# CWI exam cost: $1,255 for AWS members, $1,520 for non-members

> 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.

Canonical: https://truelineprep.com/cwi/exam-cost/ · Last checked against official sources: 2026-10-18 · Publisher: TrueLine Prep (independent, unofficial; not affiliated with or endorsed by the American Welding Society (AWS)). Practice questions are a prototype, not yet reviewed by a certified expert.

## 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](https://www.aws.org/certification-and-education/professional-certification/certified-welding-inspector/), price table, and the [AWS Certification and Education Programs Price List 2026](https://aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/certification-education-pricelist) (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](https://aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/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](https://aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/certification-education-pricelist):

| 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](https://aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/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](https://www.aws.org/certification-and-education/professional-certification/certified-welding-inspector/)).

## Why preparation matters more at this price

With $1,255 or more on the line, and extra training required after a second failure, it pays to find your weak areas before you book. Our free 25-question diagnostic covers all 11 Part A content areas plus 5 Part C code-use concepts.

## 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)](https://www.aws.org/certification-and-education/professional-certification/certified-welding-inspector/)
- [AWS Certification and Education Programs Price List 2026 (PDF)](https://aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/certification-education-pricelist)
- [AWS Certification Policies and Fees (PDF)](https://aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/Policies-and-Fees)
- [AWS CWI Examination User Guide (PDF, dated 09.04.2026)](https://aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/CWI-Examination-User-Guide)

Free 25-question CWI diagnostic: https://truelineprep.com/diagnostic/?cert=cwi