CWI · Welding Inspection
Certified Welding Inspection
The Method
What a CWI does.
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is a professional credential issued by the American Welding Society under AWS QC1. A CWI is qualified to verify that welding is performed and documented in accordance with the applicable code or specification.
Welding inspection is not a single test. It combines document review, process verification, and visual examination at each stage of fabrication. Surface and volumetric NDT — MT, PT, UT, or PAUT — is coordinated as the specification requires.
Applications
Where CWI is used
- Review of welding procedure specifications (WPS), PQRs, and welder qualifications
- Base and filler metal verification
- Joint preparation and fit-up inspection
- Preheat, interpass temperature, and in-process verification
- Final visual inspection and repair tracking
- Source and vendor inspection at fabricator facilities
What welding inspection verifies
What welding inspection verifies
- Welding performed to a qualified, approved procedure
- Welders qualified for the process and position
- Correct consumables, properly stored and controlled
- Fit-up dimensions and joint preparation
- Weld size, profile, and surface condition against acceptance criteria
- Complete, accurate weld documentation
Methods & Equipment
Typical equipment
- Fillet, butt-weld, and Hi-Lo gauges
- Temperature-indicating crayons and contact pyrometers
- Current and voltage meters for parameter checks
- Inspection lighting, magnifiers, and calibrated measuring tools
Technical Considerations
Limits and requirements to plan for.
Code-specific criteria
Acceptance criteria differ between AWS, ASME, API, and naval requirements. Inspection always follows the governing document.
Hold points
Value comes from inspecting at the right time. Hold points are agreed with production up front.
Visual limits
Visual inspection evaluates the surface. Internal quality requires the volumetric NDT the specification calls for.
In Practice
CWI in industry.
Shipbuilding & defense
Welding inspection alongside NDT on naval fabrication.
Structural steel & bridges
Inspection to AWS D1.1 and D1.5 on shop and field welds.
Piping & pressure equipment
Inspection to ASME and API requirements.
How TCI Supports You
What you get from TCI.
- AWS Certified Welding Inspectors
- Welding inspection and NDT from one provider
- Inspection reports and weld maps that support your quality records
Let's discuss your inspection requirements.
Tell us about your project, schedule, and the specifications you work to. A member of our leadership team will respond directly.