CWB Welding Inspector Level 1 Exam
Questions and Verified Answers
Question 1
How long is an AWS welder qualification valid?
A) Two years
B) Five years
C) Indefinitely
D) Only for the length of project
Correct Answer
C
Page 1 of 178
,Question 2
Which of the following statements describes the Welding Inspector's complete
responsibility?
A) Monitor welding and conduct NDE
B) Conduct NDE on completed welds and write inspection reports
C) Verify base metals and consumables, check preparation and fit-up, monitor
welding operation, inspection of the completed welds, and inspection reports
D) Verify base metals and consumables, observe fit-up, and inspect completed welds
E) Inspect completed welds and write inspection reports
Correct Answer
C
Q1. Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode? A) SMAW
B) GTAW C) GMAW D) SAW | Ans: B. Rationale: GTAW (TIG) uses a non-consumable
tungsten electrode to create the arc.
Q2. What is the primary shielding gas used for GMAW short-circuiting transfer on
carbon steel? A) 100% CO2 B) 100% Argon C) Helium D) Nitrogen | Ans: A.
Rationale: 100% CO2 or Argon/CO2 mixes are standard for short-circuit GMAW on
carbon steel.
Q3. Which SMAW electrode is classified as low-hydrogen? A) E6010 B) E6011 C)
E7018 D) E7024 | Ans: C. Rationale: E7018 has an iron powder/low-hydrogen coating
to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking.
Q4. In GTAW of aluminum, what type of current is typically used? A) DCEN B) DCEP
C) AC D) DC with high frequency | Ans: C. Rationale: AC provides the cleaning action
(DCEP) to remove aluminum oxide while maintaining penetration (DCEN).
Q5. Which process is best suited for high-speed, long, straight welds on thick plate
in the flat position? A) SMAW B) GTAW C) SAW D) FCAW | Ans: C. Rationale:
Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) offers high deposition rates and speeds for
flat/horizontal positions.
Q6. What does the "70" in E7018 represent? A) Tensile strength in MPa B) Tensile
strength in ksi C) Yield strength in MPa D) Position | Ans: B. Rationale: The first two
digits indicate minimum tensile strength in ksi (70,000 psi).
Q7. Which GMAW transfer mode provides the highest deposition rate? A) Short-
circuit B) Globular C) Spray D) Pulsed | Ans: C. Rationale: Spray transfer provides the
highest deposition rates but is limited to flat/horizontal positions.
Q8. What is the purpose of a backing ring in SMAW? A) To add alloy B) To support
the molten pool and ensure root penetration C) To shield the arc D) To increase
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,travel speed | Ans: B. Rationale: Backing rings support the root pass and ensure full
penetration.
Q9. Which process uses a continuously fed consumable electrode and external
shielding gas? A) SMAW B) GTAW C) GMAW D) SAW | Ans: C. Rationale: GMAW
(MIG) uses a continuous wire feed and external shielding gas.
Q10. FCAW self-shielded electrodes rely on what for shielding? A) External gas B)
Flux core C) Tungsten D) Copper coating | Ans: B. Rationale: Self-shielded FCAW
uses the flux core to generate shielding gases and slag.
Q11. What is the standard bevel angle for a single V-groove weld on thick carbon
steel plate? A) 30° B) 45° C) 60° D) 90° | Ans: C. Rationale: 60° (total included angle)
or 30° per side is standard for single V-grooves to ensure proper fusion and access.
Q12. What is the purpose of the root face (land)? A) To prevent burn-through B) To
increase penetration C) To hold the root pass D) To reduce shrinkage | Ans: A.
Rationale: The root face prevents the molten metal from falling through the joint
during the root pass.
Q13. In a welding symbol, the arrow side of the joint is indicated by the weld
symbol placed: A) Above the reference line B) Below the reference line C) In the tail
D) On the arrow | Ans: B. Rationale: Symbols below the reference line apply to the
arrow side (the side the arrow points to).
Q14. A fillet weld symbol is represented by a: A) Triangle B) Rectangle C) Circle D)
Flag | Ans: A. Rationale: A triangle represents a fillet weld.
