CWI exam Parts A, B, and C explained
Last checked against official sources: October 18, 2026 · TrueLine Prep (independent, unofficial)
Short answer: The CWI exam has three parts. Part A (Fundamentals) is closed book on a computer. Part B (Practical) is hands-on with written questions. Part C (Code Book) is open book on a computer. AWS requires at least 72% on each part, and Part B is taken first.
The three parts at a glance
| Part A – Fundamentals | Part B – Practical | Part C – Code Book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Computer-based, closed book | Hands-on activities with AWS equipment, plus written questions | Computer-based, open book (printed code or on-screen PDF, depending on the exam) |
| Questions | 165 (150 scored + 15 unscored pretest) | 46 questions on the activities | 50–60 scored; 55–65 total on English forms with pretest items |
| Time | 135 minutes | 120 minutes | 135 minutes (120 without pretest items) |
| Where | Prometric test centers | AWS seminar locations | Prometric test centers |
| Passing score | 72% | 72% | 72% |
Sources: AWS CWI page, Part A exam information (Rev. 03.01.2024), Part B exam information (Rev. 03.01.2024), Part C exam information (Rev. 02.11.2025).
Order of the parts
The CWI Examination User Guide says candidates must take Part B before Parts A and C. Part A and Part C can be scheduled only after you receive the Part B confirmation letter. AWS says you get a consolidated score report about two weeks after you finish Parts A and C (AWS CWI page). AWS's Policies and Fees sheet (November 10, 2022) adds that you have 120 days after Part B to take Parts A and C, and that taking Part A or C before Part B invalidates the exam.
Part A content areas (minimum % of questions)
| Content area | Minimum % |
|---|---|
| Definition and Terminology | 12 |
| Welding Processes | 12 |
| Symbols – Welding and NDE | 10 |
| Weld Examination | 10 |
| Welding Performance | 9 |
| Test Methods – NDE | 8 |
| Heat Control & Metallurgy (carbon and low-alloy steel) | 6 |
| Welding Related Calculations | 6 |
| Duties and Responsibilities | 4 |
| Destructive Tests | 3 |
| Cutting | 2 |
Source: AWS CWI Part A exam information (Rev. 03.01.2024), which bases these weights on B5.1:2013-AMD1. These are minimums, so they add up to 82%, not 100%.
About B5.1:2025: AWS now publishes AWS B5.1:2025, which adds a table of *recommended* exam subjects with slightly different names and groupings (for example, "Joining and Cutting Processes" at 14%). As of October 18, 2026, AWS's Part A exam information still lists the weights above, so we follow it and will update when AWS revises it. B5.1 uses the qualification levels AWI, WI, and SWI; AWS's certifications are still named CAWI, CWI, and SCWI.
Part C content areas (minimum % of questions)
| Content area | Minimum % |
|---|---|
| Qualification | 25 |
| Fabrication | 25 |
| Inspection | 25 |
| Reports and Records | 5 |
| Materials and Design | 5 |
Source: AWS CWI Part C exam information (Rev. 02.11.2025).
Which code book for Part C?
You take Part C on one code. The AWS CWI page lists AWS D1.1 (2020 edition, structural steel), API 1104 22nd Edition (pipelines), AWS D1.2:2014, AWS D1.5:2020 (including Clause 12), AWS D15.1:2019, AWS D17.1:2024, ASME BPVC Section IX (2023) with B31.1 and B31.3 (2024), and an ISO standard option.
- D1.1 edition: AWS's Exam References and Editions Guide (last updated August 1, 2025) lists both D1.1:2020 and D1.1:2025 for the D1.1 exam and says the exam is designed to apply to either edition. The CWI web page still shows only the 2020 edition, so confirm with AWS before you buy.
- Older editions in the PDF: the Part C exam information (Rev. 02.11.2025) still lists D17.1:2017 and the 2019/2018 ASME editions. The web page and the editions guide are newer.
Printed code book or on-screen PDF?
The CWI Examination User Guide (dated 09.04.2026) says that printed code books are not permitted for certain Part C exams at Prometric. For those exams, the code is provided as an on-screen PDF (English only), and AWS encourages candidates to practice navigating digital code books, including PDF bookmarks. Where a printed copy is permitted, it must be an original or permanently bound copy. You may tab or highlight it and write margin notes, but loose pages and loose errata are not allowed. Check which applies to your exam when you book.
Exception for IIW diploma holders
AWS says holders of certain IIW diplomas (IWE, IWT, IWS, IWI) can bypass Part A and only need Parts B and C.
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FAQ
How many questions are on the CWI Part A exam?
165: 150 scored and 15 unscored pretest questions, with a 135-minute time limit, according to AWS's Part A exam information.
What score do you need to pass the CWI exam?
AWS requires at least 72% on each part (A, B, and C).
Is CWI Part C open book?
Yes. Depending on the exam, you either bring an approved printed code book or use the code as an on-screen PDF provided at the Prometric center. AWS's user guide (09.04.2026) says printed copies are not permitted for certain Part C exams.
Can I use D1.1:2025 for CWI Part C?
AWS's Exam References and Editions Guide (August 1, 2025) lists both D1.1:2020 and D1.1:2025 for the D1.1 exam. The CWI web page still shows the 2020 edition, so confirm with AWS before buying.
Which CWI part do you take first?
Part B. AWS's CWI Examination User Guide says Parts A and C can be scheduled only after the Part B confirmation letter.
Sources
- AWS: Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- AWS CWI Part A exam information (PDF)
- AWS CWI Part B exam information (PDF)
- AWS CWI Part C exam information (PDF)
- AWS CWI Examination User Guide (PDF, dated 09.04.2026)
- AWS Exam References and Editions Guide (PDF)
- AWS Certification Policies and Fees (PDF)
- AWS B5.1:2025 (PDF)
Fees and rules change. Always confirm on the official site before you pay or book.