CWS Examination User Guide (1)
CWS Examination User Guide (1)
(CWS) Exam
This Examination Guide contains important information on the rules, policies, procedures, and
exam content for candidates seeking to take the CWS exam. This User Guide is subject to
change.
3. Increase the Bottom Line: By monitoring materials, labor and procedures, all efficiencies
gained translate to lower costs and a growing profit margin.
Test Specifications
Test Specifications are a breakdown of examination content areas along with the proportion of
the examination devoted to each content area.
Percent of
Domains (Content Categories)
Questions
Knowledge of Welding Supervision 5
Welding Instructions 10
Welding Inspection 5
Reference Materials are available by contacting the Technical Standards Sales Department at
305-443-9353, Ext. 280 or visit the AWS Bookstore.
Title ISBN
Certified Welding Supervisor Manual for Quality and Productivity Improvement 0-87171-029-3
AWS A2.4:2012 Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive 978-0-87171-796-2
Examination
Important
Important!
Candidates are allowed to bring hard copies of references to test centers. The
reference material must be the original or permanently bound printed copy (as
by stitching or glue), or securely fastened in its cover by fasteners that
penetrate all pages. No loose sheets of paper are permitted.
Electronic PDF copies of the Exam References will be available on the screen during the exam
with the exception of the AWS Welding Handbook Series. AWS recommends becoming proficient
at navigating the digital codes through using bookmarks in the PDFs. Candidates not familiar with
navigating conventional PDF documents are welcome to review the computer-based testing
frequently asked questions (CBT FAQs) found HERE. Some features of conventional PDF
navigation may be disabled by Prometric for psychometric reasons.
• Candidates can view the online status of an application, order, or membership via
the Certification Application Portal.
Approximately 4-6 weeks after the application submission, a Confirmation Letter will be
emailed from the AWS Certification Department. The Confirmation Letter contains
examination details. (Appendix C shows a sample Confirmation Letter.)
Important
Exam Fees
Exam fees are due at time of registration and are paid directly to AWS. AWS accepts
payments via MasterCard, VISA, and American Express. The CWS exam price list is available
online. Domestic applicants choosing to send their application to AWS headquarters via email
(pdf) or mail carrier (paper) will incur an additional $125.00 processing fee.
2. Applicants download and print the CWS Application form; fill it out and submit it to the
Agent hosting the exam site.
3. Approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the application has been received and qualified, a
confirmation letter will be sent to the International Agent and candidate containing
examination details. (See Appendix C for a sample of approval letter.)
Important
AWS Seminars
CWS Pre-Seminar
International Seminars
Important
Scheduling the CWS exams is done via the Prometric website. Please note:
• The eligibility code found in the AWS confirmation letter is required to secure
exam dates and locations.
• Prometric will confirm the appointment by email. The Prometric appointment
confirmation letter will indicate the test center location, appointment time, and
exam name.
• Candidates are advised to print the Prometric appointment confirmation letter
and present it at the Prometric Testing Center at check-in.
• IMPORTANT! Prometric will refuse entry to candidates lacking government-
issued ID, or when the candidate’s name printed on the Prometric appointment
confirmation letter does not exactly match name on the government-issued ID
presented at check-in.
• AWS can resolve naming issues in advance by phone. Unresolved naming
issues may require exam rescheduling and additional fees.
Prometric appointments for both domestic and international candidates may be rescheduled
by calling Prometric or visiting the Prometric website.
Candidates should arrive at the designated Prometric test center thirty (30) minutes before
the scheduled appointment. At check-in candidates will be required to sign a log-in sheet and
review and agree to comply with the Prometric Test Center Regulations, after which a
Prometric representative will verify the candidate’s identity, exams, appointment time, and
testing location. Individual lockers are available for the candidate’s use. Prometric is not
responsible for any loss or damage to personal items left outside/inside any premises where
the exam is taking place.
The Test Center Administrator (TCA) will perform a security check on all exam candidates to
ensure that no prohibited items are brought into the testing room. The TCA will provide scratch
paper and a pencil, escort candidates to their workstations, and launch the exam.
The TCA is not allowed to answer questions related to exam content. Notify the TCA
immediately if any problems with the computer, software or any other issues arise during the
exam.
In the event any Prometric Test Center Regulation is violated, the TCA is authorized to end
any test session. The regulations can be viewed HERE.
Note: The time for the tutorial is not deducted from the time available to take the test.
Items Allowed at the Workstation in the Test Room
Only the following items are allowed in the testing room:
Government-issued ID
Pencil and scratch paper issued by Prometric TCA
Test center locker key
Relevant reference books in hard copy if applicable
Acceptable Calculator:
▪ Acceptable: Four-function, Construction, Non-Programmable Scientific
▪ Unacceptable: Noisy, Programmable, Alphabetical, Memory
Candidates returning from a break must present their valid ID, go through all security checks
and sign-in before being re-admitted to the test room. Unscheduled departures from the test
room will be reported to AWS.
The amount of time used during unscheduled breaks will be deducted from the test time.
Passing Score
The passing score is 70% on each exam part. The reported scores are rounded down to the
nearest lower whole percent number.
Note: AWS may send reminder notices, but it remains the responsibility of the CWS to renew
their certification credential or recertify on time.
Renewal applications should be sent at least 60 days before the expiration date but can be
submitted up to 11 months in advance. If late, a 60-day extension is available, during which
the certification is considered "Expired." Applications after this period incur administrative late
fees. Once all renewal requirements are met and fees paid, the certification is reactivated.
For complete details on the renewal process and all options refer to AWS QC13:2006
Specification for the Certification of Welding Supervisors, Clause 10.
Nine-Year Recertification
After eight (8) years and one (1) month, a CWS who wishes to recertify may submit a 9-year
recertification application via the Certification Application Portal.
• The certificate holder shall successfully pass the CWS Part A and Part B exams or be
exempt from the exams by demonstrating continued education equivalent to eighty (80)
professional development hours (PDH) over the nine (9) year period of certification with
twenty (20) PDH being completed in the immediate three (3) year period preceding the
nine-year (9) recertification.
The recertification application and exam registration can be completed via the online
Certification Application Portal.
1. I attest that I am the person whose name appears in the form of identification I presented
prior to admission to the testing room.
2. I understand and agree that all AWS certification exams are confidential and secure tests,
protected by U.S. and international copyright laws.
3. I understand and agree that all test materials, including my answers, are the property of
AWS, and I will not be provided access in any form except on the test itself.
4. I understand and agree that disclosing any exam question or answer to any person, in whole
or in part, by any means whatsoever is unlawful and even potentially a criminal act, and I
may be financially liable and/or charged with theft for doing so. I also understand and agree
that if I disclose information about exam questions or answers, I may suffer adverse
consequences, including but not limited to any or all of the following:
– civil or criminal liability for copyright infringement or related conduct; and
– disciplinary action by AWS, including prohibiting me from seeking certification in the
future.
5. I understand and agree that AWS is the final authority that determines if I can take an exam.
6. I understand and agree that AWS has the right to cancel my scores if it finds any evidence
of any irregularities whatsoever.
7. I understand and agree that furnishing inaccurate details about myself, breaching exam
regulations, or acting contrary to the instructions outlined on the AWS/Prometric website,
confirmation letter, and the AWS Certification and Qualification Standards may result in
disciplinary action, including but not limited to removal from the test session under the
supervision of the Test Supervisor or Test Center Administrator; score annulment;
disqualification from taking the exam in the future; and potential legal liability.
VT6K1- IPUYC CWSM Certified Welding Supervisor Manual for Quality and
Productivity Improvement