§0.5 · Schedule
CWI study plan
Enter your exam date and the CWI study plan marks the 4-, 8- or 12-week table that fits. Each table starts with the clauses that carry the biggest Part A minimums and ends with the mock exam under the clock. Part B, which you sit before Parts A and C, needs its own week on top.
- Exam
- CWI
- Plans
- 4 · 8 · 12 weeks
0.5.1Pick your runway
Enter the date and the plan that fits gets marked.
| Week | Clauses to work | Part A weight |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 2.1 Joining and cutting, 1.1 Terms and definitions, 1.2 Welding and NDE symbols | min 36% |
| Week 2 | 3.1 Visual examination, 2.2 Welding application and control, 3.2 NDE methods | min 27% |
| Week 3 | 4.1 Qualification, 2.3 Heat control and metallurgy, 2.4 Welding calculations, 4.2 Inspector duties, 3.3 Destructive testing | min 19% + est. 8% |
| Week 4 | Final check: sit the Mock exam under the clock | — |
| Week | Clauses to work | Part A weight |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 2.1 Joining and cutting | min 14% |
| Week 2 | 1.1 Terms and definitions | min 12% |
| Week 3 | 1.2 Welding and NDE symbols, 3.1 Visual examination | min 20% |
| Week 4 | 2.2 Welding application and control | min 9% |
| Week 5 | 3.2 NDE methods, 4.1 Qualification | min 8% + est. 8% |
| Week 6 | 2.3 Heat control and metallurgy, 2.4 Welding calculations | min 12% |
| Week 7 | 4.2 Inspector duties, 3.3 Destructive testing | min 7% |
| Week 8 | Final check: sit the Mock exam under the clock | — |
| Week | Clauses to work | Part A weight |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 2.1 Joining and cutting | min 14% |
| Week 2 | 1.1 Terms and definitions | min 12% |
| Week 3 | 1.2 Welding and NDE symbols | min 10% |
| Week 4 | 3.1 Visual examination | min 10% |
| Week 5 | 2.2 Welding application and control | min 9% |
| Week 6 | Mid-point check: sit the Mock exam under the clock | — |
| Week 7 | 3.2 NDE methods | min 8% |
| Week 8 | 4.1 Qualification | est. 8% |
| Week 9 | 2.3 Heat control and metallurgy | min 6% |
| Week 10 | 2.4 Welding calculations | min 6% |
| Week 11 | 4.2 Inspector duties, 3.3 Destructive testing | min 7% |
| Week 12 | Final check: sit the Mock exam under the clock | — |
The Part A weight column adds up each week's minimum percentages of Part A (AWS B5.1:2025, Table 8.1, checked October 2026). "est." marks our own estimate for Qualification, which has no published Part A minimum.
0.5.2How long to study for the CWI
AWS doesn't publish a study-time figure, and anyone quoting a fixed number of hours is guessing. The honest answer depends on your years on the floor, how much code work you already do, and which code you picked for Part C.
A workable way to choose: if you already read welding symbols and inspect daily, the 4-week table is a refresher. If symbols or NDE are rusty, take 8. If you're coming from the welding side with little paperwork, or you've never opened your Part C code, take 12. Is the CWI exam hard? breaks down where the effort goes.
The order follows the minimum percentages AWS sets for Part A (AWS B5.1:2025, Table 8.1, checked October 2026), so joining and cutting processes and terms come early. Qualification's 8% is our estimate, since it has no Part A minimum. The CWI study guide has the full weight chart.
0.5.3Where the three parts land on the calendar
Before you study
Apply
AWS sends a confirmation letter about 4 to 6 weeks after you apply. The deadline is 6 weeks before the event week (AWS Policies and Fees, November 2022, checked October 2026). Booking steps are on the CWI exam dates page.
Part B date
Practical first
AWS requires Part B before Parts A and C (AWS CWI Examination User Guide, September 2026, checked October 2026). Put your Part B week right before this date.
After Part B
Book Parts A and C
Use the eligibility code from your Part B letter to book at Prometric. AWS advises booking at least 30 days ahead, and AWS Policies and Fees, November 2022, gives 120 days after Part B to finish A and C.
Final week
Mock and code drills
Sit the CWI mock exam timed, then spend the last days finding clauses fast in your Part C code.
0.5.4Every week, whatever the runway
- Read the clause page first, then work its tags before moving on.
- Run the CWI flashcards for five minutes at the start of each session.
- Mix in a round of the CWI practice test to keep old clauses warm.
- Note every miss by clause, and go back to those clauses before the mock.
- Keep your Part C code open while you study qualification and inspection, and tab the clauses you look up twice.
0.5.5Planning questions
When do I start on my Part C code?
Early. Open it as soon as you reach qualification and inspection in the tables, and keep it beside you from then on. Part C is open book on the one code you chose at application, so speed at finding clauses is what you're training (AWS CWI Examination User Guide, September 2026, checked October 2026).
What if my date is less than four weeks out?
Use the 4-week table and fold week 3 into week 2 if you have to. Keep the mock and the Part B week.
Should I move my date if the mock goes badly?
Look at the misses by clause before you decide. Reschedule fees depend on how close the date is; the CWI exam cost sheet has the current terms.
Same drill, in your pocket
Get our CWI prep app on iPhone or iPad and keep practicing away from the desk.