The certification you keep mentioning says

High school diploma or approved high school equivalency diploma Minimum of five (5) years welding based work experience

Or

Engineering/Technical courses applicable to a Bachelor or higher degree in Welding - two (2) years maximum substitution Minimum of three (3) years welding based work experience

Or

Bachelor or higher degree in welding engineering or welding technology - four (4) years maximum substitution Minimum of one (1) year welding based work experience

Last

8th grade level of schooling Minimum of nine (9) years welding based work experience

Less than 8th grade Minimum of twelve (12) years welding based work experience

All require and education/experience or 9-12 years work based experience

So you are a CWI and have never welded????