NORTH CAROLINA WELDING CERTIFICATION EXAM –QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Principles and Practices
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) Operations
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) Procedures and Applications
- Oxyfuel Cutting (OFC) and Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC) Processes
- Welding Blueprint Reading, Symbols, and Joint Geometry
- Metallurgical Properties, Material Selection, and Preheating/Postheating
- Welding Inspection, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), and Defect Identification
- AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code and North Carolina Building Code Compliance
- Workplace Safety, Ventilation, PPE, and OSHA Standards for Welding
Introduction:
The purpose of this comprehensive assessment is to evaluate the technical proficiency, theoretical knowledge,
and safety compliance required for professional welding certification in North Carolina. This exam assesses a
candidate’s understanding of major welding processes, metallurgical behavior, blueprint interpretation, and
strict adherence to structural codes and safety standards. Comprising both foundational and scenario-based
multiple-choice questions, the assessment emphasizes real-world application, critical thinking, and field-level
decision-making. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to select proper parameters, identify and correct
weld discontinuities, and apply industry-standard practices safely and effectively under simulated regulatory
and structural job site conditions.
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
Which of the following electrical current types is most commonly utilized for Shielded Metal Arc Welding
(SMAW) on heavy structural steel applications where deep penetration is required?
,A. Direct Current Electrode Negative (DCEN)
B. Alternating Current (AC) with low frequency
C. Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP)
D. Alternating Current (AC) with high frequency
🟢 C. Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP)
🔴 RATIONALE: DCEP concentrates approximately two-thirds of the arc heat at the electrode end, which
provides maximum penetration and excellent cleaning action, making it the preferred choice for heavy structural
steel welding with SMAW.
Question 2
A welder in North Carolina is performing an overhead groove weld on a structural steel column. According to
AWS D1.1, which designation correctly identifies this welding position?
A. 1G
B. 2G
C. 3G
D. 4G
🟢 D. 4G
🔴 RATIONALE: In plate welding, the 4G position specifically designates the overhead position for groove
welds, whereas 1G is flat, 2G is horizontal, and 3G is vertical.
Question 3
During a routine visual inspection of a multi-pass fillet weld, the inspector notes a sharp groove melted into the
base metal adjacent to the toe of the weld that has been left unfilled. What is the technical name for this
discontinuity?
A. Overlap
B. Undercut
C. Porosity
D. Cold lap
,🟢 B. Undercut
🔴 RATIONALE: Undercut is defined as a groove melted into the base metal adjacent to the weld toe or weld
root and left unfilled by weld metal, which creates a stress concentration point that reduces structural integrity.
Question 4
What is the primary function of the potassium compounds contained within the flux coating of an E6011
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) electrode?
A. To increase deposition rates through iron powder addition
B. To stabilize the arc when utilizing Alternating Current (AC)
C. To form a heavy slag layer for slow cooling in vertical welds
D. To provide deep penetration exclusively when using DCEN
🟢 B. To stabilize the arc when utilizing Alternating Current (AC)
🔴 RATIONALE: The presence of potassium in the coating of an E6011 electrode assists in ionizing the arc
path, allowing the arc to remain stable even when the alternating current crosses through zero voltage.
Question 5
When configuring a Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) setup for short-circuiting transfer on carbon steel, which
shielding gas composition is most appropriate to minimize spatter and maintain arc control?
A. 100% Argon
B. 75% Argon / 25% Carbon Dioxide
C. 98% Argon / 2% Oxygen
D. 100% Helium
🟢 B. 75% Argon / 25% Carbon Dioxide
🔴 RATIONALE: A mixture of 75% Argon and 25% Carbon Dioxide (C25) provides an optimal balance for
short-circuiting transfer on carbon steel, offering good arc stability, low spatter, and adequate penetration.
Question 6
A welder needs to select a standard personal protective equipment (PPE) shade filter for Gas Tungsten Arc
, Welding (GTAW) operating at 150 amperes. According to OSHA and AWS safety guidelines, what is the
minimum protective shade number required?
A. Shade 5
B. Shade 8
C. Shade 10
D. Shade 14
🟢 C. Shade 10
🔴 RATIONALE: For Gas Tungsten Arc Welding operations between 100 and 150 amperes, AWS and OSHA
guidelines dictate that a minimum of Shade 10 filter lens must be used to protect the eyes from ultraviolet and
infrared radiation.
Question 7
Which of the following destructive testing methods involves fracturing a fillet weld specimen to evaluate the
degree of root penetration and the presence of internal defects such as slag inclusions?
A. Guided bend test
B. Fillet weld break test
C. Tensile strength test
D. Charpy V-notch test
🟢 B. Fillet weld break test
🔴 RATIONALE: The fillet weld break test is specifically designed to force a fillet weld to fracture through its
throat, allowing inspectors to visually examine the exposed root and look for full fusion, porosity, or slag
inclusions.
Question 8
When interpreting a welding blueprint, a welding symbol contains a small flag sticking up at the intersection of
the reference line and the arrow. What does this specific flag symbol communicate to the fabricator?
