AWS Certified Welding Inspector Exam
WPS/PQR Requirements Practice Questions
8 practice questions with detailed explanations — aligned to the AWS Certified Welding Inspector Exam.
Master WPS/PQR Requirements 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 8 questions, review any that trip you up, and use the related topics below to round out your preparation.
Q1.Which of the following is NOT an essential variable for a WPS?
A.Change in filler metal classificationB.Change in shielding gasC.Change in welder's nameD.Change in preheat temperatureC. Change in welder's nameExplanation: The welder's name is administrative. Essential variables (filler, gas, preheat) affect the mechanical properties of the weld.
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Q2.A decrease in the preheat temperature below the minimum specified in the WPS:
A.Is permittedB.Requires requalificationC.Is acceptable if the ambient temp is highD.Requires only a revisionB. Requires requalificationExplanation: Decreasing preheat increases the cooling rate, potentially causing cracking or hardness issues. It is an essential variable requiring requalification.
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Q3.The PQR must record:
A.The range of variables allowedB.The actual values of variables used during the test weldC.The welder's SSND.The project nameB. The actual values of variables used during the test weldExplanation: The PQR is a record of *actual* conditions. The WPS defines the *ranges* allowed based on that PQR.
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Q4.Which test is NOT required for a groove weld PQR on plate?
A.Visual InspectionB.Reduced Section TensionC.Guided Bend TestsD.Radiography (RT)D. Radiography (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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Q5.If a WPS is qualified in the 2G position, it qualifies for:
A.All positionsB.2G position only (plus flat)C.Vertical positionD.Overhead positionB. 2G 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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Q6.For CVN (Charpy) testing in a PQR, the location of the notch must be:
A.In the weld metalB.In the HAZC.In the base metalD.In the weld metal, HAZ, and/or fusion line as specifiedE.AnywhereD. In the weld metal, HAZ, and/or fusion line as specifiedExplanation: 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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Q7.Changing the current from AC to DC:
A.Requires requalificationB.Is a non-essential variableC.Is permitted without testingD.Only matters for GTAWA. Requires requalificationExplanation: Current type and polarity are essential variables. Changing AC to DC changes penetration and heat input significantly.
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Q8.WPSs for Electroslag Welding (ESW) must always be:
A.PrequalifiedB.Qualified by testingC.Written by an engineerD.Used for thin platesB. Qualified by testingExplanation: ESW (and EGW) are NEVER prequalified processes in AWS D1.1. They always require qualification testing.
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