Free Practice Test
Free AWS CWI Practice Test
Take our free 10-question AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) practice test — covering welding processes, metallurgy, weld symbols, NDT, and AWS D1.1 acceptance criteria. No signup required. See your score instantly.
10 Free AWS CWI Practice Questions
Q1. Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: GTAW
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the arc. Filler metal is added separately if needed.
Q2. The region of the base metal that has not been melted but whose mechanical properties or microstructure have been altered by the heat of welding is called the:Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: Heat Affected Zone (HAZ)
The Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) is the area of base metal adjacent to the weld that was not melted but was heated high enough to cause microstructural changes.
Q3. The symbol for a V-groove weld is drawn:Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: With the legs of the V pointing toward the reference line
A V-groove symbol looks like a 'V'. If it's on the arrow side (bottom), the V points down away from the line. Wait, typically drawn with legs pointing toward the weld joint? No, strictly: Arrow side V-groove is drawn BELOW the line, looking like a 'V'. Other side is ABOVE, looking like an inverted 'V'.
Q4. The portion of a groove weld that extends beyond the surface of the base metal on the root side is:Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: Root reinforcement
Root reinforcement is weld reinforcement at the side other than that on which welding took place.
Q5. Which etchant is commonly used for carbon steel macroetch specimens?Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: Nital (Nitric Acid + Alcohol)
Nital (typically 5-10% nitric acid in methanol/ethanol) is the standard etchant for revealing carbon steel weld structures.
Q6. The maximum safe working pressure for Acetylene gas is:Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: 15 psi
Free acetylene becomes unstable and can explode violently if pressurized above 15 psig (103 kPa).
Q7. According to AWS D1.1, the eye examination for a CWI must verify near vision acuity of:Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: Jaeger J2 at 12 inches
AWS D1.1 (and QC1) requires visual acuity of Jaeger J2 at a distance of not less than 12 inches, with or without corrective lenses.
Q8. Using a Bridge Cam gauge, you measure the reinforcement of a butt weld to be 1/8 inch. The code maximum is 1/8 inch. The weld is:Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: Acceptable
If the measurement is equal to the limit (1/8 inch), it is acceptable. Rejection occurs only if it exceeds the limit.
Q9. Surface porosity is usually visible:Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: After the slag is removed
For flux processes, you must remove the slag to see surface-breaking pores. For GMAW/GTAW, it is visible immediately.
Q10. Weld tabs (run-off plates) used in D1.1 construction must be:Show answer
✓ Correct Answer: Removed after welding
For statically loaded structures, tabs *may* remain. However, for cyclically loaded structures (and often general practice), D1.1 requires tabs to be removed and the ends finished smooth.
What Does the AWS CWI Exam Cover?
The AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam has three parts, and you must pass all three in the same attempt with at least 72% on each. Part A (Fundamentals) is 150 closed-book questions on welding processes, metallurgy, destructive and nondestructive testing, welding symbols, and inspection math. Part B (Practical) is open-book and requires you to measure replica weld specimens and look up acceptance criteria using an inspection tool kit and a supplied book of specifications. Part C is open-book questions on the welding code you selected — commonly AWS D1.1.
How Hard Is the AWS CWI Exam?
The CWI exam is one of the toughest trade certifications, with a first-attempt pass rate around 50%. Because you must score at least 72% on all three parts in the same sitting, a high score on one part cannot rescue a failing score on another — which is the main reason candidates fail. Part B is where most fall below 72%, as it demands fast, precise use of measurement tools and acceptance criteria. The 2026 exam fee is about $1,255 for AWS members and $1,520 for non-members; a combined prep seminar plus exam runs roughly $2,000–$2,265.
How to Study for the AWS CWI Exam
- 1.Treat Part B as its own discipline — practice with calipers, fillet gauges, and the specification book until measurement and code lookups are fast and error-free, because Part B is where most candidates fall below 72%.
- 2.Study the Part A Body of Knowledge broadly — cover welding processes, metallurgy, NDT, welding symbols, and inspection math. Part A is 150 closed-book questions, so breadth matters.
- 3.Tab your chosen code book for Part C — Part C is open-book on the code you select (commonly AWS D1.1). Tab and index it so you can find acceptance criteria in seconds.
- 4.Remember all three parts must pass together — you need at least 72% on each in the same sitting. Don't let a weak part sink a strong one — balance your prep across A, B, and C.
- 5.Budget for cost and time — the 2026 fee is about $1,255 for AWS members ($1,520 non-members), and a seminar-plus-exam package runs roughly $2,000–$2,265. Plan enough prep to clear 72% everywhere on the first attempt.
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