BGAS – CSWIP Bridging Rules

It is now possible for holders of the BGAS Welding Inspector qualification to take a bridging examination to achieve the CSWIP 3.1 Welding Inspector certificate.

• To be eligible to take this route, holders of the BGAS Welding Inspector must:
• Have held the BGAS qualification for three years
• Attend a 3.1 CSWIP Approved Course for a suitable bridging course*
• Take a four part bridging examination comprising:
1. Theory A2, 30 general multiple choice questions
2. Theory B2, four narrative questions from six
3. Practical B2/C2 inspection of one plate and one macro to a code
4. Oral

Success in the above leads to the award of the CSWIP 3.1 Welding Inspector certificate with full normal validity and normal renewal requirements.

Failure in any one or all parts leads to one retest of the failed part(s). Any further failure disqualifies the candidate from further bridging examinations. However, the initial route to 3.1 remains available.

* A mature candidate route offering exemption from formal training is available for candidates who are able to demonstrate at least five years recent continuous experience in welding inspection duties as indicated in Clauses 1.2.1 and 1.2.2 of Document CSWIP-WI-6-92 5th Edition, November 1999. If a mature candidate is unsuccessful in the bridging examination it will be necessary to undertake an approved course before re-taking the examination.

For full details and application form please contact:
Customer Services Department
TWI Training and Examinations
Granta Park
Great Abington, Cambridge CB1 6AL
Email: trainexam@twi.co.uk

Holders of the CSWIP 3.1 and 3.2 Welding Inspector qualifications may take a bridging examination to achieve the BGAS Welding Inspector certificate.
To be eligible to take this route, holders of the CSWIP Welding Inspector must:

1. Presently hold the CSWIP qualification above
2. Take a three part bridging examination comprising:
   • 30 general multiple choice questions on pipeline welding inspection technology
   • Practical inspection of plate, fit ups/root runs/finished welds and fittings
   • Written/Oral on the requirements of Transco Specification P9 – Welding onto Live Mains

Suitable course(s) are available to support the bridging process.

Success in the above, leads to the award of the BGAS Welding Inspector certificate with full normal validity and normal renewal requirements.

Failure in any one or all parts leads to one retest of the failed part(s) to be taken within 26 weeks following the initial test.  Any further failure disqualifies the candidate from further bridging examinations.  However, the initial route remains available.