9.1 AWS D1.1:2025 Code Structure and Navigation
Key Takeaways
- AWS D1.1:2025 has 11 clauses plus annexes — learn the structure and what each clause covers
- Key tables: 5.3 (base metals), 5.4 (filler metals), 5.8 (preheat), 7.4 (fillet size), 8.1 (VT acceptance)
- Part C tests navigation speed and code interpretation — not memorization
- Tab your code book for key clauses, tables, and figures for rapid navigation
- Budget approximately 3.3 minutes per question — skip and return if you cannot find the answer quickly
- The table of contents and index are your most important navigation tools
Last updated: March 2026
9.1 AWS D1.1:2025 Code Structure and Navigation
AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2025 — Structural Welding Code – Steel is the most widely used code for Part C of the CWI exam. The ability to navigate this code quickly and accurately is the single most important skill for passing Part C.
Code Structure Overview
AWS D1.1:2025 contains 11 main clauses plus normative and informative annexes:
| Clause | Title | Key Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Requirements | Scope, limitations, responsibilities, definitions |
| 2 | Normative References | Supporting documents referenced in the code |
| 3 | Terms and Definitions | All technical terms used throughout the code |
| 4 | Design of Welded Connections | Allowable stresses, effective areas, fatigue provisions |
| 5 | Prequalification of WPSs | Joint details, base metals, filler metals, preheat requirements |
| 6 | Qualification | WPS qualification, welder/operator qualification, test methods |
| 7 | Fabrication | Preparation, assembly, tolerances, welding technique requirements |
| 8 | Inspection | VT, NDE, acceptance criteria, inspector qualifications |
| 9 | Stud Welding | Requirements specific to stud welding applications |
| 10 | Tubular Structures | Requirements specific to tubular connections (HSS, pipes) |
| 11 | Strengthening and Repair | Repair of existing structures, fatigue enhancement |
Key Tables You MUST Know How to Find
| Table | Content | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Table 5.3 | Approved base metals (prequalification) | Clause 5 |
| Table 5.4 | Matching filler metals for prequalified WPS | Clause 5 |
| Table 5.8 | Minimum preheat and interpass temperatures | Clause 5 |
| Table 6.1 | WPS essential variable changes requiring requalification | Clause 6 |
| Table 7.4 | Minimum fillet weld size | Clause 7 |
| Table 8.1 | Visual inspection acceptance criteria | Clause 8 |
| Table 8.2 | UT acceptance-rejection criteria | Clause 8 |
| Figure 5.1 | Prequalified CJP groove welded joint details | Clause 5 |
| Figure 5.2 | Prequalified PJP groove welded joint details | Clause 5 |
| Figure 7.1 | Fillet weld profiles (acceptable/unacceptable) | Clause 7 |
Part C Exam Strategy
- Tab your code book — use colored tabs for key clauses, tables, and figures
- Practice code navigation — time yourself finding specific clauses and tables
- Read the question carefully — identify what clause/table is needed before opening the book
- Use the table of contents and index — they are your fastest navigation tools
- Mark nothing permanently — no highlighting or writing in the code book (per exam rules)
- Learn the code organization — knowing where information lives saves minutes per question
What Part C Tests
Part C questions test your ability to:
- Locate specific requirements in the code
- Interpret tables, figures, and text correctly
- Apply code requirements to specific scenarios
- Determine accept/reject decisions based on code criteria
- Cross-reference between clauses (e.g., using Table 5.8 with Table 5.3)
For the Exam: You have 3 hours for 55 questions (50 scored) — that is approximately 3.3 minutes per question. If you cannot find an answer within 4 minutes, mark it and move on. Navigation speed is everything.
Test Your Knowledge
Which AWS D1.1 table provides the visual inspection acceptance criteria for welds?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which AWS D1.1 clause covers prequalification of WPSs?
A
B
C
D