CWB WELDING INSPECTOR LEVEL 1
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PREP
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to CSA W59, what is the maximum depth allowed for undercut in a cyclically
loaded structure for main members when the direction is transverse to the tensile stress?
A. 1.0 mm (0.04 inch)
B. 0.5 mm (0.02 inch)
C. 0.25 mm (0.01 inch)
D. 1.5 mm (0.06 inch)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: For cyclically loaded structures, CSA W59 specifies that
undercut shall not exceed 0.25 mm when the weld is transverse to tensile stress in primary
members.
2. In the SMAW electrode designation E4918-1-H4, what does the ‘H4’ signify?
A. The electrode has a high iron powder content
B. The electrode is suitable for position 4 welding
,C. The maximum diffusible hydrogen is 4ml/100g of deposited metal
D. The tensile strength is 400 MPa
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The ‘H’ followed by a number indicates the maximum amount of
diffusible hydrogen in milliliters per 100 grams of weld metal.
3. Which of the following discontinuities is considered a ‘crack’ that occurs in the heat-
affected zone due to hydrogen and high stress?
A. Lamellar tearing
B. Underbead cracking
C. Crater cracking
D. Solidification cracking
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Underbead cracking is a form of hydrogen-induced cold cracking
that occurs in the HAZ of hardened steels.
4. Which NDT method is most effective for detecting subsurface laminations in a base plate
before welding?
A. Radiographic Testing (RT)
B. Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)
C. Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
, D. Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Ultrasonic testing is superior for detecting internal planar
discontinuities like laminations that are parallel to the plate surface.
5. Under CSA W47.1, how often must a welder typically be re-tested (requalified) if they
remain continuously employed by the same company?
A. Every 6 months
B. Every 1 year
C. Every 2 years
D. Every 5 years
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: CSA W47.1 requires welders to be re-qualified every two years
to ensure continued proficiency.
6. Which welding process uses a constant voltage (CV) power source and a continuous wire
electrode?
A. SMAW
B. GTAW
C. PAW
D. GMAW
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PREP
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to CSA W59, what is the maximum depth allowed for undercut in a cyclically
loaded structure for main members when the direction is transverse to the tensile stress?
A. 1.0 mm (0.04 inch)
B. 0.5 mm (0.02 inch)
C. 0.25 mm (0.01 inch)
D. 1.5 mm (0.06 inch)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: For cyclically loaded structures, CSA W59 specifies that
undercut shall not exceed 0.25 mm when the weld is transverse to tensile stress in primary
members.
2. In the SMAW electrode designation E4918-1-H4, what does the ‘H4’ signify?
A. The electrode has a high iron powder content
B. The electrode is suitable for position 4 welding
,C. The maximum diffusible hydrogen is 4ml/100g of deposited metal
D. The tensile strength is 400 MPa
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The ‘H’ followed by a number indicates the maximum amount of
diffusible hydrogen in milliliters per 100 grams of weld metal.
3. Which of the following discontinuities is considered a ‘crack’ that occurs in the heat-
affected zone due to hydrogen and high stress?
A. Lamellar tearing
B. Underbead cracking
C. Crater cracking
D. Solidification cracking
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Underbead cracking is a form of hydrogen-induced cold cracking
that occurs in the HAZ of hardened steels.
4. Which NDT method is most effective for detecting subsurface laminations in a base plate
before welding?
A. Radiographic Testing (RT)
B. Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT)
C. Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
, D. Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT)
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Ultrasonic testing is superior for detecting internal planar
discontinuities like laminations that are parallel to the plate surface.
5. Under CSA W47.1, how often must a welder typically be re-tested (requalified) if they
remain continuously employed by the same company?
A. Every 6 months
B. Every 1 year
C. Every 2 years
D. Every 5 years
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: CSA W47.1 requires welders to be re-qualified every two years
to ensure continued proficiency.
6. Which welding process uses a constant voltage (CV) power source and a continuous wire
electrode?
A. SMAW
B. GTAW
C. PAW
D. GMAW
