Eligibility, vision, ethics

Level 1 candidates typically qualify by at least one year of experience in layout and fitting, welding (manual, semi-automatic, or automatic), welding inspection, supervision, weld testing, weld design or detailing, welding instruction, or fabrication planning. Recognized two-year welding/QC programs, or a mix of six months’ experience plus recognized courses, are the other doors. Confirm the exact path against current W178.2 before you apply.

• Vision: evidence of satisfactory near vision (CWB Form 455 is the usual vehicle). Rechecked at renewal.
• Product knowledge: you must pass at least one product-standard endorsement. Structural steel is W47.1 + W59.
• Ethics: you sign and live a code of practice. Falsifying a report is a career-ending event, not a paperwork issue.
• Certification period is three years. Renewal needs continued inspection work plus vision. Every six years you recertify by practical exam or 40 hours of related instruction.
• Level 1 → Level 2 needs two additional years of certified inspection under qualified supervision, then the Level 2 papers.

How Level 1 is allowed to work

A Level 1 inspector can independently conduct the inspections assigned — measuring, looking, recording — but remains under direct certified Level 2 or 3 supervision. You do not invent acceptance criteria. You apply the product standard, the contract, and the WPS. If it is not in those documents, it is not your call. Elevate.