HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE PIPING SYSTEMS INSPECTOR
Jump to:
High‑Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Piping Systems - Inspector
The AWS High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Piping Systems Inspector Program develops knowledge and practical competency in the inspection of its fusion‑joined systems of inspectors working in industrial piping environments.
The training program is structured to progressively cover fundamentals, specifications, and practical inspection (Parts A, C, and B), and is designed to support major energy and infrastructure projects, particularly those requiring qualified personnel for HDPE systems.
Key topics covered are: HDPE materials, fusion principles, inspection techniques; quality control and safety.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) will be granted upon completion of the training. The program includes structured technical training followed by competency-based assessments. Upon passing the required exams, an AWS Assessment-based Certificate (ABC) will be issued. The HDPE Inspector exam registration and pricing are separate from training and its application and payment should be submitted to the designated AWS International Agent for scheduling.
AT A GLANCE
(Online and in-person review)
40 Professional Development Hours (PDHs)
Course Details
-
Who It's For
-
Learning Objectives
-
Training Structure & Materials
-
Exam/Assessment
-
Registration & Pricing
Eligibility for this course includes individuals who have:
- 1–3 years HDPE/composite experience, depending on education
- Vision acuity
- Documentation of experience
General outcomes for the RTR and HDPE Inspector program are to:
- Understand material behavior and system characteristics (HDPE / RTR)
- Interpret applicable standards and project specifications
- Apply inspection methodologies and acceptance criteria
- Identify defects, damage mechanisms, and workmanship issues
- Perform visual inspection and reporting in accordance with industry practices
- Evaluate installation quality and compliance
With specified learning objectives for the HDPE Inspection training program, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate butt fusion & electrofusion joints
- Understand HDPE material and manufacturing principles
- Inspect bead formation, fusion parameters and identify welding defects and improper fusion conditions
- Verify hydrotesting and documentation requirements
- Understand thermoplastic behavior and HDPE properties
- Apply AWS/ ISO / ASTM / AWWA acceptance criteria
- Verify installation procedures and quality control
In-Person, Private Group Training for Companies & Organizations
The HDPE Instructor Training is in-person, over five days, followed by a review day. The training program is structured to progressively cover fundamentals, specifications, and practical inspection (Parts A, C, and B).
Training at the Elite Engineering Training Center in Saudi Arabia is from Sunday through Thursday (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM). For all other regions' training details, inquire at international@aws.org
Hybrid Training - Individuals (online sessions with an in-person review)
This program provides the same 40-hour curriculum through live, online interactive sessions, and candidates can attend a 1-day in-person pre-exam review before taking the assessment. Training option is available for individuals upon request.
Training Structure
Key topics include HDPE materials, fusion principles, inspection techniques, quality control, and safety. The daily training schedule is as follows:
Day 1 – Seminar introduction and Fundamentals (Part A)
- Thermoplastics
- Material properties
- Terminology
Day 2 – Continuation of Fundamentals (Part A)
- Butt fusion and electrofusion processes
- Common defects
Day 3 – Specifications (Part C)
- Applicable standards (AWS/ ISO)
- Acceptance criteria
Day 4 – Continuation of Specifications (Part C) & Introduction to Practical Inspection (Part B)
- Inspection methods
- Inspection tools
Day 5 – Visual Inspection Workshop (Part B):
- Joint inspection
- Defect assessment
- Reporting
Materials
- HDPE Inspection Fundamentals Manual
- Thermoplastic Materials & Welding Guide
- Butt Fusion & Electrofusion Procedures Manual
- Visual Inspection Guide for HDPE Systems
- HDPE Defects & Failure Modes Guide
- Standards Extract (AWS/ ISO / ASTM / AWWA – HDPE Sections)
- Installation & Quality Control Manual
- Sample Examination (HDPE)
- Practical Assignments Booklet
- Book of Specifications (Acceptance Criteria)
- Book of Exhibits (Defects & Weld Samples)
- Visual Inspection Toolkit
Professional Development Hours (PDHs)
Participants, upon completing training, will receive 40 PDHs.
