Steps for Successful CWT Testing

Certified welding technicians (CWT) are commonly required in many specifications and we expect that trend to continue in the industry.

If you have an opportunity to bid on a job requiring a CWT but you do not have any current CWTs on staff, don’t assume the process of completing an exam can happen quickly and with a passing grade.

IAGI developed the Polyethylene, PVC, Reinforced and EPDM geomembrane welder's certification programs so installers could define standards of proficiency and to recognize the knowledge, experience and skills of installers. The testing takes time and planning to execute to be successful.  

Your first requirement is experience.  For your welders to meet the minimum experience level they must have 1,000,000 square feet (90,000 square meters) of experience on more than five (5) different jobs. Test candidates will be asked to provide a resume of the experience and a government issued identification card.

You will need a Proctor to coordinate and oversee the exam process. IAGI maintains a list of approved Proctors. Often, equipment and geomembrane suppliers have approved Proctors on their staff. There is a provision that allows a company to locate a local facilitator who would be willing to act as the Proctor. The Proctor prospect will need to complete the Proctor application and attend an online training webinar.

Once a Proctor is selected, the company wanting the testing done will work with the Proctor to be sure the proper geomembranes are available for the hands on welds before the testing begins. The certification exam requires the use of a variety of material types be used in order to comply with the exam requirements, so an initial challenge is getting the repertoire of geomembrane needed to conduct the test. While there is some flexibility in material selection you must weld a variety of materials in order to complete the exam.

Be sure to follow the Proctor booklet guidelines in assembling the right mix of products. Pre-cut all materials in advance of the testing to make the process go smoothly.

The Proctor orders the test materials; brings the written materials to the testing site; and gathers resumes and photo identification before the testing begins. The Proctor monitors the testing and is present the entire time. After the testing is complete, the Proctor returns the written tests to the IAGI office and sends the hands on portion to the approved third party testing laboratory.

One Proctor may test a maximum of 12 people at a time. More than 12 candidates require a second Proctor or two days of testing and a high degree of organization.

An appropriate facility is required. To administer the written exam, you will need a room with writing surfaces large enough to allow at least one vacant space between each of the test candidates. To conduct the welding portion of the test, you will need a warehouse with access to the necessary electricity and enough room to allow the technicians ample room to individually weld the geomembranes. Most Proctors will monitor 3 - 4 welders at a time for the hands on welding portion of the test.

Set up a room with plenty of space between candidates and allow them to take the written exam. The hands-on portion can be conducted in your warehouse. Allow plenty of space for each candidate to conduct their welds.

We encourage you to remind your technicians that, while they may work together in the field, that won’t be allowed to during the testing.

Depending upon the space available and the equipment, you will test between 4 – 6 people at one time. The others cannot loiter in the area during the test.

If you, as the coordinator, suspect someone does not read well, it is strongly recommended that you to allow the Proctor to read the exam out loud. That is a permissible activity and adults are usually loath to admit (especially to their employer) that they do not read / comprehend the written word well.  This is not an exam to test reading comprehension but rather whether they know what they need to know in the field.  If you have any doubt about the reading skill level, it is recommended that the Proctor read the exam to the test candidates.

Test results take on average four to six weeks depending upon the time needed for test results to be returned and grading to be finished. The candidate must pass the written exam with a score of 65 percent or higher. The hands on exams are graded based upon industry standards. For the polyethylene exam IAGI uses GM19. For the PVC exam IAGI uses the PGI 1104 Standard. Reinforced exams are graded using GM19.

All CWT data is contained in the Proctor manual on the IAGI website.