Welding Inspection (CWI), Level I & II

Welding Inspection (CWI), Level I & II

The Welding Inspection (CWI), Level I & II courses are designed to train and certify individuals to become proficient welding inspectors. These courses cover welding theory, inspection techniques, and code compliance to ensure weld quality in various industries like construction, manufacturing, oil & gas, and shipbuilding. They follow the guidelines provided by organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) or equivalent international standards.

1- Level I Welding Inspector Course:

Level I is an entry-level course designed for individuals who are new to welding inspection. It introduces the basics of welding, inspection techniques, and quality control principles.

Course Objectives:

• Provide a basic understanding of welding processes (e.g., SMAW, GMAW, GTAW).
• Learn the principles of welding inspection and quality control.
• Perform visual inspections (VT) of welds.
• Understand basic welding symbols, drawings, and specifications.
• Assist senior inspectors with non-destructive testing (NDT).

Key Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Welding Inspection: Understanding the role and responsibilities of a welding inspector.
• Welding Processes: Overview of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and other common processes.
• Welding Symbols and Drawings: Basic interpretation of welding symbols and engineering drawings.
• Visual Inspection Techniques: Introduction to visual testing (VT) and how to identify surface defects like cracks, porosity, and undercuts.
• Material and Weld Defects: Learning how to identify material defects and common welding discontinuities.
• Inspection Tools and Gauges: Introduction to basic inspection tools such as fillet weld gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
• Documentation and Reporting: Recording and reporting inspection findings.

 Target Audience:

• Individuals starting a career in welding inspection.
• Welders looking to expand their knowledge into inspection.
• Quality control personnel who need a basic understanding of welding.

2- Level II Welding Inspector Course:

Level II is an advanced course for individuals who have completed Level I or have equivalent experience. It focuses on more complex inspection techniques, non-destructive testing (NDT), and interpreting welding codes and standards.

Course Objectives:

• Enhance skills in welding inspection and quality control.
• Learn advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) methods.
• Develop the ability to interpret welding codes and specifications.
• Perform dimensional checks on welds and structures.
• Gain supervisory skills to oversee junior inspectors and welding operations.

Key Topics Covered:

• Advanced Welding Processes and Techniques: Deeper understanding of welding processes, including specific industry applications and challenges.
• Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR): Learn how to verify WPS and ensure that the welding procedures comply with the applicable standards.
• Welder Qualification Testing: Understanding how to assess and verify welder qualifications and performance tests.
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Methods:
  • Radiographic Testing (RT): Learn the principles of using X-rays or gamma rays to detect internal weld flaws.
  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT): Introduction to high-frequency sound waves for subsurface flaw detection.
  • Magnetic Particle Testing (MT): Detect surface and near-surface discontinuities using magnetic fields.
  • Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT): Identifying surface defects with the use of dye penetrants.
• Welding Discontinuities and Defects: Advanced identification and classification of welding defects like cracks, inclusions, and incomplete fusion.
• Welding Codes and Standards: In-depth study of welding codes such as AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, and international standards like ISO and EN.
• Dimensional Inspection: Performing checks for weld size, alignment, and overall structure to ensure compliance with drawings and specifications.
• Supervisory Roles: Leading and mentoring Level I inspectors, managing inspection teams, and communicating with engineers and project managers.

Target Audience:

• Level I Inspectors looking to advance to a supervisory role or specialize in advanced inspection techniques.
• Experienced Welders aiming to transition into an inspection role.
• Quality Control Supervisors responsible for overseeing welding inspection operations.
• NDT Technicians looking to enhance their understanding of welding inspections.

3- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Course:

This course prepares participants for the AWS CWI exam and focuses on the knowledge and skills required to inspect welds according to AWS standards and other international welding codes.

Key Objectives:

• Develop an understanding of welding processes, procedures, and terminology.
• Learn how to conduct welding inspections and assess weld quality.
• Gain knowledge of welding codes, specifications, and standards (e.g., AWS D1.1).
• Develop proficiency in various non-destructive testing (NDT) methods.
• Prepare for the AWS CWI exam (three-part exam: fundamentals, practical, and code application).

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Exam Preparation:

For individuals pursuing AWS CWI certification, the courses typically include exam preparation modules focusing on the three parts of the CWI Exam:

• Part A: Fundamentals – General welding knowledge and inspection principles.
• Part B: Practical – Hands-on inspection using actual weld samples and inspection tools.
• Part C: Code Book – Understanding and applying welding codes such as AWS D1.1 or ASME Section IX to practical problems.

 Study Resources:

• AWS D1.1 Code Book or other relevant codes (ASME, API).
• Welding Inspector’s Handbook or equivalent study materials.
• Sample exams and quizzes to simulate the CWI exam environment.

 Summary of Course Progression:

• Level I Welding Inspector: Provides fundamental knowledge and hands-on practice in basic inspection techniques, focusing on visual inspection and assisting with NDT.
• Level II Welding Inspector: Expands on Level I, introducing advanced inspection methods, NDT, code interpretation, and supervisory roles.
• CWI Exam Preparation: Prepares participants for AWS CWI certification with focused training on the fundamentals, practical applications, and code interpretation.

Certification and Career Path:

• Level I Certification qualifies you to perform basic visual inspections under the supervision of a more experienced inspector.
• Level II Certification allows you to work more independently, perform advanced inspections, and lead inspection teams.
• CWI Certification from AWS is highly respected globally and opens opportunities for career advancement, as certified inspectors are in high demand across multiple industries.

By completing these courses and obtaining relevant certifications, individuals can build a solid career in welding inspection, with opportunities to specialize in areas like non-destructive testing (NDT), quality control, and code compliance.