A+ GRADED 1
CWB Welding Inspector
Level 3 Exam Prep 2025/2026
Update – Complete Study
Material and Practice
Questions
Instructions
This preparation document is designed for candidates pursuing Canadian
Welding Bureau (CWB) Welding Inspector Level 3 certification, updated to
reflect 2025/2026 standards including CSA W178.2:25, API 1104:25
amendments, and AWS D1.1:26 revisions. It covers all core modules: weldin
processes, metallurgy, welding procedures and qualifications, codes and
standards, inspection techniques, safety, and quality control. Each question i
Secti
multiple-choice with four options (A-D). The correct answer is highlighted in
blue. An expert rationale follows, linking to CWB Group principles and
current practices.
, 2
Module 1: Welding Processes and Consumables
Question 1
In submerged arc welding (SAW) per CSA W47.1:25, what is the primary function
of the flux in preventing atmospheric contamination?
A. To provide shielding gas B. To form a slag cover that protects the weld pool C.
To increase arc voltage D. To cool the electrode
Expert Rationale: B is correct. In SAW, the granular flux decomposes to form a
protective slag and gas envelope, shielding the molten pool from oxygen and
nitrogen per CSA W47.1:25, ensuring sound fusion without porosity. Option A
applies to GMAW; C and D are secondary effects.
Question 2
For flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) electrodes classified under AWS A5.20:25,
what does the "T" designation indicate?
A. Basic flux type B. Self-shielded electrode C. Gas-shielded electrode D. Metal-
cored electrode
Expert Rationale: C is correct. The "T" in E71T-1 designates tubular (flux-cored)
electrodes requiring external gas shielding (e.g., CO2), providing deeper
penetration for structural steel per AWS A5.20:25. "S" denotes self-shielded (B); A
and D are unrelated classifications.
Question 3
In gas metal arc welding (GMAW) spray transfer mode per AWS D1.1:26, what is
the minimum required voltage for stable operation on 0.035" wire?
A. 18-20 V B. 24-28 V C. 30-35 V D. 15-18 V
, 3
Expert Rationale: B is correct. Spray transfer requires 24-28 V to achieve fine
droplet detachment at high current, minimizing spatter in out-of-position welding
per AWS D1.1:26 Table 4.3. Lower (A/D) suits short-circuit; higher (C) risks
burn-through.
Question 4
What is the key advantage of electroslag welding (ESW) for thick plates (>300
mm) per CSA W59:25?
A. High deposition rates with minimal distortion B. Vertical welding capability for
heavy sections C. Low heat input for thin materials D. Precise control of bead
width
Expert Rationale: B is correct. ESW uses a molten slag bath for vertical-up
welding of thick joints, achieving full penetration with low distortion per CSA
W59:25 Clause 10. A is for SAW; C/D for GTAW.
Question 5
In shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), why must low-hydrogen electrodes (e.g.,
E7018) be stored in a rod oven at 250-300°F per AWS D1.1:26?
A. To increase tensile strength B. To minimize diffusible hydrogen and prevent
cracking C. To improve arc stability D. To reduce slag fluidity
Expert Rationale: B is correct. Baking at 250-300°F removes moisture, limiting
hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) in high-strength steels (H < 8 mL/100g) per
AWS D1.1:26 Section 7. Options A/C/D are unrelated to storage.
Module 2: Metallurgy and Weldability
Question 6
Per ASM Handbook Vol. 6B:25, what is the primary cause of cold cracking in
quenched and tempered HSLA steels during welding?
CWB Welding Inspector
Level 3 Exam Prep 2025/2026
Update – Complete Study
Material and Practice
Questions
Instructions
This preparation document is designed for candidates pursuing Canadian
Welding Bureau (CWB) Welding Inspector Level 3 certification, updated to
reflect 2025/2026 standards including CSA W178.2:25, API 1104:25
amendments, and AWS D1.1:26 revisions. It covers all core modules: weldin
processes, metallurgy, welding procedures and qualifications, codes and
standards, inspection techniques, safety, and quality control. Each question i
Secti
multiple-choice with four options (A-D). The correct answer is highlighted in
blue. An expert rationale follows, linking to CWB Group principles and
current practices.
, 2
Module 1: Welding Processes and Consumables
Question 1
In submerged arc welding (SAW) per CSA W47.1:25, what is the primary function
of the flux in preventing atmospheric contamination?
A. To provide shielding gas B. To form a slag cover that protects the weld pool C.
To increase arc voltage D. To cool the electrode
Expert Rationale: B is correct. In SAW, the granular flux decomposes to form a
protective slag and gas envelope, shielding the molten pool from oxygen and
nitrogen per CSA W47.1:25, ensuring sound fusion without porosity. Option A
applies to GMAW; C and D are secondary effects.
Question 2
For flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) electrodes classified under AWS A5.20:25,
what does the "T" designation indicate?
A. Basic flux type B. Self-shielded electrode C. Gas-shielded electrode D. Metal-
cored electrode
Expert Rationale: C is correct. The "T" in E71T-1 designates tubular (flux-cored)
electrodes requiring external gas shielding (e.g., CO2), providing deeper
penetration for structural steel per AWS A5.20:25. "S" denotes self-shielded (B); A
and D are unrelated classifications.
Question 3
In gas metal arc welding (GMAW) spray transfer mode per AWS D1.1:26, what is
the minimum required voltage for stable operation on 0.035" wire?
A. 18-20 V B. 24-28 V C. 30-35 V D. 15-18 V
, 3
Expert Rationale: B is correct. Spray transfer requires 24-28 V to achieve fine
droplet detachment at high current, minimizing spatter in out-of-position welding
per AWS D1.1:26 Table 4.3. Lower (A/D) suits short-circuit; higher (C) risks
burn-through.
Question 4
What is the key advantage of electroslag welding (ESW) for thick plates (>300
mm) per CSA W59:25?
A. High deposition rates with minimal distortion B. Vertical welding capability for
heavy sections C. Low heat input for thin materials D. Precise control of bead
width
Expert Rationale: B is correct. ESW uses a molten slag bath for vertical-up
welding of thick joints, achieving full penetration with low distortion per CSA
W59:25 Clause 10. A is for SAW; C/D for GTAW.
Question 5
In shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), why must low-hydrogen electrodes (e.g.,
E7018) be stored in a rod oven at 250-300°F per AWS D1.1:26?
A. To increase tensile strength B. To minimize diffusible hydrogen and prevent
cracking C. To improve arc stability D. To reduce slag fluidity
Expert Rationale: B is correct. Baking at 250-300°F removes moisture, limiting
hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) in high-strength steels (H < 8 mL/100g) per
AWS D1.1:26 Section 7. Options A/C/D are unrelated to storage.
Module 2: Metallurgy and Weldability
Question 6
Per ASM Handbook Vol. 6B:25, what is the primary cause of cold cracking in
quenched and tempered HSLA steels during welding?
