SCWI Development
Senior Certified Welding Inspector
Advanced professional development for experienced inspectors ready to move into senior inspection, quality leadership, and program oversight roles.
Beyond the CWI
The SCWI designation recognizes inspectors who have moved beyond code compliance into program design, team leadership, and quality system ownership. This track prepares you for that transition — covering the technical depth, leadership skills, and systems thinking that senior roles demand.
Advanced Code Mastery
Deep application of multiple codes simultaneously — structural, pipeline, pressure vessel — and the judgment to navigate conflicts between them.
Team Leadership
Directing inspection teams, mentoring junior inspectors, and building the technical culture of a quality program.
Program Design
Developing inspection plans, qualification programs, and quality procedures from scratch — not just executing someone else's.
Quality Leadership
Owning quality outcomes at the program level — metrics, trends, management review, and continuous improvement.
SCWI Eligibility Overview
Requirements are set by the American Welding Society. This overview is for orientation only — verify current requirements directly with AWS before applying.
Active CWI
Must hold a current, active CWI certification in good standing.
6 Years Experience
Minimum six years of welding inspection experience after initial CWI certification.
Written Examination
Pass the SCWI written examination covering advanced technical and leadership topics.
Practical Demonstration
Demonstrate advanced inspection competency through practical examination.
Advanced Curriculum Areas
These areas represent the depth of knowledge expected at the senior level. Each goes significantly beyond what the CWI exam covers.
SCWI Development Courses
SCWI certification is administered by the American Welding Society. This training platform is independent and not affiliated with AWS. Eligibility requirements, examination content, and certification policies are set by AWS and subject to change — verify current requirements at aws.org.
Start with a baseline
The free assessment covers advanced topics alongside foundational ones — giving you a clear picture of where your knowledge is strong and where the SCWI curriculum will push you hardest.