The Truth About the CWI Exam (and the Mental Battles Nobody Talks About)
I’m going to be real with you.
This post isn’t just about the CWI exam. Yeah, it’s tough. Yeah, it’s a big deal. But this is about the mental part — the part that almost kept me from ever signing up. The part that talks you out of your own potential.
If you’re like me, you probably try to plan things out. You look at every possible outcome before you pull the trigger. Success, failure, even the “meh” middle ground. You try to be ready. You tell yourself it’s just being thorough — but sometimes, that preparation turns into paralysis.
That’s where I lived for a few years.
The Fear That Nobody Sees
Welding is something I love. I read about it, live it, believe in it. And deep down, that made it harder to take the leap.
Because what if I failed?
What if I spent all that time studying, paid all that money, put myself out there… and then came back to my job empty-handed? What would I say to people? How would I face the guys in the shop if I bombed something I talk about every day?
Here’s the part that stings — I didn’t think I wasn’t smart enough.
I told myself I wasn’t ready.
But the truth? I was afraid of the sting of failure. Of having to admit that I tried and didn’t make it.
So I waited. For two years.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
Looking back, I realize I was building walls around myself with excuses that sounded logical:
“I want to take it seriously, so I need more time to study.”
“Work’s crazy right now — I’ll get to it next quarter.”
“I’ll wait until I feel 100% confident — then I’ll sign up.”
But beneath all those reasons was a single truth:
I didn’t want to risk being publicly bad at something I deeply care about.
That’s the trap — we tie our identity to the things we love. So, when failure becomes a possibility, we avoid it… even if it means stalling our own growth.
Planning Without Spinning Out
I still think planning is good. Thinking through what might happen? That’s smart.
But here’s what I’ve learned:
Don’t plan your way into anxiety.
Don’t mistake fear for readiness.
Don’t wait for “perfect timing” — it doesn’t exist.
I’ve gone down mental rabbit holes so many times, imagining every worst-case scenario. But here’s the thing about rabbit holes: the deeper you go, the darker it gets.
So, how do you stop the spiral?
You get honest with yourself.
Ask:
“Is this decision really about preparation…
or is it about protecting my ego?”
That question flipped a switch for me.
You Can Love Something and Still Be Scared of It
Welding has given me a career, friendships, pride, creativity. But it also carries weight — because I care about it. That’s why failing the CWI felt like it would hurt more than failing anything else.
But I had to learn:
Loving something doesn’t mean you have to be perfect at it.
You’re allowed to fall short.
You’re allowed to learn.
And you’re allowed to keep going even after a setback.
Taking the exam — finally — was the first step in taking back control from the voice in my head. And yeah, I passed. But more importantly, I did it.
This Isn’t Just About the CWI
If you’ve made it this far, you already know — this blog isn’t really about a certification exam. It’s about the mental wars we fight when we stand on the edge of something important.
It might be launching a business. Starting a side hustle. Asking for a raise. Changing industries. Or telling people you believe you’re ready for more.
Whatever it is — don’t talk yourself out of something just because it might not work out.
Don’t let fear wear a disguise and call itself logic.
Don’t let failure keep its power over you by keeping you from trying.
Final Thought
I waited too long to take the CWI. Don’t be me in that regard.
If you’re standing at the edge of something, wondering if it’s worth it — lean in.
Even if it’s scary. Especially if it’s scary.
Because the cost of waiting might be higher than the cost of trying.
And trust me — you’re more ready than you think.