AWS Associate Welding Inspector (AWI) Exam
Questions With Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. Which of the following welding processes uses a consumable
electrode and shielding gas?
A. SMAW
B. FCAW
C. GMAW
D. GTAW
GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) uses a consumable wire electrode
and a shielding gas to protect the weld pool from atmospheric
contamination.
2. What is the primary purpose of preheat before welding?
A. Reduce distortion
B. Reduce the risk of cracking
C. Increase weld speed
D. Remove surface contaminants
,Preheating slows the cooling rate, reducing thermal stress and
minimizing the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking in the weld.
3. Which of the following is NOT a typical welding defect?
A. Porosity
B. Undercut
C. Lack of fusion
D. Annealing
Annealing is a heat treatment process, not a welding defect.
4. What type of inspection method involves examining the surface of
a weld using liquid penetrant?
A. Radiographic
B. Ultrasonic
C. Magnetic particle
D. Liquid penetrant
Liquid penetrant testing is a non-destructive method used to detect
surface-breaking discontinuities by applying a dye and developer.
5. Which AWS standard specifically covers the visual inspection of
welds?
A. AWS D1.1
B. AWS B2.1
, C. AWS QC1
D. AWS D9.1
AWS QC1 outlines the standard procedures for visual inspection of
welded joints, including acceptance criteria and qualifications for
inspectors.
6. The heat-affected zone (HAZ) is:
A. The part of the base metal that melted during welding
B. The base metal adjacent to the weld that experienced
temperature changes
C. The filler metal in the weld
D. The slag layer on the weld surface
The HAZ does not melt but undergoes microstructural changes due to
heat, which can affect mechanical properties.
7. Which of the following is the main advantage of GTAW over
SMAW?
A. Faster deposition rate
B. Lower equipment cost
C. Higher-quality, precise welds
D. Less skill required
GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) produces cleaner, more precise
welds suitable for critical applications.
, 8. Which defect is commonly associated with excessive welding
current?
A. Porosity
B. Undercut
C. Lack of penetration
D. Incomplete fusion
Excessive current can over-melt the edges of the weld, causing
grooves or undercut along the weld toe.
9. In magnetic particle inspection, which type of discontinuity can be
detected?
A. Surface and near-surface defects
B. Deep internal voids
C. Chemical composition issues
D. Hardness variations
Magnetic particle inspection is sensitive to cracks near the surface of
ferromagnetic materials.
10. Which term describes the alignment of weld passes to
reduce stress and distortion?
A. Backstep
B. Weaving
Questions With Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following welding processes uses a consumable
electrode and shielding gas?
A. SMAW
B. FCAW
C. GMAW
D. GTAW
GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) uses a consumable wire electrode
and a shielding gas to protect the weld pool from atmospheric
contamination.
2. What is the primary purpose of preheat before welding?
A. Reduce distortion
B. Reduce the risk of cracking
C. Increase weld speed
D. Remove surface contaminants
,Preheating slows the cooling rate, reducing thermal stress and
minimizing the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking in the weld.
3. Which of the following is NOT a typical welding defect?
A. Porosity
B. Undercut
C. Lack of fusion
D. Annealing
Annealing is a heat treatment process, not a welding defect.
4. What type of inspection method involves examining the surface of
a weld using liquid penetrant?
A. Radiographic
B. Ultrasonic
C. Magnetic particle
D. Liquid penetrant
Liquid penetrant testing is a non-destructive method used to detect
surface-breaking discontinuities by applying a dye and developer.
5. Which AWS standard specifically covers the visual inspection of
welds?
A. AWS D1.1
B. AWS B2.1
, C. AWS QC1
D. AWS D9.1
AWS QC1 outlines the standard procedures for visual inspection of
welded joints, including acceptance criteria and qualifications for
inspectors.
6. The heat-affected zone (HAZ) is:
A. The part of the base metal that melted during welding
B. The base metal adjacent to the weld that experienced
temperature changes
C. The filler metal in the weld
D. The slag layer on the weld surface
The HAZ does not melt but undergoes microstructural changes due to
heat, which can affect mechanical properties.
7. Which of the following is the main advantage of GTAW over
SMAW?
A. Faster deposition rate
B. Lower equipment cost
C. Higher-quality, precise welds
D. Less skill required
GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) produces cleaner, more precise
welds suitable for critical applications.
, 8. Which defect is commonly associated with excessive welding
current?
A. Porosity
B. Undercut
C. Lack of penetration
D. Incomplete fusion
Excessive current can over-melt the edges of the weld, causing
grooves or undercut along the weld toe.
9. In magnetic particle inspection, which type of discontinuity can be
detected?
A. Surface and near-surface defects
B. Deep internal voids
C. Chemical composition issues
D. Hardness variations
Magnetic particle inspection is sensitive to cracks near the surface of
ferromagnetic materials.
10. Which term describes the alignment of weld passes to
reduce stress and distortion?
A. Backstep
B. Weaving
