Welding inspector application form -CWB, Cheat Sheet of Engineering

Download Welding inspector application form -CWB and more Cheat Sheet Engineering in PDF only on Docsity!

CWB Form 301E/2024- 2

Welding Inspector

Application Guide

CSA Standard W178.

“Certification of Welding Inspectors”

June 2024

INTRODUCTION

CSA Standard W178.2, "Certification of Welding Inspectors" was first published by the Canadian Standards

Association in 1982. This Standard assists inspection companies and industry in assessing the skills of

employees or prospective employees, specifically for the visual inspection of welding and welded components.

There are three levels of welding inspector with Level 3 being the most senior.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL 1, 2 & 3 WELDING INSPECTORS

To be eligible for certification as a Level 1 welding inspector, candidates must meet the requirements in either

(a), (b), or (c) below:

(a) Obtained at least one year of experience in one or more of the following areas:

• layout and fitting;
• manual, semi-automatic, or automatic welding;
• welding inspection;
• welding supervision;
• weld testing; and
• welding instruction;

(b) Successfully completed recognized courses (minimum 2 years in length) in the fundamentals, principles

and practices of welding and quality control and inspection of welding, with a large portion of the

training based on practical applications.

(c) Obtained at least six months of experience in one or more of the areas specified in (a) and successfully

completed recognized courses in the fundamental principles and practices of welding, quality control,

and welding inspection.

For certification as a Level 2 welding inspector, candidates must have at least 2 years of experience as a certified

Level 1 welding inspector performing welding inspection under qualified supervision. The standard defines

“Qualified Supervision” as: “The supervision of candidates by Level 2 or Level 3 personnel certified to this

Standard, or by non-certified personnel who, in the opinion of the CWB, possess the knowledge, skills training,

and experience required to perform such supervision.” The supervisor shall be able to be in contact in person or

electronically with his attending with a reasonable delay in order to protect the integrity of the work of his attendee.

For certification as a Level 3 welding inspector, candidates must have at least 4 years of experience as a certified

Level 2 welding inspector.

Experience is calculated based on whole months only.

THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS

1. Complete the application and visual acuity forms (CWB Forms 450 and 455). If you are not currently certified

as a welding inspector, you must apply for certification in Level 1. To be eligible, candidates must have

welding or inspection related experience and/or have completed recognized courses in the welding field as

noted in CSA Standard W178.2. Persons who were previously certified but whose certification has lapsed

are eligible to apply for the level of certification they previously held providing they meet the eligibility

requirements of CSA Standard W178.2 and their past certification status can be verified by the CWB.

The personal information presented on the application form is strictly confidential. No information about an

6. Upon request, the CWB will provide Level 2 and Level 3 certified welding inspectors with a personalized

stamp, which may be used on reports and other inspection related documents. The stamp shows the welding

inspector's name, registration number and level and states that he or she is a certified welding inspector.

Contact CWB for further information, including cost.

For additional information, please visit the CWB’s website at www.cwbgroup.org.

CANDIDATES APPLYING FOR CERTIFICATION VIA CLAUSE 8.1.1(d) & (e) – Special Route

This clause allows practicing welding inspectors to qualify directly in Level 2 or Level 3. In Clause 8.1.1(d),

candidates seeking certification in Level 2 shall have at least 5 years of prior welding inspection experience and

candidates seeking certification in Level 3 shall have at least 10 years of prior welding inspection experience. In

Clause 8.1.1(e), candidates with at least two years of teaching experience related to welding fundamentals and

welding inspection may apply directly for certification in Level 2. Candidates seeking certification must submit

CWB Form 450 and must describe in detail and provide relevant documentation showing their visual welding

inspection experience.

Please note the following specific rules about application:

• Only one application per individual and only one application per Level
• Application will expire within two years of the application approval date
• Application fee is non-refundable

Visual welding inspection must currently be or have been the candidate’s primary day-to-day job function.

Experience as a welder, fitter, welding supervisor, project manager, engineer, NDE operator for other inspection

processes such as RT, UT, MT, PT etc., or welding instructor is not considered as relevant experience.

Candidates are not eligible for examination exemptions or reductions based on prior examinations, courses

taken, or other certifications (i.e. AWS, API, CWB). Candidates must write the full set of examinations, including

the long version of the applicable closed book examination.

Candidates must also provide the name of at least one reference who can attest to their experience.

The CWB would reserve the right to conduct an interview should there be any reason to question the

experience claims.

There are five (5) examinations required to be successfully written for the granting of certification. The pass

mark for these exams is 70%. If approved to challenge the Level 2 or Level 3 examinations, the candidate will

have two (2) attempts to pass these certification examinations. If unsuccessful on any of the examinations on

the first attempt, the candidate will be given one (1) rewrite attempt for each failed exam. Any required

rewrites will be at an additional cost.

