This month, we spun the Wheel of Certifications and landed on “Certified Welding Inspector”! We will take a look at what a Certified Welding Inspector is and why are they so important.
A Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) examines welded material for quality, strength and other important factors. The role of the CWI is essential to the safety and structural soundness of buildings, vehicles, machinery, and other consumer products that require strong, secure welds. Many high-profile industries require welding contractors to either employ or contract CWIs to oversee welding activities. CWIs can catch potentially catastrophic mistakes or flaws before they cause harm.
CWIs work in a variety of environments both inside and outside of the office, including manufacturing facilities, fabrication shops, and active constructions sites. Welding is a very important part of various industries such as aerospace, mining, oil and gas, and construction, just to name a few. CWIs don’t just look at finished welds; they employ their extensive knowledge of welding processes, test methods, materials, and standards to ensure that weldments and welding-related activities comply with all relevant quality and safety criteria. Many CWIs started their careers as welders, giving them a deeper understanding of the techniques necessary to perform the skill with precision.
In the US, there have been approximately 97,000 CWIs certified since 1976. Becoming a CWI does not happen overnight. There is a combination of education, training, and hands-on work experience that must be completed prior to becoming certified, in addition to visual acuity testing. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers exam preparation and testing for the CWI exam as well as Certified Welding Educator (CWE) and Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) certifications.
If you have a need for weld inspection, please contact Mike Harris at (716) 592-3980, ext. 168, or mharris@encorus.com. For more information about the testing and inspection services Encorus can provide, visit https://encorus.com/services/testing-services/non-destructive-examinations/.