Q15. What does a flag attached to the arrow/reference line junction indicate? A)
Weld all around B) Field weld C) Melt-through D) Backing | Ans: B. Rationale: A flag
indicates the weld is to be made in the field (installation).
Q16. The theoretical throat of a fillet weld is calculated as: A) 0.5 x leg B) 0.707 x leg
C) 1.414 x leg D) 2 x leg | Ans: B. Rationale: Theoretical throat = leg length × sin(45°)
= 0.707 × leg.
Q17. What does the number "50-150" mean in an intermittent fillet weld symbol? A)
50mm weld, 150mm gap B) 50mm weld, 150mm center-to-center pitch C) 50%
strength, 150mm length D) 50mm throat, 150mm leg | Ans: B. Rationale: Length of
weld (50mm) followed by the pitch (center-to-center distance of 150mm).
Q18. Chain intermittent fillet welds are: A) Offset on opposite sides B) Aligned on
opposite sides C) Welded continuously D) Welded in the field | Ans: B. Rationale:
Chain intermittent welds are directly opposite each other; staggered are offset.
Q19. A circle at the junction of the arrow and reference line means: A) Field weld B)
Weld all around C) Melt-through D) Spot weld | Ans: B. Rationale: A circle indicates
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, the weld is to be made all around the joint.
Q20. What does a black circle on the reference line indicate? A) Backing B) Melt-
through C) Spot weld D) Seam weld | Ans: B. Rationale: A black circle (or filled circle)
indicates melt-through or root reinforcement.
Q21. Which discontinuity is defined as a groove melted into the base metal adjacent
to the weld toe? A) Undercut B) Overlap C) Underfill D) Concavity | Ans: A. Rationale:
Undercut is a groove at the toe or root caused by improper welding parameters.
Q22. What causes porosity in a weld? A) Trapped slag B) Trapped gas C) Lack of
fusion D) Excessive heat | Ans: B. Rationale: Porosity is caused by gas (hydrogen,
nitrogen, CO) trapped in the solidifying weld metal.
Q23. Slag inclusion is most common in which processes? A) GTAW and GMAW B)
SMAW and FCAW C) SAW and EBW D) PAC and OAW | Ans: B. Rationale: Processes
that use flux (SMAW, FCAW, SAW) are susceptible to slag inclusions if not cleaned
properly.
Q24. Lack of fusion (cold lap) occurs when: A) The weld metal fails to fuse with the
base metal or previous pass B) The root is not penetrated C) The weld is too convex
D) The weld is too concave | Ans: A. Rationale: Lack of fusion is a failure to achieve
metallurgical bonding between passes or with the base metal.
Q25. Incomplete penetration refers to: A) Failure of the weld metal to extend into
the root of the joint B) Failure to fuse the sides of the groove C) Excessive
reinforcement D) Undercut | Ans: A. Rationale: Incomplete penetration means the
root of the joint was not fully melted and fused.
Q26. Overlap is defined as: A) Weld metal flowing onto the base metal without
fusing B) Excessive root penetration C) A crack in the weld D) A slag pocket | Ans: A.
Rationale: Overlap occurs when the weld pool is too fluid or travel speed is too
slow, causing metal to roll over the base metal without fusing.
Q27. Hydrogen-induced cracking (cold cracking) typically occurs: A) In the weld
metal at high temperatures B) In the HAZ or weld metal at or below room
temperature C) Only in aluminum D) During solidification | Ans: B. Rationale: Cold
cracking is delayed and occurs in the HAZ or weld metal due to hydrogen, hard
microstructure, and stress.
Q28. Solidification cracking (hot cracking) occurs: A) At room temperature B) During
solidification at high temperatures C) Only in the base metal D) After post-weld heat
treatment | Ans: B. Rationale: Hot cracking occurs in the weld metal during the final
stages of solidification.
Q29. Lamellar tearing is characterized by: A) Centerline cracks in the weld B) Step-
like cracks in the base metal parallel to the rolling direction C) Cracks in the HAZ D)
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Questions and Verified Answers
Question 1
How long is an AWS welder qualification valid?
