The most widely used welding code in North America, and perhaps the world, is AWS

D1.1/D1.1M Structural Welding Code – Steel. It is specified as the quality standard in hundreds
of contract documents every year. Yet, we find that less than half of the fabricators that need to
use it have a sound understanding of how to follow what the code dictates. The number one
reason why fabricators turn to AWS D1.1 is to qualify welding procedures and
welders. However, this code contains much more than just details on the qualification
process. D1.1 can be an invaluable tool that, when applied correctly, can prove to be a
tremendous cost savings tool. The purpose of the code is to assure quality, so it reasons that
when applied correctly and consistently the quality of the products you manufacture will
increase. As quality increases and rework decreases substantial savings can be realized.

AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel

This code provides way more detail that you ever thought was available when it comes to
making welds on structural components. Yet, it is extremely hard to follow if you have never
been given proper instruction on how to do so. It is definitely possible to pick up the code and
teach yourself how to use prequalified welding procedures and how to qualify welding
procedures by testing. However, with proper instruction you can avoid costly mistakes that are
inevitable when you go it alone. Or, at the very least, you’ll be able to speed up the learning
curve.

If you ever have a chance to attend a D1.1 code clinic we encourage you to do so. D1.1 can be
used as a basis for developing your own quality standards. As stated above, most of us only
think of the welding codes only as instructions for qualifying welders and welding procedures
and acceptance criteria for the inspection of welds. Welding codes contain much more than that.

Before you can take advantage of the AWS D1.1 you need to understand what it
includes. Below we provide a brief description of each of the 9 clauses.
The 9 Clauses of AWS D1.1 CLAUSES

1. General Requirements – Provides the scope of the code including material thickness
and strength ranges of structural carbon and low alloy steels. Also provides definitions
for terms used throughout the code.

2. Design of Welded Connections – Spells out requirements for the design of tubular and
non-tubular structures for both static and cyclic loading. This clause contains a wealth of
engineering information that can help you design weldments properly and avoid costly
overwelding. It includes information for designing structures for both static and cyclic
loading. Need information on calculating allowable stresses? It’s all in this clause.

Understanding how to calculate the allowable strength for a given weld will allow you to design
weldments and provide this information for the shop, rather than expect the shop to make
engineering decisions such as the proper size of a weld.

3. Prequalification of WPSs – Provides the requirements that need to be met in order to be

exempt from having to perform testing to qualify welding procedures. The use of
prequalified welding procedures has many advantages including saving time and
money. If you have subscribed to our weekly articles you know that we developed a
step-by-step guide on how to follow Clause 3 of AWS D1.1 in order to simplify the
development of prequalified welding procedures. There are a lot of requirements that
need to be met. They are spelled out in the code, but can be a bit tricky at times. Become
very familiar with this clause. It can save you a lot of money by avoiding unnecessary
welding procedure qualification tests.

4. Qualification – Provides the requirements to qualify welding procedures, welders,

welding operators and tack welders by testing according to code requirements. When
prequalified welding procedures cannot be used then the qualification must be done by
testing. This clause spells out all the requirements to qualify your procedures. Also, there
is no such thing as prequalified welding performance, so all the qualification for welders
must be done by testing according to Clause 4.

5. Fabrication – Details requirements for base materials, welding consumables and

workmanship for the erection of steel structures. If you are welding structural steels you
should take this clause and make it your go to when designing products. It contains
instructions on many different aspects of fabrication including: storage of consumables,
use of fabrication aids, certification of electrodes, ambient temperature restrictions,
baking of electrodes, fabricating with weathering steels, preheat and PWHT as well as
stress relief heat treatment instructions and many other mandates for proper fabrication of
structures.
 6. Inspection – Describes the requirements for qualification and responsibilities of
inspectors. Provides proper procedures for inspecting welds visually as well inspection
through other non-destructive methods. Clause 6 contains the acceptance criteria for the
visual examination of welds for both statically and cyclically loaded connections. It also
provide acceptance criteria for other types of nondestructive testing such as ultrasonic
inspection (UT) as well as instructions on how to properly inspect welds with these NDE
methods.

