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AWS Certified Welding Inspector Exam

WPS/PQR Requirements Practice Questions

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

  1. Q1.Which of the following is NOT an essential variable for a WPS?

    A.Change in filler metal classification
    B.Change in shielding gas
    C.Change in welder's name
    D.Change in preheat temperature
    CChange in welder's name

    Explanation: The welder's name is administrative. Essential variables (filler, gas, preheat) affect the mechanical properties of the weld.

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  2. Q2.A decrease in the preheat temperature below the minimum specified in the WPS:

    A.Is permitted
    B.Requires requalification
    C.Is acceptable if the ambient temp is high
    D.Requires only a revision
    BRequires requalification

    Explanation: Decreasing preheat increases the cooling rate, potentially causing cracking or hardness issues. It is an essential variable requiring requalification.

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  3. Q3.The PQR must record:

    A.The range of variables allowed
    B.The actual values of variables used during the test weld
    C.The welder's SSN
    D.The project name
    BThe actual values of variables used during the test weld

    Explanation: The PQR is a record of *actual* conditions. The WPS defines the *ranges* allowed based on that PQR.

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  4. Q4.Which test is NOT required for a groove weld PQR on plate?

    A.Visual Inspection
    B.Reduced Section Tension
    C.Guided Bend Tests
    D.Radiography (RT)
    DRadiography (RT)

    Explanation: Standard D1.1 groove weld PQRs require Visual, Tension, and Bend tests. RT is used for *welder* qualification (optionally) but is not a standard requirement for *procedure* qualification unless NDT is substituted for bends (rare in initial PQR). Wait, standard PQR is mechanical testing. RT is NDT.

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  5. Q5.If a WPS is qualified in the 2G position, it qualifies for:

    A.All positions
    B.2G position only (plus flat)
    C.Vertical position
    D.Overhead position
    B2G position only (plus flat)

    Explanation: Procedure qualification in 2G qualifies for 1G (Flat) and 2G (Horizontal). It does NOT qualify for Vertical or Overhead. (Note: This differs from *Welder* qual where 3G/4G are key. Procedure qual positions are non-transferable to 'harder' positions without testing). *Correction:* D1.1 Table 4.1: Plate test in 2G qualifies for 1G and 2G. Qualification in *all* positions usually requires 1G+3G+4G tests, or a pipe 6G test.

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  6. Q6.For CVN (Charpy) testing in a PQR, the location of the notch must be:

    A.In the weld metal
    B.In the HAZ
    C.In the base metal
    D.In the weld metal, HAZ, and/or fusion line as specified
    E.Anywhere
    DIn the weld metal, HAZ, and/or fusion line as specified

    Explanation: Toughness requirements usually specify notches in the Weld Metal Centerline AND the HAZ (and sometimes Fusion Line + 1mm, etc.) to ensure all zones meet the criteria.

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  7. Q7.Changing the current from AC to DC:

    A.Requires requalification
    B.Is a non-essential variable
    C.Is permitted without testing
    D.Only matters for GTAW
    ARequires requalification

    Explanation: Current type and polarity are essential variables. Changing AC to DC changes penetration and heat input significantly.

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  8. Q8.WPSs for Electroslag Welding (ESW) must always be:

    A.Prequalified
    B.Qualified by testing
    C.Written by an engineer
    D.Used for thin plates
    BQualified by testing

    Explanation: ESW (and EGW) are NEVER prequalified processes in AWS D1.1. They always require qualification testing.

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