While many industries, manufacturers, and skilled laborers have seen a drop off in their workforce in recent years, welding isn’t slowing down. If anything, there’s never been a more competitive time for commercial welders to be looking for a role. When you take the CWI exam, you put yourself above other welders by showing you know what you’re talking about.

Here are four things to know before you take your exam.

1. You Need Practice

During Part A of the CWI test, you’re going to have to do some practical work to show that you know what you’re doing. As a commercial welder, you’ll have to know how to make clean, clear welds and be able to manage your time.

If you’re out of practice or you’ve been doing one kind of job for a long time, you should do some practice. Take a practice test because you’re going to have to show off your practical skills.

2. Know Your Codes

The last part of the test will be a written exam that tests you on your knowledge of safety codes and the details of what it means to weld safely. If it’s been a while since you’ve looked at them, take some time to freshen up on your knowledge.

While you might not think these elements are important if you’re not an inspector, you need to anticipate inspection on every project. When you know what they look for, you can ensure you’ve done a good job that will safely and easily pass an inspection.

3. You Need To Work Under Pressure

Working under pressure isn’t for everyone but if you want a good score on your CWI exam, you’re going to have to work efficiently. You’ll be timed for each section of your test and so you should spend an adequate amount of tie studying.

If you haven’t taken a test in a long time, you might have to put together a test-taking strategy. Learning what’s required of you will help you anticipate what problems you might have and allow you to perform on the day of the test.

4. Learn What an Inspector Does

Part B of the test will put you in the shoes of an inspector and quiz you on some of what inspectors look for. You should know what a good weld looks like and how to inspect welds on your own. This will ensure instructors that, as a welder, you’ll be performing welds that you think an inspector would approve.

When you’re working as a commercial welder, you could create load-bearing welds that inspectors might pass over or never see. Rather than try to get away with a bad weld that puts people in danger, this part of the test will ensure you know what a strong, clean weld should look like.

Your CWI Exam doesn’t have to be hard.

While you might be intimidated by taking your CWI exam, it won’t be hard if you’re well prepared. The trick to doing well on this test is studying, practicing, and practicing again.

If you want to know exactly how to pass your exam, check out our latest guide.