Oklahoma Process Piping Journeyman
Exam Questions with Verified Answers & Rationales
Q1. Which ASME code primarily governs process piping systems in refineries and
chemical plants?
A) ASME B31.1
✓ B) ASME B31.3
C) ASME B31.9
D) ASME A13.1
Correct Answer: B) ASME B31.3
Rationale: ASME B31.3 (Process Piping) is the governing code for piping in chemical plants,
refineries, and similar process facilities, covering materials, design, fabrication, inspection,
and testing.
Q2. ASME B31.1 differs from B31.3 primarily in that it governs:
A) Building services piping
✓ B) Power piping, such as that found in electric power generating stations
C) Gas transmission and distribution piping
D) Slurry transportation piping
Correct Answer: B) Power piping, such as that found in electric power generating
stations Rationale: ASME B31.1 covers power piping typically associated with boilers and
power generation facilities, while B31.3 covers process piping in chemical and petroleum
facilities.
Q3. A piping specification typically defines all of the following EXCEPT:
A) Materialgrade and pipe schedule
B) Allowable fittings, flanges, and valve types
✓ C) The individual pipefitter's daily wage rate
D) Pressure-temperature rating class
Correct Answer: C) The individual pipefitter's daily wage rate
Rationale: A piping specification is a technical document defining materials, components, ratings,
and allowable construction details for a piping class; it has nothing to do with wage rates.
,Q4. In ASME B31.3, the term 'design pressure' refers to:
A) The pressure at which the relief valve is set to fully open
✓ B) The most severe pressure condition, at the corresponding temperature,
expected during normal operation
C) Atmospheric pressure at the job site
D) The pressure used only for hydrostatic testing
Correct Answer: B) The most severe pressure condition, at the corresponding
temperature, expected during normal operation
Rationale: Design pressure represents the most severe combination of pressure and
temperature expected in normal, sustained operation, and is a key basis for wall thickness
calculations.
Q5. Which document governs the qualification of welding procedures and welders on code
piping projects?
✓ A) ASME Section IX
B) ASME B16.5
C) ASME B36.10
D) NFPA 70
Correct Answer: A) ASME Section IX
Rationale: ASME Section IX (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code) provides the requirements for
qualifying welding procedure specifications (WPS) and welder performance (WPQ).
Q6. A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) is best described as:
A) A record of an individual welder's qualification test results
✓ B) A written document providing the required welding variables for a specific
application to ensure repeatability
C) A purchase order for welding rod
D) A blueprint of the piping isometric
Correct Answer: B) A written document providing the required welding variables for a
specific application to ensure repeatability
Rationale: A WPS specifies variables such as base metal, filler metal, process, preheat, and
technique so that a weld can be reproduced consistently and meet code requirements.
Q7. A Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) documents:
✓ A) The actual welding variables used and test results obtained when qualifying a WPS
B) A welder's attendance record
C) The piping isometric drawing revision history
D) The material purchase specification only
Correct Answer: A) The actual welding variables used and test results obtained when
qualifying a WPS
Rationale: The PQR records the actual parameters used and the mechanical test results
(e.g., bend, tensile) obtained during procedure qualification, which supports the WPS.
,Q8. A pipe fabrication drawing labeled with a specific 'piping class' primarily
communicates:
A) The fabricator's shop location
✓ B) The material, rating, and component specification applicable to that line
C) The delivery schedule for materials
D) The insurance requirements for the project
Correct Answer: B) The material, rating, and component specification applicable to
that line Rationale: A piping class ties a line to its governing specification, defining allowable
materials, ratings, and components for construction.
Q9. Which of the following is a primary purpose of a Piping and Instrumentation Diagram
(P&ID;)?
A) To show exact pipe support spacing
✓ B) To show the process flow, instrumentation, and control logic of a system, including
line numbers
C) To specify individual welder qualifications
D) To document employee safety training records
Correct Answer: B) To show the process flow, instrumentation, and control logic of a
system, including line numbers
Rationale: A P&ID; represents the process schematically, showing equipment, piping,
instrumentation, and control elements, and is used alongside isometrics for construction.
Q10. A code addendum or edition update to ASME B31.3 typically:
A) Has no bearing on current projects
✓ B) May revise requirements and should be checked against the edition
specified in the contract/specification
C) Automatically supersedes the owner's piping specification
D) Only applies to piping outside the United States
Correct Answer: B) May revise requirements and should be checked against the edition
specified in the contract/specification
Rationale: Code editions are periodically updated; the applicable edition/addenda is typically
specified by contract or specification, and jurisdictional or owner requirements should be
verified.
