ANSI/AWS QC1-96	An American National Standard

Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors

1.Scope

1.1 This standard establishes the requirements for AWS certification of inspection personnel. It describes how personnel are qualified, and the principles of conduct and practice by which certification may be maintained. Any oral or written claim of certification under the guidelines established herein shall be made only by those individual SCWIs, CWIs and CAWIs who are, at the time of the claim, current and in compliance with all sections of this standard.

1.2 The three levels of certification are Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI), Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), and Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI).

1.3 In the certification process, AWS conducts an examination to determine a person's general knowledge of welding inspection and related technical areas. No determination is made of an individual's capabilities in applying that knowledge within a specific work environment or under actual working conditions.

1.4 In the certification process, the employer is responsible for determining that a person has all qualifications as stated herein.

1.5 It shall be the responsibility of the employer to determine that the SCWI/CWI/CAWI is capable of performing the duties involved in his/her particular welding inspection assignment.

1.6 This standard is intended to supplement the requirements of an employer, code, or other documents and shall not be construed as a preemption of the employer's responsibility for the work or for the performance of the work.

1.7 Safety Precautions. This document is not intended to address safety and health matters regarding certified welding inspectors. Safety and health requirements are provided in ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding and Cutting, other safety and health standards, and federal, state, and local government regulations. This document only covers the rules of certification.

2. Levels of Certification

There are three levels of AWS certification of welding inspection personnel. These levels are defined as follows:

2.1 Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI). A person certified by AWS as meeting the qualification requirements of 5.1 and 6.

2.2 Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). A person certified by AWS as meeting the qualification requirements of  5.2 and 6.

2.3 Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI). A person certified by AWS as meeting the qualification requirements of 5.3 and 6.

3. Definitions

The welding terms used in this standard are defined in ANSI/AWS A3.0, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions. Other terms used in this standard are defined as follows:

approved. To accept as satisfactory.

acceptance Criteria. Specified limits placed on characteristics of an item or process defined in codes, specifications, or other documents.

applicant. A person who applies to the AWS for certification.

AWS. The American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, Florida 33126.

certificate. The document issued to the applicant on successful completion of the requirements for certification.

certification. The act of determining, verifying and attesting in writing to the qualification of personnel in conformance to specified requirements.

Certification Department. The Certification Department of the American Welding Society.

code. A standard suitable for adoption by a governmental authority.

committee. The Certification Committee of the American Welding Society.

CWE. Certified Welding Educator.

NDE. Nondestructive Examination. The act of determining the suitability of some material or component for its intended purpose using techniques that do not affect its serviceability.

QA. Quality Assurance. Specification of quality assurance methods, procedures, or criteria for employer or client. Review quality assurance programs of vendors, subcontractors, or other organizations. Conduct or supervise quality audits of vendors, subcontractors, or other organizations.

qualification. Demonstrated training, skill, knowledge and experience required for personnel to perform the duties of a specific job.

Qualified. Having complied with specific requirements.

QC. Quality Control. Detection and measurement of weld discontinuities or the supervision of individuals so involved. Specification of quality control methods, procedures, and acceptance criteria. Review of quality control programs of vendors, subcontractors, or other organizations.

specification. A standard suitable for adoption in procurement documents.

standard. A generic term incorporating codes, specifications, recommended practices, classifications, methods, and guides that have been prepared by a sponsoring committee, and approved and adopted in accordance with established procedures.

verb usage. As used in this standard, the word shall denotes a requirement, the word should denotes a guideline and the word may denotes a choice.

4. Functions

4.1 Capability

4.1.1 The SCWI shall be able to perform inspections, supervise one or more CWIs, CAWIs, and/or NDE personnel, prepare inspection procedures, review and interpret joining procedures, conduct audits of vendors and/or organizations providing materials or services to the project, and ensure that the work performed and the records maintained conform to the requirements of the applicable standards and other contract documents.

4.1.2 The CWI shall be able to perform inspections or to verify that the work inspected, and records maintained, conform to the requirements of the applicable standards.

