South Carolina Pipe Welding
Certification License Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which welding process is most commonly used for pipe welding in the
petroleum and chemical industries?
A. Oxy-fuel welding
B. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
C. Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
D. Resistance Spot Welding
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is widely used in pipe welding
due to its versatility, portability, and acceptance in code work.
2. What does the “s” in E6010 electrode classification indicate?
A. Special low-hydrogen coating
B. Steel electrode
C. Spark-reduced coating
D. Silver-plated coating
In AWS electrode classification, “s” indicates a basic electrode
intended for steel.
3. A 2G pipe weld is performed in which position?
A. Horizontal pipe with vertical axis
B. Horizontal fixed pipe
C. Vertical up
D. Overhead
The 2G designation represents a horizontal fixed pipe position.
,4. The minimum preheat temperature for carbon steel pipe thicker than
1 inch is primarily intended to:
A. Speed up weld cooling
B. Reduce electrode spatter
C. Increase weld penetration
D. Reduce risk of cracking
Preheating reduces thermal gradients which helps prevent cracking
in thick carbon steel.
5. Which of the following filler metals is typically used for pipe welding
stainless steel?
A. ER70S-6
B. E7018
C. ER316L
D. ER4043
ER316L filler metal matches the corrosion resistance and properties
of 316L stainless steel pipe.
6. What is the typical groove angle for a single V-groove on a 3/4-inch
schedule 40 pipe?
A. 30 degrees
B. 37.5 degrees
C. 45 degrees
D. 60 degrees
A 37.5° groove angle is typical for V-groove pipe welds to ensure
proper penetration and fit-up.
7. In SMAW, what is the principal function of the flux coating?
A. Cool the weld pool
B. Stabilize the arc and protect the weld from atmospheric
contamination
C. Increase welding speed
D. Improve electrical conductivity
Flux coating stabilizes the arc and shields molten metal from
atmospheric gases.
8. Which NDT method is best for detecting internal weld discontinuities
such as slag inclusions?
A. Visual inspection
, B. Liquid penetrant testing
C. Radiographic testing
D. Eddy current testing
Radiographic testing is effective at revealing internal defects within
a weld.
9. What is the primary hazard associated with welding galvanized steel
pipe?
A. Excessive penetration
B. Toxic zinc oxide fumes
C. Fire due to hydrogen content
D. Lack of fusion
Galvanized coatings produce zinc oxide fumes which are hazardous
to breathe.
10. What is the purpose of back purging when welding stainless
steel pipe?
A. Increase heat input
B. Control weld bead shape
C. Protect the inside of the weld from oxidation
D. Reduce electrode burn-off
Back purging supplies inert gas inside the pipe to prevent oxidation
of the weld root.
11. A “root pass” is best described as:
A. Final cosmetic pass
B. Pass to fill the joint
C. Pass that exceeds joint thickness
D. Initial weld pass that joins the pieces at the root of the joint
The root pass is the first weld bead placed to fuse the joint at its
deepest point.
12. Which welding process uses a constant voltage power source?
A. SMAW
B. GMAW
C. OAW
D. Stick welding
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) operates with a constant voltage
power source.
Certification License Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which welding process is most commonly used for pipe welding in the
petroleum and chemical industries?
A. Oxy-fuel welding
B. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
C. Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
D. Resistance Spot Welding
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is widely used in pipe welding
due to its versatility, portability, and acceptance in code work.
2. What does the “s” in E6010 electrode classification indicate?
A. Special low-hydrogen coating
B. Steel electrode
C. Spark-reduced coating
D. Silver-plated coating
In AWS electrode classification, “s” indicates a basic electrode
intended for steel.
3. A 2G pipe weld is performed in which position?
A. Horizontal pipe with vertical axis
B. Horizontal fixed pipe
C. Vertical up
D. Overhead
The 2G designation represents a horizontal fixed pipe position.
,4. The minimum preheat temperature for carbon steel pipe thicker than
1 inch is primarily intended to:
A. Speed up weld cooling
B. Reduce electrode spatter
C. Increase weld penetration
D. Reduce risk of cracking
Preheating reduces thermal gradients which helps prevent cracking
in thick carbon steel.
5. Which of the following filler metals is typically used for pipe welding
stainless steel?
A. ER70S-6
B. E7018
C. ER316L
D. ER4043
ER316L filler metal matches the corrosion resistance and properties
of 316L stainless steel pipe.
6. What is the typical groove angle for a single V-groove on a 3/4-inch
schedule 40 pipe?
A. 30 degrees
B. 37.5 degrees
C. 45 degrees
D. 60 degrees
A 37.5° groove angle is typical for V-groove pipe welds to ensure
proper penetration and fit-up.
7. In SMAW, what is the principal function of the flux coating?
A. Cool the weld pool
B. Stabilize the arc and protect the weld from atmospheric
contamination
C. Increase welding speed
D. Improve electrical conductivity
Flux coating stabilizes the arc and shields molten metal from
atmospheric gases.
8. Which NDT method is best for detecting internal weld discontinuities
such as slag inclusions?
A. Visual inspection
, B. Liquid penetrant testing
C. Radiographic testing
D. Eddy current testing
Radiographic testing is effective at revealing internal defects within
a weld.
9. What is the primary hazard associated with welding galvanized steel
pipe?
A. Excessive penetration
B. Toxic zinc oxide fumes
C. Fire due to hydrogen content
D. Lack of fusion
Galvanized coatings produce zinc oxide fumes which are hazardous
to breathe.
10. What is the purpose of back purging when welding stainless
steel pipe?
A. Increase heat input
B. Control weld bead shape
C. Protect the inside of the weld from oxidation
D. Reduce electrode burn-off
Back purging supplies inert gas inside the pipe to prevent oxidation
of the weld root.
11. A “root pass” is best described as:
A. Final cosmetic pass
B. Pass to fill the joint
C. Pass that exceeds joint thickness
D. Initial weld pass that joins the pieces at the root of the joint
The root pass is the first weld bead placed to fuse the joint at its
deepest point.
12. Which welding process uses a constant voltage power source?
A. SMAW
B. GMAW
C. OAW
D. Stick welding
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) operates with a constant voltage
power source.
