CSA Standard W178.

2-01
Certification of Welding Inspectors

Scope and Application:

This standard outlines certifying eligible of welding inspectors by examination in one of

three levels. It describes the responsibilities associated with each level and the basic
technical functions of welding inspectors. This standard also outlines a means of
registering welding inspection trainees. This standard specifies a means for periodically
reviewing a welding inspector's certification and includes a requirement for vision tests.
This standard, by including a code of ethics for the welding inspector, defines principles
of practice and conduct for maintaining certification.

To assist candidates in preparing for examinations, this standard includes

recommended course guidelines covering: welding fundamentals; welding inspection;
and welding metallurgy. It also includes list of relevant standards and recommended
courses (Appendices A and B).

The Canadian Welding Bureau (Bureau) administers the standard and shall keep a list
of certified welding inspectors.

Welding Inspectors are classified in 3 Levels, and shall include endorsement for the
codes and standards by which they are to conduct inspections in one or more of the
categories identified.

The standard sets up the Code of Ethics for the welding inspectors in all categories.

General Requirements:
1. Welding inspectors at any level shall be capable of:
a. verifying that the specified base metal and welding materials are used
and maintained in proper condition as specified;
b. verifying that the joint preparation and fit-up meet the requirements of the
welding procedure and drawings; and
c. examining and evaluating welds according to a prescribed inspection
procedure.
2. Level 1 welding inspector, work under the supervision of a Level 2 or 3, shall be
capable of:
a. verifying that the specified base metal and welding materials are used and
maintained in proper condition as specified;
b. verifying that the joint preparation and fit-up meet the requirements of the
welding procedure and drawings; and
c. examining and evaluating welds according to a prescribed inspection
procedure.
3. Level 2 welding inspector , in addition to the capabilities of a Level 1 welding
inspector, level 2 welding inspector shall be capable of:
a. confirming that the welding equipment to be used for the work is
appropriate for the process specified in the welding procedure and has the
capacity to produce the specified welds, and that the welding equipment is
in good working order;
b. confirming that the tackers, welding operators, and welders have been
properly qualified in accordance with the applicable codes and standards
and that their qualifications are current and permit them to use the welding
procedures specified for the work;
c. verifying that only specified and accepted welding procedures are used for
the work;
d. identifying substandard quality of work during fabrication; and
e. examining the finished work for conformance to the requirements of the
applicable codes, standards, specifications, and drawings.

(Over)
(cont’d)

4. Level 3 welding inspector, in addition to the capabilities of a Level 1 and 2 welding

inspectors, level 3 welding inspector shall be capable of:
a. the interpretation of specifications and codes, preparation of welding
inspection procedures, and implementation of welding inspection aspects
of quality programs;
b. ensuring that non-destructive and other examinations have been
performed to the degree specified by contract documents, using qualified
personnel, and that the results have been duly recorded; and
c. demonstrating knowledge of :
i. welding procedures;
ii. welding metallurgy;
iii. weld defects - their cause and effect;
iv. weld repair;
v. principles of quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC)
(welding inspection aspects of quality programs);
vi. engineering and construction drawings;
vii. preparation of non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection plans from
construction drawings;
viii. stress relieving; and (ix) new welding technology.
d. reviewing contractors' inspection and test plans to determine whether all
welding-related quality requirements of the specification have been
included.

Technicians performing Non-Destructive Exams - A welding inspector who performs

radiographic, ultrasonic, eddy current, magnetic particle, or liquid penetrant
examinations shall be certified in accordance with the applicable requirements of CGSB
Standard CAN/CGSB-48.9712, which covers the certification of technicians who
perform such non-destructive examinations.
Qualifications for Offshore Structures and Underwater Inspections - Part 7 of the
standard details the additional qualifications required for offshore structures and
underwater inspections. Refer to the standard for specific details.
Certification Requirements: Requirements for certification are based on a
combination of experience and education as follows:
(a) For certification to Level 1 welding inspector, the candidate shall have:
a. obtained at least one year's experience in one or more of the areas noted;
or
b. successfully completed recognized courses in the fundamental principles
and practices of welding and quality control and inspection of welding.
(b) For certification to Level 2 welding inspector, the candidate shall have at least 2
years' experience as a certified Level 1 welding inspector.
(c) For certification to Level 3 welding inspector, the candidate shall have at least 4
years' experience as a certified Level 2 welding inspector.

Welding inspector candidates shall have previous experience in welded fabrication or

welding inspection. Previous experience shall include one or more of the following
areas: layout and fitting; manual or semi-automatic welding; welding inspection; welding
supervision; weld testing; weld designing or detailing; welding instruction; or fabrication
planning.

The standard details the examination requirements and the vision tests to be provided
for the candidates. Individuals that hold a certificate issued by an organization other
than the Canadian Welding Bureau that meets criteria under the standard may be
granted equivalent certification upon application to the Canadian Welding Bureau.

The standard requires re-examinations on codes and standards every 6 years.

Refer to the standard for details on the certification categories and requirements.

This bulletin contains a summary of excerpts taken from the Standard, for general
information purposes only. This bulletin is not reflective of the complete requirements
that the Standard prescribes.

Note: Manitoba Regulation M.R. 217/2006 Section 1.4 inconsistency:

If there is an inconsistency between this regulation and a requirement contained in a
publication, code or standard referenced in this regulation, the provisions in this
regulation prevail.