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Question 1

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In the SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) process, what is the primary function of the flux coating on the electrode?

To increase the welding current

To provide shielding gas and slag to protect the weld pool

To cool the weld metal rapidly

To increase the melting rate of the base metal

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CAWI Exam

72%

Passing Score

Per each exam part

261

Total Exam Questions

Parts A + B + C combined

6 hours

Total Exam Time

Three parts combined

2+ years

Experience Required

With high school diploma

3 years

Credential Validity

Non-renewable

$1,255

Exam Fee (Member)

AWS 2026 price list

The CAWI exam uses the same three-part format as the CWI with a 72% passing score on each part. It requires 2+ years of welding-related experience (vs. 5+ for CWI) and costs $1,255-$1,520. The credential is valid for 3 years and cannot be renewed — it serves as a stepping stone to CWI. Average welding inspector salaries range from $50,000 to $83,000 depending on experience and industry.

Sample CAWI Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CAWI exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In the SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) process, what is the primary function of the flux coating on the electrode?

A.To increase the welding current

B.To provide shielding gas and slag to protect the weld pool

C.To cool the weld metal rapidly

D.To increase the melting rate of the base metal

Explanation: The flux coating on SMAW electrodes decomposes during welding to generate a shielding gas that protects the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination. It also produces a slag layer that covers and protects the cooling weld metal. Additionally, flux can stabilize the arc and add alloying elements to the weld deposit.

2Which welding process uses a continuously fed consumable wire electrode with an externally supplied shielding gas?

A.SMAW

B.GTAW

C.GMAW

D.SAW

Explanation: GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), also known as MIG welding, uses a continuously fed consumable wire electrode and an external shielding gas such as argon, CO2, or a mixture. SMAW uses a coated stick electrode, GTAW uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode, and SAW uses a granular flux blanket rather than a gas shield.

3What type of electrode is used in GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding)?

A.Consumable steel electrode

B.Non-consumable tungsten electrode

C.Consumable flux-cored electrode

D.Self-shielded wire electrode

Explanation: GTAW uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to establish and maintain the arc. Because tungsten has an extremely high melting point, the electrode does not melt into the weld pool. If filler metal is needed, it is added separately by hand or by an automatic feed system.

4Which of the following is a characteristic of the SAW (Submerged Arc Welding) process?

A.The arc is visible during welding

B.It uses a granular flux that submerges the arc

C.It is commonly used for thin sheet metal

D.It requires no filler metal

Explanation: In SAW, the arc is completely buried beneath a blanket of granular fusible flux, making it invisible during welding. This submerged arc produces deep penetration, high deposition rates, and excellent weld quality. SAW is typically used on thicker materials in flat or horizontal positions and is common in heavy fabrication and pipe manufacturing.

5What does the term 'duty cycle' refer to in welding?

A.The number of electrodes used per hour

B.The percentage of time a machine can weld at rated output in a 10-minute period

C.The total hours a welder works per shift

D.The time required to change electrodes

Explanation: Duty cycle is the percentage of a 10-minute period that a welding machine can operate at its rated output without overheating. For example, a 60% duty cycle at 300 amps means the machine can weld for 6 minutes and must cool for 4 minutes out of every 10-minute period. Exceeding the duty cycle can damage the equipment.

6What is the AWS designation for carbon steel covered electrodes used in SMAW?

A.AWS A5.1

B.AWS A5.9

C.AWS A5.18

D.AWS A5.20

Explanation: AWS A5.1 is the specification for carbon steel electrodes used in SMAW. AWS A5.9 covers stainless steel bare and composite metal cored electrodes and rods, AWS A5.18 covers carbon steel filler metals for GMAW, and AWS A5.20 covers carbon steel flux-cored electrodes for FCAW.

7An E7018 electrode classification tells the inspector which of the following about the electrode?

A.It has a minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi and a low-hydrogen coating

B.It can only be used in the flat position

C.It requires no preheat for any base metal

D.It is designed exclusively for stainless steel

Explanation: In the AWS E7018 designation, 'E' stands for electrode, '70' indicates 70,000 psi minimum tensile strength, '1' means it can be used in all positions, and '8' denotes a low-hydrogen potassium iron powder coating with AC or DCEP polarity. Low-hydrogen electrodes are critical for preventing hydrogen-induced cracking in higher-strength or thicker steels.

8What does the term 'heat-affected zone' (HAZ) refer to?

A.The area of the weld that is heated by post-weld heat treatment

B.The portion of the base metal that has not melted but whose properties have been altered by the heat of welding

C.The molten weld pool during welding

D.The area surrounding the welding machine

Explanation: The heat-affected zone (HAZ) is the area of base metal adjacent to the weld that did not melt but experienced microstructural and property changes due to the thermal cycle of welding. The HAZ can be harder or softer than the unaffected base metal depending on the material and cooling rate, and it is often the most vulnerable region for cracking.

9Which welding position is designated as '1G' according to AWS standards?

A.Vertical up

B.Horizontal

C.Flat groove

D.Overhead

Explanation: The 1G position is the flat groove weld position, where the weld axis is horizontal and the weld face is on the upper surface. The 'G' indicates a groove weld. The corresponding positions are 2G (horizontal), 3G (vertical), and 4G (overhead). For fillet welds, the designations use 'F' instead of 'G'.

10What is the primary purpose of preheat in welding?

A.To increase welding speed

B.To reduce the cooling rate and minimize the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking

C.To eliminate the need for post-weld heat treatment

D.To improve the appearance of the weld bead

Explanation: Preheating slows down the cooling rate of the weld and HAZ, which reduces the formation of hard, brittle martensite and allows more time for hydrogen to diffuse out of the weld. This significantly lowers the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking (cold cracking). Preheat is especially important for higher carbon equivalent steels and thicker sections.

