Fact sheet F6 · Part C code book
Which code books can you use on CWI Part C?
Part C is an open-book test on one code book you choose when you apply, and the usual pick for structural work is AWS D1.1, the steel code. AWS's Exam References and Editions Guide, August 2025, lists both D1.1:2020 and D1.1:2025 for it (checked October 2026).
- Exam
- CWI
- Checked
- October 2026
- Source
- AWS Exam References and Editions Guide, August 2025
D1.1 editions listed for Part C
2020 or 2025
The guide lists AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2020 and D1.1/D1.1M:2025 and says the exam is designed to apply to either edition. The AWS CWI page still names only the 2020 edition (checked October 2026), so confirm the edition on your confirmation letter.
Source: AWS Exam References and Editions Guide, August 2025, checked October 2026
F6.1Codes you can pick
| Code | Work it covers | Edition |
|---|---|---|
| AWS D1.1 | Structural steel | 2020 or 2025 |
| API 1104 | Pipelines | 22nd edition |
| AWS D1.2 | Structural aluminum | 2014 |
| AASHTO/AWS D1.5 | Bridges | 2020, including Clause 12 |
| AWS D15.1 | Railroad cars and locomotives | 2019 |
| AWS D17.1 | Aerospace fusion welding | 2024 |
| ASME Section IX with B31.1 and B31.3 | Boiler, pressure vessel and piping | IX 2023; B31.1 and B31.3 2024 |
| ISO/EN set | EN 15085, ISO 9606-1, ISO 15614-1, ISO 5817 | 2007, 2012, 2017, 2014 |
Older AWS documents print older editions; the AWS Part C information sheet, February 2025, still shows D17.1:2017 and earlier ASME books. The editions guide is the newer document.
F6.2Choosing and using your code
Can I switch codes if I fail Part C?
No. A Part C retest has to use the same code as your original exam, inside the three-year retest window (AWS CWI Examination User Guide, September 2026, checked October 2026). The rest of the retake rules are on the results and retakes page.
What's the right code for me?
The one you work to. AWS's one-week CWI seminar ships D1.1 and charges extra for other codes (AWS 1-week seminar page, checked October 2026); API 1104 is the pipeline choice. Additional codes can be added after certification as CWI endorsements.
Will I have to memorize D1.1?
No. Part C tests finding and applying requirements. AWS B5.1:2025, Table 8.1 sets at least 25% each on qualification, fabrication and inspection, and at least 5% each on reports and records and on material and design. The qualification side builds on WPS vs PQR; accept-or-reject calls lean on discontinuity vs defect.
How many questions are on Part C?
50 to 60 scored, up to 65 on screen when pretest items are included, in 135 minutes, or 120 without pretest items (AWS Part C information sheet, February 2025, checked October 2026). The exam format page compares all three parts.
F6.3Sources
- AWS Exam References and Editions Guide, August 2025 — codes and editions, D1.1 dual listing (checked October 2026)
- AWS CWI page — lists D1.1 2020 only (checked October 2026)
- AWS CWI Examination User Guide, September 2026 — codebook policy, same-code retest (checked October 2026)
- AWS Part C information sheet, February 2025 (checked October 2026)
- AWS B5.1:2025 — Table 8.1, Part C minimum percentages (checked October 2026)
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