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National Board Authorized Inspector (AI) Certification
Exam | Latest Verified Questions and Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION
This comprehensive set of multiple choice questions is designed for the National Board
Authorized Inspector (AI) Certification Exam, administered by the National Board of
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. The exam rigorously assesses a candidate’s
ability to navigate and correctly apply the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
(including Sections I, IV, V, VIII, IX, and II) along with the National Board Inspection Code
(NBIC, Parts 1 and 4) during new construction, installation, and inspection activities.
Content coverage includes material specifications, design formulas for pressure
retaining components, welding and brazing qualifications, nondestructive examination
techniques, safety and pressure relief valve requirements, and the authorized
inspector's verification duties regarding quality control systems, hydrostatic testing,
and code stamping.
QUESTION 1
Which ASME BPV Code section covers the design, materials, fabrication, and inspection
of power boilers used in stationary service?
A) Section IV
B) Section VIII, Division 1
C) Section I
D) Section II, Part D
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: ASME Section I is titled “Rules for Construction of Power Boilers”
and governs power boiler new construction requirements.
QUESTION 2
According to the NBIC (NB-23) Part 1, what is the minimum clearance required between
a boiler and an adjacent wall for inspection and maintenance access?
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A) 12 inches
B) 18 inches
C) 24 inches
D) 36 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: NBIC Part 1, paragraph 1.3.2, requires a minimum clearance of 24
inches to allow safe operation, cleaning, and inspection.
QUESTION 3
Which ASME Section provides the rules for qualification of welders and welding
procedures?
A) Section II
B) Section V
C) Section VIII
D) Section IX
CORRECT ANSWER: D
EXPERT RATIONALE: ASME Section IX is the qualification standard for welding, brazing,
and fusing procedures and personnel.
QUESTION 4
Under ASME Section VIII, Division 1, the minimum required thickness of a cylindrical
shell for internal pressure is given by which formula?
A) t = PR / (2SE + 0.4P)
B) t = PR / (SE - 0.6P)
C) t = PR / (SE + 0.6P)
D) t = PD / (2SE - 1.2P)
CORRECT ANSWER: B
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EXPERT RATIONALE: For circumferential stress (longitudinal joint), UG-27(c)(1) gives t =
PR/(SE - 0.6P) using inside radius.
QUESTION 5
An Authorized Inspector’s duties during new construction include all the following
EXCEPT:
A) Reviewing the Manufacturer’s Quality Control System
B) Performing independent design calculations
C) Verifying material test reports
D) Witnessing the hydrostatic test
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: The AI verifies that design calculations have been performed and
are correct but does not perform them independently.
QUESTION 6
Per ASME Section I, the minimum required relieving capacity of a safety valve on a
power boiler is based primarily on the:
A) Boiler heating surface area
B) Design pressure only
C) Maximum allowable working pressure
D) Volume of the steam drum
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE: PG-67.2.1 requires the safety valve capacity to be determined from
the maximum designed steaming capacity derived from the heating surface.
QUESTION 7
Which ASME BPV Code section applies to the new construction of heating boilers?
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A) Section I
B) Section IV
C) Section VIII
D) Section X
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: ASME Section IV, “Rules for Construction of Heating Boilers,”
governs cast iron, steel, and modular heating boilers.
QUESTION 8
In ASME Section V, the standard for performing liquid penetrant examination is:
A) Article 1
B) Article 6
C) Article 7
D) Article 9
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: ASME Section V Article 6 specifies the requirements for liquid
penetrant examination methods.
