IIW
IIW Diplomas
Our growing global market recognizes the importance of a comprehensive and structured system for the accreditation of welding personnel that is accepted in over 35 countries participating in the scheme. The world is harmonizing standards and the IIW diplomas will be the international minimum used by most countries around the world.
The CWB is the Authorized National Body (ANB) for the International Institute of Welding (IIW) in Canada and is issuing diplomas to welding professionals at four levels:
o International Welding Engineer
o International Welding Technologist
o International Welding Specialist
o International Welding Practitioner
Up to January 31, 2010 the CWB was accepting candidates for the above diplomas under the IIW approved Canadian Transition Arrangements. The deadline to apply under transition arrangements has been reached and the CWB is no longer accepting applications from candidates under the transition arrangements. Candidates may still apply for a diploma, but must apply through the general Access Conditions.
Access Conditions
The access conditions are the prerequisite education, training and/or experience required for entry into an approved course of study leading to the award of an IIW diploma. At present the only training organization that is accredited in Canada is Northern College in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. They are approved for delivery of the training program for International Welding Technologists.
There are three distinct routes to gaining the qualification.
1. The Standard Route
2. The Alternative Route
3. Distance Learning Programs
The Standard Route
The Standard Route requires attendance at IIW approved training courses designed to meet all the requirements in IIW syllabus. This is the route recommended by IIW as offering the fastest, most comprehensive manner in which the syllabus may be covered.
The Standard Route also allows for a limited amount of prior learning to be taken into account, for example during University or College courses.
The Alternative Route
The Alternative Route allows those who have gained the knowledge of the full IIW syllabus and who can demonstrate their capability in all respects, to proceed to examination without compulsory attendance at an ANB approved Training Course.
Distance Learning Programs
There are currently no Canadian distance learning programs approved for any of the IIW diplomas.
For the various routes refer to the flow charts in the IIW document IAB-252-07 Personnel with Responsibility for Welding Coordination - Minimum Requirements For The Education, Training, Examination, And Qualification.
Click here to download the IAB-252-07
Click here to download an application form
Access conditions are provided below for all four categories.
International Welding Engineer
The following access conditions apply to the International Welding Engineer:
1. B.Sc. or B.A.Sc. degree in engineering
2. Engineering degree must be from one of the following disciplines:
a. Mechanical Engineering
b. Metallurgical Engineering
c. Civil Engineering
d. Material Science Engineering
International Welding Technologist
The following access conditions apply to the International Welding Technologist:
1. Graduate of an accredited Engineering Technician program (2-year duration) offered through a Community College.
2. Graduate of an accredited Engineering Technologist program (3-year duration) offered through a Community College
International Welding Specialist
The following access conditions apply to the International Welding Specialist:
Route #1
1. Secondary or Vocational Secondary School Diploma
2. Completion of a 1-year Welding Techniques program offered through an accredited training facility or 3 years of welding related experience
Route #2
1. Secondary or Vocational Secondary School Diploma
2. Journeyman Welder qualification who has completed the entire 3-year Apprenticeship Training Program
Route #3
1. Secondary or Vocational Secondary School Diploma
2. Qualified as a Welding Supervisor under the Canadian National Certification Standard
3. 3 years of experience as a qualified Welding Supervisor
International Welding Practitioner
The following access conditions apply to the International Practitioner:
Route #1
1. Completion of a Welding program offered through an accredited training facility or qualification as a Welding Supervisor under the National Certification Standard
2. Holder of a valid CWB Welder Qualification all position plate qualification for one or more welding processes or holder of a valid 6G qualification for open root welding for one or more welding processes
3. 2 years of experience as a qualified welder
4. Minimum age of 20 years
For more information contact the CWB at 1-800-844-6790 or at info@cwbgroup.org