CAWI study guide
CAWI · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) is a professional credential offered by the American Welding Society (AWS), listed among its certification programs alongside the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI). It is designed for individuals who support welding inspection activities and wish to demonstrate foundational knowledge of welding inspection practice. The CAWI exam covers four equally weighted domains: welding inspection and certification fundamentals; welding processes, procedures, and qualifications; welding metallurgy, materials, and weldability; and weld examination, testing, and code compliance. Preparation typically combines study of AWS codes and standards, the AWS A3.0 standard terminology, and hands-on familiarity with inspection tools and documents. Topics on this exam: Welding Inspection and Certification Fundamentals, Welding Processes, Procedures, and Qualifications, Welding Metallurgy, Materials, and Weldability, and Weld Examination, Testing, and Code Compliance. The CAWI study guide has 4 sections and about 1,564 words.
01Welding Inspection and Certification Fundamentals
The CAWI exam tests the inspector's role, authority, and limits in welding inspection. An inspector verifies that work meets the contract documents, not personal preference.
383 words, about 2 min02Welding Processes, Procedures, and Qualifications
This domain tests how a WPS, PQR, and welder qualification fit together. A WPS is the written instruction; a PQR is the record of the test that supports it; a welder performance qualification shows that a specific welder can produce sound welds.
400 words, about 2 min03Welding Metallurgy, Materials, and Weldability
This domain tests why welds crack, harden, or lose corrosion resistance. The inspector uses metallurgy to recognize risk before a test fails.
400 words, about 2 min04Weld Examination, Testing, and Code Compliance
This domain tests method selection, acceptance criteria, and documentation. The inspector must know what each test can and cannot detect and must apply the code's acceptance criteria instead of personal judgment.
381 words, about 2 min