list effective January 1, 2026. Seminar and exam packages start at $3,070 for members.
How much does it cost to retake a CWI part?
AWS's 2026 price list gives $445 to retest Part A or Part C, $870 for both, $385 for Part B, and $915 for members or $1,180 for non-members to retest all three parts.
Is the AWS CWI seminar required?
No. The seminar is a review course. You can take the exams without it. The seminar and exam package costs $3,070 for members, compared with $1,255 for the exams alone.
Does the non-member price include AWS membership?
AWS's price list says non-member prices generally include a three-year AWS individual membership, except where it is footnoted otherwise. Check the footnotes for the item you are buying.
How much does it cost to renew a CWI?
At years three and six, renewal by work experience costs $650 for members and $915 for non-members on the 2026 price list. At year nine, the non-exam recertification option costs $795 for members and $1,060 for non-members.
Does my employer usually pay for the CWI?
Some employers do, especially when the role requires a CWI. AWS does not publish data on this. Ask your employer about tuition or certification support before you pay yourself.
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