CSA W178.2 Welding Inspector Certification

This standard outlines the requirements for eligible welding inspectors to be certified by examination in one of three levels, as well as defining the principles of practice and conduct for maintaining certification. In order to get certified all Welding Inspectors are trained in the theory and application of visual inspection with respect to welded assemblies and must pass both a CWB Group practical and theoretical exam.

CWB exam information and exam centre listing

To be eligible for certification as a Level 1 welding inspector, candidates must meet the requirements in either (a) or (b) below:

1. Obtained at least one year of experience in one or more of the following areas;
   
   •  layout and fitting;
   •  manual, semi-automatic, or automatic welding;
   •  welding inspection;
   •  welding supervision;
   •  weld testing; and
   •  welding instruction;
     
     
2. Successfully completed recognized courses in the fundamentals, principles and practices of welding and quality control and inspection of welding, with a large portion of the training based on practical applications.
   
   
3. Obtained at least six months of experience in one or more of the areas specified in (a) and successfully completed recognized courses in the fundamental principles and practices of welding, quality control, and welding inspection.

For certification as a Level 2 welding inspector, candidates must have at least 2 years of experience as a certified Level 1 welding inspector performing welding inspection under qualified supervision. The standard defines “Qualified Supervision” as: “The supervision of candidates by Level 2 or Level 3 personnel certified to this Standard, or by non-certified personnel who, in the opinion of the CWB Group, possess the knowledge, skills training, and experience required to perform such supervision.”

For certification as a Level 3 welding inspector, candidates must have at least 4 years of experience as a certified Level 2 welding inspector.

Recognized Training Courses for Welding Inspectors