CSWIP Welding Quality Control Co-ordinator - FAQs

Q: I have several years welding inspection experience and am currently qualified to CSWIP 3.1, welding inspector, should I skip straight to the CSWIP QC Co-ordinator if eligible or complete the CSWIP 3.2. Welding inspector?

A: If your main duties still involve welding inspection, we would recommend that the next step would be to attain the CSWIP 3.2.1 or 3.2.2. However, if you are spending more of your working time being actively engaged in Quality control and its associated documentation then the CSWIP QC Co-ordinator may be a more beneficial route.

Q: The CSWIP QC Co-ordinator covers the same subjects as the CSWIP 3.2 welding inspection. What is the difference?

A: The CSWIP QC Co-ordinator course and examination are more procedural based and covers the application and compliance of Quality control functions and their associated documentation.

Q: Is the CSWIP QC Co-ordinator classed as a higher qualification than the CSWIP 3.2 welding inspection?
A: The CSWIP QC Co-ordinator course and examination are classed as a higher level qualification but is a stand alone qualification, unlike the welding inspection programme where a 3.1 certificate is replaced by a 3.2 certificate after successfully passing the senior inspection examination.

Q: I believe the CSWIP QC Co-ordinator course and examination are based around pressure vessels, will that still cover someone working in the structural, pipeline and pipework industries?

A: The CSWIP QC Co-ordinator course and examination are generic. It is about understanding the principles behind the procedures, and the application and verification of the outcomes, this is the same approach to the CSWIP welding inspection where the inspections are based around the generic materials used in everyday industries i.e. carbon steel, stainless steel etc.

Q: Why must I have a welding inspection background to attend the CSWIP QC Co-ordinator course?

A: The CSWIP QC Co-ordinator course and examination are based around welded components and it is essential to have a level of welding knowledge to fully understand the processes and applications associated with fabrication. The programme and entry requirements for attending the course and examination are as follows:

The programme covers:

• Planning
• Inspection test plans (quality plans)
• Review and acceptance of: material certification, mechanical testing reports, welding procedures qualifications, welder qualifications, PWHT reports and procedures, pressure testing reports, NDT reports, as built drawing, engineering query, non-conformance reports, final certification

Below is a list of typical prior knowledge requirements:

• Application of the requirements of codes and standards
• Use and application of inspection quality test plans/written schemes of examination
• Knowledge of quality related procedures and associated practices
• Identification of relevant material, components and associated certification
• Awareness of associated manufacturing processes and operations
• Knowledge of heat treatment procedures, recording systems and reports
• Awareness of hydrostatic test methods, safety and best practice and pneumatic testing
• Knowledge of non-destructive testing and destructive mechanical testing
• Health and safety requirements and practices

The requirements for candidates to be able to take the examination are, as a minimum:

• A current valid CSWIP 3.2 Senior Welding Inspector certification plus three years documented experience related to the duties and responsibilities or an international equivalent

OR

• A current valid CSWIP 3.1 Welding Inspector with 10 years' documented experience related to the duties and responsibilities or an international equivalent

OR

• When the above requirements are not met, candidates can be assessed on an individual case by case basis for entry. (The candidate must show competence and knowledge of subjects covered as detailed above).

For further information, please visit our website or contact Customer Services on +44(0)1223 899500 or e-mail trainexam@twi.co.uk