AWS Associate Welding Inspector (AWI) Exam
With Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of the Welding Procedure
Specification (WPS)?
a) To define the visual appearance of a weld
b) To outline safety protocols only
c) To provide detailed welding instructions for consistency and
quality
d) To describe post-weld inspection methods
It ensures that welding is performed consistently and meets
required standards.
2. What does the term “preheat” refer to in welding?
a) Heating the base metal after welding
b) Heating the base metal before welding
c) Using a heated electrode
d) Heating the filler metal
Preheating reduces the risk of cracking by controlling cooling
rates.
3. Which of the following is the most common destructive test for
welds?
a) Radiographic test
b) Ultrasonic test
c) Bend test
, d) Visual inspection
Bend tests physically deform the weld to assess ductility and
soundness.
4. What is the main purpose of a visual inspection (VT) of welds?
a) To detect surface discontinuities such as cracks, porosity, or
undercut
b) To measure tensile strength
c) To check chemical composition
d) To determine hardness
VT is the first and simplest method to assess weld quality.
5. What is a common cause of porosity in a weld?
a) Incorrect electrode diameter
b) Contaminants such as oil, rust, or moisture
c) Excessive preheat
d) Too slow welding speed
Porosity occurs when gas is trapped in the weld due to
contamination or shielding issues.
6. Which welding process typically uses a consumable electrode and
shielding gas?
a) Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
b) Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
c) Oxy-fuel welding
d) Resistance spot welding
GMAW (MIG) uses a continuously fed electrode and shielding gas.
7. What is the purpose of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT)?
a) Increase weld porosity
b) Harden the weld excessively
, c) Relieve residual stresses and reduce susceptibility to cracking
d) Increase welding speed
PWHT reduces residual stress and improves mechanical properties
of the weld.
8. Which type of defect is characterized by a groove melted into the
base metal along the weld toe?
a) Porosity
b) Crater
c) Undercut
d) Slag inclusion
Undercut is a groove at the weld toe that can weaken the joint.
9. What is the AWS classification for an E6010 electrode?
a) E7018
b) E7024
c) E6010
d) E308L
E6010 is a fast-freeze, deep-penetration electrode commonly used
for root passes.
10. Which inspection method uses X-rays to examine internal
weld quality?
a) Liquid penetrant test
b) Radiographic test (RT)
c) Ultrasonic test
d) Magnetic particle test
RT can detect internal voids, porosity, and inclusions within a weld.
11. Which term describes the fusion between weld metal and
base metal?
With Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of the Welding Procedure
Specification (WPS)?
a) To define the visual appearance of a weld
b) To outline safety protocols only
c) To provide detailed welding instructions for consistency and
quality
d) To describe post-weld inspection methods
It ensures that welding is performed consistently and meets
required standards.
2. What does the term “preheat” refer to in welding?
a) Heating the base metal after welding
b) Heating the base metal before welding
c) Using a heated electrode
d) Heating the filler metal
Preheating reduces the risk of cracking by controlling cooling
rates.
3. Which of the following is the most common destructive test for
welds?
a) Radiographic test
b) Ultrasonic test
c) Bend test
, d) Visual inspection
Bend tests physically deform the weld to assess ductility and
soundness.
4. What is the main purpose of a visual inspection (VT) of welds?
a) To detect surface discontinuities such as cracks, porosity, or
undercut
b) To measure tensile strength
c) To check chemical composition
d) To determine hardness
VT is the first and simplest method to assess weld quality.
5. What is a common cause of porosity in a weld?
a) Incorrect electrode diameter
b) Contaminants such as oil, rust, or moisture
c) Excessive preheat
d) Too slow welding speed
Porosity occurs when gas is trapped in the weld due to
contamination or shielding issues.
6. Which welding process typically uses a consumable electrode and
shielding gas?
a) Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
b) Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
c) Oxy-fuel welding
d) Resistance spot welding
GMAW (MIG) uses a continuously fed electrode and shielding gas.
7. What is the purpose of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT)?
a) Increase weld porosity
b) Harden the weld excessively
, c) Relieve residual stresses and reduce susceptibility to cracking
d) Increase welding speed
PWHT reduces residual stress and improves mechanical properties
of the weld.
8. Which type of defect is characterized by a groove melted into the
base metal along the weld toe?
a) Porosity
b) Crater
c) Undercut
d) Slag inclusion
Undercut is a groove at the weld toe that can weaken the joint.
9. What is the AWS classification for an E6010 electrode?
a) E7018
b) E7024
c) E6010
d) E308L
E6010 is a fast-freeze, deep-penetration electrode commonly used
for root passes.
10. Which inspection method uses X-rays to examine internal
weld quality?
a) Liquid penetrant test
b) Radiographic test (RT)
c) Ultrasonic test
d) Magnetic particle test
RT can detect internal voids, porosity, and inclusions within a weld.
11. Which term describes the fusion between weld metal and
base metal?