4.1.3 The CAWI shall be able to perform inspections, under the direct supervision of a SCWI or CWI within visible and audible range, and as defined in 4.2. It is the SCWI or CWI, however, who has responsibility for determining if welded assemblies conform to workmanship and acceptance criteria.

4.2 Duties

The Welding Inspector's specific duties are defined by the employer; however, applicants shall be able to demonstrate their abilities to perform the following duties:

4.2.1 Interpret drawings and other documents.

4.2.2 Verify that the base materials and consumable welding materials conform to the specifications and that welding filler metals used are as specified for each base material or combination of base materials.

4.2.3 Verify that the welding equipment to be used for the work is appropriate for use with the welding procedure and has the capability to meet the applicable requirements of the welding procedure.

4.2.4 Verify that the welding procedures are as specified and are qualified, and that the welding is performed in conformance to the applicable procedure.

4.2.4.1 Witness performance and testing of procedure qualification test assemblies, or supervise these activities when performed by outside agencies.

4.2.4.2 Verify documentation of procedure qualification test results.

4.2.5 Verify that welders, welding operators, and tack welders have been qualified in conformance to the applicable standards, and that they are qualified to use the welding procedures specified for the work.

4.2.5.1 Witness testing of the welder test assemblies and/or welding operator qualification test assemblies, or supervise these activities when performed by outside agencies.

4.2.5.2 Verify documentation of performance qualification test results.

4.2.5.3 Require requalification if there is evidence the welder's or welding operator's work does not conform to the requirements of the applicable standard.

4.2.5.4 Require requalification if the welder's or welding operator's qualification is not current.

4.2.6 Inspection of Work

4.2.6.1 Verify that only approved or qualified welding procedures are used for the work.

4.2.6.2 Verify that the edge preparation or joint geometry meet the requirements of the welding procedure and drawings.

4.2.6.3 Verify that the specified filler metals are used and that filler metals are maintained in proper condition, per requirements, or as recommended by the manufacturer.

4.2.6.4 Verify that the technique and performance of each welder, welding operator, and tack welder are as specified.

4.2.6.5 Verify that the work conforms to requirements of the applicable standards, drawings, or other documents.

4.2.6.6 Verify that the work inspected is identified and documented in accordance with specified requirements.

4.2.7 Nondestructive Examination

4.2.7.1 Perform the required visual examinations.

4.2.7.2 Verify that the required visual and other nondestructive examinations have been performed by qualified personnel in the specified manner. Review the resulting information to ensure that the results are complete.

4.2.7.3 Perform any further nondestructive examinations that are required, provided qualifications are in conformance to the specified requirements.

4.2.8 Records

4.2.8.1 Prepare clear and concise reports and verify that records of the welding procedure, the welding procedure qualification, the welder's, welding operator's and tack welder's qualifications, the control of welding materials, and the results of examinations are maintained.

5. Education and Experience Requirements

5.1 Senior Certified Welding Inspector. Each applicant for certification as a Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI):

5.1.1 Shall be a high school graduate, or hold a state or military approved high school equivalency diploma.

5.1.2 Shall have no fewer than fifteen years experience in an occupational function that has a direct relationship to welded assemblies fabricated to national or international standards and be directly involved in one or more of the following:

5.1.2.1 Design. Preparation of plans, drawings, procedures, inspection requirements and acceptance criteria, and/or specifications for weldments.

5.1.2.2 Production. Planning, control, supervision, and/or application of base metals and filler metals in the preparation and completion of production weldments.

5.1.2.3 Construction. Fabrication, erection, and/or supervision of personnel in erection of welded assemblies or sub-assemblies.

5.1.2.4 Quality Control. Detection and measurement of weld discontinuities or the supervision of individuals so involved. Specification of quality control (QC) methods, procedures, and acceptance criteria. Review of quality control programs of vendors, subcontractors, or other organizations.

5.1.2.5 Quality Assurance. Specification of quality assurance (QA) methods, procedures, or criteria for employer or client. Review quality assurance programs of vendors, subcontractors, or other organizations. Conduct or supervise quality audits of vendors, subcontractors, or other organizations.

