01 The Level 1 path · 12 min
What you actually sit
Four papers, 70% on each, one sitting. Know the clock before you study a single symbol.
CWB certifies visual welding inspectors to CSA W178.2. Level 1 is the entry grade. You may carry out inspections, but you work under the direct supervision of a certified Level 2 or Level 3 inspector. You only inspect to the product-category code endorsement you hold. For most Canadian structural shops that endorsement is CSA W47.1 together with CSA W59.
- Pass mark
- 70% each paper
- Closed book
- 75 Q / 2 h
- Code paper
- 45 Q / 2 h
- W178.2
- 15 Q / 30 min
- Practical
- 5 samples / 45 min
The four papers
| Paper | Book | Shape | What it is really testing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic welding inspection & fundamentals | Closed | 75 MCQ, 2 h | Symbols, processes, QC, equipment, visual |
| Product standard (W47.1 + W59) | Open | 45 MCQ, 2 h | Can you find and apply the right clause |
| CSA W178.2 | Open | 15 MCQ, 30 min | Your own certification rules |
| Practical samples | Tools + supplied spec | 5 samples, 45 min | See it, name it, locate it, report it |
You must pass every paper at 70% or better in a single sitting. Fail one, rewrite that one — there is no waiting period, but you only have a two-year window to complete certification. Results typically arrive by email within two weeks.
Closed-book weight (Level 1)
| Subject | Share | Study move |
|---|---|---|
| Design, drawings and symbols | 41% | Live in the symbol lab until you can read a tail in your sleep |
| Welding processes and procedures | 19% | SMAW / GMAW / FCAW / GTAW / SAW plus WPS language |
| Quality control and inspection | 16% | Hold points, NCR, independence, documentation |
| Welding equipment and consumables | 13% | Classification, storage, polarity, duty cycle |
| Visual inspection | 10% | Tools, timing, fillet measurement, reporting |
| NDT | 1% | Know what each method can and cannot see |