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AWS Certified Welding Inspector Exam

Welder Qualification Practice Questions

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

  1. Q1.A welder qualifies with a backing plate. Is this welder qualified to weld joints WITHOUT backing?

    A.Yes
    B.No
    C.Only in the flat position
    D.Only if they use GTAW
    BNo

    Explanation: Qualifying with backing qualifies only for backing (and backgouged) joints. Welding open roots (without backing) requires a specific qualification test without backing.

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  2. Q2.The '6G' pipe welding position is:

    A.Pipe vertical fixed
    B.Pipe horizontal fixed
    C.Pipe fixed at a 45 degree angle +/- 5 degrees
    D.Pipe rotating
    CPipe fixed at a 45 degree angle +/- 5 degrees

    Explanation: 6G is the fixed position with the pipe axis inclined at 45 degrees. It covers all positions (Flat, Vertical, Overhead) in one test.

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  3. Q3.In a guided bend test for welder qualification, a corner crack of 1/4 inch is:

    A.Acceptable
    B.Rejectable
    C.Acceptable if no slag inclusion is visible
    D.Needs MT
    BRejectable

    Explanation: Generally, open defects > 1/8 inch are rejectable. Corner cracks > 1/4 inch are rejectable regardless of inclusions.

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  4. Q4.A Tack Welder qualification is valid for:

    A.Tack welds only
    B.Fillet welds only
    C.Root passes
    D.All welds
    ATack welds only

    Explanation: A tack welder qualification allows the individual to perform tack welds only, not final production welds.

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  5. Q5.Radiography can be used in lieu of mechanical testing for welder qualification for which processes?

    A.GMAW-S (Short Circuit)
    B.SMAW, SAW, GMAW (Spray/Globular), FCAW
    C.All processes
    D.None
    BSMAW, SAW, GMAW (Spray/Globular), FCAW

    Explanation: D1.1 allows RT for welder qual for SMAW, SAW, FCAW, and GMAW (except Short Circuit). GMAW-S requires bend tests to detect lack of fusion.

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  6. Q6.To qualify for all positions on plate, a welder typically tests in:

    A.1G and 2G
    B.3G and 4G
    C.6G
    D.1G only
    B3G and 4G

    Explanation: Testing in 3G (Vertical) and 4G (Overhead) qualifies the welder for all positions (Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead) on plate.

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  7. Q7.The visual acceptance criteria for a welder qualification test weld are:

    A.The same as fabrication (Clause 6)
    B.Slightly stricter
    C.Less strict
    D.Specified in Clause 4 (e.g., no cracks, undercut < 1/32, reinforcement limits)
    DSpecified in Clause 4 (e.g., no cracks, undercut < 1/32, reinforcement limits)

    Explanation: Clause 4 has specific visual criteria for test welds (e.g., max reinforcement 1/8", no cracks, undercut limitations).

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  8. Q8.If a welder fails a qualification test, an immediate retest:

    A.Is not allowed
    B.Permits two test welds for each type that failed, both must pass
    C.Permits one retest
    D.Is allowed only after training
    BPermits two test welds for each type that failed, both must pass

    Explanation: Immediate retest requires two consecutive test welds for each position/type failed. Both must pass.

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  9. Q9.Changing the F-Number of the electrode (e.g., F3 to F4):

    A.Does not require requalification
    B.Requires requalification
    C.Requires a new PQR but not welder qual
    D.Is allowed if the diameter is the same
    BRequires requalification

    Explanation: F-Numbers represent electrode usability. A change (especially to a higher F-number) usually requires requalification. (Note: Qualifying with F4 covers F1-F4, but qualifying with F3 does NOT cover F4).

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  10. Q10.A welder qualified on pipe is automatically qualified on plate?

    A.No
    B.Yes, for the positions qualified
    C.Only for fillet welds
    D.Only for groove welds
    BYes, for the positions qualified

    Explanation: Pipe qualification (e.g., 6G) qualifies for plate in all positions (Vertical, Overhead, etc.), as pipe is considered more difficult.

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