A) Two years
B) Five years
C) Indefinitely
D) Only for the length of project
Correct Answer
C
Page 1 of 178
,Question 2
Which of the following statements describes the Welding Inspector's complete
responsibility?
A) Monitor welding and conduct NDE
B) Conduct NDE on completed welds and write inspection reports
C) Verify base metals and consumables, check preparation and fit-up, monitor
welding operation, inspection of the completed welds, and inspection reports
D) Verify base metals and consumables, observe fit-up, and inspect completed welds
E) Inspect completed welds and write inspection reports
Correct Answer
C
Q1. Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode? A) SMAW
B) GTAW C) GMAW D) SAW | Ans: B. Rationale: GTAW (TIG) uses a non-consumable
tungsten electrode to create the arc.
Q2. What is the primary shielding gas used for GMAW short-circuiting transfer on
carbon steel? A) 100% CO2 B) 100% Argon C) Helium D) Nitrogen | Ans: A.
Rationale: 100% CO2 or Argon/CO2 mixes are standard for short-circuit GMAW on
carbon steel.
Q3. Which SMAW electrode is classified as low-hydrogen? A) E6010 B) E6011 C)
E7018 D) E7024 | Ans: C. Rationale: E7018 has an iron powder/low-hydrogen coating
to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking.
Q4. In GTAW of aluminum, what type of current is typically used? A) DCEN B) DCEP
C) AC D) DC with high frequency | Ans: C. Rationale: AC provides the cleaning action
(DCEP) to remove aluminum oxide while maintaining penetration (DCEN).
Q5. Which process is best suited for high-speed, long, straight welds on thick plate
in the flat position? A) SMAW B) GTAW C) SAW D) FCAW | Ans: C. Rationale:
Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) offers high deposition rates and speeds for
flat/horizontal positions.
Q6. What does the "70" in E7018 represent? A) Tensile strength in MPa B) Tensile
strength in ksi C) Yield strength in MPa D) Position | Ans: B. Rationale: The first two
digits indicate minimum tensile strength in ksi (70,000 psi).
Q7. Which GMAW transfer mode provides the highest deposition rate? A) Short-
circuit B) Globular C) Spray D) Pulsed | Ans: C. Rationale: Spray transfer provides the
highest deposition rates but is limited to flat/horizontal positions.
Q8. What is the purpose of a backing ring in SMAW? A) To add alloy B) To support
the molten pool and ensure root penetration C) To shield the arc D) To increase
Page 2 of 178
,travel speed | Ans: B. Rationale: Backing rings support the root pass and ensure full
penetration.
Q9. Which process uses a continuously fed consumable electrode and external
shielding gas? A) SMAW B) GTAW C) GMAW D) SAW | Ans: C. Rationale: GMAW
(MIG) uses a continuous wire feed and external shielding gas.
Q10. FCAW self-shielded electrodes rely on what for shielding? A) External gas B)
Flux core C) Tungsten D) Copper coating | Ans: B. Rationale: Self-shielded FCAW
uses the flux core to generate shielding gases and slag.
Q11. What is the standard bevel angle for a single V-groove weld on thick carbon
steel plate? A) 30° B) 45° C) 60° D) 90° | Ans: C. Rationale: 60° (total included angle)
or 30° per side is standard for single V-grooves to ensure proper fusion and access.
Q12. What is the purpose of the root face (land)? A) To prevent burn-through B) To
increase penetration C) To hold the root pass D) To reduce shrinkage | Ans: A.
Rationale: The root face prevents the molten metal from falling through the joint
during the root pass.
Q13. In a welding symbol, the arrow side of the joint is indicated by the weld
symbol placed: A) Above the reference line B) Below the reference line C) In the tail
D) On the arrow | Ans: B. Rationale: Symbols below the reference line apply to the
arrow side (the side the arrow points to).
Q14. A fillet weld symbol is represented by a: A) Triangle B) Rectangle C) Circle D)
Flag | Ans: A. Rationale: A triangle represents a fillet weld.