5.1.2.6 Examination. Specification of detection and measurement of weld discontinuities, preparation of documented (written) procedures for visual or other nondestructive evaluation processes, or destructive tests to be applied. Supervision of one or more technicians engaged in examination testing. Application of visual or other nondestructive evaluation processes to a written procedure.

5.1.2.7 Repair. Repair of welds that are defective, or supervision of personnel performing weld repair.

5.1.3 All applicants must successfully complete (minimum 75% correct) the SCWI examination provided by the American Welding Society. This examination shall include questions relating to inspection, quality assurance, nondestructive examination, and welding processes, extracted from referenced study materials.;

5.1.4 Shall submit with the application, written verification of documented employment as outlined in 5.1.2, above. This verification shall be completed and signed by the applicant's most recent employment supervisor or the appropriate personnel department staff, attesting to the applicant's employment activities of which he/she has personal knowledge or documentation.

5.1.5 Shall have been responsible for the supervision of one or more QC, QA, or NDE personnel in the conduct of welding, examination, design, fabrication, or construction involving structures fabricated by welding, brazing, or soldering for a minimum of three years. If the applicant is a consultant, the verification of supervisory experience may be by affidavit from either the employer or a client.

5.1.6 Shall have been certified as an AWS CWI for a minimum of six years.

5.1.7 Shall be familiar with, understand, and be capable of applying and/or preparing specifications and procedures for the following joining and cutting processes:

SMAW, GTAW, SW, Thermal Cutting, SAW, FCAW, Brazing; Soldering, OFW, GMAW, ESW, EGW, RW, LBW, Thermal Spraying, EBW, PAW, Mechanical Cutting

Note: Cutting processes refer only to those that are applied to the fabrication and repair of weldments.

5.1.8 Shall be familiar with, understand, and be capable of specifying, planning and/or supervising personnel performing the following activities:

VT, UT, RT, AET, ET, MT, PT, LT, QA Audits, QA Procedures; QA Surveillance;

5.1.9 Shall be thoroughly familiar with and capable of performing or supervising others in the performance of the duties described in Section 4. Functions.

5.1.10 Alternatives to 5.1.2 with supporting documentation (e.g., copies of transcripts which specify credited hours of training, quarter hours, or semester hours) may be substituted as follows, with the exception that a maximum of three (3) years of experience may be substituted using the provisions of 5.1.10.1 and 5.1.10.2 individually, or in combination.

5.1.10.1;A maximum of two years of post-high school education may be substituted for an equal number of years of the required fifteen years experience, provided studies are relevant to any of the functions described in 5.1.2. Credit is given as follows:

(1) Associate or higher degree. Two years maximum if the degree is in engineering technology, engineering, or a physical science.

(2) Engineering/Technical School Courses. Two years maximum, and then only for successfully completed courses* in a curriculum that can be (or could be) applied to (1) above.

(3) Trade/Vocational Courses. One year maximum, and then only for successfully completed courses* in a curriculum related to welding that can be (or could be) applied to (1) above.

*Note: "Course in the curriculum" means courses within a body of courses offered toward a degree, or that can be applied to a degree in (1) above. "Successfully completed courses" means a completed quarter or semester with credit in that course. Documentation of the number of actual hours completed is necessary prior to notification of actual credit allowed.

5.1.10.2 Three years of relevant** teaching experience may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the fifteen years experience requirement with documentation (e.g., photocopied summaries of subjects taught, teaching certificates, and letters of reference) or a current CWE, in conformance to AWS QC5, may substitute for 3 of the 15 years experience requirement.

**Note: Relevant experience shall be considered on the following basis: Teaching full-time in a trade, area or technical school, college or university, in the occupational skill of welding or subjects related to welding; its application, control, materials, and processes.

