Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): Requirements & Exam Details

Informational only — not financial or career advice. Exam fees and certification requirements change, and the figures here are accurate only as of the listed verification date. Confirm the current fee and rules directly with the certifying body before you register or budget. We report the official-body exam fee for a single attempt; it excludes prep courses, materials and retakes, and is not the total cost of certifying.

The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential is issued by the American Welding Society and recognizes professional competency in welding inspection. Eligibility for the exam requires a combination of documented work experience in welding inspection and passage of a vision examination; the specific experience hours required vary based on the applicant's educational background and tier level. Candidates must verify the current prerequisite requirements directly on the American Welding Society's official website, as eligibility rules are subject to change.

The exam fee is $1,520 for non-members and $1,255 for American Welding Society members as of January 2026; however, this fee is subject to change and applicants should confirm current pricing on the issuer's official page before registering. The credential remains valid for three years, after which holders may enter into a nine-year recertification cycle if they wish to maintain the certification. All requirements regarding eligibility, fees, renewal procedures, and continuing education obligations are established by the American Welding Society and may be updated; candidates must consult the issuing body directly to confirm the current rules applicable to their application.

Register with the issuer. Eligibility, fees and renewal rules are set by American Welding Society and can change — confirm on the official page.

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