The administration of the Standard is entrusted with the Canadian Welding Bureau, relying on its best
professional judgment in the implementation of all those provisions, where such judgment is necessary.
Although not explicitly required by the Standard, the Bureau publishes a list of certified welding
inspectors at proper time intervals to serve the manufacturing industry.
2.14.2 Review
The Standard sets certification requirements for three levels of inspector personnel (levels 1, 2 and 3)
in an ascending order of competence with some provisions for trainees. It defines the responsibilities
together with the related competency requirements for each inspector level. In the case of
radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and liquid penetrant inspection methods, certification to
appropriate Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) specifications is mandatory.
Experience in welded fabrication or welding inspection in one or more capacities of several listed for
each area, is required. The years of experience increase with each level and are directly related to
educational requirements in a manner that allows for reduction in time with more advanced and
substantial educational backgrounds.
In addition to practical tests on visual detection and identification of faults, open book examinations are
specified on inspection standards for any category of products (10 listed) for which certification is
sought. Closed book examinations are specified for welding, inspection and metallurgy with the
required extent of knowledge duly apportioned for each level.
It is important to note that suitable recognition is given to inspection personnel employed by companies
certified under the W178.1 Standard. Certification in Level 2 is granted to inspectors qualified by the
American Welding Society when certain conditions are met, and AWS provides reciprocal recognition.
Submission of evidence of satisfactory vision is required. Duration of validity is set for 3 years with
procedures for renewal fully described.
Finally, the code of ethics is invoked to further stress the importance that the Standard attaches to the
integrity of welding inspectors.