What we offer

  • Visual weld inspection to AWS D1.1 and related structural, aluminum and aerospace welding codes.
  • WPS and PQR development and review. Writing welding procedure specifications and procedure qualification records, or reviewing yours against the governing code.
  • Welder performance qualification. Overseeing welder qualification tests and checking the records that support them.
  • In-process inspection. Fit-up, pre-weld and post-weld verification at the hold points your contract or code calls for.
  • Coordination with NDT. Planning where ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle and penetrant testing fit, so the weld has everything it needs for acceptance.

We are a consulting practice, not a field-inspection contractor. CWI work is scheduled as a defined scope, such as a procedure package, a qualification test, a hold-point inspection or an independent verification, rather than as staffed inspection crews.

Who it is for

  • Fabricators qualifying new welding procedures or welders.
  • Structural steel and aluminum shops that need a CWI on a specific job or for a customer audit.
  • Owners, engineers and contractors who want independent verification of fabricated work.
  • Manufacturers whose welding program needs a documented review before a customer or registrar visit.

How an engagement works

  • 1. Scope. The governing code and edition, drawings and contract requirements, and what needs inspecting or qualifying.
  • 2. Document review. WPS, PQR and welder qualification records checked before any metal is inspected, because many problems start on paper.
  • 3. Inspection plan. Hold points agreed with you: fit-up, in-process, final visual, and where NDT is required.
  • 4. Inspection and reporting. Findings reported against the code's acceptance criteria, with clear dispositions.

Codes and certifications

  • AWS D1.1 covers structural welding of steel, including visual inspection acceptance criteria and procedure and welder qualification.
  • AWS D1.2 covers structural welding of aluminum, and AWS D17.1 covers fusion welding for aerospace applications.
  • AWS QC1 is the standard under which the American Welding Society certifies welding inspectors, including the CWI.
  • NDT personnel who perform the volumetric and surface methods are qualified under their employer's written practice (SNT-TC-1A, CP-189 or NAS410) or certified under ISO 9712.

For the inspector certifications used in refining and petrochemical plants, see our guide to API inspector certifications.

Frequently asked questions

What does a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) do?

A CWI verifies welding before, during and after the weld is made: that the procedure is qualified, the welder is qualified for it, the joint is fitted up correctly, the procedure is followed, and the finished weld meets the code's visual acceptance criteria. The CWI certification is issued by the American Welding Society.

Is a CWI the same as an NDT inspector?

No. A CWI is primarily concerned with the welding process and visual inspection. Ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle and penetrant testing are performed by NDT personnel qualified in those methods. The two work together, and we help plan where each fits.

What is the difference between a WPS and a PQR?

A WPS (welding procedure specification) is the written instruction a welder follows. A PQR (procedure qualification record) is the record of the test weld and the tests that proved the procedure produces sound welds. A qualified WPS is supported by one or more PQRs.

Is API 577 the same as a CWI?

No. The CWI is the American Welding Society's certification for welding inspectors. API 577 is an American Petroleum Institute recommended practice on welding inspection and metallurgy for refining and petrochemical equipment, and API offers a separate certification based on it. Which one a job calls for depends on the owner's program and the code.

Do you provide inspection crews?

No. NDT LLC is a consulting practice. We provide CWI services as defined engagements, such as procedure development, qualification oversight, hold-point inspections and independent verification, rather than staffing crews for production inspection.

This page describes our consulting services in general terms. It is not engineering, legal or regulatory advice; always work to the current edition of the codes, standards and customer specifications named in your contract.

NDT LLC is an independent consulting firm. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), the American Petroleum Institute (API), the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), or any other organization named on this page; names are used only to identify the organizations and documents referred to.