5.2 Certified Welding Inspector. Each applicant for certification as a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI):

5.2.1 Shall be a high school graduate; or hold a state or military approved high school equivalency diploma.

5.2.2 Shall have no fewer than five years experience in an occupational function that has a direct relationship to welded assemblies fabricated to national or international standards and be directly involved in one or more of the following:

5.2.2.1 Design. Preparation of plans and drawings for weldments.

5.2.2.2 Production. Planning and control of welding materials, welding procedures and welding operations for weldments.

5.2.2.3 Construction. Fabrication and/or erection of weldments.

5.2.2.4 Examination. Detection and measurement of weld discontinuities and verification of fabrication requirements described in 4.2.

5.2.2.5 Repair. Repair of welds that are defective.

5.2.3 Shall submit, with the application, written verification of the documented employment. This verification shall be completed and signed by the applicant's most recent employment supervisor or the appropriate personnel department staff, attesting to the applicant's employment activities of which he/she has personal knowledge or documentation.

5.2.4 Alternatives to 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 with proper supporting documentation (e.g., copies of transcripts, letters of reference, etc. which specify credited hours of training, quarter hours, or semester hours) may be substituted as follows, with the exception that a maximum of two (2) years of experience may be substituted using the provisions of 5.2.4.3 and 5.2.4.4 individually or in combination.

5.2.4.1 Eighth grade level schooling with not less than 10 years work experience in welding functions described in 5.2.2.

5.2.4.2 Less than an eighth grade level schooling with not less than 15 years work experience in welding functions described in 5.2.2.

5.2.4.3 A maximum of two (2) years of post-high school education may be substituted for an equal number of years of the required five years experience, provided studies are relevant to any of the functions described in 5.2.2. Credit is given as follows:

1. Associate or higher degree. Two years maximum if the degree is in engineering technology, engineering, or physical sciences.

2. Engineering/Technical School Courses. two years maximum, and then only for successfully completed courses* in a curriculum that can be (or could be) applied to (1) above.

3. Trade/Vocational Courses. One year maximum, and then only for successfully completed courses* in a curriculum related to welding that can be (or could be) applied to (1) above.

*Note: "Course in the curriculum" means courses within a body of courses offered toward a degree, or that can be applied to a degree in (1) above. "Successfully completed courses" means a completed quarter or semester with credit in that course. Documentation of the number of actual hours completed is necessary prior to notification of actual credit allowed.

5.2.4.4 Three years of relevant** teaching experience may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the five years experience requirement with proper documentation or a current CWE in accordance with AWS QC5 may substitute for three (3) of the 5 years experience requirement (e.g., photocopied summaries of subjects taught, teaching certificates, and letters of reference).

**Note: Relevant experience shall be considered on the following basis: Teaching full time in a trade, area or technical school, college or university, in the occupational skill of welding or subjects related to welding; its application, control, materials, and processes.

5.2.5 Shall be familiar with and understand fundamentals of the following processes

SMAW, GTAW, SW, Thermal Cutting; SAW, FCAW, EGW, Brazing; OFW, GMAW; ESW, Soldering; RW, LBW, Thermal Spraying; EBW, PAW, Mechanical Cutting

Note: Cutting processes refer only to those that are applied to the fabrication and repair of weldments.

5.2.6 Shall be familiar with and understand the following examination methods:

VT, UT, RT, MT, PT, AET, LT, ET

5.2.7 Shall be thoroughly familiar with and capable of performing the duties described in Section 4. Functions.

5.3 Certified Associate Welding Inspector. Each applicant for certification as Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI):

5.3.1 Shall be a high school graduate or hold a state or military approved high school equivalency diploma.

5.3.2 Shall have no fewer than two years experience in an occupational function that has a direct relationship to weldments fabricated to national or international standards and directly involved in one or more of the following:

5.3.2.1 Design. Preparation of plans and drawings for weldments.

5.3.2.2 Production. Planning and control of welding materials, welding procedures and welding operations for weldments.

5.3.2.3 Construction. Fabrication and/or erection of weldments.

5.3.2.4 Examination. Detection and measurement of weld discontinuities and verification of fabrication requirements described in 4.2.

5.3.2.5 Repair. Repair of welds that are defective.

5.3.3 Shall submit, with the application, written verification of employment. This verification shall be completed and signed by the applicant's most recent employment supervisor or the appropriate employment activities of which he/she has personal knowledge or documentation.

