AWS CERTIFIED WELDER (AWS CW) PRACTICE EXAM
NEWEST (2026 UPDATE) ACTUAL PRACTICE
QUESTIONS – SET 100 MOST COMMON EXAM
FREQUENTLY TESTED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS IN
DETAILS 100% VERIFIED EXAM HIGHLY
RECOMMENDABLE FOR GRADE A+
1. A welder is performing SMAW on carbon steel in the flat position. Which
electrode classification is best suited for general-purpose welding with good
penetration and usability?
A. E6010
B. E6013
C. E7018
D. E7024
✔ Correct Answer: C. E7018
Explanation: E7018 is a low-hydrogen electrode widely used for structural
welding due to its strength, crack resistance, and good penetration in flat
positions.
2. In GMAW, what shielding gas is most commonly used for welding mild steel
in short-circuit transfer mode?
A. 100% Argon
B. 75% Argon / 25% CO₂
C. 100% CO₂
D. Helium mixture
✔ Correct Answer: B. 75% Argon / 25% CO₂
Explanation: The 75/25 Ar/CO₂ mix provides stable arc characteristics,
reduced spatter, and good weld bead appearance for short-circuit transfer.
,3. A weld shows porosity throughout the bead. What is the most likely cause?
A. Excessive amperage
B. Improper travel speed
C. Contaminated base metal
D. Incorrect electrode angle
✔ Correct Answer: C. Contaminated base metal
Explanation: Porosity is typically caused by trapped gases due to
contaminants like oil, rust, or moisture on the base metal.
4. Which welding position is designated as 3G?
A. Flat groove
B. Horizontal groove
C. Vertical groove
D. Overhead groove
✔ Correct Answer: C. Vertical groove
Explanation: The 3G position refers to vertical groove welding, requiring
control of molten metal against gravity.
5. What does the “70” in E7018 electrode classification indicate?
A. Electrode coating type
B. Tensile strength in ksi
C. Welding position
D. Current type
✔ Correct Answer: B. Tensile strength in ksi
Explanation: The “70” indicates a minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi
(70 ksi).
6. Which discontinuity is characterized by a notch at the weld toe?
A. Undercut
B. Overlap
C. Slag inclusion
D. Crack
✔ Correct Answer: A. Undercut
, Explanation: Undercut is a groove melted into the base metal adjacent to
the weld toe that is not filled with weld metal.
7. In FCAW, what is the primary function of flux within the wire?
A. Increase travel speed
B. Provide shielding and slag
C. Reduce current
D. Improve arc voltage
✔ Correct Answer: B. Provide shielding and slag
Explanation: The flux generates shielding gas and slag to protect the molten
weld pool from atmospheric contamination.
8. A welder notices excessive spatter during GMAW. What adjustment should
be made first?
A. Increase voltage
B. Decrease wire feed speed
C. Adjust voltage and wire feed balance
D. Change electrode diameter
✔ Correct Answer: C. Adjust voltage and wire feed balance
Explanation: Spatter is often caused by improper voltage-to-wire feed ratio;
balancing them stabilizes the arc.
9. Which inspection method uses X-rays to detect internal weld defects?
A. Visual inspection
B. Ultrasonic testing
C. Radiographic testing
D. Magnetic particle testing
✔ Correct Answer: C. Radiographic testing
Explanation: Radiographic testing (RT) uses X-rays or gamma rays to reveal
internal discontinuities.
10.What is the purpose of preheating before welding?
A. Increase welding speed
B. Reduce distortion and cracking
NEWEST (2026 UPDATE) ACTUAL PRACTICE
QUESTIONS – SET 100 MOST COMMON EXAM
FREQUENTLY TESTED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS IN
DETAILS 100% VERIFIED EXAM HIGHLY
RECOMMENDABLE FOR GRADE A+
1. A welder is performing SMAW on carbon steel in the flat position. Which
electrode classification is best suited for general-purpose welding with good
penetration and usability?
A. E6010
B. E6013
C. E7018
D. E7024
✔ Correct Answer: C. E7018
Explanation: E7018 is a low-hydrogen electrode widely used for structural
welding due to its strength, crack resistance, and good penetration in flat
positions.
2. In GMAW, what shielding gas is most commonly used for welding mild steel
in short-circuit transfer mode?
A. 100% Argon
B. 75% Argon / 25% CO₂
C. 100% CO₂
D. Helium mixture
✔ Correct Answer: B. 75% Argon / 25% CO₂
Explanation: The 75/25 Ar/CO₂ mix provides stable arc characteristics,
reduced spatter, and good weld bead appearance for short-circuit transfer.
,3. A weld shows porosity throughout the bead. What is the most likely cause?
A. Excessive amperage
B. Improper travel speed
C. Contaminated base metal
D. Incorrect electrode angle
✔ Correct Answer: C. Contaminated base metal
Explanation: Porosity is typically caused by trapped gases due to
contaminants like oil, rust, or moisture on the base metal.
4. Which welding position is designated as 3G?
A. Flat groove
B. Horizontal groove
C. Vertical groove
D. Overhead groove
✔ Correct Answer: C. Vertical groove
Explanation: The 3G position refers to vertical groove welding, requiring
control of molten metal against gravity.
5. What does the “70” in E7018 electrode classification indicate?
A. Electrode coating type
B. Tensile strength in ksi
C. Welding position
D. Current type
✔ Correct Answer: B. Tensile strength in ksi
Explanation: The “70” indicates a minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi
(70 ksi).
6. Which discontinuity is characterized by a notch at the weld toe?
A. Undercut
B. Overlap
C. Slag inclusion
D. Crack
✔ Correct Answer: A. Undercut
, Explanation: Undercut is a groove melted into the base metal adjacent to
the weld toe that is not filled with weld metal.
7. In FCAW, what is the primary function of flux within the wire?
A. Increase travel speed
B. Provide shielding and slag
C. Reduce current
D. Improve arc voltage
✔ Correct Answer: B. Provide shielding and slag
Explanation: The flux generates shielding gas and slag to protect the molten
weld pool from atmospheric contamination.
8. A welder notices excessive spatter during GMAW. What adjustment should
be made first?
A. Increase voltage
B. Decrease wire feed speed
C. Adjust voltage and wire feed balance
D. Change electrode diameter
✔ Correct Answer: C. Adjust voltage and wire feed balance
Explanation: Spatter is often caused by improper voltage-to-wire feed ratio;
balancing them stabilizes the arc.
9. Which inspection method uses X-rays to detect internal weld defects?
A. Visual inspection
B. Ultrasonic testing
C. Radiographic testing
D. Magnetic particle testing
✔ Correct Answer: C. Radiographic testing
Explanation: Radiographic testing (RT) uses X-rays or gamma rays to reveal
internal discontinuities.
10.What is the purpose of preheating before welding?
A. Increase welding speed
B. Reduce distortion and cracking