Dates of Training
Current in-person training is scheduled at Elite Engineering in Saudi Arabia:
- June 14 - 18, 2026 - with the assessment date to follow.
- August 9 - 13, 2026 - with the assessment date to follow.
- November 22 - 26, 2026 - with the assessment date to follow
To register for an upcoming training in the Middle East and North Africa region, contact Bassam Abd Al Azeem, Elite Engineering, AWS International Agent at bassam@eliteservies-int.com.
For training outside of the Middle East and North Africa region, send an inquiry to international@aws.org to be connected with an eligible AWS International Agent
Assessment
To receive an AWS RTR Supervisor Assessment-based Certificate, a candidate must pass the following two assessments:
- Part A – Fundamentals
- Part B - Specifications
- Part C – Practical Inspection Evaluation
Exam Application
To register for the exam, submit your application and payment to the AWS International Agent portal that conducted your training.
Credentialing Issued
Upon a successful passing score on the assessments, the candidate shall be issued an AWS RTR Inspector Assessment-based Certificate (ABC).
Current exam date scheduled at Elite Engineering in Saudi Arabia:
- July 27, 2026
- September19, 2026
- December 12, 2026
Training Pricing
In-person training will be provided to companies and organizations. Pricing is upon request.
Hybrid training (online, live training sessions with an in-person review day) is available to individuals. Pricing varies per region and is available upon request.
For training inquiries or to get registered for an upcoming training in the Middle East and North Africa region, contact Bassam Abd Al Azeem, Elite Engineering, AWS International Agent at bassam@eliteservies-int.com.
For training outside of the Middle East and North Africa region, send an inquiry to international@aws.org to be connected with an eligible AWS International Agent.
Exam/Assessment Pricing & Registration
Pricing for the RTR Inspector Assessment in the Middle East and North Africa region is $870 + 15% VAT.
For regions not mentioned above, please seek pricing directly from the designated AWS International Agent.
Submit your application and payment to the AWS International Agent portal that conducted your training.
For additional information, contact AWS International at international@aws.org
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is an AWS International custom-designed and private, group training?
The AWS Custom Training Program is a tailored training solution designed to meet the specific skill development and certification needs of an organization, rather than using a standard, one-size-fits-all curriculum.
It allows companies and organizations to work directly with Subject Matter Experts (SME) to modify course content, delivery methods (such as on-site or virtual), and learning objectives to address unique operational challenges, or industry standards, ultimately enhancing workforce competency and compliance.
-
How can my company or organization schedule a private group training OR an AWS custom-designed training?
Simply send a request to our international team at international@aws.org detailing what training program you are interested in (for a private, group training program that is listed on our site) OR share your needs for an AWS custom-designed training program to meet your needs.
-
What is the difference between an AWS Certification and an Assessment-based Certificate?
AWS Certification programs focus on assessments conducted by its program that are independent of a specific class, course, education/training program, and of any provider of classes, courses, or programs. Whereas, Assessment-based Certificate Programs focus on education/training with assessment(s) used to confirm participants have achieved the intended learning outcomes.
The assessments associated with certifications are not designed to evaluate accomplishments of the intended learning outcomes of a specific class, course, or other education/training program or event, and the certifier is not the sole provider of any education or training that may be required for its certification. Where the Assessment-based Certificate program is based on specific training and its learning outcomes.
-
What is the difference between an AWS Assessment-based exam and a Performance-based Qualification exam?
An AWS Assessment-based is an exam evaluating your knowledge based on the training just received. An AWS Performance-based Qualification is an exam evaluating your ability to demonstrate the skillset. It’s performance based vs knowledge based.
-
How do individuals get registered for a private group and/or custom designed training?
Currently private group and custom-designed training programs are exclusive to companies, organizations and government agencies.
If you work for a company that would benefit from our international training programs, suggest that they reach out to our international team to explore the opportunities.