5.3.4 Alternatives to 5.3.1 and 5.3.2, with proper supporting documentation (e.g., copies of transcripts, letters of reference, etc., which specify earned credit hours of training, quarter hours, or semester hours):

5.3.4.1 Eighth grade level of schooling with not less than four years work experience in welding functions described in 5.3.2.

5.3.4.2 Less than an eighth grade level of schooling with not less than six years experience in welding functions, as defined in 5.3.2.

5.3.4.3 Eighth grade level of schooling with not less than one year of vocational education and training in a welding curriculum and at least three years experience in welding functions, as defined in 5.3.2.

5.3.4.4 Two years post-high school education in welding curriculum or engineering technology, engineering, or physical sciences, and at least six months experience in welding functions, as defined in 5.3.2.

5.3.5 Shall be familiar with and understand the fundamentals of the following processes

SMAW, GTAW, SW, SAW, FCAW, OFW, GMAW, ESW, RW, LBW, EGW, EBW, PAW, Soldering, Brazing, Thermal Cutting, Mechanical Cutting, Thermal Spraying

Note: Cutting processes refer only to those that are applied to the fabrication and repair of weldments.

5.3.6 Shall be familiar with, and capable of performing under the direction or supervision of the CWI, specific duties described in Section 4. Functions.

6. Examination Requirements

6.1 Applicants shall meet the following examination requirements to be considered for certification as either SCWI, CWI, or CAWI:

6.1.1 Pass an eye examination, with or without corrective lenses, to prove near vision acuity on Jaeger J2 at 12". Shall take a color perception test. Eye examination results shall be submitted on forms furnished by the AWS Certification Department.

Note: Near vision acuity is considered essential to the proper performance of welding examination. Failure to meet the above level of acuity shall be adequate cause to reject an applicant or refuse recertification. Color vision acuity is desirable in some specific applications, but is not considered essential for all examinations. It shall be the employer's responsibility to establish and enforce color perception requirements for those SCWIs, CWIs and CAWIs in his/her employ.

6.1.1.1 Eye examinations shall be administered by an Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, Medical Doctor, Registered Nurse, Certified Physician's Assistant, or by other ophthalmic medical personnel. Examinations shall be performed not more than 7 months prior to the date of the welding inspector examination or recertification.

6.1.1.2 The completed eye examination results shall be received in the AWS Certification Department NOT LATER THAN 30 DAYS after the applicant's completed examination date. Applicants who have NOT fulfilled ALL requirements by that date shall have ALL records, scores, and applications VOIDED.

6.1.2 Pass a written three part examination as follows:

6.1.2.1 An open book test on the requirements of a fabrication standard.

6.1.2.2 A closed book test on fundamental principles on topics including, but not limited to, welding and nondestructive testing processes, safety, inspector's duties, weld discontinuities, welding symbols, mechanical properties of metals, and basic on-the-job arithmetic.

6.1.2.3 A test on practical application of welding inspection knowledge including, but not limited to, welding procedure qualification, welder qualification, mechanical testing, drawing/specification compliance, welding examination, and nondestructive testing processes.

6.1.2.4 Applicants shall pass each part of the examination. Individuals failing one part of the written examination must retest on all parts of the examination.

Notes: (1) SCWIs, CWIs, and CAWIs who fail to meet the minimum scores for their respective certification upon reexamination shall be considered no longer certified. Such persons will be notified of their status in writing.(2) SCWIs and CWIs who fail to meet the minimum requirements for their respective certification upon reexamination may be certified for the certification level that they actually achieved.(3) CWIs and CAWIs whose scores on each part of the examination meet the requirements of a higher certification level may request an upgrade to that level when the requirements of 5.1 or 5.2 are satisfied.

Note: Certification upgrade is not automatic. Applicant must complete and submit all necessary documents for consideration. Also, refer to Section 11. Upgrading of Certification.