7. Stud Welding – Describes requirement for welding studs to structural steel. Stud
welding is used extensively in the fabrication and erection of steel structure so there are
requirements imposed by the code on this welding process.

8. Strengthening and Repairing Existing Structures – Provides the requirements for

repairing and/or modifying existing structures. When working in accordance to specific
welding codes such as D1.1, repairs need to be done according to the instruction
approved by the engineer in charge. Repair procedures must be in place and
followed. This clause provides information on design for strengthening and repair,
fatigue life enhancement, workmanship and technique and quality.

9. Tubular Structures – Provides additional requirements specific to tubular (pipe and

box) structures. In the current of AWS D1.1 (2015) a significant change was made as
compared to the previous edition (2010). Everything related to tubular structures (pipe or
box) was separated and placed into its own clause – Clause 9. This simplified
qualifications by separating tubular and non-tubular connections.

Clause 9 is basically a stand alone code. It is broken up in 6 parts which mimic the rest of
D1.1. The parts in Clause 9 are:

 Design of Tubular Connections

 Prequalification of Welding Procedures
 Qualification of Welding Procedures (by testing)
 Welder Performance Qualification
 Fabrication
 Inspection

Knowing what AWS D1.1 includes can be very useful as it can help you answer many questions
that may arise during fabrication and inspection as well as during the qualification of welding
procedures and welders. Also, if you are hoping to become a Certified Welding Inspector
(CWI) you need to become familiar with codes. You can take part C of the CWI exam on D1.1
or other available codes such as D1.2, D1.5, D15.1, D1.17, API 1104 and ASME Section VIII
and IX.

To be a CWI you don’t need to be an expert on a specific code or be able to recall requirements
off the top of your head. You simply need to know how to find information on the code
books. You may test to D1.1, but your CWI certification allows you to perform the duties of a
CWI according to any welding code. The CWI exam tests your ability to use a code with which
you are not familiar and properly navigate through it and use it for inspection purposes among
other things.

Qualify for the test

Certified Welding Inspector

View List of
Instructor-Led Seminars

Earning your Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential is serious work and has a significant impact on
your future. When it comes to preparing for the CWI exam, the stakes are too high to waste valuable
time and money.

This six-day, instructor-led seminar reviews the complete body of knowledge required of a CWI
and prepares candidates for the CWI Exam, which is administered at the conclusion of the
seminar week.

The seminar includes online resources, lectures, practice questions, hands-on learning experiences, and
homework assignments.

For your convenience, all of your books and printed materials will be shipped to you upon
registration so you can begin the assigned pre-work, making the most of your AWS training.
Together, these activities address the content tested in all the three parts of the CWI Exam:
fundamental knowledge, practical inspection, and code book navigation. Combining industry
expertise with real-time application, AWS Education Seminars provide the most realistic,
engaging and effective test-prep solutions for career success.

Read more about each package below:

CWI Seminar (choose D1.1 focus or API 1104 focus)

Member: $1865

Non-member: $2120

The AWS CWI Seminar puts you on the track to professional success, exclusively
offering:

 A comprehensive six-day seminar, which runs from 8am to 5pm, Sunday through Friday. Lunch is
provided each day.
 Industry expert instructors with the knowledge to prepare you for the CWI exam
 Guided instruction material, including readings and full-color diagrams and photographs,
practice questions to test for understanding, and the highest-quality plastic weld samples to aid
in developing practical inspection skills.
 Seminar books shipped directly to your home or business. These include textbooks, AWS
standards, and manuals, all included in the seminar price (This includes a complimentary copy of
AWS D1.1:2015 for enrollees who select the D1.1 focus).
 An AWS Welding Inspector’s toolkit to keep for your own for use on inspection jobs.
 Access to the AWS D1.1 or API 1104 complete Online Code Clinic and Code Clinic Pre-Course.*
 Online pre-work to help you get a head start on seminar readings.*

*Online resources are typically available to new seminar registrants within 2-3 business days of
their enrollment.

CWI Seminar + CWI Exam Package

Member: $2585

Non-member: $2840

(Save over $250!)