Q15. What does a flag attached to the arrow/reference line junction indicate? A)
Weld all around B) Field weld C) Melt-through D) Backing | Ans: B. Rationale: A flag
indicates the weld is to be made in the field (installation).
Q16. The theoretical throat of a fillet weld is calculated as: A) 0.5 x leg B) 0.707 x leg
C) 1.414 x leg D) 2 x leg | Ans: B. Rationale: Theoretical throat = leg length × sin(45°)
= 0.707 × leg.
Q17. What does the number "50-150" mean in an intermittent fillet weld symbol? A)
50mm weld, 150mm gap B) 50mm weld, 150mm center-to-center pitch C) 50%
strength, 150mm length D) 50mm throat, 150mm leg | Ans: B. Rationale: Length of
weld (50mm) followed by the pitch (center-to-center distance of 150mm).
Q18. Chain intermittent fillet welds are: A) Offset on opposite sides B) Aligned on
opposite sides C) Welded continuously D) Welded in the field | Ans: B. Rationale:
Chain intermittent welds are directly opposite each other; staggered are offset.
Q19. A circle at the junction of the arrow and reference line means: A) Field weld B)
Weld all around C) Melt-through D) Spot weld | Ans: B. Rationale: A circle indicates
Page 3 of 178
, the weld is to be made all around the joint.
Q20. What does a black circle on the reference line indicate? A) Backing B) Melt-
through C) Spot weld D) Seam weld | Ans: B. Rationale: A black circle (or filled circle)
indicates melt-through or root reinforcement.
Q21. Which discontinuity is defined as a groove melted into the base metal adjacent
to the weld toe? A) Undercut B) Overlap C) Underfill D) Concavity | Ans: A. Rationale:
Undercut is a groove at the toe or root caused by improper welding parameters.
Q22. What causes porosity in a weld? A) Trapped slag B) Trapped gas C) Lack of
fusion D) Excessive heat | Ans: B. Rationale: Porosity is caused by gas (hydrogen,
nitrogen, CO) trapped in the solidifying weld metal.
Q23. Slag inclusion is most common in which processes? A) GTAW and GMAW B)
SMAW and FCAW C) SAW and EBW D) PAC and OAW | Ans: B. Rationale: Processes
that use flux (SMAW, FCAW, SAW) are susceptible to slag inclusions if not cleaned
properly.
Q24. Lack of fusion (cold lap) occurs when: A) The weld metal fails to fuse with the
base metal or previous pass B) The root is not penetrated C) The weld is too convex
D) The weld is too concave | Ans: A. Rationale: Lack of fusion is a failure to achieve
metallurgical bonding between passes or with the base metal.
Q25. Incomplete penetration refers to: A) Failure of the weld metal to extend into
the root of the joint B) Failure to fuse the sides of the groove C) Excessive
reinforcement D) Undercut | Ans: A. Rationale: Incomplete penetration means the
root of the joint was not fully melted and fused.
Q26. Overlap is defined as: A) Weld metal flowing onto the base metal without
fusing B) Excessive root penetration C) A crack in the weld D) A slag pocket | Ans: A.
Rationale: Overlap occurs when the weld pool is too fluid or travel speed is too
slow, causing metal to roll over the base metal without fusing.
Q27. Hydrogen-induced cracking (cold cracking) typically occurs: A) In the weld
metal at high temperatures B) In the HAZ or weld metal at or below room
temperature C) Only in aluminum D) During solidification | Ans: B. Rationale: Cold
cracking is delayed and occurs in the HAZ or weld metal due to hydrogen, hard
microstructure, and stress.
Q28. Solidification cracking (hot cracking) occurs: A) At room temperature B) During
solidification at high temperatures C) Only in the base metal D) After post-weld heat
treatment | Ans: B. Rationale: Hot cracking occurs in the weld metal during the final
stages of solidification.
Q29. Lamellar tearing is characterized by: A) Centerline cracks in the weld B) Step-
like cracks in the base metal parallel to the rolling direction C) Cracks in the HAZ D)
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