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 certification are completely based on welding and successful candidate can find better opportunities in construction, railroads, manufacturing, in service, repairing and other related sector.
About AWS and TWI
The American Welding Society (AWS) is a non-profit organization located in 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 deal with 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 are also work for WFCS 3834, CAESAS 1090 and CWRVC 15085.
Subjects of CWI & CSWIP
Student have 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 in 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 Code book. Candidate can choose different type of codes from “Book of specification”. API 1104 is most popular code chosen by most of the candidates but 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 code book with them while appearing in the exam but with restriction of writing anything in the code book, however candidate is allowed to do marking, highlighting or making index in book. Candidate are asked 60 multiple choice questions and have 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 practical exam. AWS provide 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 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 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 macro). For this time is allowed 45 min.
Pass percentage for all parts is minimum 70%.
Eligibility Criteria of CWI & CSWIP
You must fulfil 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 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 training providers are located in south India. In north India 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. Chirag Khatri – +91 97237 66248 | Email: c.khatri@eurotechworld.net
Click Here to Take Free CWI Practice Test to develop your exam skills
AWS-CWI Certification | Certified Welding Inspector Exam Training Course 