How do you renew a CWI every three years?

R4.1One three-year period, start to deadline

1. Month after the exam

   The clock starts

   Certification takes effect on the first day of the month after your exam and expires on the same day three years later (AWS QC1:2016-AMD1, clause 15.3).

2. 11 months out

   The window opens

   AWS won't take a renewal application earlier than 11 months before expiry.

3. 60 days out

   Where AWS wants it

   AWS recommends filing at least 60 days before the due date.

4. Expiry date

   Due

   An approved renewal is due by the expiration date. Reminder notices may come, but AWS makes it your job to renew on time.

5. Up to 60 days after

   Grace period

   A 60-day administrative grace period. The credential's listed as expired until the renewal goes through.

6. Up to 1 year after

   Late renewal

   Still possible, with administrative late fees. Processing starts only once those are paid.

7. Year 6

   Second renewal

   Same rules, same window. Renewals stop after two consecutive three-year periods.

R4.2What you attest to

The renewal rests on your work record. AWS QC1:2016-AMD1, clause 15.4, asks you to attest to no stretch of continuous work inactivity longer than two years, during the previous three years, in the activities B5.1 lists: welding, inspection, NDE, qualification work, code work, QC and the rest of that list.

Out of the trade for more than two years: QC1 (15.4.1) lets you renew by taking the Part B practical instead. AWS prices that route as renewal by examination.

Planning past year 6

Year 9 offers an endorsement exam as one way to recertify, and the User Guide notes that an endorsement earned within the 9 years before recertification may qualify. If you want that route, the years between renewals are when to sit one. See the CWI endorsements.

R4.3Renewal fees

Late fees after the grace period come on top. Exam-time fees are on what the CWI exam costs.

R4.4Before you file

• Count back three years and check for any gap in welding work longer than two years.
• Employment verification or employer letters ready, same documentation rules as your first application (QC1, clause 5.4).
• Your address and email current with AWS. QC1 puts that on you.
• Application in after the 11-month mark and ideally 60 days before expiry.
• Full payment with the application. AWS won't process it without payment.

R4.5Renewal snags

R4.6Sources

1. AWS CWI page — renewal rules, window, grace period, fees (checked October 2026)
2. AWS CWI Examination User Guide, September 2026 — renewal limits, CAWI rule, late renewal (checked October 2026)
3. AWS QC1:2016-AMD1 — clauses 15.2 to 15.5 (checked October 2026)