Wider recognition for Welding Inspectors

TWI and the American Welding Society (AWS) have agreed to connect their welding inspector qualifications.

TWI and AWS both run schemes for the qualification of welding inspectors which are widely recognised throughout the world. Many thousands of welding inspectors are qualified through the schemes which are believed to be the two mostsought-after in the world.

In response to demand for even more global recognition of qualifications, TWI and AWS have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will enable certificate holders in one scheme to gain access to a certificate from theother.

Welding Inspectors in TWIs Certification Scheme for Welding and Inspection Personnel (CSWIP) will be able to take a short top-up examination to achieve certification under AWSs Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) scheme.

Possession of the two certificates will mean that the holders qualifications should be accepted for any conventional welding inspection job anywhere in the world. It is believed that no other scheme can offer anywhere near such wideacceptance.

The two organisations are currently working on the implementation phase, and top-up examinations are expected to be available later in 1996. Examinations are likely to be available at a number of locations, including TWIsExamination Centre at Abington. CSWIP Welding Inspectors already have direct access to European Welding Inspector certificates under transition arrangements agreed between TWI and the European Welding Federation. The new arrangementwith AWS will extend even further the benefits of holding a CSWIP Welding Inspector certificate.

Further information is available from Tim Jessop at Abington: tim.jessop@twi.co.uk