All candidates applying for certification must complete all certification requirements within two years of the

application approval date. If the certification is not completed with the two-year period, the application for

certification will be terminated.

If the applicant fails any examination on the second attempt, their eligibility to progress through the special

route process is terminated. However, the applicant is then eligible for certification in Level 1, if not already

certified. Any Level 2 or 3 examinations that were passed will be credited towards meeting the requirements

for Level 1 provided an application for Level 1 is submitted within 6 months of the Level 2 or 3 application being

cancelled.

5

EXAMINATIONS

The examinations required for certification in each level are shown in the following tables. The passing grade is

70% for each examination. The number of questions may vary from time to time. Examination results are

emailed to candidates normally within 2 weeks of the examination day.

Level Exam Type Exam subject Typical Number of Questions Time Limit (hrs.)

Closed book Basic Welding inspection and basic welding fundamentals 75 multiple choice questions^1

Open book

Standard/Code 45 multiple choice questions 2

CSA Standard W178.2 15 multiple choice questions.

Practical & Reporting

Samples for Visual Detection and Identification, assessment and descriptive reporting of basic weld faults

5 Samples.

Closed book

Basic materials science, advanced welding fundamentals and other welding inspection techniques

150 multiple choice questions - long

75 multiple choice questions - short^2

Open book

Standard/Code** 45 multiple choice questions 2

CSA Standard W178.2 15 multiple choice questions.

Practical & Reporting

Samples for Visual Detection and Identification, assessment and descriptive reporting of weld faults, dimensional faults, material deficiencies and structural discontinuities

5 Samples.

Closed book Welding metallurgy, advanced materials science, QA/QC management systems

150 multiple choice questions - long

75 multiple choice questions - short^2

Open book

Standard/Code*** 45 multiple choice questions 2

CSA Standard W178.2 15 multiple choice questions.

• All new candidates for certification to Level 1 must write the examination on CSA Standard W178.2 All candidates upgrading to a higher level must also write the examination on CSA Standard W178.2 unless it was written while qualifying at a lower level. The examination on CSA Standard W178.2 is only required to be written once. ** Not required if upgrading from Level 1 to Level 2. ***Not required if upgrading from Level 2 to Level 3.

1 Candidates who have successfully completed an accepteble training coure in the Fundamental Principles and

Practices of Welding and Quality Control and Inspection of Welding as stated in CSA Standard W178.2 are

entitled to an exemption of the Closed Book Examination.

2 Candidates who have successfully completed an acceptable training course in the Fundamental Principles

and Practices of Welding and Quality Control and Inspection of Welding as stated in CSA Standard W178.

are entitled to write a shorter version of the Closed Book Examination. This exemption does not apply to

candidates who are eligible to challenge the higher-level exams under clause 8.1.1(d) and (e) of CSA Standard

W178.2. All other examinations remain as noted above. Courses from other organizations, which are

comparable to the CWB modular program will qualify candidates for writing the shorter exam versions.

For candidates writing directly to Level 2 via Clause 8.1.1(d), a closed book exam on descriptive report writing

is required in addition to the four exams indicated above. This exam consists of five essay questions and

has a one-hour time limit.

For candidates writing directly to Level 3 via Clause 8.1.1(d), a closed book exam on descriptive report writing

Pressure Vessels, Boilers and Heat Exchangers ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code,

Sections VIII-Div.1 & IX

Storage Tanks API 650

Welded Tanks for Oil Storage

IACS Materials and Welding

IACS Materials and Welding

You must bring your own copy of the standard/code on which you intend to write the open book examination.

Candidates frequently use earlier or later editions of the applicable standard/code for the open book examination,

which is entirely their option. In most cases, examinations will be based on the most current edition of the

code/standard. Individuals may contact the CWB Call Center to verify code/standard edition in use for specific

code exam.

You must bring the following to the exam session:

• Identification;
• Standard or code for the open book examinations;
• Non-programmable calculator (the examination may involve a few basic calculations);
• Pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener, ruler as required.

For the practical/reporting exam, candidates are supplied with a generic welding standard, fillet weld gauges,

bridge cam gauge, cam gauge, v-wac gauge, and a ruler. Candidates are permitted to bring the following

tools:

• magnifying glass
• depth gauge
• hi-lo gauge
• mirror
• flashlight

Prior to writing any examinations, candidates must review and sign CWB Form 696 “Academic Code of Conduct”

to confirm that they will comply with all rules of the examination process.

If you fail an examination, there is no waiting period to rewrite. However, before rewriting an examination, it is

strongly recommended that you take some additional time to re-study the subject material.

There is no restriction on the number of examination rewrite attempts permitted within the two-year time frame.

