Welcome to Lone Star CWI

Part A: Fundamentals of Welding Inspection

Part A of the CWI course provides a comprehensive foundation in the fundamental principles every Certified Welding Inspector must master. This section focuses on essential technical knowledge that applies across all welding codes and standards, ensuring participants are well-prepared for the Part A General Knowledge portion of the AWS CWI exam.

Students will gain a solid understanding of welding processes, welding symbols, nondestructive testing (NDT) methods, weld discontinuities, metal properties, destructive testing, and inspection tools. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, terminology, and the ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications.

This course is ideal for welding professionals, quality assurance personnel, and technicians preparing to become AWS Certified Welding Inspectors.

Key Topics Covered:

• Welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW, etc.)

• Welding symbols and blueprint reading

• Weld joint design and terminology

• Discontinuities and defect identification

• Nondestructive and destructive testing methods

• Basic metallurgy and heat treatment

• Inspection tools and measurement techniques

• Math for weld inspection (formulas, conversions, geometry)
  
  

Course Features:

• Interactive quizzes and practice exams modeled after the actual AWS CWI Part A test

• Downloadable study guides and flashcards

• Instruction aligned with AWS B5.1 and QC1 guidelines

• Suitable for both self-paced learners and instructor-led settings

Part B: Practical Welding Inspection

Part B of the CWI course focuses on the hands-on skills required for practical welding inspection. Designed to simulate real-world inspection scenarios, this section prepares candidates for the Practical Exam of the AWS CWI certification by training them to visually inspect welds, identify discontinuities, use inspection tools, interpret welding gauges, and apply acceptance criteria based on sample codebooks.

Students will work with actual weld replicas and learn to evaluate weld quality using industry-standard methods and tools. This course bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and field application, reinforcing the inspector’s ability to make accurate and code-compliant decisions in a practical setting.

Key Topics Covered:

• Visual inspection techniques for welds and base materials

• Use and calibration of inspection tools and gauges

• Discontinuity identification (undercut, porosity, cracks, incomplete fusion, etc.)

• Bend test evaluation and specimen assessment

• Mechanical and dimensional measurements

• Understanding and applying sample code requirements

• Recording and reporting inspection results accurately

Course Features:

• Training with plastic weld replicas similar to the AWS exam kit

• Guided practice using bridge cam gauges, fillet weld gauges, hi-lo gauges, micrometers, and more

• Worksheets and inspection reports that mirror actual Part B exam documents

• Detailed instruction on interpreting the Part B Book of Specifications

• Mock practical exams with instructor feedback
  
  

This course is ideal for those preparing for the Part B Practical Exam of the AWS CWI certification and for inspection professionals who want to sharpen their hands-on inspection skills.

Part C: Code Book Application – API 1104 (22nd Edition)

Part C of the CWI course focuses exclusively on the interpretation and application of API 1104, 22nd Edition – Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities, preparing candidates for the Code Book Exam portion of the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.

This section trains students to navigate the API 1104 code efficiently and accurately under exam conditions. Through timed exercises, real-world inspection scenarios, and targeted drills, participants will gain the skills to locate, interpret, and apply code provisions relating to procedure qualification, welder qualification, inspection requirements, and acceptance criteria.

Whether you're working in pipeline construction, fabrication, or inspection, this course strengthens your ability to make code-based decisions with precision and confidence.

Key Topics Covered:

• Structure and layout of API 1104

• Definitions and terminology used in pipeline welding

• Qualification of welding procedures (Clause 5)

• Qualification of welders (Clause 6)

• Inspection methods and acceptance criteria (Clauses 8–10)

• Visual, nondestructive, and destructive testing requirements

• Time-saving strategies for navigating clauses, figures, and tables

Course Features:

• Exclusive focus on API 1104 (22nd Edition)

• Practice exams that mirror the AWS Part C format

• Clause-based quizzes with answer keys and references

• Timed drills to build speed and accuracy

• Guidance on interpreting ambiguous or high-difficulty code scenarios

• Worksheets and quick-reference tools to reinforce clause familiarity

This course is ideal for CWI candidates selecting API 1104 as their Part C codebook, as well as welding professionals working in pipeline construction and inspection who need to apply API 1104 in the field.