AWS D1.1 Endorsement study guide
AWS D1.1 Endorsement · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
This page is an independent study guide for the AWS D1.1 Structural Steel endorsement, one of the endorsements AWS lists under CWI and SCWI Endorsements. It is intended for inspectors and welding professionals who hold or are pursuing a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) credential and want to build code-specific competence in structural steel fabrication. The AWS D1.1 Endorsement study guide has 4 sections and about 1,282 words.
01General Requirements, Design of Welded Connections, and Detailing
Clause 1 fixes the code's boundaries: which base metals are approved, what the Engineer must approve in writing, and how drawings, specifications, and erection documents interact. Know that the Engineer owns design decisions and any departure from the code, while the fabricator owns execution to an approved WPS.
328 words, about 2 min02Fabrication, Workmanship, and Procedure and Performance Qualification
Every weld must be made to a WPS that is either prequalified under the prequalification clause or qualified by testing. Prequalification is limited: joint detail, process, filler classification (F-number), position, thickness range, preheat/interpass, and technique must all fall inside the prequalified envelope.
330 words, about 2 min03Inspection, Acceptance Criteria, and Nondestructive Examination
Inspection spans before, during, and after welding: verify joint preparation, fit-up, preheat, WPS compliance, root condition, cleaning between passes, and final weld appearance. All welds receive 100% visual inspection; the inspector must be qualified (typically an AWS CWI or equivalent), and NDE personnel must be qualified to a recognized standard such as ASNT SNT-TC-1A Level II.
304 words, about 2 min04Qualification Records, Documentation, and Inspector Responsibilities
A compliant project maintains: approved drawings and shop details, written WPSs (prequalified or qualified), supporting PQRs with all essential variables recorded, welder performance qualification records showing position, thickness, and continuity, NDE reports, and inspection/nonconformance records. Prequalified WPSs must still be written documents - prequalification exempts testing, not paperwork.
320 words, about 2 min