AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) practice
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Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download
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1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a welding
procedure specification (WPS)?
A) To document inspection results
B) To establish how welding is to be performed
C) To track welder qualifications
D) To schedule production
B) To establish how welding is to be performed
The WPS provides detailed instructions for welders to ensure
consistency and quality.
2. What is the minimum preheat requirement for welding a 1-inch
thick carbon steel plate using SMAW?
A) 50°F (10°C)
B) 100°F (38°C)
C) 150°F (65°C)
D) 200°F (93°C)
B) 100°F (38°C)
Preheat reduces the risk of cracking and helps maintain weld
integrity.
3. Which type of discontinuity is described as a localized separation
along the weld surface or interior?
, A) Porosity
B) Cracks
C) Undercut
D) Overlap
B) Cracks
Cracks are serious defects that compromise weld strength and
require repair.
4. What is the primary function of a fillet weld?
A) Join two pieces at right angles
B) Join two pieces in a lap joint only
C) Reinforce the base metal
D) Seal surfaces against leakage
A) Join two pieces at right angles
Fillet welds are commonly used in T-joints, lap joints, and corner
joints.
5. The term “root opening” refers to:
A) The gap at the joint before welding
B) The angle of the groove
C) The weld bead profile
D) The distance from the surface to the root
A) The gap at the joint before welding
Proper root opening ensures adequate penetration and fusion.
6. Which inspection method uses a liquid to penetrate surface
cracks?
A) Radiographic Testing (RT)
B) Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
C) Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
, D) Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
D) Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
PT detects surface-breaking discontinuities using a colored or
fluorescent dye.
7. What does the term “heat-affected zone” (HAZ) describe?
A) Weld metal
B) Base metal adjacent to the weld affected by heat
C) The slag layer on the weld
D) The root of the weld
B) Base metal adjacent to the weld affected by heat
The HAZ experiences microstructural changes due to welding heat.
8. Which electrode is typically used for welding low-alloy steels?
A) E6010
B) E7018
C) E308
D) E316
B) E7018
E7018 provides good strength and low hydrogen characteristics
for low-alloy steel.
9. What is the function of a backing bar in welding?
A) Support the electrode
B) Reduce distortion
C) Provide support and prevent burn-through
D) Measure weld size
C) Provide support and prevent burn-through
Backing bars help maintain proper weld shape and prevent
defects.
, 10. Which welding process uses a continuously fed consumable
electrode and shielding gas?
A) SMAW
B) GTAW
C) GMAW
D) SAW
C) GMAW
GMAW (MIG) uses a continuous wire electrode and shielding gas
to protect the weld.
11. Which discontinuity is caused by improper cleaning of the
base metal?
A) Slag inclusions
B) Cracks
C) Porosity
D) Undercut
A) Slag inclusions
Slag can become trapped if the joint is not cleaned between
passes.
12. How often must a Certified Welding Inspector renew their
certification?
A) Every 2 years
B) Every 3 years
C) Every 5 years
D) Every 10 years
C) Every 5 years
AWS requires recertification every 5 years to maintain CWI status.
exam With Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a welding
procedure specification (WPS)?
A) To document inspection results
B) To establish how welding is to be performed
C) To track welder qualifications
D) To schedule production
B) To establish how welding is to be performed
The WPS provides detailed instructions for welders to ensure
consistency and quality.
2. What is the minimum preheat requirement for welding a 1-inch
thick carbon steel plate using SMAW?
A) 50°F (10°C)
B) 100°F (38°C)
C) 150°F (65°C)
D) 200°F (93°C)
B) 100°F (38°C)
Preheat reduces the risk of cracking and helps maintain weld
integrity.
3. Which type of discontinuity is described as a localized separation
along the weld surface or interior?
, A) Porosity
B) Cracks
C) Undercut
D) Overlap
B) Cracks
Cracks are serious defects that compromise weld strength and
require repair.
4. What is the primary function of a fillet weld?
A) Join two pieces at right angles
B) Join two pieces in a lap joint only
C) Reinforce the base metal
D) Seal surfaces against leakage
A) Join two pieces at right angles
Fillet welds are commonly used in T-joints, lap joints, and corner
joints.
5. The term “root opening” refers to:
A) The gap at the joint before welding
B) The angle of the groove
C) The weld bead profile
D) The distance from the surface to the root
A) The gap at the joint before welding
Proper root opening ensures adequate penetration and fusion.
6. Which inspection method uses a liquid to penetrate surface
cracks?
A) Radiographic Testing (RT)
B) Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
C) Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
, D) Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
D) Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
PT detects surface-breaking discontinuities using a colored or
fluorescent dye.
7. What does the term “heat-affected zone” (HAZ) describe?
A) Weld metal
B) Base metal adjacent to the weld affected by heat
C) The slag layer on the weld
D) The root of the weld
B) Base metal adjacent to the weld affected by heat
The HAZ experiences microstructural changes due to welding heat.
8. Which electrode is typically used for welding low-alloy steels?
A) E6010
B) E7018
C) E308
D) E316
B) E7018
E7018 provides good strength and low hydrogen characteristics
for low-alloy steel.
9. What is the function of a backing bar in welding?
A) Support the electrode
B) Reduce distortion
C) Provide support and prevent burn-through
D) Measure weld size
C) Provide support and prevent burn-through
Backing bars help maintain proper weld shape and prevent
defects.
, 10. Which welding process uses a continuously fed consumable
electrode and shielding gas?
A) SMAW
B) GTAW
C) GMAW
D) SAW
C) GMAW
GMAW (MIG) uses a continuous wire electrode and shielding gas
to protect the weld.
11. Which discontinuity is caused by improper cleaning of the
base metal?
A) Slag inclusions
B) Cracks
C) Porosity
D) Undercut
A) Slag inclusions
Slag can become trapped if the joint is not cleaned between
passes.
12. How often must a Certified Welding Inspector renew their
certification?
A) Every 2 years
B) Every 3 years
C) Every 5 years
D) Every 10 years
C) Every 5 years
AWS requires recertification every 5 years to maintain CWI status.
