Certified Weighing Salesperson (CWS)

Certified Weighing Salespersons have a broad range knowledge of regulatory and industry specific requirements. The Certified Weighing Salesperson applies this knowledge by assisting the customer in determining the product(s) required to meet the end users' objectives, as well as meeting the regulatory standards.

The Certified Weighing Salesperson has:

  • knowledge to determine the proper applications and selection of small/light capacity, medium/heavy capacity scales and balance products and services.
  • knowledge and practical use of proper units of measure and classification of weights.
  • understands and uses the proper sales skills required to inform and educate the customer of the products available within the weights and measures marketplace.
  • knowledge of testing and legal regulations, as they relate to each customer's particular requirements.
  • knowledge to reduce safety hazards by understanding and practicing safety standards as they relate to the customer's requirements.

 

Eligibility Requirements

The prerequisites for taking the Certified Weighing Salesperson test are:

  1. Have, within the last five (5) years, a minimum experience of two (2) years working within the weights and measures industry in a sales or related position.
  2. Have a High School diploma or equivalent.
  3. Hold a Handbook 44 Certification from an ISWM approved testing center or demonstrate the equivalent.

 

Examination Content

Certified Weighing Salesperson Examination Outline

I. Small-Light Capacity (approx. 16% of exam)
A. Type
B. Application
C. Classes
D. Maintenance and Service

 

II. Medium-Heavy Capacity (approx. 16% of exam)
A. Types
B. Application
C. Classes
D. Maintenance and Service

 

III. Balance (approx. 16% of exam)
A. Types
B. Application
C. Classes
D. Maintenance and Service
E. Metric System
F. Unit of Measure
G. Class of Weights

 

IV. Systems (approx. 16% of exam)
A. Communications
B. Applications
C. Components
D. Software Term Basic

 

V. Sales Skills (approx. 16% of exam)
A. Documentation
B. Communications Skills
C. Prospecting
D. Closing
E. Follow Up
F. Presentation Skills
G. Market Knowledge

 

VI. Legal Regulations (approx. 5% of exam)
A. USDA
B. NTEP
C. GIPSA
D. HB 44
E. Local Requirements

 

VII. Safety (approx. 5% of exam)
A. OSHA
B. Underground Utilities
C. FM
D. UL
E. Explosion Proof

 

VIII. Basic Scale Components & Technical Terms (approx. 10% of exam)
A. Mechanics
B. Electronics
C. Terms and Definitions
D. Basic Computer Knowledge

 

The exam will contain approximately 100 questions, and the time to complete the exam will be a maximum of three hours and fifty minutes.

Sample Questions

001. Required markings on a one-piece legal-for-trade scale include:
(1) accuracy class.
(2) serial number and prefix.
(3) nominal capacity.
(4) certificate of conformance number.

 

A. (1), (2), and (3) only are correct.
B. (1) and (3) only are correct.
C. (2) and (4) only are correct.
D. (4) only is correct.
E. All are correct.


The correct answer is "A.”

Match the items to be weighed with the most appropriate scale type:
A. belt conveyor scale
B. grain test scale
C. crane scale
D. floor scale
E. in-line checkweigh scale

 

002. bundle of 24-foot steel rods
003. gravel transported via conveyor.
004. cereal boxes moving 300 per minute.
005 pallet of boxes.


The correct answers are "C”, "A”, "E” and "D.”

006. A 30 lb. X 0.01 lb. digital bench scale in a legal-for-trade application has been in service for two years. If loaded to 32 lb., it shall indicate:
A. between 31.97 and 32.03 lb.
B. between 32.00 and 32.03 lb.
C. between 31.98 and 32.02 lb.
D. overload
E. zero


The correct answer is "D.”