CWI vs CAWI vs SCWI: the three AWS inspector levels

AWS has three welding inspector levels. A CAWI (Certified Associate Welding Inspector) is entry level and works under a CWI's supervision. A CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) inspects on their own and is the level most job posts ask for. An SCWI (Senior Certified Welding Inspector) is for experienced CWIs and now requires four endorsement exams.

The CAWI and CWI use the same three exams. AWS's Examination User Guide says the exam structure and content are the same for both, and it gives one passing standard: 72% on each part and a 72% composite. The differences are the work experience you need and what you are allowed to do once certified.

The three levels side by side

	CAWI	CWI	SCWI
Role	Works under a CWI's supervision	Inspects independently	Senior inspector for supervision, audits and quality programs
Experience (high school diploma)	2 years	5 years	15 years of relevant work, plus CWI for at least 6 of the past 8 years
Exams	Parts A, B and C (the same exams as the CWI)	Parts A, B and C	Four endorsements: WPQ1, WPQ2, Welding Coordination and QA, NDE Coordination
To pass	72% on each part and overall	72% on each part and overall	Pass all four endorsements
Valid for	3 years	9 years	9 years
Renewal	Cannot be renewed	Years 3 and 6, recertify at 9	Years 3 and 6
Vision test	Yes	Yes	Yes: AWS lists a visual acuity (VAR) form among the documents to submit

Sources: AWS's CAWI page, CWI page and SCWI page. AWS retired the single SCWI exam on April 1, 2025 and replaced it with the four endorsements. The passing standard for the CAWI and CWI comes from AWS's Examination User Guide (dated 09.04.2026).

CAWI: the entry level

The CAWI is for people who want to start in inspection before they have the years for a CWI. AWS's experience minimums for the CAWI are:

Education	CAWI experience
Two years of post-high school education in welding, engineering technology or physical sciences	6 months
High school diploma or equivalent	2 years
8th grade plus one year of vocational welding training	3 years
At least 8th grade	4 years
Less than 8th grade	6 years

A CAWI performs inspections alongside a CWI or SCWI, who decides final acceptance. The CAWI is valid for three years and cannot be renewed or recertified, so plan to move to CWI within that time. For job titles and other ways into inspection work, see entry-level welding inspector jobs.

CWI: the working standard

The CWI is the credential most employers and contracts name. A CWI can inspect and accept work on their own. With a high school diploma, you need five years of welding-based experience. With a bachelor's in welding engineering or technology, you need one year. Our how to become a welding inspector page has the full table.

You need at least 72% on each of Parts A, B and C, plus a 72% composite. The CWI lasts nine years, with renewals at years three and six and recertification at year nine.

SCWI: the senior level

The SCWI is for CWIs who run inspection programs, supervise other inspectors or audit suppliers. AWS's SCWI page asks for:

• CWI certification held for at least six of the past eight years
• 15 years of relevant work in at least three of the areas AWS lists, such as procedure development, welding or teaching welding
• four CWI endorsements, taken at Prometric in any order: Welder Performance Qualifier (WPQ1), Welding Procedure Qualifier (WPQ2), Welding Coordination and QA, and Nondestructive Examination Coordination

The SCWI lasts nine years, with renewals at years three and six. AWS says renewal also depends on continued work in qualifying roles.

Moving up: CAWI to CWI

Because the CAWI and CWI share the same exams, a CAWI does not start over. When you have the CWI experience, you apply to upgrade. On AWS's 2026 price list, the upgrade costs $325 for members and $590 for non-members (AWS price list).

The CAWI lasts only three years and can't be renewed, so time your upgrade before it runs out.

Which one should you aim for?

• You have five or more years of welding work and a high school diploma: go straight for the CWI.
• You have two to four years: the CAWI gets you into inspection work now, and you can upgrade later.
• You are a CWI with many years in the role: look at the SCWI endorsements, starting with the one closest to your daily work.

Whatever level you aim for, the exams are the same three parts. Start with the free CWI Part A diagnostic to see where you stand, and read how hard the CWI exam is to plan your study. The CWI exam page covers the format.

Other inspector credentials you may see

You may also see other credentials in job posts. CSWIP, a UK-based scheme, is common outside North America. Some US building departments ask for a special inspector credential for structural welding. These are separate programs with their own rules and are not AWS credentials. Check the job post and the issuing body's own requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a CWI and a CAWI?

A CWI inspects independently and is valid for nine years with renewals. A CAWI is an entry-level inspector who works under a CWI's supervision, needs fewer years of experience, and holds a credential that lasts three years and can't be renewed. Both take the same three exams.

Can a CAWI sign off on welds?

AWS says a CAWI works under the supervision of a CWI, and that the CWI or SCWI determines final acceptance. So final acceptance of the work rests with the supervising CWI.

How do I upgrade from CAWI to CWI?

Once you meet the CWI experience requirement, you apply to AWS for the upgrade. The exams are the same for both levels, so you don't sit a different exam. The 2026 upgrade fee is $325 for members and $590 for non-members.

What do I need for the SCWI?

AWS's SCWI page asks for CWI certification held for at least six of the past eight years, 15 years of relevant work, and four endorsements: WPQ1, WPQ2, Welding Coordination and QA, and NDE Coordination. The single SCWI exam was retired on April 1, 2025.

Is CSWIP the same as CWI?

No. CSWIP is a separate UK-based scheme with its own exams and rules. The CWI is from the American Welding Society. Which one you need depends on the employer and the country where you work.

How long does a CAWI last?

Three years. AWS says the CAWI cannot be renewed or recertified, so it is meant as a step toward the CWI.

Questions? support@cwiready.com