About the CAWI Exam

The AWS Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) exam is the same three-part exam as the CWI, designed for professionals who have the knowledge but not yet the full work experience required for CWI. Part A covers welding fundamentals (150 scored questions, closed book), Part B tests hands-on practical inspection (46 questions), and Part C assesses codebook application (50-65 questions, open book). CAWI holders work under CWI or SCWI supervision while gaining experience to upgrade to full CWI.

Questions

261 scored questions

Time Limit

6 hours total (Part A: 135 min, Part B: 120 min, Part C: 120 min)

Passing Score

72% on each part

Exam Fee

$1,255-$1,520 (AWS (American Welding Society))

CAWI Exam Content Outline

12%

Definitions and Terminology

Welding terms, joint types, weld types, positions, and fundamental welding language per AWS standards.

12%

Welding Processes

SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW — process principles, equipment, shielding, electrode classification, and metal transfer modes.

10%

Welding and NDE Symbols

AWS welding symbol interpretation including reference lines, arrow/other side, supplementary symbols, and NDE symbol conventions.

10%

Weld Examination

Visual inspection, acceptance criteria per AWS D1.1/API 1104/ASME, discontinuity identification, and inspection tools.

Welding Performance

WPS, PQR, welder qualification, essential/non-essential variables, and procedure qualification testing.

NDE Test Methods

Visual testing (VT), magnetic particle (MT), liquid penetrant (PT), ultrasonic (UT), and radiographic (RT) testing methods.

Heat Control and Metallurgy

Preheat, interpass temperature, PWHT, HAZ, carbon equivalent, hydrogen cracking, and hot cracking mechanisms.

Welding Calculations

Heat input formulas, unit conversions, and math problems relevant to welding inspection.

Duties and Responsibilities

Inspector duties before/during/after welding, ethics, documentation, reporting, and CAWI supervision requirements.

Destructive Tests

Bend tests, tensile tests, Charpy V-notch impact tests, hardness tests, and macro-etch examination.

Cutting Processes

Oxyfuel cutting, plasma arc cutting, air carbon arc gouging, and associated quality considerations.

How to Pass the CAWI Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 72% on each part
Exam length: 261 questions
Time limit: 6 hours total (Part A: 135 min, Part B: 120 min, Part C: 120 min)
Exam fee: $1,255-$1,520

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CAWI Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on Part A fundamentals — it has 150 scored questions across 11 content domains and represents the largest portion of the exam

2Master welding symbols thoroughly — symbol questions appear on all three exam parts and are a common area where candidates lose points

3Practice heat input calculations until they are second nature — know the formula and be able to solve problems quickly with a calculator

4Study your chosen codebook (D1.1, API 1104, or ASME) extensively for Part C and know how to navigate it efficiently using bookmarks and tabs

5Review weld discontinuities with photos — know the visual appearance, causes, and acceptance criteria for porosity, slag, cracks, undercut, and lack of fusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CAWI and CWI certification?

The CAWI and CWI take the same three-part exam (Parts A, B, and C) with the same 72% passing score. The key difference is experience: CAWI requires 2 years of welding-related experience (or 6 months with qualifying education), while CWI requires 5+ years. CAWI holders must work under CWI/SCWI supervision. The CAWI credential is valid for 3 years and is non-renewable — it is designed as a stepping stone to upgrade to CWI once you gain enough experience.

How much does the CAWI exam cost in 2026?

The initial CAWI exam costs $1,255 for AWS members and $1,520 for non-members (effective January 1, 2026). This covers all three exam parts (A, B, and C). Optional Part B training adds $745. Upgrading from CAWI to CWI later costs $325 (members) or $590 (non-members). Retest fees range from $385-$1,180 depending on which parts need to be retaken.

How many questions are on the CAWI exam?

The CAWI exam has three parts: Part A (Fundamentals) has 165 questions (150 scored, 15 unscored pretest) with a 135-minute time limit. Part B (Practical) has 46 questions using hands-on inspection tools and weld replicas with a 120-minute limit. Part C (Codebook) has 50-65 questions (varies by code) with a 120-minute limit. Total exam time is approximately 6 hours.

What experience do I need for the CAWI certification?

CAWI requires a high school diploma plus 2 years of qualifying welding-related work experience. Alternatively, if you have 2 years of post-high school education in welding, engineering technology, engineering, or physical sciences, you need only 6 months of qualifying experience. You must also pass a vision test (Jaeger J2 at 12 inches) and submit supporting documentation.

Can the CAWI certification be renewed?

No. The CAWI credential is valid for 3 years and cannot be renewed or recertified. It is designed as a pathway to full CWI certification. During the 3-year period, you should gain the additional work experience needed to meet CWI requirements and apply to upgrade your credential for $325 (members) or $590 (non-members) without retaking the exam.

Where is the CAWI exam taken?

Parts A and C are computer-based tests (CBT) taken at Prometric Testing Centers, with over 450 locations worldwide. Part B is a hands-on practical exam administered at AWS-approved test sites across the United States and at international locations. Part B must be scheduled and taken before Parts A and C. You must receive a Confirmation Letter from AWS before scheduling.

What is the salary range for welding inspectors?

Entry-level welding inspectors (including CAWI holders) typically earn $45,000-$60,000 annually. With CWI certification and experience, salaries rise to $65,000-$85,000. Experienced CWIs in high-demand sectors like oil and gas, nuclear, or aerospace can earn $90,000-$120,000+. Independent contractor inspectors may earn even higher hourly rates.