AWS-CWI vs CSWIP

Posted on April 27, 2016 Updated on May 16, 2018

AWS-CWI vs CSWIP

If you are a welding professional and want to upgrade your skills by getting above certification, it’s quite usual that an aspirant is in a dilemma over which programme to select, which one has more value? After Identifying all these queries which often come up in welder or engineer’s mind here we have tried to provide information about both courses.

Both certifications are completely based on welding and successful candidate can find better opportunities in construction, railroads, manufacturing, in service, repairing and other related sectors.

About AWS and TWI

The American Welding Society (AWS) is a non-profit organization located in the USA and one of the most admirable companies in welding industries. The AWS code is very well-known for welders and engineers. Their code is also adopted by ANSI. They have more than 70,000 members and 250 sections worldwide.

TWI Certification Ltd is UK based and deals with the different type of certificate but the most well-known for certification of personnel.

One of is Certification Scheme for Welding and Inspection Personnel (CSWIP).They also work for WFCS 3834, CAESAS 1090 and CWRVC 15085.

Subjects of CWI & CSWIP

The student has to prove his/her ability in the Visual Welding Inspector syllabus and knowledge of materials, safety, Duty and responsibility, Welding processes, Welding symbols and drawing, Welding procedures, Destructive tests, NDT, Weld defects, Distortion and Reporting etc.

Candidates have to demonstrate knowledge of the Visual Welding Inspector syllabus  and knowledge of materials, welding processes, Welding procedures and welder approvals and their control, Destructive tests (Tensile, Hardness, Bend test, Macro and Micro etc.), Non-destructive testing(RT,UT, MT, PT, VT etc.), Different type of Weld defects, Distortion and Reporting etc.

Papers & Pass out Criteria of CWI

To qualify for AWS – CWI exam one has to clear 3 different papers.

The first paper is welding theory which consists of 150 multiple choice questions. This is a closed book exam and candidate is not allowed to take any book or specification is in the examination hall. In order to qualify 108 (Pass out criteria is ≥ 72 %) marks are required. Exam duration is 02 hours.

The second paper is Codebook. Candidate can choose a different type of codes from “Book of specification”. API 1104 is most popular code chosen by most of the candidates but the candidate is free to select any code which they are more familiar and comfortable with. This is open book exam and candidate is allowed to take codebook with them while appearing in the exam but with restriction of writing anything in the codebook, however, the candidate is allowed to do marking, highlighting or making the index in the book. The candidate is asked 60 multiple choice questions and has to get more than 44 (Pass out criteria is ≥ 72 %) right answers to clear this paper. Exam duration is 02 hours.

The third paper is a practical exam. AWS provides a code “Book of specification” to use during the exam. Candidate can be asked about WPS PQR WQR and material grade. Moreover, candidates are asked about NDT, Heat treatment and specimen can be given to measure and inspect. To qualify this paper candidate has to get 34 (Pass out criteria is ≥ 72 %) right answers out of 46 multiple choice questions. Exam duration is 02 hours.

Papers & Pass out Criteria-CSWIP

In order to pass CSWIP 3.1 exam candidate have to clear 5 different papers.

The first two are of welding theory such as: 

Theory Part A2 is about General Welding Theory, Product Technology, and NDT. Candidate will have 30 multiple choice questions. Time allowed 45 minutes. Candidate should get minimum 21 (Pass out criteria is ≥ 70 %) right answers to clear this exam.

Theory Part B2 is about Specific Welding Technology. Candidate will have 60 multiple choice questions. Time allowed 1hr 30 mins. Candidate should get minimum 42 (Pass out criteria is ≥ 70 %) right answers to clear this exam.

The other 3 parts of the exam are practical based such as:

Practical Part A2 is for Inspection of a plate butt weld to a code provided during the exam by the examiner. Candidates have a time of 1 hour and 15 min.

Practical Part B2 is for Inspection of a pipe butt weld to a code provided during the exam by the examiner. For this candidate have the time of 1 hour and 30 min.

Practical Part C2 is for Inspection of a set of destructive test samples to a code provided during the exam by the examiner (mostly two bends/two fractures/two macros). For this time is allowed 45 min.

The pass percentage for all parts is minimum 70%.

Eligibility Criteria of CWI & CSWIP

You must fulfill the requirements of qualification and experience criteria for examination eligibility. For more information, you can visit http://www.eurotechworld.net/welding-training.php

Summary

Content and objective wise there is not much difference but AWS CWI is demanded in American base company while CSWIP is asked in European based company. You can select appropriate exam as desired.

If you are working in a company where American standards are followed (like ASME, ASTM, and ANSI) then AWS CWI is the right choice for you.
While choosing the institution, it is advisable that you should look for the location and your suitability because you have to spend 6-7 days for training and exam.

Most of the training providers are located in south India. In north India, the candidate can find training providers like Eurotech that provide services in Gujarat, Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai. You can find training calendar on www.eurotechworld.net/weldingtraining

Once you qualify the AWS CWI exam you can also register at www.jobs4welding.com for job opportunities for part-time/ full-time welding work.

So if you are looking for better opportunity, knowledge, or success in the world of welding field qualify AWS CWI or other welding training programme. For more information candidate can call/mail at below address:

Mr. Puneet Sharma – +91 8196980555  | Email: aws.cwi.training@gmail.com

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