This package includes all of the benefits listed under the live, instructor-led CWI
Seminar in addition to the full CWI exam.

The CWI exam is broken up into three parts:

• PART A — Fundamentals: closed-book test; 150 questions
• PART B — Practical: hands-on test; 46 questions; use the Book of Specifications
• PART C — Code Book Applications: open-book test; 46-60 questions; use your choice of one
of 8 welding codes

 Purchase of this package grants you access to all three parts of the CWI exam.
 CWI exams are typically held on the Saturday or Sunday following the selected seminar week
and take place at the same location.
  Sign-in for applicants begins at 7:30am, and testing begins promptly at 8:00am.
 Examinees are required to present a valid driver license or passport and a copy their
confirmation letter in order to gain entrance into the examination room.
 All exam questions are multiple choice and each part of the exam is two hours in length.
 It’s important to note that each part of the exam may be administered in any order.

Online Pre-Seminar + CWI Seminar + CWI Exam — Complete Preparation Package

Member: $3335

Non-member: $3590

(Save over $250!)

This package includes all the components of both the weeklong CWI Seminar
and the full CWI exam, and also includes the AWS Online CWI Pre-Seminar, 80
hours of comprehensive online training in preparation for the week-long CWI
seminar.

A CWI is expected to have a wide range of knowledge and skills. The AWS Online CWI Pre-
Seminar helps you prepare for the live instructor-led, week-long CWI seminar at your own pace.
Comprised of ten engaging online courses, the CWI Online Pre-Seminar is designed to prepare
you for the extensive body of knowledge reviewed during the live seminar. Each self-paced
course is divided into short, interactive modules supported by quizzes, tests, and learning
activities to gauge your understanding and retention of the skills and knowledge needed to
become a CWI.

 This package is highly recommended for individuals who are not already working as welding
inspectors. It includes access to lessons you can review as frequently as you need like for a
period of three months, so that you can prepare for the CWI exam at your own pace.
 Individuals who purchase the all-inclusive package will also receive copies of all seminar books
shipped directly to an address of their choice at no additional charge. Purchase of this package is
the only way to have early access to printed copies of the books used in the CWI Seminar.

HOBART

Preparation For AWS® – CWI® Examination

CWI540
$1,600.00

2 WEEKS
80 CLOCK HOURS
AWS®-CWI® Only Application Packet

2019 Technical Schedule

Recommended Prestudy for CWI ®

Apply Online

The certification for both the American Welding Society Welding Inspector and the Welding
Educator becomes increasingly important today.

Companies and educational institutions are requiring certification of their inspectors and
educators to fulfill employment qualifications. This two-week course is designed to enable
students to be prepared to take the exam. Throughout the course you will be using the same tool
kits that are used in the test kits for the hands-on portion of the exam.

It is the responsibility of the participant to complete the application, be accepted, and to be

scheduled by the Qualification and Certification Department of the American Welding Society.

The Society requires a minimum of seven (7) weeks to process the applications for the test. The
maximum test time is 8½ hours, including break times and one hour for lunch. The examination
will start at 7:45 a.m.

NOTE: A scientific hand calculator is required at the beginning of this course.

Questions: Email hiwt@welding.org or call 1-800-332-9448

 Introduction.
 Duties of a welding inspector.
 Welding fundamentals and communicating welding information.
 Mathematics and metric conversions.
 Introduction to destructive testing.
 Welding inspection equipment lab.
 Welding codes, procedures and procedures qulaification.
 Welding codes.
 Shielded metal arc welding.
 Oxyacetylene welding, brazing and cutting.
 Gas tungsten arc welding/plasma arc welding.
 Submerged arc welding.
 Electroslag welding.
 Stud arc welding.
 Welding discontinuities/defects.
 Introduction to welding metallurgy.
 Visual inspection discussion with lab.
 Liquid penetrant testing.
 Eddy current testing.
 Radiographic testing.
 Magnetic particle testing.
 Welding safety.
 Equipment lab.
 Course review.
 Ultrasonic testing.
 Exam.