Getting Started: CSA W178.2 Level 2 Welding Inspector

Register for CASTI Training Programs

CASTI provides exam preparation training to help candidates pass the CSA W178.2 Level 2 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 real weld samples. CASTI training programs are separate from the certification exams, which are administered by the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB).

Recognition for Shortened Exam

Passing CASTI's CSA W178.2 Level 2 Welding Inspector Preparation Course qualifies candidates to write a shortened version of the "Basic Materials Science, Advanced Welding Fundamentals and Other Welding Inspection Techniques" closed-book exam. To pass the CASTI course, students must:

complete and submit all pre-classroom online lessons prior to the last day of the in-classroom training, and
attend all in-classroom training days

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Visit the CASTI CSA W178.2 Level 2 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 2 Welding Inspector Certification

All CSA W178.2 Level 2 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 2 Welding Inspector candidates shall have:

min. 2 years of experience as a certified CSA W178.2 Level 1 Welding Inspector

CSA W178.2 Level 1 Welding Inspectors may start the application process after 18 months of work under a Level 2 Welding Inspector.

CSA W178.2 Level 2 Welding Inspector Examinations

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

Basic Materials Science, Advanced Welding Fundamentals and Other Welding Inspection Techniques; 150 multiple choice questions; 3.5 hrs, closed-book
Standard/Code exam; 45 multiple choice questions; 2 hrs, open-book
CSA Standard W178.2; 15 multiple choice questions; 0.5 hrs, open-book*
Samples for Visual Detection and Identification, assessment and descriptive reporting of weld faults, dimensional faults, material deficiencies, and structural discontinuities; 5 samples; 0.75 hr**

*All CSA W178.2 Level 2 candidates must write the examination on CSA Standard W178.2-14 or have written it as a CSA W178.2 Level 1 candidate.
**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 by submitting 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 2 Welding Inspectors can apply with the American Welding Society (AWS) to be recognized as an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and vice versa.

From CSA to AWS

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

From AWS to CSA

CWI* to Level 2 with endorsement code(s), but only after 2 years as a CWI

* must write and receive a mark of 70% in one sitting:

Basic Materials Science, Advanced Welding Fundamentals and Other Welding Inspection Techniques; 150 multiple choice questions; 3.5 hrs, closed-book
CSA Standard W178.2; 15 multiple choice questions; 0.5 hrs, open-book
Samples for Visual Detection and Identification, assessment and descriptive reporting of weld faults, dimensional faults, material deficiencies, and structural discontinuities; 5 samples; 0.75 hr
Descriptive Report Writing; 1 question, 1 hour, long answer

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