7. Certification

7.1 Documentation

The American Welding Society shall issue to each SCWI, CWI, and CAWI applicant who complies with the requirements of Section 5.1, or 5.2 or 5.3 and 6., as applicable, a serialized (unique number) certificate and a wallet card stating that the applicant has met the AWS certification requirements. Certification shall be valid for three years unless revoked for reasons defined in 8.6 and the authority of Section 9. Revocation. The certificate shall indicate the date of certification. The wallet card shall indicate the expiration date of certification and any need for corrective lenses for near vision acuity. It shall also state results of color vision tests.

7.2 Verification

The American Welding Society shall release certification test results only to the applicant SCWI/CWI/CAWI, or to a person or agency designated by the applicant SCWI/CWI/CAWI upon written request, and with notarized and witnessed release. The exception to this requirement are members of American Welding Society staff and members and officers of the Certification Committee, who may request and receive access to all information relating to program participants in the necessary pursuit of their duties on behalf of the program. Test results, in addition to those provided at the time of examination, may require payment of a nominal administrative fee. Verbal requests for verification of status and certification number of SCWI'S, CWI's, and CAWI's shall be provided to requestors without charge. Only the certification number, date certified and current status (current, revoked, etc.) shall be provided by American Welding Society staff members without the express, written approval of the applicant, SCWI, CWI, or CAWI.

7.3 Reciprocity

The American Welding Society may issue a SCWI, CWI, or CAWI certificate to applicants who have met requirements equivalent to those of 5.1, 5.2. 5.3 and 6., the latter by successfully completing the examination of a reciprocal country, and holding a currently valid certificate. Reciprocity periods are for 3 year terms from the date of validation, or for the certification period remaining within his/her country's certificate, whichever is less. Recertification for any remaining months or years (maximum of 3 years) of the SCWI/CWI/CAWI's home country's certification may be accomplished by submitting a "Renewal Application."

Notes:(1) Except as noted in 12.2.2, recertification by application is limited to a total of nine years without examination.(2) Reciprocity certifications shall remain in force until such time as the normal certification period has elapsed, or upon findings by the Committee, and confirmed by the Board of Directors, that the particular program upon which the original reciprocity was based is not being administered in conformance to the submitted specifications. Changes to programs subsequent to granting reciprocity shall be cause for reevaluation by the Qualification and Certification Committee of issuance of certifications beyond the date of change.

Contact the AWS Certification Department for a listing of current reciprocal agreements.

8. Code of Ethics

Preamble. In order to safeguard the health and well being of the public and to maintain integrity and high standards of skills, practice, and conduct in the occupation of welding inspection, the American Welding Society SCWIs, CWIs, and CAWIs shall be cognizant of the following principles and the scope to which they apply, with the understanding that any unauthorized practice is subject to the Committee's review and may result in suspension, reprimand, or revocation of certification.

8.1 Integrity. The SCWI, CWI, and CAWI shall act with complete integrity in professional matters and be forthright and candid to their employer, the regulator or employer's customer, and with the Committee or its representatives, on matters pertaining to this standard.

8.2 Responsibility to the Public. The SCWI, CWI, and CAWI shall act to preserve the health and well being of the public by performing duties required of welding inspection in a conscientious and impartial manner to the full extent of the inspector(s) moral and civic responsibility and qualification. Accordingly, the SCWI, CWI, and CAWI shall:

8.2.1 Undertake and perform assignments only when qualified by training, experience, and capability.

8.2.2 Present credentials upon request.

8.2.3 Neither falsely represent current status nor seek to misrepresent the certification level (SCWI/CWI/CAWI) by modification of certification documents or false verbal or written testimony of current level or status.

8.2.4 Be completely objective, thorough, and factual in any written report, statement, or testimony of the work and include all relevant or pertinent testimony in such communiqués or testimonials.

8.2.5 Sign only for work that the inspector has inspected, or for work over which the inspector has personal knowledge through direct supervision.

8.2.6 Neither associate with nor knowingly participate in a fraudulent or dishonest venture.

8.3 Public Statements

8.3.1 The SCWI, CWI, or CAWI shall issue no statements, criticisms or arguments on weld inspection matters connected with public policy which were inspired or paid for by an interested party, or parties, without first identifying the party, the speaker, and disclosing any possible financial interest.

