Why Is A CWI Critical for Code Compliance & Inspection?

bginnard
Dec 16, 2025
2 min read

Our team at United Technical Inc. includes multiple Certified Weld Inspectors (CWIs) and we continue to add personnel to increase the number of CWIs that we have on staff in order to better serve our customers. Why is this critical industry designation so important to have and why do we continue to grow the number of qualified team members on our staff?

Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) play a critical role in ensuring welded components meet the requirements of applicable codes and project specifications. While not every welding project legally requires a CWI, many codes and contracting documents specify when an inspector with recognized credentials must be involved. Here are the key situations where a CWI is typically required for compliance or sign-off:

1. When the Governing Code Mandates Qualified Inspection Personnel

AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code does not explicitly require a CWI, but it does require inspection personnel to be competent and qualified for visual inspection. Many owners use AWS QC1 (the qualification standard for CWIs) as the default method to meet this requirement.
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) typically requires inspection by an Authorized Inspector (AI), but projects often require CWIs to perform visual exams of the Authorized Inspectors and documentation under Section IX or construction codes.
API 1104 and AWWA welding standards similarly require qualified inspectors, and a CWI is often the accepted qualification.

2. When Contract Documents or Project Specifications Require It

Even when the code does not demand a CWI, project specifications, owner requirements, or general contractor quality programs often do. Common requirements include:

Welder qualification witnessing
Welding procedure qualification (PQR/WPS) documentation review
In-process and final visual examination records
Sign-off on NCRs, weld maps, inspection reports, or quality plans

If the contract states “inspection shall be performed by an AWS CWI,” then a CWI is mandatory regardless of code language.

3. When Third-Party or Regulatory Agencies Require It

Oil & gas, structural steel, bridge work, and pressure-retaining equipment often involve:

DOT oversight
State building authorities
Insurance/AI review
External auditors

These often use CWI credentials as the baseline for inspection authority.

As an example, United Technical Inc. is one of only a few independent test labs to become authorized to conduct welder certification testing through the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Welder Certification Program.

4. When Stamping, Certification, or Legal Traceability Is Needed

If an inspection report or weld acceptance record must be signed by a qualified inspector for legal traceability, a CWI is often the credential used to demonstrate competence, independence, and compliance with AWS QC1.

In Summary

A CWI is required when:

The code, owner, or regulatory body mandates it.
The project requires a qualified visual inspector and uses CWI certification as the qualification.
Documentation or sign-off needs a recognized, traceable credential such as during welder qualification witnessing.

Even when not strictly required by code, many projects use CWIs to ensure consistent, defensible quality assurance and to align with industry best practices.

The team at United Technical Inc. has a team of CWIs to answer your questions and provide expert guidance, oversight or inspection on your next project.