QUESTION 9
A pressure relief valve on a power boiler is set at 200 psig. According to NBIC Part 4, the
popping point tolerance is:
A) ±2 psi
B) ±3 psi
C) ±6 psi
D) ±10 psi
CORRECT ANSWER: C
National Board Authorized Inspector (AI) Certification
Exam | Latest Verified Questions and Detailed Answers
OVERVIEW DESCRIPTION
This comprehensive set of multiple choice questions is designed for the National Board
Authorized Inspector (AI) Certification Exam, administered by the National Board of
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. The exam rigorously assesses a candidate’s
ability to navigate and correctly apply the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
(including Sections I, IV, V, VIII, IX, and II) along with the National Board Inspection Code
(NBIC, Parts 1 and 4) during new construction, installation, and inspection activities.
Content coverage includes material specifications, design formulas for pressure
retaining components, welding and brazing qualifications, nondestructive examination
techniques, safety and pressure relief valve requirements, and the authorized
inspector's verification duties regarding quality control systems, hydrostatic testing,
and code stamping.
QUESTION 1
Which ASME BPV Code section covers the design, materials, fabrication, and inspection
of power boilers used in stationary service?
A) Section IV
B) Section VIII, Division 1
C) Section I
D) Section II, Part D
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: ASME Section I is titled “Rules for Construction of Power Boilers”
and governs power boiler new construction requirements.
QUESTION 2
According to the NBIC (NB-23) Part 1, what is the minimum clearance required between
a boiler and an adjacent wall for inspection and maintenance access?
,2|Page
A) 12 inches
B) 18 inches
C) 24 inches
D) 36 inches
CORRECT ANSWER: C
EXPERT RATIONALE: NBIC Part 1, paragraph 1.3.2, requires a minimum clearance of 24
inches to allow safe operation, cleaning, and inspection.
QUESTION 3
Which ASME Section provides the rules for qualification of welders and welding
procedures?
A) Section II
B) Section V
C) Section VIII
D) Section IX
CORRECT ANSWER: D
EXPERT RATIONALE: ASME Section IX is the qualification standard for welding, brazing,
and fusing procedures and personnel.
QUESTION 4
Under ASME Section VIII, Division 1, the minimum required thickness of a cylindrical
shell for internal pressure is given by which formula?
A) t = PR / (2SE + 0.4P)
B) t = PR / (SE - 0.6P)
C) t = PR / (SE + 0.6P)
D) t = PD / (2SE - 1.2P)
CORRECT ANSWER: B
,3|Page
EXPERT RATIONALE: For circumferential stress (longitudinal joint), UG-27(c)(1) gives t =
PR/(SE - 0.6P) using inside radius.
QUESTION 5
An Authorized Inspector’s duties during new construction include all the following
EXCEPT:
A) Reviewing the Manufacturer’s Quality Control System
B) Performing independent design calculations
C) Verifying material test reports
D) Witnessing the hydrostatic test
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: The AI verifies that design calculations have been performed and
are correct but does not perform them independently.
QUESTION 6
Per ASME Section I, the minimum required relieving capacity of a safety valve on a
power boiler is based primarily on the:
A) Boiler heating surface area
B) Design pressure only
C) Maximum allowable working pressure
D) Volume of the steam drum
CORRECT ANSWER: A
EXPERT RATIONALE: PG-67.2.1 requires the safety valve capacity to be determined from
the maximum designed steaming capacity derived from the heating surface.
QUESTION 7
Which ASME BPV Code section applies to the new construction of heating boilers?
, 4|Page
A) Section I
B) Section IV
C) Section VIII
D) Section X
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: ASME Section IV, “Rules for Construction of Heating Boilers,”
governs cast iron, steel, and modular heating boilers.
QUESTION 8
In ASME Section V, the standard for performing liquid penetrant examination is:
A) Article 1
B) Article 6
C) Article 7
D) Article 9
CORRECT ANSWER: B
EXPERT RATIONALE: ASME Section V Article 6 specifies the requirements for liquid
penetrant examination methods.
QUESTION 9
A pressure relief valve on a power boiler is set at 200 psig. According to NBIC Part 4, the
popping point tolerance is:
A) ±2 psi
B) ±3 psi
C) ±6 psi
D) ±10 psi
CORRECT ANSWER: C