Two business days advance notification must be provided to the CWB if you are going to miss an examination

date in which you are scheduled to write. Failure to notify the CWB within this time will result in a $55.00 service

charge, which will be payable before you can write the examination later.

RENEWAL / RECERTIFICATION

The certification period for all welding inspectors is three years. To renew their certification, certified welding

inspectors are required to apply on or before the expiry date of their certification. At that time, they must provide

evidence of satisfactory vision (CWB Form 455) and their continuing involvement in welding examination or

testing (CWB Form 457).

At six-year intervals, certified welding inspectors must be re-certified either by completing a practical and

reporting examination or by successful completion of 40 hours of recognized courses in the previous three years.

Refer to Clause 10 of CSA Standard W178.2 for the mandatory renewal and recertification requirements.

Welding inspectors who fail to renew and/or recertify by the expiry date will lose their certification. CWB will

forward notices regarding renewals and six-year recertifications via email. Certified inspectors are responsible

for informing the CWB of any change in their contact information.

Welding inspectors are responsible for ensuring the continuity of their certification. The CWB is not responsible

for ensuring that inspectors meet the renewal and/or recertification requirements. Any notices sent are as a

courtesy only and will be sent to the email address we have on file.

Certified inspectors may renew and recertify as early as six months prior to their expiry date, but not any earlier.

Successfully written practical examinations at a higher level will only be recognized towards recertification if

completed within six months of the recertification expiry date.

Welding Inspectors who successfully upgrade their qualification from Level 1 to Level 2 and from Level 2 to Level

3 will have their renewal and recertification expiry dates reset based on their new certification date and will be

given 3 and 6 full years respectively, before needing to renew or recertify again.

FEES (Add applicable tax)

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Initial Application Fee $530.00 $530.00 $530.

Open Book Code Exam

(for additional standard/code endorsement) $94.00 $94.00 $94.

Six-Year Recertification Fee

-Practical examination

Renewal Fees (every 3 years)

Recertification & Renewal Fee (every 6 years)

Stamp

Plus shipping

N/A

Rewrite per exam of any type for any level $156.00 $156.00 $156.

Upgrade Application N/A $425.00 $425.

Special Route Application Fee N/A $745.00 $745.

• Fees are subject to change without notice.
• Payment can be made by Visa ( Visa debit not accepted ), MasterCard, or American Express (Canadian funds only

for AMEX), cheque or money order.

• Fees, less a service charge, are refundable only within 30 days from receipt of payment. The fees noted above

apply to all candidates and may change from year to year. Please add applicable taxes to all fees shown above.

There is a bank service charge for NSF cheques.

• Prices noted above are in Canadian funds. International Applications will be charged in US funds.

RECOGNITION OF QUALIFICATIONS GRANTED BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

The CWB recognizes the welding inspector certifications granted by the American Welding Society (AWS) and The Welding Institute (TWI) and the

American Petroleum Institute (API) Pressure Vessel and Piping Inspector certifications, subject to the following limitations.

The following table defines the experience requirements and reciprocity provided for each level of certification.

Welding Inspector Equivalency Requirements

*Experience required means years of experience as a certified inspector under the applicable certification scheme. **Candidate must provide proof of continuous AWS certification. ***If unable to provide proof of continued AWS Certification, the candidate must write at least one CWB administered code exam to maintain certified status in accordance with CSA W178.2. See pages 6 & 7 of this guide for a listing of available code endorsement exams.

Cert

Type

Cert

Currently

Valid

Experience

Required for

Level Sought *

Exams Required

Product/Standard

Endorsement

Renewal / Recertification

Requirements

Forms & Other

Documents

Required for Initial

Level Years Certification

API 510

Yes

Level 1 1 Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178. ASME BPVC Sections VIII & IX

Candidates who have held API 510 certification for six (6) or more years are required to write CWB code endorsement.

Renewal (3 yr.) CWB Form 455 & 457

Recertification (6 yr.) Practical & Reporting, or CPD (Continuing Professional Development). 450, 455 + proof of API certification. Proof must show initial certification date.

Level 2 3

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

Level 3 7

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

No

Level 1 1

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178. Code endorsement as written through CWB

Renewal (3 yr.) CWB Form 455 & 457

Recertification (6 yr.) Practical & Reporting, or Level 2 3 CPD Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

Cert

Type

Cert

Currently

Valid

Experience

Required for

Level Sought *

Exams Required

Product/Standard

Endorsement

Renewal / Recertification

Requirements

Forms & Other

Documents

Required for Initial

Level Years Certification

Level 3 7 Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

API 570

Yes

Level 1 1

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178. ASME B31.

Candidates who have held API 570 certification for six (6) or more years are required to write CWB code endorsement.

