CWS (Other exams) case studies
CWS · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) is a professional credential offered by the American Welding Society (AWS) for people who manage welding operations rather than perform or inspect the welds themselves. It is aimed at experienced welders moving into supervision, current leads and foremen responsible for welding teams, manufacturing and construction professionals overseeing welding work, welding educators broadening their credentials, and owners or managers who need tighter welding quality and code compliance. Certification requires meeting education and experience prerequisites and passing two exams: Part A (Fundamentals of Supervision) and Part B (Welding Practices & Economics), delivered by computer-based testing at Prometric exam centers. The body of knowledge is organized into three areas: welding safety and quality (OSHA compliance, defect prevention, inspection and testing), production and cost control (welding economics, lean principles, productivity improvement), and supervisory and leadership skills (managing teams, communication and problem solving, compliance with codes and standards). The CWS case studies are 5 cases and about 2,886 words.
1Galvanized Handrail: Fume Symptoms and Porosity Before a Customer Audit
Your shop is fabricating 48 galvanized steel handrail sections to ASTM A123, 1/8 in. Two GMAW welders work in a 30 ft by 40 ft bay with a 24 ft overhead door open about 2 ft.
605 words, about 3 min2SMAW Versus FCAW on 1,800 Feet of 1/4 in. Fillet Welds
Your shop must complete 1,800 linear feet of 1/4 in. fillet welds on A36 channel frames.
586 words, about 3 min3Night-Shift Lead Bypasses Preheat and the Crew Follows Him
Your shop runs two shifts and 22 welders. Ray, the night-shift lead, has 25 years of experience, high output, and a strong following among the crew.
581 words, about 3 min4Welder Qualification Matrix Does Not Match the D1.1 Production Work
A structural steel job is welded under AWS D1.1. Five welders are in the shop.
577 words, about 3 min5Automating a Stainless Longitudinal Seam: Payback and Risk
Your shop welds 2,400 ft of longitudinal seam per year on 3/16 in. Manual GTAW takes 0.9 hr/ft at 58/hr fully burdened, with 10 percent rework at 45/ft.
537 words, about 3 min