Getting Started: CSA W178.2 Level 1 Welding Inspector

Register for CASTI Training Programs

CASTI provides exam preparation training to help candidates pass the CSA W178.2 Level 1 Welding Inspector Certification Exams and the ASME B31.3 (Process Piping) Code Endorsement Exam. Our blended learning program combines online training with practice questions and e-instructor support, and traditional classroom training with hands-on experience using physical weld samples. CASTI training programs are separate from the certification exams, which are administered by the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB).

Recognition for Exam Exemption

Passing CASTI's CSA W178.2 Level 1 Welding Inspector Preparation Course qualifies exam candidates for exemption from the closed-book "Basic Welding Inspection and Basic Welding Fundamentals" exam. To pass the CASTI course, students must:

complete and submit all pre-classroom online lessons prior to the course start date and receive an average mark of 70% or more,
attend all in-classroom training days, and
receive a minimum mark of 70% on the Welding Inspection closed-book (2 hr) final exam on the last day of the in-classroom training.

Register Now!

Visit the CASTI CSA W178.2 Level 1 course page to review the course outline and register for the course.

CASTI also provides online Product Category Code Endorsement courses for inspectors seeking additional code endorsements.

What is a CSA W178.2 Welding Inspector?

To perform welding inspection work in Canada, all welding inspectors must be certified to the CSA W178.2 standard. There are three levels of inspectors:

Level 1 - required to work under the supervision of a Level 2 or Level 3 welding inspector
Level 2 - able to perform welding inspection independently
Level 3 - able to perform welding inspection and review contractors' inspection and test plans

It is recommended to review the CSA W178.2 standard for more information on the different levels of welding inspectors.

Apply for CSA W178.2 Level 1 Welding Inspector Certification

All CSA W178.2 Level 1 Certification candidates must apply directly to the CWB by submitting Form 450e to write the exams.

Please see CWB Form 301e - Guide to Assist Candidates Applying for Certification as Welding Inspectors to CSA Standard W178.2 for information on the application process.

Education and Experience Requirements

CSA W178.2 Level 1 Welding Inspector candidates shall have at least 1 year of qualified experience in one or more of the following:

layout and fitting;
manual or semi-automatic welding;
welding inspection;
welding supervision;
weld testing;
weld designing or detailing;
welding instruction; or
fabrication planning

Note: CSA W178.2 Level 1 Welding Inspectors shall perform welding inspection under CSA W178.2 Level 2 or Level 3.

Examinations

CSA W178.2 Level 1 Welding Inspector candidates must pass each of the exams listed below with a minimum mark of 70% in a single sitting.

Basic Welding Inspection and Basic Welding Fundamentals exam: 75 multiple choice questions; 2 hrs, closed-book
Code exam: 45 multiple choice questions; 2 hrs, open-book
CSA Standard W178.2 exam: 15 multiple choice questions; 0.5 hrs, open-book
Practical Exam: Samples for Visual Detection and Identification, assessment and descriptive reporting of basic weld faults; 5 samples; 0.75 hr*

*See the Practical Exam Instructions for details on what to expect on the Visual Detection and Identification exam.

Code Exams:

CSA W178.2 Welding Inspectors shall only conduct inspection to the product category code endorsement(s) under which they are certified. A list of product category code endorsements is provided below.

ASME B31.3 (Process Piping)
ASME B31.1 (Power Piping)
ASME VIII, Div. 1 and IX (Pressure Vessel Construction)
API 650 (Welded Tanks for Oil Storage)
API 653 (Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration and Reconstruction)
CSA W47.1 and W59 (Steel Construction)
CSA W47.2 and CSA W59.2 (Aluminum Construction)
CSA W59 Annex U (Welding of Fixed Steel Offshore Structures
CSA Z662 (Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems)
ABS (Ships and Floating Marine Structures)

Renewals

CSA W178.2 Welding Inspectors must renew their certifications as follows:

every 3 years, renew with the CWB Form 455 - Visual Acuity Record and CWB Form 457 - Proof of Continuing Involvement;
every 6 years, write a practical and reporting examination or complete 40 hours of recognized courses.

Reciprocity and Recognition

CSA W178.2 Level 1 Welding Inspectors can apply with the American Welding Society (AWS) to be recognized as an AWS Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) and vice versa.

From CSA to AWS

CSA W178.2 Level 1 to AWS CAWI with endorsement code(s)

From AWS to CSA

CAWI* to Level 1 with endorsement code(s)
* must write a 0.5 hr open-book W178.2 exam

Note: When applying as an AWS CAWI for CSA W178.2 Recognition, you will be permitted to inspect the equivalent code endorsement(s) for which you wrote your AWS CAWI exam.

CASTI has made every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided on this webpage. However, the information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. CASTI does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained on this webpage. It is important that you read the complete documents regarding welding inspector certification provided by CSA, CWB, and AWS.