ÒõAPPµ¼º½

Since 1982, the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) has been the national ÒõAPPµ¼º½ Body for the CSA W178.2 Visual Welding Inspector ÒõAPPµ¼º½ Program. Recently, the NRCan Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) ÒõAPPµ¼º½ Body introduced a new visual testing (VT) certification program that aligns with the requirements of CAN/CGSB-48.9712.

While there are similarities between visual welding inspection and the NDT method of visual testing, they are very distinct activities and programs, with different applications in the industry.Ìý

Overview of Programs

The CWB CSA W178.2 program certifies individuals performing visual welding inspection activities at three levels. To obtain this certification, individuals must:

• Demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of visual welding inspection through examinations.
• Show an understanding, through written examinations, of weld quality and inspection criteria in one or more governing design/safety/construction standards.
• Meet minimum visual acuity requirements.

Certified individuals must demonstrate continued adherence to certification requirements every three years to maintain their certification.

The NRCan VT program certifies individuals performing broad visual inspection activities at two levels. To obtain this certification, individuals must:

• Complete training in the visual testing method of NDT.
• Demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of visual inspection techniques through examinations.
• Meet minimum visual acuity requirements.

Certified individuals must demonstrate continued adherence to certification requirements every five years to maintain their certification.

How these programs interrelate

The NRCan and CWB certification programs complement each other and should not be viewed as competing. Individuals may benefit from holding both certifications, as each program covers different scopes and does not overlap.

The NRCan program focuses on competence related to visual inspection techniques, including the impact of vision and light, the relationship of VT to other NDT methods, visual inspection equipment, and practical inspection approaches.

The CWB program focuses on competence related to visual welding inspection, which involves inspecting welded joints before, during, and after welding, identifying weld discontinuities, and assessing them against stated criteria.

For example, an individual inspecting a process piping installation would benefit from the NRCan VT certification for tasks related to piping location, valve placement, or detecting leaks or corrosion. However, if the work involves visual inspection and assessment of welds used in the installation, the individual would benefit from the CWB W178.2 certification.

CWB encourages individuals involved in both broad visual inspection and visual welding inspection to hold both certifications, as they are not equivalent.Ìý

Other ÒõAPPµ¼º½ Programs Offered through CWB

If individuals are interested in obtaining certification for other methods of NDT, CWB is also accredited to certify to CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2022 in:

• Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) at Level 2 or 3
• Penetrant Testing (PT) at Level 2 or 3
• Ultrasonic Testing (UT) at Level 1, 2 or 3

For more information about CWB’s certification programs in visual welding inspection, or the above-mentioned methods of NDT, please visit or contact us at info@cwbgroup.org.Ìý