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AWS Certified Welding Inspector Exam

Measurement & Gauges Practice Questions

25 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the AWS Certified Welding Inspector Exam.

Master Measurement & Gauges to boost your score on the AWS Certified Welding Inspector Exam. Each question below mirrors the style and difficulty of real exam questions, complete with detailed explanations so you understand the why behind every answer. Work through all 25 questions, review any that trip you up, and use the related topics below to round out your preparation.

  1. Q1.The Bridge Cam Gauge (Cambridge Gauge) can measure all of the following EXCEPT:

    A.Undercut depth
    B.Fillet weld leg length
    C.Convexity
    D.Internal porosity diameter
    DInternal porosity diameter

    Explanation: The Bridge Cam gauge measures external features (undercut, leg, throat, convexity, misalignment). It cannot measure pore diameter (use V-WAC or comparator).

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  2. Q2.When using a standard 'Go/No-Go' fillet weld gauge to check a convex fillet weld, you are checking the:

    A.Leg size
    B.Theoretical throat
    C.Concavity
    D.Penetration
    ALeg size

    Explanation: For a convex weld, the leg size determines the weld size. The laser-cut notches on a Go/No-Go gauge check if the leg length meets the specified dimension.

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  3. Q3.The V-WAC gauge is primarily used to measure:

    A.Fillet legs
    B.Undercut depth and porosity diameter
    C.Temperature
    D.Voltage
    BUndercut depth and porosity diameter

    Explanation: The V-WAC (Visual Weld Acceptance Criteria) gauge has a probe for measuring undercut depth and comparison holes for porosity size.

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  4. Q4.When using the 'Hi-Lo' gauge, you are measuring:

    A.Internal misalignment of the pipe joint
    B.External misalignment only
    C.Wall thickness only
    D.Bevel angle
    AInternal misalignment of the pipe joint

    Explanation: The Hi-Lo gauge fits inside the pipe gap to measure the step (misalignment) between the inner walls.

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  5. Q5.To measure the throat of a concave fillet weld with a fillet weld gauge, you use:

    A.The corners of the gauge
    B.The central projection (slider) on the gauge
    C.The bottom edge
    D.You cannot measure concave throats with a gauge
    BThe central projection (slider) on the gauge

    Explanation: Fillet gauges have a projection that reaches into the center of the concave face to verify if the actual throat thickness is sufficient.

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  6. Q6.A Micrometer is typically used to measure:

    A.Weld profile
    B.Base metal thickness or diameter with high precision
    C.Undercut
    D.Arc voltage
    BBase metal thickness or diameter with high precision

    Explanation: Micrometers provide precise measurements (0.001 inch) of material thickness or wire diameter.

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  7. Q7.On a Bridge Cam gauge, the scale used to measure undercut is graduated in:

    A.1/16 inch
    B.1/32 inch
    C.1 mm
    D.0.010 inch
    B1/32 inch

    Explanation: The undercut scale on a standard Bridge Cam gauge is typically graduated in 1/32 inch (or 0.5mm) increments.

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  8. Q8.When measuring the convexity of a fillet weld, the measurement is taken from:

    A.The toe to the root
    B.The actual face to a line joining the toes
    C.The center to the leg
    D.The root to the face
    BThe actual face to a line joining the toes

    Explanation: Convexity is the maximum distance from the face of the weld perpendicular to a line joining the weld toes.

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  9. Q9.If a fillet weld has unequal legs (e.g., 1/4 x 1/2), how is the size determined by a gauge?

    A.Verify the smaller leg only
    B.Verify both leg lengths individually using a ruler or adjustable gauge
    C.It is rejected
    D.Use the average
    BVerify both leg lengths individually using a ruler or adjustable gauge

    Explanation: Unequal leg fillets require verifying both dimensions against the drawing requirements, typically using a ruler or slide gauge rather than a fixed go/no-go gauge.

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  10. Q10.A 'Skew-T' fillet weld gauge is used for:

    A.Standard 90 degree T-joints
    B.Checking the included angle and leg size of skewed (non-90 degree) T-joints
    C.Checking pipe bevels
    D.Checking porosity
    BChecking the included angle and leg size of skewed (non-90 degree) T-joints

    Explanation: Skewed T-joints require a special gauge (or calculation) because the angle distorts the relationship between leg and throat.

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  11. Q11.To verify the root opening of a groove weld prior to welding, the inspector commonly uses:

    A.A tape measure
    B.A tapered leaf gauge or drill bits
    C.A micrometer
    D.Visual estimation only
    BA tapered leaf gauge or drill bits

    Explanation: Tapered leaf gauges (or placing a known drill bit shank in the gap) provide an accurate measurement of the root opening.

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  12. Q12.The 'Automatic Weld Size Gauge' (often fan-shaped) allows measurement of:

    A.Convex and concave fillet welds
    B.Groove depth
    C.Pipe schedule
    D.Temperature
    AConvex and concave fillet welds

    Explanation: The fan-shaped gauge (AWS type) has blades for different sizes, with curves to check both convex leg and concave throat.

