What the CWI exam costs in 2026: fees, retests and seminars

Want your own total? The CWI exam cost calculator turns these fees into a budget with your seminar, retests and costs. Still comparing the exam parts? Start with the AWS CWI exam guide. Renewal and recertification have their own guide and fees. Travel to your Part B site is one cost to plan for, so see where to take the CWI exam.

Initial exam fees

• Initial CWI exams: $1,255 member, $1,520 non-member.
• Initial exams with Part B training: $2,000 member, $2,265 non-member.

The non-member price includes three years of AWS Individual Membership. Student and Early-Career memberships don't get member pricing. Prometric seat fees are already in these prices, so don't add them again. An endorsement price is not the cost of becoming a CWI, so don't budget from one.

Seminar or exam only?

Comparing seminars with courses and practice tests? See CWI seminars, courses and practice tests compared. AWS sells these D1.1-focused options:

• CWI seminar and exam package: $3,070 member, $3,335 non-member.
• Two-week in-person seminar and exam: $3,935 member, $4,200 non-member.
• CWI D1.1 seminar week, exam not included: $2,245 member, $2,510 non-member.

If a package includes the exam, don't add the exam fee on top. Before you pick one, know which gap you're paying to close. Struggling with processes and metallurgy? You need teaching and worked explanations. Losing time finding answers in D1.1? You need code-navigation practice. Unsure with the gauges? You need hands-on Part B work. Price alone won't tell you which course fixes your gap, and the free 10-question check will.

Retest fees

• Part A or Part C: $445, member or not.
• Parts A and C together: $870, member or not.
• Part B: $385, member or not.
• All parts: $915 member, $1,180 non-member.

Your AWS score letter tells you which parts you retake. On top of the fee comes another round of prep, travel and time off. You get up to three retests in three years, and later ones need documented training first. The CWI retest rules cover the limits and the paperwork.

The costs AWS doesn't list for you

AWS adds a $125 processing charge for domestic applications sent by email or paper mail. International candidates apply through an AWS agent, who quotes their pricing. Then put your own numbers down for:

• Your chosen exam or package and membership category.
• Code books and study materials you still need.
• Travel, hotel, meals and local transport.
• Time away from paid work.
• A reserve in case you need a retest.

If your employer pays, ask which costs it covers and when the money comes back. To make the ask, print a one-page estimate from the CWI exam cost calculator with each AWS fee and your own costs, and hand it in with your request. If reimbursement depends on passing, make sure you can carry the cost until then.

Spend less: find your weak part first

The money goes furthest when you know where you're weak before you book a seminar. Take the free 10-question check for Part A, Part B or Part C (D1.1). It's scored by domain, with no signup. The Fillet Gauge course then gives you a lesson for every exam subject, two full-length timed practice exams per part and a worked explanation with every answer, so you walk in ready for the attempt you've already paid for.

FAQ

How much does the CWI exam cost?

The initial CWI exams cost $1,255 for AWS members and $1,520 for non-members in 2026. The non-member price includes three years of AWS Individual Membership, and Prometric seat fees are already in both prices.

How much does it cost to retake a CWI part?

A Part A or Part C retest costs $445 and a Part B retest costs $385, member or not. Retaking all three parts costs $915 for members and $1,180 for non-members.

Is the CWI seminar included in the exam fee?

No. The exam-only price covers the exams, and AWS sells seminar packages separately, such as the CWI seminar and exam package at $3,070 for members and $3,335 for non-members. If a package includes the exam, don't add the exam fee on top.

What costs does AWS not list?

AWS adds a $125 processing charge for domestic applications sent by email or paper mail. Budget your own numbers for code books, travel, time away from paid work and a retest reserve.

Sources

Show the list

• Certification and Education Program Price List, American Welding Society, effective 1 January 2026. Retrieved 17 Oct 2026.
• CWI Examination User Guide, American Welding Society, revision 09.04.2026, page 9. Retrieved 17 Oct 2026.