8.3.2 The SCWI, CWI, or CAWI shall publicly express no opinion on welding inspection subjects unless it is founded upon adequate knowledge of the facts in issue, upon a background of technical competence pertinent to the subject, and upon honest conviction of the accuracy and propriety of the statement.

8.4 Conflict of Interest

8.4.1 The SCWI, CWI, or CAWI shall avoid a conflict of interest with the employer or client and shall disclose any business association, or circumstance that might be so considered.

8.4.2 The SCWI, CWI, or CAWI shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same project, or for services pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to by all interested parties or their authorized agents.

8.4.3 The SCWI, CWI, or CAWI shall not solicit or accept gratuities, directly or indirectly, from any party, or parties, dealing with the client or employer in connection with the SCWI's, CWI's, and CAWI's work.

8.4.4 The SCWI, CWI, or CAWI shall, while serving in the capacity of an elected, retained, or employed public official, neither inspect, review, nor approve work in the capacity of SCWI, CWI or CAWI on projects also subject to the inspector's administrative jurisdiction as a public official, unless this practice is expressly dictated by a job description and/or specification and all affected parties to the action are in agreement.

8.5 Solicitation of Employment

8.5.1 The SCWI, CWI, or CAWI shall neither pay, solicit, nor offer, directly or indirectly, any bribe or commission for professional employment with the exception of the usual commission required from licensed employment agencies.

8.5.2 The SCWI, CWI, or CAWI shall neither falsify, exaggerate, nor indulge in the misinterpretation of personal academic and professional qualifications, past assignments, accomplishments and responsibilities, or those of the inspector's associates. Misrepresentation of current SCWI/CWI/CAWI certification status at the time of, or subsequent to, submission of requested employment information, or in the solicitation of business contracts wherein current certification is either required or inherently beneficial (advertisements for training courses, consulting services, etc.) shall be a violation of this section.

8.5.3 The SCWI, CWI, or CAWI credentials may only be used for the field of welding inspection. AWS has not qualified these individuals for non welding related inspection.

8.5.4 The SCWI, CWI, or CAWI shall not disclose proprietary information, (i.e., commercially valuable information not generally known) concerning business affairs or technical processes of a present or former client or employer, without their written consent, except as necessary to perform the duties of a SCWI, CWI, or CAWI.

CAUTION: While the SCWI, CWI, or CAWI may have established excellent credentials, certification alone may not legally qualify the Inspector to provide inspection services to the public. Contract documents, or building or jurisdiction laws may require inspection to be performed under the direction and responsibility of others, such as a Registered Professional Engineer.

8.6 Unauthorized Practice. Any violation of any part of the standard of conduct prescribed by this standard if related to a SCWI's, CWI's, or CAWI's occupation, including any violation of the Code of Ethics contained in this standard, shall constitute an unauthorized practice subject to the imposition of sanctions.

9. Revocation

9.1 Committee. The Committee shall have the power to suspend, refuse renewal, or revoke the SCWI's, CWI's, or CAWI's certification for misrepresentation of facts regarding personal qualifications, status, assignments, etc., relating to SCWI's, CWI's, or CAWI's certifications whether such misrepresentation was made at the time of application or on subsequent applications (renewal, etc.). The Committee may place on probation or reprimand a certificate holder, if found guilty of any unauthorized practice (as outlined in Section 8.6 Unauthorized Practice) in a proceeding conducted in conformance to AWS QC9, Administrative Procedures for Alleged Violations of AWS Certification Programs (Available from the AWS Certification Department).

9.2 Courts. The Committee may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for further enforcement of its administrative decisions and rulings.

10. Reinstatement

Reinstatement of a revoked certificate shall be allowed with no penalty or prejudice to the individual provided the reason for such revocation has been rectified to the Committee's satisfaction.