A. The weld must be performed using a field process
B. The weld must be completed in the shop before shipping
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Principles and Practices
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) Operations
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) Procedures and Applications
- Oxyfuel Cutting (OFC) and Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC) Processes
- Welding Blueprint Reading, Symbols, and Joint Geometry
- Metallurgical Properties, Material Selection, and Preheating/Postheating
- Welding Inspection, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), and Defect Identification
- AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code and North Carolina Building Code Compliance
- Workplace Safety, Ventilation, PPE, and OSHA Standards for Welding
Introduction:
The purpose of this comprehensive assessment is to evaluate the technical proficiency, theoretical knowledge,
and safety compliance required for professional welding certification in North Carolina. This exam assesses a
candidate’s understanding of major welding processes, metallurgical behavior, blueprint interpretation, and
strict adherence to structural codes and safety standards. Comprising both foundational and scenario-based
multiple-choice questions, the assessment emphasizes real-world application, critical thinking, and field-level
decision-making. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to select proper parameters, identify and correct
weld discontinuities, and apply industry-standard practices safely and effectively under simulated regulatory
and structural job site conditions.
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
Which of the following electrical current types is most commonly utilized for Shielded Metal Arc Welding
(SMAW) on heavy structural steel applications where deep penetration is required?
,A. Direct Current Electrode Negative (DCEN)
B. Alternating Current (AC) with low frequency
C. Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP)
D. Alternating Current (AC) with high frequency
🟢 C. Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP)
🔴 RATIONALE: DCEP concentrates approximately two-thirds of the arc heat at the electrode end, which
provides maximum penetration and excellent cleaning action, making it the preferred choice for heavy structural
steel welding with SMAW.
Question 2
A welder in North Carolina is performing an overhead groove weld on a structural steel column. According to
AWS D1.1, which designation correctly identifies this welding position?
A. 1G
B. 2G
C. 3G
D. 4G
🟢 D. 4G
🔴 RATIONALE: In plate welding, the 4G position specifically designates the overhead position for groove
welds, whereas 1G is flat, 2G is horizontal, and 3G is vertical.
Question 3
During a routine visual inspection of a multi-pass fillet weld, the inspector notes a sharp groove melted into the
base metal adjacent to the toe of the weld that has been left unfilled. What is the technical name for this
discontinuity?
A. Overlap
B. Undercut
C. Porosity
D. Cold lap
,🟢 B. Undercut
🔴 RATIONALE: Undercut is defined as a groove melted into the base metal adjacent to the weld toe or weld
root and left unfilled by weld metal, which creates a stress concentration point that reduces structural integrity.
Question 4
What is the primary function of the potassium compounds contained within the flux coating of an E6011
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) electrode?
A. To increase deposition rates through iron powder addition
B. To stabilize the arc when utilizing Alternating Current (AC)
C. To form a heavy slag layer for slow cooling in vertical welds
D. To provide deep penetration exclusively when using DCEN
🟢 B. To stabilize the arc when utilizing Alternating Current (AC)
🔴 RATIONALE: The presence of potassium in the coating of an E6011 electrode assists in ionizing the arc
path, allowing the arc to remain stable even when the alternating current crosses through zero voltage.
Question 5
When configuring a Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) setup for short-circuiting transfer on carbon steel, which
shielding gas composition is most appropriate to minimize spatter and maintain arc control?
A. 100% Argon
B. 75% Argon / 25% Carbon Dioxide
C. 98% Argon / 2% Oxygen
D. 100% Helium
🟢 B. 75% Argon / 25% Carbon Dioxide
🔴 RATIONALE: A mixture of 75% Argon and 25% Carbon Dioxide (C25) provides an optimal balance for
short-circuiting transfer on carbon steel, offering good arc stability, low spatter, and adequate penetration.
Question 6
A welder needs to select a standard personal protective equipment (PPE) shade filter for Gas Tungsten Arc
, Welding (GTAW) operating at 150 amperes. According to OSHA and AWS safety guidelines, what is the
minimum protective shade number required?
A. Shade 5
B. Shade 8
C. Shade 10
D. Shade 14
🟢 C. Shade 10
🔴 RATIONALE: For Gas Tungsten Arc Welding operations between 100 and 150 amperes, AWS and OSHA
guidelines dictate that a minimum of Shade 10 filter lens must be used to protect the eyes from ultraviolet and
infrared radiation.
Question 7
Which of the following destructive testing methods involves fracturing a fillet weld specimen to evaluate the
degree of root penetration and the presence of internal defects such as slag inclusions?
A. Guided bend test
B. Fillet weld break test
C. Tensile strength test
D. Charpy V-notch test
🟢 B. Fillet weld break test
🔴 RATIONALE: The fillet weld break test is specifically designed to force a fillet weld to fracture through its
throat, allowing inspectors to visually examine the exposed root and look for full fusion, porosity, or slag
inclusions.
Question 8
When interpreting a welding blueprint, a welding symbol contains a small flag sticking up at the intersection of
the reference line and the arrow. What does this specific flag symbol communicate to the fabricator?
A. The weld must be performed using a field process
B. The weld must be completed in the shop before shipping
