IIW offers education, training, qualification and certification (soon available!) of Welding Inspectors, ensuring it's highest standards are applied to individuals playing a key role in the assessment of welding fabrication against applicable standards and specifications used globally.

IWI can be qualified or certified at three different levels:

  • IWI at the basic Level (IWI-B) have the skills to perform Visual Inspection of Welds and may perform other inspection tasks to assist other welding inspectors.
  • IWI at the Standard Level (IWI-S) have the skill to perform any inspection task as required by a standard or a code.
  • IWI at the Comprehensive level (IWI-C) have skills and knowledge to allow performing any welding inspection task, even in non-conventional applications concerning materials, processes, advanced destructive testing and NDT and even where no specific code is available, as they may develop welding inspection or quality control plans.

Different routes are applicable to gain an IIW diploma. They include direct access to training at each level, based on specific access conditions, and a career progression opportunity that allows undergoing a qualification path through different levels supported by experience.

Certification requires also appropriate experience at the specific level. All candidates undergo an examination that includes theory, practices and hands-on exercises that simulate the various inspection tasks (Visual Inspection, verification of documents, and assessment of production documents against standards). The certification programme for International Welding Inspectors will be launched in 2024.

Training and examinations are offered in about 30 languages and several countries. Candidates for the qualification must enrol in the courses at an Authorized Training body of IIW; candidates for the certification must contact an Authorized Nominated Body of IIW. For further information, please contact qualifications@iiwelding.net

Guideline for International Welding Inspectors