Renewal (3 yr.) CWB Form 455 & 457

Recertification (6 yr.) Practical & Report, or CPD

450, 455 + proof of API certification. Proof must show initial certification date.

Level 2 3

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

Level 3 7

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

No

Level 1 1

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

Code endorsement as written through CWB

Renewal (3 yr.) CWB Form 455 & 457

Recertification (6 yr.) Practical & Reporting, or CPD

Level 2 3 Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

Level 3 7 Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

Cert

Type

Cert

Currently

Valid

Experience

Required for

Level Sought* Exams Required^

Product/Standard

Endorsement

Renewal / Recertification

Requirements

Forms and Other

Documents

Required for Initial

Level Years Certification

TWI

Visual Welding Inspector

Yes or No

Level 1 1

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

Renewal (3 yr.) . CWB Form 455 & 457

Recertification (6 yr.) Practical & Reporting, or CPD

450, 455 + copy of TWI Cert of Proficiency.

Level 2 2

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

TWI

Welding Inspector

Yes or No

Level 2 2

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178. Code endorsement as written through CWB

Level 3 4

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

TWI

Senior Welding Inspector

Yes or No Level 2 or 3

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

Cert

Type

Cert

Currently

Valid

Experience

Required for

Level Sought* Exams Required^

Product/Standard

Endorsement

Renewal / Recertification

Requirements

Forms and Other

Documents

Required for Initial

Level Years Certification

AWS

Certified Associate Welding Inspector

Yes

Level 1 1 CSA W178.

Code endorsement as written for AWS certification (AWS D1.1 or API 1104 only)

Renewal (3 yr.) CWB Form 455 & 457 Proof of continuous AWS certification***

Recertification (6 yr.) Proof of continuous AWS certification. Practical & Reporting and CPD waived. **

• 450 & 455 plus:
  • copy of certificate or wallet card; and
  • test score report

Level 2 2

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

Renewal (3 yr.) CWB Form 455 & 457

Recertification (6 yr.) Proof of continuous AWS certification. Practical & Reporting and CPD waived.**

No

Level 1 2

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

Code endorsement as written through CWB

Renewal (3 yr.) CWB Form 455 & 457

Recertification (6 yr.) Practical & Reporting or CPD

Level 2 2

Closed Book Practical & Reporting CSA W178.

Renewal (3 yr.) Same as any other welding inspector. CWB Form 455 & 457

Recertification (6 yr.) Practical & Reporting or CPD

Body of Knowledge

Appendix A

CSA W178.2 Certified Welding Inspector – Closed Book Examinations

The following is an approximate breakdown of the examination categories and the number of questions

drawn from each subject area in the closed book examination noted.

Level 1 Closed Book

Design, Drawings and Weld Symbols 41%

Welding Processes and Procedures 19%

Quality Control 16%

Welding Equipment and Consumables 13%

Visual Inspection 10%

NDT 1%

Level 2 Closed Book

NDT 40%

Materials 27%

Visual Inspection 11%

Welding Processes and Procedures 9%

Welding Equipment and Consumables 8%

Quality Control 4%

Design, Drawings and Weld Symbols 1%

Level 3 Closed Book

Welding Metallurgy 74%

Materials 26%

RECOMMENDED SELF STUDY EXAMINATION PREPARATORY MATERIALS

Annex A of CSA Standard W178.

CWB Learning - Welding Inspector Level 1 and Level 2 Textbook and study modules

AWS Society handbooks including Jefferson’s Welding Encyclopedia.

American Society for Metals, Metals Handbook.

Modern Welding Technology, by Howard B. Cary.

Welding Principles and Applications, by Larry Jeffus.

Metallurgy for the Non-Metallurgist, by Harry Chander.

Training materials from the Codes and Standards Training Institute (CASTI)

The CWB, federally incorporated, "not-for-profit" organization is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada as a Certification Body for the administration of CSA Standards W47.1, W47.2, W48, W178.1 and W186.

Le CWB, un organisme fédéralement incorporé sans but lucratif est accrédité par le Conseil canadien des normes comme une organisme de certification pour l'administration des normes CSA W47.1, W47.2, W48, W178.1 et W186.

HEAD OFFICE / SIEGE SOCIAL

8260 Parkhill Drive, Milton, Ontario L9T 5V

Telephone: 1 - 800 - 844 - 6790

Fax: (905) 542- 1318

WEB: www.cwbgroup.org

OFFICES ACROSS CANADA / BUREAUX À TRAVERS LE CANADA

Western Operations:

Ontario Operations:

Québec Operations:

206 – 19 Avenue, Nisku Industrial Park, Nisku, AB T9E 0W

203 – 1555 St. James Street, Winnipeg, MB R3H 1B

8260 Parkhill Drive, Milton, Ontario L9T 5V

4430 Rue Garand, Laval, QC H7L 5Z