AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download
Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a fillet weld?
A. To join two edges of the same thickness
B. To reinforce a joint under bending stress
C. To join two surfaces at approximately right angles
D. To provide a decorative seam
Rationale: Fillet welds are primarily used to join two surfaces at right angles,
often in lap, T, or corner joints.
2. The primary destructive test used to determine the tensile strength of a
weld is:
A. Bend test
B. Charpy impact test
C. Tensile test
D. Hardness test
Rationale: The tensile test measures the maximum stress a weld can withstand
before failure, indicating its strength.
, 3. When performing a visual inspection, what is the first thing a CWI should
check?
A. Conformance to the welding procedure and joint fit-up
B. Weld hardness
C. Weld chemical composition
D. Radiographic film interpretation
Rationale: Visual inspection begins with checking joint preparation, alignment,
and conformance to the welding procedure.
4. The purpose of a backgouge in a groove weld is to:
A. Reduce heat input
B. Remove weld defects on the root side
C. Provide a fillet weld on the opposite side
D. Improve surface appearance
Rationale: Backgouging removes defective weld material from the root of a
groove weld, ensuring sound weld penetration.
5. Which NDE method is best suited for detecting surface cracks in a weld?
A. Radiographic testing
B. Magnetic particle testing
C. Ultrasonic testing
D. Hardness testing
Rationale: Magnetic particle testing is highly effective for identifying surface or
near-surface cracks in ferromagnetic materials.
6. The heat-affected zone (HAZ) is:
A. The weld metal only
B. The area of base metal that experienced thermal cycles altering its
properties
C. The base metal unaffected by heat
D. The entire joint
Rationale: The HAZ is the region adjacent to the weld that has experienced
changes in microstructure and properties due to welding heat.
, 7. Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode?
A. SMAW
B. FCAW
C. GMAW
D. GTAW
Rationale: GTAW (TIG) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce an
arc and can use filler separately.
8. Porosity in a weld is usually caused by:
A. Incorrect amperage
B. Low travel speed
C. Contamination such as moisture or oil
D. Excessive preheat
Rationale: Contaminants like moisture, oil, or rust can vaporize and form gas
pockets, resulting in porosity.
9. Which AWS specification covers welding procedure qualification?
A. AWS D1.1
B. AWS B2.1
C. AWS D1.3
D. AWS QC1
Rationale: AWS B2.1 provides the standard for welding procedure and
performance qualification tests.
10.The root of a weld is defined as:
A. The surface of the weld face
B. The heat-affected zone
C. The point of greatest joint penetration, typically opposite the weld face
D. The fillet leg
Rationale: The root is the deepest part of the weld where the molten metal
penetrates the joint.
Practice Exam Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a fillet weld?
A. To join two edges of the same thickness
B. To reinforce a joint under bending stress
C. To join two surfaces at approximately right angles
D. To provide a decorative seam
Rationale: Fillet welds are primarily used to join two surfaces at right angles,
often in lap, T, or corner joints.
2. The primary destructive test used to determine the tensile strength of a
weld is:
A. Bend test
B. Charpy impact test
C. Tensile test
D. Hardness test
Rationale: The tensile test measures the maximum stress a weld can withstand
before failure, indicating its strength.
, 3. When performing a visual inspection, what is the first thing a CWI should
check?
A. Conformance to the welding procedure and joint fit-up
B. Weld hardness
C. Weld chemical composition
D. Radiographic film interpretation
Rationale: Visual inspection begins with checking joint preparation, alignment,
and conformance to the welding procedure.
4. The purpose of a backgouge in a groove weld is to:
A. Reduce heat input
B. Remove weld defects on the root side
C. Provide a fillet weld on the opposite side
D. Improve surface appearance
Rationale: Backgouging removes defective weld material from the root of a
groove weld, ensuring sound weld penetration.
5. Which NDE method is best suited for detecting surface cracks in a weld?
A. Radiographic testing
B. Magnetic particle testing
C. Ultrasonic testing
D. Hardness testing
Rationale: Magnetic particle testing is highly effective for identifying surface or
near-surface cracks in ferromagnetic materials.
6. The heat-affected zone (HAZ) is:
A. The weld metal only
B. The area of base metal that experienced thermal cycles altering its
properties
C. The base metal unaffected by heat
D. The entire joint
Rationale: The HAZ is the region adjacent to the weld that has experienced
changes in microstructure and properties due to welding heat.
, 7. Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode?
A. SMAW
B. FCAW
C. GMAW
D. GTAW
Rationale: GTAW (TIG) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce an
arc and can use filler separately.
8. Porosity in a weld is usually caused by:
A. Incorrect amperage
B. Low travel speed
C. Contamination such as moisture or oil
D. Excessive preheat
Rationale: Contaminants like moisture, oil, or rust can vaporize and form gas
pockets, resulting in porosity.
9. Which AWS specification covers welding procedure qualification?
A. AWS D1.1
B. AWS B2.1
C. AWS D1.3
D. AWS QC1
Rationale: AWS B2.1 provides the standard for welding procedure and
performance qualification tests.
10.The root of a weld is defined as:
A. The surface of the weld face
B. The heat-affected zone
C. The point of greatest joint penetration, typically opposite the weld face
D. The fillet leg
Rationale: The root is the deepest part of the weld where the molten metal
penetrates the joint.
