CWI Recertification Practice Test

73 questions available

Build your confidence for CWI Recertification. Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.

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73 Practice questions
1 hour 13 minutes Practice Time
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. A free account includes 20 questions for this exam.
The bar to clear Pass/fail; specific passing thresholds not publicly disclosed Published passing score for this certification.
Explore exam topics Official objectives from American Welding Society
AWS - American Welding Society73 practice questions

Exam overview and details

The CWI Recertification exam is a formal assessment required by the American Welding Society (AWS) to maintain the Certified Welding Inspector credential. This exam validates that a CWI's knowledge remains current with the latest industry standards, code revisions, and inspection best practices. It is mandatory for all CWIs every nine years to demonstrate continued competency and uphold the integrity of the certification. The exam tests a professional's comprehensive understanding of welding fundamentals, inspection procedures, and the application of relevant codes such as AWS D1.1 and the API standards. Successful completion confirms an inspector's ongoing commitment to technical excellence and professional development, ensuring their skills align with evolving industry demands. It is not merely a renewal but a rigorous reaffirmation of one's qualifications.

Sample Questions

Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.

Procedure and Welder Qualifications

Review Exhibit WPS-4 and production record P-04. The wqtr qualifies the welder in flat plate groove welds, and production requires a fixed 6g pipe groove weld. Which record issue matters first?

Mechanical Test and Properties

Examine mechanical test exhibit M-07 and the test worksheet. A nick-break specimen exposes slag trapped along the weld interface after fracture. Which condition is indicated?

Welding Inspection and Flaws

Examine weld replica F-01 and the applicable visual acceptance table. The specimen shows a fine linear opening starting in the crater and continuing into the weld face after final cleaning. Which discontinuity should be recorded?

Procedure and Welder Qualifications

Review Exhibit WPS-9 and production record P-18. The welder has not deposited weld metal with the process for more than six months under the applicable performance-qualification program. Which record should be checked?

Mechanical Test and Properties

Examine mechanical test exhibit M-05 and the test worksheet. A reduced-section tensile specimen fractures in the base metal away from the weld after meeting the required load. How should the result be treated?

Career Opportunities & Salary

Median salary: $53,750– Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 -- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (SOC 51-4121), US national. Occupation median, not a certification salary. (2025)

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

Exam insights and study advice

Maintaining an active CWI certification is a non-negotiable requirement for employment on most major construction, fabrication, and repair projects. A lapsed certification can immediately disqualify an inspector from approving critical welds, leading to project delays, contractual non-compliance, and loss of professional credibility. Recertification directly protects your career investment, legal standing, and the safety of the structures you inspect. It demonstrates to employers, clients, and regulatory bodies that your expertise is current and reliable.

These are the backgrounds the certifying body suggests. Check the vendor's own page for anything it formally requires.

What this exam covers

Use the published domain weights to plan your study. Practice results do not predict your certification exam score.

01Codes and Standards

50%

02Welding Inspection Practical Application

50%

Exam Details CWI-Recert | $595 USD

Exam Code CWI-Recert
Vendor AWS - American Welding Society
Exam Cost $595 USD
Passing Score Pass/fail; specific passing thresholds not publicly disclosed
Question TypesMultiple Choice, Open-book Multiple Choice (Codes section)
Retake Policy 30-day waiting period between attempts. Unlimited retakes allowed. Full fee required for each attempt. CWI: must pass all 3 parts within 1 year of passing the first part.
Exam Format Linear (computer-based at AWS approved sites or Pearson VUE test centers)
Available In
English

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the initial CWI exam and the Recertification exam?

How far in advance should I start studying?

Are the allowed reference materials the same as for the initial test?

What happens if I do not pass the recertification exam?

Can I use my old study notes and highlighted code books?