UA Steamfitter Welder Qualification
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which welding process uses a continuously fed consumable
electrode and an inert gas shield?
GMAW (MIG welding)
This process uses a wire electrode and inert gas to protect the
weld from contamination.
2. The primary purpose of preheating steel before welding is to:
Reduce the risk of cracking
Preheating slows cooling, reducing thermal stresses and
preventing cracks.
3. Which of the following positions is considered the most difficult
for welding?
Overhead
Welding overhead requires controlling molten metal against
gravity, increasing difficulty.
4. In SMAW, what is the purpose of the flux coating on the
electrode?
Protect the molten weld pool from oxidation
Flux melts to create a gas shield and slag, preventing
contamination.
,5. Which gas is commonly used as a shielding gas in GTAW?
Argon
Argon is inert and provides excellent protection for TIG welding.
6. For pipe welding, the term “root pass” refers to:
The first weld pass at the base of the joint
The root pass ensures full penetration and a strong foundation for
subsequent passes.
7. What is the main difference between TIG and MIG welding?
TIG uses a non-consumable electrode, MIG uses a consumable
wire
TIG welding requires separate filler material, whereas MIG
continuously feeds wire.
8. Which welding defect is caused by trapped gas bubbles in the
weld?
Porosity
Porosity occurs when gas is trapped during solidification,
weakening the weld.
9. A fillet weld is typically used for which type of joint?
T-joint
Fillet welds join two surfaces at approximately 90 degrees, like T or
lap joints.
10. Backing rings in pipe welding are used to:
Support the root pass and prevent burn-through
They provide a base for molten metal in the root, improving
penetration.
, 11. FCAW differs from SMAW in that it:
Uses a continuously fed tubular electrode with flux inside
The flux-cored wire provides shielding without separate flux or gas
in some cases.
12. Heat-affected zone (HAZ) refers to:
The area of metal adjacent to the weld that experienced
microstructural changes
The HAZ may be more brittle and needs proper control to avoid
failures.
13. Which type of joint requires beveling the edges before
welding?
Butt joint
Edge preparation ensures full penetration and a strong weld in
butt joints.
14. When welding carbon steel, what is the typical preheat
temperature range?
100–250°F (38–121°C)
Preheat varies by material thickness and carbon content to
prevent cracking.
15. Which welding position is represented by the code 3G?
Vertical groove weld
“3G” indicates a groove weld performed vertically.
16. The main purpose of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is to:
Reduce residual stresses and improve toughness
PWHT relieves stresses induced during welding and prevents
cracking.
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which welding process uses a continuously fed consumable
electrode and an inert gas shield?
GMAW (MIG welding)
This process uses a wire electrode and inert gas to protect the
weld from contamination.
2. The primary purpose of preheating steel before welding is to:
Reduce the risk of cracking
Preheating slows cooling, reducing thermal stresses and
preventing cracks.
3. Which of the following positions is considered the most difficult
for welding?
Overhead
Welding overhead requires controlling molten metal against
gravity, increasing difficulty.
4. In SMAW, what is the purpose of the flux coating on the
electrode?
Protect the molten weld pool from oxidation
Flux melts to create a gas shield and slag, preventing
contamination.
,5. Which gas is commonly used as a shielding gas in GTAW?
Argon
Argon is inert and provides excellent protection for TIG welding.
6. For pipe welding, the term “root pass” refers to:
The first weld pass at the base of the joint
The root pass ensures full penetration and a strong foundation for
subsequent passes.
7. What is the main difference between TIG and MIG welding?
TIG uses a non-consumable electrode, MIG uses a consumable
wire
TIG welding requires separate filler material, whereas MIG
continuously feeds wire.
8. Which welding defect is caused by trapped gas bubbles in the
weld?
Porosity
Porosity occurs when gas is trapped during solidification,
weakening the weld.
9. A fillet weld is typically used for which type of joint?
T-joint
Fillet welds join two surfaces at approximately 90 degrees, like T or
lap joints.
10. Backing rings in pipe welding are used to:
Support the root pass and prevent burn-through
They provide a base for molten metal in the root, improving
penetration.
, 11. FCAW differs from SMAW in that it:
Uses a continuously fed tubular electrode with flux inside
The flux-cored wire provides shielding without separate flux or gas
in some cases.
12. Heat-affected zone (HAZ) refers to:
The area of metal adjacent to the weld that experienced
microstructural changes
The HAZ may be more brittle and needs proper control to avoid
failures.
13. Which type of joint requires beveling the edges before
welding?
Butt joint
Edge preparation ensures full penetration and a strong weld in
butt joints.
14. When welding carbon steel, what is the typical preheat
temperature range?
100–250°F (38–121°C)
Preheat varies by material thickness and carbon content to
prevent cracking.
15. Which welding position is represented by the code 3G?
Vertical groove weld
“3G” indicates a groove weld performed vertically.
16. The main purpose of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is to:
Reduce residual stresses and improve toughness
PWHT relieves stresses induced during welding and prevents
cracking.
