The purpose of welding inspection is to determine if a weldment meets the acceptance criteria of a specific code, standard, or other document. The welding inspector must be thoroughly familiar with welding processes, welding procedures, welder qualifications, materials, the limitation of weld testing, be able to read drawings, prepare and keep records, prepare and make reports, and make responsible judgments. For welding inspectors to be effective, the activities performed should be consistent with the requirements, and technical and ethical principles. AWS QC1, Specification for Certification of AWS Welding Inspectors, was first published in 1975. Subsequent editions were published in 1988, 1996, 2006, and 2007. This document, QC1:2016, Specification for Certification of AWS Welding Inspectors, replaces the 2007 edition.
The first examinations for the certification of Welding Inspector were conducted in the spring and fall of 1976. More than 97,000 individuals have met the requirements of AWS QC1, worldwide, since the start of the program. This edition contains revisions approved by the AWS Certification Committee. Vertical lines in the margin and underlined text indicate a substantive revision from the 2007 edition. Some changes made in the QC1:2016 do not include vertical lines or underlines, including:
- Substituting “Specification” for “Standard” (in the title and throughout the text).
- Updated address of AWS.
- Annex A (Informative Annex) Guidelines for Preparation of Inquiries for AWS Certification Committees
The following is a summary of the substantive revisions by clause or section:
1.6 Additional safety and health language and sources were added.
2. Clarified that endorsements may be added to certifications.
3. Added definition for active supervision; clarified endorsement to include knowledge, skill, or ability; defined examination; modified nondestructive examination (NDE) definition; added definitions for reexamination and retest; modified definitions for specification and standard.
4.4 Clarified that the CAWI can perform inspections only under the active supervision of a SCWI or CWI.
5.2 Modified the range in the number of years applicants for SCWI shall be certified as a CWI.
5.3 Clarified application requirements.
6.1.4 New subclause describes alternative certification for the SCWI.
6.2.2 CWI Part B—Practical examination, minimum number of questions reduced to 40.
6.2.5 Clarified retesting parameters.
6.2.5.1 New subclause describes full 3-Part Reexamination requirements.
6.2.5.2 New subclause describes 1-Part or 2-Part Retest requirements. x AWS QC1: 2016
6.2.5.3 New subclause adds language that a retest for Part C—Code Book must use the same code used for the original examination.
6.2.6 New subclause describes exemption from retaking certain exam parts passed by a Certified Welding Educator (CWE) for the CWI exam.
6.2.7 New subclause adds language regarding split examinations.
6.2.7.1 New subclause adds language regarding split examinations for Part A including retests, retest limitations, and recognition.
6.2.7.2 New subclause adds language regarding split examinations for Parts B & C including retests and retest limitations.
7. New language cautioning that CAWIs are limited on how they can practice inspection activities.
7.1 CAWI Part B—Practical examination,
8.1.1 New language defining an AWS Visual Acuity Form to be completed; the visual acuity time period changed from seven (7) months to one (1) year prior to the examination or certification expiration date; visual acuity records valid for up to one (1) year from exam date.
8.1.2 Eye examination results due date extended to 60 days after examination date.
8.2 New subclause describing passport-style color photograph requirements and acceptance.
10.1 New language clarifying that certification becomes effective on the first day of the month following the date of examination; the wallet card will include a photo. 10.2 Adds
10.2 Adds photo to information to be shared by AWS staff as a result of requests for verification of status and certification number.
11.2.3 Adds language that the SCWI, CWI, and CAWI will not utilize the certification stamp or number connected to a lapsed or terminated SCWI, CWI, or CAWI status.
11.2.5 Clarifies active supervision as one of the parameters which an inspector can sign off work.
11.4.4 Language modified regarding conflict of interest conditions allowed for an inspector whose work is performed while being a public official.
15.1 CAWI certification period clarified to be up to a three-year period.
15.1.1 Eliminated redundancy with 15.2.1; clarified that CAWI testing for CWI status fall under CWI examination requirements.
15.2.2 Changed renewal applications accepted no earlier than 11 months prior to the certification expiration date from previous 6 months prior.
15.3.2 New subclause describes that a renewal may be accepted after the 60-day grace period but within one year of expiration, noting that administrative late fees may be applied.
15.4 Clarified continuous inactivity refers to work inactivity.
16.1 Changed 9-year recertification application accepted no early than 11 months prior to the certification expiration date from previous 6 months prior; added language regarding a 60-day administrative extension.
16.3.1 New language stating that the endorsement does not need to be current at the time of application for CWI recertification.
16.4.2 New language allowing for broader course content relevance to subject or job functions in AWS B5.1.
16.5.1 Expanded language regarding earning Professional Development Hours (PDHs).
16.5.2 Increased the maximum PDH hours to 40 from previous 20; added proof of attendance as verification.
16.5.3 Clarified non-AWS conferences allowed for PDHs; clarified proof of participation required. xi AWS QC1: 2016
16.5.9 New subclause allowing PDHs for items not directly listed in AWS B5.1 contingent upon AWS Certification Department approval.
16.7 New language allowing CWI 9-year recertification applicants to switch the recertification means if within the deadline.
16.7.1 New subclause specifies the instances in which all three Parts A, B, and C are required for CWI 9-year recertification.
16.7.2 New subclause describes circumstances in which an individual’s certification expires and is then considered as a new applicant. List of AWS Documents on Certification replaces QC4 and QC7 with QC47; adds QC9, QC14, and QC20.
CLICK HERE for the full standard (FREE for limited time)