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  13. Q13.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:

    A.Acceptable
    B.Rejectable
    C.Needs grinding
    D.Cannot tell
    AAcceptable

    Explanation: If the measurement is equal to the limit (1/8 inch), it is acceptable. Rejection occurs only if it exceeds the limit.

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  14. Q14.When measuring the bevel angle of a pipe preparation, which gauge is most appropriate?

    A.Bridge Cam Gauge (it has an angle scale)
    B.Hi-Lo Gauge
    C.Fillet Gauge
    D.Tape Measure
    ABridge Cam Gauge (it has an angle scale)

    Explanation: The Bridge Cam gauge includes a rotating scale for measuring preparation angles (0-60 degrees).

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  15. Q15.A welder's tape measure (ruler) should generally be graduated in increments of:

    A.1/4 inch
    B.1/8 inch
    C.1/16 inch or 1/32 inch
    D.1 inch
    C1/16 inch or 1/32 inch

    Explanation: Precision in layout and fit-up typically requires 1/16 or 1/32 inch resolution.

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  16. Q16.A 'Gap-A-Let' ring is used to:

    A.Ensure proper root opening in groove welds
    B.Ensure the required 1/16 inch gap in socket welds
    C.Measure undercut
    D.Measure temperature
    BEnsure the required 1/16 inch gap in socket welds

    Explanation: Gap-A-Let rings are consumable spacers dropped into socket fittings to guarantee the code-required 1/16 inch gap for thermal expansion.

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  17. Q17.When measuring the diameter of scattered porosity, the inspector should:

    A.Use the V-WAC gauge comparison holes
    B.Use a tape measure
    C.Guess
    D.Ignore pores under 1/8 inch
    AUse the V-WAC gauge comparison holes

    Explanation: The V-WAC gauge has calibrated holes (1/32, 1/16, 1/8) to compare against surface porosity for quick Pass/Fail decisions.

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  18. Q18.The term 'calibrated' regarding inspection tools means:

    A.The tool is brand new
    B.The tool has been compared to a known standard and adjusted to ensure accuracy
    C.The tool is made of stainless steel
    D.The tool is expensive
    BThe tool has been compared to a known standard and adjusted to ensure accuracy

    Explanation: Calibration ensures the tool's readings are accurate within a specified tolerance relative to a master standard.

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  19. Q19.If a fillet weld is convex, the leg size is measured:

    A.From the toe to the intersection of the joint members
    B.From the face to the root
    C.Along the face
    D.It doesn't matter
    AFrom the toe to the intersection of the joint members

    Explanation: For convex fillets, leg size is the distance from the joint root to the toe.

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  20. Q20.A 'surface comparator' is used to evaluate:

    A.Surface roughness
    B.Hardness
    C.Temperature
    D.Magnetic field
    ASurface roughness

    Explanation: Comparators provide touch/visual reference samples for determining if a weld face is too rough.

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  21. Q21.When measuring the length of an intermittent weld segment, you measure:

    A.From the start of the crater to the end of the crater
    B.The full length of the bead including the craters (if filled)
    C.Only the flat part
    D.Center to center
    BThe full length of the bead including the craters (if filled)

    Explanation: Weld length includes the craters if they are filled to the full cross-section size.

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  22. Q22.The depth of a 'crater pit' is measured using:

    A.The pointer probe of a Bridge Cam or V-WAC gauge
    B.A fillet gauge
    C.A ruler
    D.Visual estimation
    AThe pointer probe of a Bridge Cam or V-WAC gauge

    Explanation: The pointed probe on multi-purpose gauges (Bridge Cam/V-WAC) is designed to enter pits and undercut to measure depth.

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  23. Q23.Digital calipers are useful for measuring:

    A.Interpass temperature
    B.Material thickness, root face, and root opening
    C.Arc length
    D.Magnetic flux
    BMaterial thickness, root face, and root opening

    Explanation: Calipers provide accurate measurements of fit-up variables like root face (land) and material thickness.

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  24. Q24.When verifying the interpass temperature with a contact pyrometer, the reading should be taken:

    A.On the weld metal immediately after the arc stops
    B.1 inch (25mm) from the weld edge
    C.12 inches from the weld
    D.On the back of the plate
    B1 inch (25mm) from the weld edge

    Explanation: AWS codes typically specify checking preheat/interpass temperature at a distance equal to the plate thickness or 3 inches (whichever is greater), but often practically 1 inch for checking interpass max limits.

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  25. Q25.Linear misalignment (High-Low) is measured using:

    A.A Hi-Lo gauge
    B.A straight edge and ruler or Bridge Cam gauge
    C.Both A and B
    D.A fillet gauge
    CBoth A and B

    Explanation: Misalignment can be measured with a dedicated Hi-Lo gauge (internal) or by placing a straight edge across the joint and measuring the offset (external).

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