CWI Prep Course

Lesson 1 • Introduction to Welding Codes and Standards

Introduces the hierarchy of codes, standards, and specifications used in weld inspection. Students distinguish between mandatory requirements and recommended practices.

Lesson 2 • CWI Credential Requirements

Details eligibility paths, education and experience combinations, and examination structure. Students map their own background to the correct qualification path.

Lesson 3 • Overview of the Welding Industry

Covers major welding applications across construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors. Provides context for why weld quality inspection is critical to structural integrity.

Lesson 1 • Common Arc Welding Processes

Covers SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, and SAW process mechanics and typical applications. Connects process characteristics to the types of discontinuities each process tends to produce.

Lesson 2 • Welding Variables and Their Effects

Examines essential, supplementary, and nonessential variables defined in procedure qualification. Students trace how changes in amperage, voltage, and travel speed alter bead geometry and fusion.

Lesson 3 • Metals and Alloy Classification

Introduces ferrous and nonferrous base metal classifications, mill certifications, and P-number groupings. Students match material types to appropriate filler metals and preheat requirements.

Lesson 1 • Joint Design and Groove Weld Symbols

Covers groove weld types, joint configurations, and the symbols that specify root opening and groove angle. Students verify that joint preparation matches drawing requirements.

Lesson 2 • Anatomy of a Welding Symbol

Decodes the reference line, arrow, tail, and supplementary elements of the standard welding symbol. Students read complete symbols specifying weld type, size, length, and finish.

Lesson 3 • Engineering Drawing Interpretation

Applies symbol reading to full fabrication drawings including views, dimensions, tolerances, and revision blocks. Students identify inspection hold points and acceptance criteria from drawing notes.

Lesson 1 • Joint Preparation Methods and Inspection

Examines thermal and mechanical cutting methods and their effect on edge quality and heat-affected zones. Students verify groove angle, root face, and surface finish against code requirements.

Lesson 2 • Preheat and Interpass Temperature Control

Explains preheat purpose, minimum temperature requirements, and measurement methods for various base metals. Students verify interpass temperature compliance during multi-pass welding.

Lesson 3 • Base Metal Inspection Before Welding

Covers mill scale, laminations, surface cracks, and contamination that must be identified before fit-up. Students apply visual and measurement techniques to accept or reject incoming material.

Lesson 1 • Weld Discontinuities and Defects

Classifies surface and subsurface discontinuities by type, cause, and visual appearance. Students distinguish between acceptable discontinuities and rejectable defects per code criteria.

Lesson 2 • Post-Weld Visual Inspection Sequence

Defines the complete post-weld inspection workflow from slag removal through final dimensional check. Students produce a compliant inspection record for a completed weld joint.

Lesson 3 • Visual Inspection Principles

Establishes the systematic approach to visual examination including lighting, access, and sequence. Students apply a structured inspection routine that minimizes missed discontinuities.

Lesson 4 • Code Acceptance Criteria Application

Applies specific acceptance and rejection criteria from structural and pressure vessel codes to visual findings. Students practice accept/reject decisions on sample weld photographs and specimens.

Lesson 1 • Liquid Penetrant Testing Fundamentals

Covers PT process steps, penetrant types, developer application, and interpretation of indications. Students identify surface-breaking discontinuities and apply code acceptance criteria to PT results.

Lesson 2 • Ultrasonic Testing Principles

Covers UT wave modes, transducer selection, calibration, and scanning patterns for weld examination. Students locate and size reflectors using basic A-scan interpretation.

Lesson 3 • Radiographic Testing Principles

Introduces RT physics, film and digital imaging, image quality indicators, and density requirements. Students read radiographic images to identify common weld discontinuities.

Lesson 4 • Magnetic Particle Testing Fundamentals

Explains magnetization techniques, particle types, and the detection of surface and near-surface discontinuities. Students evaluate MT indications and distinguish relevant from nonrelevant indications.

Lesson 1 • Welding Procedure Specification Essentials

Defines the required elements of a WPS including essential, supplementary essential, and nonessential variables. Students verify that a WPS contains all mandatory information for a given application.

Lesson 2 • Qualification Test Inspection

Describes the inspector's role during procedure and welder qualification tests including witness, measurement, and test coupon evaluation. Students apply visual and mechanical test acceptance criteria.

Lesson 3 • Document Control and Records Management

Establishes requirements for maintaining, revising, and retrieving qualification records throughout a project. Students organize a compliant qualification document package for a fabrication project.

Lesson 4 • Welder Performance Qualification

Covers the variables that govern welder qualification, test positions, and the range of qualification each test grants. Students verify that a welder's WPQ covers the production weld being performed.

Lesson 1 • Inspection Report Writing

Covers the required elements of a weld inspection report including findings, measurements, and disposition. Students draft clear, legally defensible reports that satisfy code documentation requirements.

Lesson 2 • CWI Exam Part B: Practical Application

Prepares students for the hands-on practical examination using weld samples, gauges, and measurement tasks. Students practice accept/reject decisions under timed conditions.

Lesson 3 • CWI Exam Part A: Fundamentals Review

Reviews the knowledge domains tested in Part A including welding processes, symbols, metallurgy, and NDE. Students identify personal knowledge gaps and prioritize study time accordingly.

Lesson 4 • Full-Length Practice Examination

Simulates the complete CWI examination experience across all three parts under timed, exam-like conditions. Students review all incorrect answers with instructor-guided explanation.