CWI practice questions, and how hard the exam is
Last checked against official sources: October 18, 2026 · TrueLine Prep (independent, unofficial)
Short answer: AWS does not publish an official CWI pass rate that we could find (checked October 18, 2026). What makes the exam hard is measurable: 165 Part A questions in 135 minutes (about 49 seconds each), 72% required on every part, and extra training required after a second failure.
What makes the CWI exam hard
- Time pressure in Part A: 165 questions in 135 minutes is about 49 seconds per question, closed book (Part A exam information).
- No weak part allowed: you need at least 72% on each of Parts A, B, and C (AWS CWI page).
- Part C is a navigation test: 50–60 scored questions answered from a code book you must find your way around quickly (Part C exam information).
- Retests are limited: up to three retests in three years, and the second and third need 16–40 hours of additional training (CWI Examination User Guide).
About pass-rate numbers online: you will see percentages quoted on prep sites. We could not find an AWS source for them, so we don't repeat them here.
How to practice Part C without copying the code
Code books are copyrighted, so good Part C practice is about finding requirements fast, not memorizing text:
- Learn the table of contents and index of your chosen code edition.
- Practice locating qualification limits, preheat tables, and visual acceptance criteria against a timer.
- Find out whether your Part C exam uses a printed code or an on-screen PDF. AWS's user guide (09.04.2026) says printed copies are not permitted for certain Prometric exams.
- If it's on-screen, practice with a PDF copy and its bookmarks and search. If printed copies are allowed, you may tab, highlight, and write margin notes.
Free practice questions
Prototype · not yet reviewed by a certified expert Original questions from our free diagnostic. Not actual exam questions.
Practice question 1 · Definition and Terminology
What is the term for the junction between the face of a weld and the base metal?
- A. Weld toe
- B. Weld root
- C. Fusion face
- D. Root face
Answer: A. Weld toe
The weld toe is where the weld face meets the base metal. The weld root is on the opposite side, and the fusion face and root face are surfaces of the joint preparation.
Practice question 2 · Welding Related Calculations
What is the approximate theoretical throat of an equal-leg 3/8-inch fillet weld with a flat face on a 90° T-joint?
- A. 0.188 in
- B. 0.265 in
- C. 0.375 in
- D. 0.530 in
Answer: B. 0.265 in
Theoretical throat = leg × 0.707 for an equal-leg 90° fillet. 0.375 × 0.707 ≈ 0.265 in.
Practice question 3 · Part C – Qualification
Under typical welding codes, what is generally required when a production change goes beyond the qualified range of an essential variable on a qualified WPS?
- A. Nothing, as long as the welder is experienced
- B. Requalification (a new or revised PQR supporting the change) or use of another WPS that covers the change
- C. A verbal approval from the shop foreman
- D. A note on the daily inspection report only
Answer: B. Requalification (a new or revised PQR supporting the change) or use of another WPS that covers the change
Essential variables are those that affect weld properties. Changing one beyond its qualified range generally invalidates the existing qualification for that change. Confirm the details in the specific code you are being tested on.
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Prototype questions, not yet reviewed by a certified expert. About the planned full question bank ($49 refundable preorder)
FAQ
What is the CWI pass rate?
AWS does not publish an official CWI pass rate that we could find. Numbers quoted online are third-party estimates without a published method.
How hard is the CWI exam?
It requires 72% on each of three parts. Part A has 165 questions in 135 minutes, closed book, and Part C tests how quickly you can use a code book.
Are there free CWI practice questions?
Yes. This page has three, and our free 25-question diagnostic covers all 11 Part A content areas plus 5 Part C concepts. They have not yet been reviewed by a certified expert.
Are these real CWI exam questions?
No. They are original practice questions written for study. We do not use real exam content.
Sources
- AWS: Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- AWS CWI Part A exam information (PDF)
- AWS CWI Part C exam information (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.