CWI exam cost: $1,255 for AWS members, $1,520 for non-members
Last checked against official sources: October 18, 2026 · TrueLine Prep (independent, unofficial)
Short answer: The American Welding Society (AWS) lists the initial CAWI/CWI exams at $1,255 for members and $1,520 for non-members (the non-member price includes a 3-year AWS Individual Membership). With Part B training, the listed prices are $2,000 and $2,265. Checked on the AWS CWI page, October 18, 2026.
CWI fees listed by AWS
| Item | Member | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
| Initial CAWI, CWI exams | $1,255 | $1,520 |
| Initial CAWI, CWI and Part B training | $2,000 | $2,265 |
| CWI by reciprocity with CWB or INWC | $670 | $935 |
| CWI by IIW waiver | $830 | $920 |
| Upgrade CAWI to CWI | $325 | $590 |
Sources: AWS Certified Welding Inspector page, price table, and the AWS Certification and Education Programs Price List 2026 (effective January 1, 2026), which lists the same amounts. AWS notes that these prices reflect a $60 seat fee per part (A or C), or $120 for all parts, for Prometric testing, and that the non-member price includes a 3-year AWS Individual Membership unless otherwise noted.
If you need to retest
The CWI Examination User Guide says candidates may retest up to three times within a three-year period from the original test date. The first retest needs no additional training. The second or third retest requires proof of additional training: 40 hours if retesting all parts, 16 hours if retesting one or two parts. If you fail Part C, you must retest with the same code during the three-year retest period.
Retest fees in the AWS Price List 2026:
| Retest | Member | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
| Part A or Part C | $445 | $445 |
| Part A and Part C | $870 | $870 |
| Part B | $385 | $385 |
| All parts | $915 | $1,180 |
| Part B with Part B training | $1,520 | $1,615 |
The price list marks the $445, $870, and $385 retests as including no additional membership.
Fees that catch people out
AWS's Policies and Fees sheet (dated November 10, 2022) says a $125 processing fee is kept if you cancel or don't qualify, and that all fees are forfeited for a no-show or for arriving unprepared (for example, with the wrong codebook).
After you pass
AWS says the CWI certification is valid for nine years, with renewal applications at years three and six (AWS CWI page).
Why preparation matters more at this price
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FAQ
How much does the CWI exam cost?
AWS lists $1,255 for members and $1,520 for non-members for the initial CAWI/CWI exams. The non-member price includes a 3-year AWS Individual Membership.
How much is the CWI exam with the seminar or training?
AWS lists $2,000 for members and $2,265 for non-members for the initial exams plus Part B training.
How many times can I retake the CWI exam?
The CWI Examination User Guide allows up to three retests within three years. The second and third retests require 40 or 16 hours of additional training.
How much is a CWI retest?
AWS's 2026 price list shows $445 to retest Part A or Part C, $870 for Parts A and C, $385 for Part B, and $915 (member) or $1,180 (non-member) for all parts.
How long is a CWI certification valid?
AWS says nine years, with renewal applications at years three and six.
Sources
- AWS: Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- AWS Certification and Education Programs Price List 2026 (PDF)
- AWS Certification Policies and Fees (PDF)
- AWS CWI Examination User Guide (PDF, dated 09.04.2026)
Fees and rules change. Always confirm on the official site before you pay or book.