11. Upgrading of Certification

The CWI may remain at the CWI certification level. Should he or she desire to upgrade the certification to SCWI, the CWI shall comply with the requirements of 5.1 and 6.1 at the time of upgrade, and shall request upgrade directions from the Certification Department. Likewise, the CAWI may remain at the Associate certification level. Should he or she desire to upgrade the certification to CWI, the CAWI shall comply with the requirements of 5.2 and 6.1 at the time of upgrade, and shall request upgrade directions from the AWS Certification Department.

12. Recertification (Renewal)

12.1 The SCWI, CWI, and CAWI shall be responsible for:

(1) Maintaining certification by submitting either:

(a) A "Renewal Application" postmarked by the expiration date* of the current certification, or

(b) A written request for "Renewal Application" postmarked at least one calendar month prior to expiration of the current certification.

(2) Maintaining a current address with the AWS Certification Department**.

*Certification becomes effective on the first day of the month following the date of examination, and expires on the first day of that month, 3 years later. An expiration grace period exists until the last day of that month.

**NOTIFICATION OF ADDRESS CHANGES(S) TO ONE DEPARTMENT, e.g., Welding Journal subscription or memberships, does not automatically notify other departments, such as the AWS Certification Department. Notify the Certification Department at AWS directly.

12.2 The SCWI, CWI, and CAWI shall be recertified every three years by reexamination or, alternatively, meet certain requirements for renewal without examination. However, except as allowed in 12.2.1 and 12.2.2, recertification without examination is limited to two consecutive three-year periods. The SCWI, CWI, or CAWI shall, upon expiration of his/her certification, cease to be a SCWI, CWI or CAWI and may not continue to advertise as such.

12.2.1;The SCWI, CWI, or CAWI requesting renewal of certification shall attest to two years activity, of their three-year certification period, in the practice of welding inspection or related activities as defined in Section 5. Education and Experience Requirements. The SCWI, CWI, or CAWI shall complete a current "Renewal Application." One of the two years of activity may be fulfilled by satisfactory documentation of the completion or teaching of a minimum of forty (40) contact hours of training courses whose content must be in the occupational skill of welding, or subjects related to welding, its application, control, materials, and processes, as follows:

1) Courses offered by accredited universities, colleges, or technical (including trade) schools.

2) Courses offered by the AWS Education Department.

3) AWS Education Department courses offered by AWS Sections.

4) Home study courses as long as the candidate provides documentation that he or she successfully completed the course and passed an examination.

5) Certificates of completion, diplomas, or transcripts must be sent to the AWS Certification Department directly from the issuing institution or organization.

6) Trainers must submit documentation showing they performed forty (40) contact hours of training.

12.2.2 After nine years from the date of initial certification, and each nine years thereafter, recertification shall be either:

(a) by completing the current practical section of the SCWI/CWI/CAWI examination (current examination at the time of application for recertification) or,

(b) by attesting to two (2) years of continued activity in inspection, welding, design, production, construction, or repair, during the last three years of certification, and by presenting evidence (certificate or transcript) of participation or teaching in training courses or programs offered by AWS Education Department, local AWS sections, or an accredited university, college or trade/vocational school meeting the following criteria:

1. Minimum of eighty (80) contact hours earned during the nine year certification period including forty (40) earned in the final three year period.

2. Course content must be one or more of the subject areas defined in Section 5. Education and Experience Requirements of this standard.

3. Maximum of forty (40) contact hours are allowed for any one course, and no course may be repeated for credit within any three year period.

4. Certificates of completion, diplomas, or transcripts must be sent to the AWS Certification Department directly from the issuing institution or organization.

5. Trainers who want to substitute training hours for student hours shall submit documentation of the hours of training performed. Credit for a particular course may only be granted once in a three year period.

Failure to meet the alternative requirements for experience and continuing education credits above, shall automatically require recertification by examination using the current practical section of the certification examination.

12.2.3 The SCWI, CWI, and CAWI applying for renewal of certification that has expired or those choosing recertification by examination will be considered as new applicants, and should contact the AWS Certification Department for the correct procedure.

12.2.4 The SCWI, CWI, and CAWI shall pass an eye examination. The requirements for the examination are in 6. and the results shall be submitted to complete recertification.