Q11. Pipe schedule number is primarily an indication of:
A) The pipe's nominal outside diameter only
✓ B) The wall thickness of the pipe relative to its diameter
C) The manufacturer's location
D) The pipe's exact length
Correct Answer: B) The wall thickness of the pipe relative to its diameter
Rationale: Schedule number is related to the ratio of pressure to allowable stress and
indicates relative wall thickness; for a given nominal size, a higher schedule number
generally means a thicker wall.
, Q12. For NPS 12 and smaller pipe, nominal pipe size (NPS) generally does NOT equal:
✓ A) The exact outside diameter in every case
B) The approximate inside diameter for older schedules
C) A standardized designation used across schedules
D) A dimensionless reference number for larger sizes
Correct Answer: A) The exact outside diameter in every case
Rationale: For NPS 12 and smaller, the actual outside diameter is larger than the nominal
size (e.g., NPS 2 pipe has an actual OD of 2.375 in); for NPS 14 and larger, NPS equals
actual OD.
Q13. Carbon steel pipe commonly used in process piping is typically manufactured to
which ASTM specification?
✓ A) ASTM A106 or A53
B) ASTM A36 exclusively for pipe
C) ASTM B88
D) ASTM D1785
Correct Answer: A) ASTM A106 or A53
Rationale: ASTM A106 (seamless) and A53 (seamless or welded) are common
specifications for carbon steel pipe used in process and power piping applications.
Q14. Which material property describes a metal's ability to deform without fracturing under
tensile stress?
A) Hardness
✓ B) Ductility
C) Density
D) Thermal conductivity
Correct Answer: B) Ductility
Rationale: Ductility refers to a material's capacity to undergo plastic deformation (such as
stretching or bending) before fracture, an important property for piping subjected to stress.
Q15. Stainless steel piping is often specified for process systems primarily due to its:
A) Lower initial material cost compared with carbon steel
✓ B) Corrosion resistance in aggressive or high-purity service
C) Lighter weight than PVC
D) Higher magnetic permeability
Correct Answer: B) Corrosion resistance in aggressive or high-purity service
Rationale: Stainless steel's chromium oxide layer provides strong corrosion resistance, making it
suitable for corrosive, sanitary, or high-purity process applications.
Q16. A Material Test Report (MTR), also called a mill certificate, provides:
A) The installer's certification records
✓ B) Documented chemical composition and mechanical properties of a specific heat/lot
of material
C) The job site safety plan
Exam Questions with Verified Answers & Rationales
Q1. Which ASME code primarily governs process piping systems in refineries and
chemical plants?
A) ASME B31.1
✓ B) ASME B31.3
C) ASME B31.9
D) ASME A13.1
Correct Answer: B) ASME B31.3
Rationale: ASME B31.3 (Process Piping) is the governing code for piping in chemical plants,
refineries, and similar process facilities, covering materials, design, fabrication, inspection,
and testing.
Q2. ASME B31.1 differs from B31.3 primarily in that it governs:
A) Building services piping
✓ B) Power piping, such as that found in electric power generating stations
C) Gas transmission and distribution piping
D) Slurry transportation piping
Correct Answer: B) Power piping, such as that found in electric power generating
stations Rationale: ASME B31.1 covers power piping typically associated with boilers and
power generation facilities, while B31.3 covers process piping in chemical and petroleum
facilities.
Q3. A piping specification typically defines all of the following EXCEPT:
A) Materialgrade and pipe schedule
B) Allowable fittings, flanges, and valve types
✓ C) The individual pipefitter's daily wage rate
D) Pressure-temperature rating class
Correct Answer: C) The individual pipefitter's daily wage rate
Rationale: A piping specification is a technical document defining materials, components, ratings,
and allowable construction details for a piping class; it has nothing to do with wage rates.
,Q4. In ASME B31.3, the term 'design pressure' refers to:
A) The pressure at which the relief valve is set to fully open
✓ B) The most severe pressure condition, at the corresponding temperature,
expected during normal operation
C) Atmospheric pressure at the job site
D) The pressure used only for hydrostatic testing
Correct Answer: B) The most severe pressure condition, at the corresponding
temperature, expected during normal operation
Rationale: Design pressure represents the most severe combination of pressure and
temperature expected in normal, sustained operation, and is a key basis for wall thickness
calculations.
Q5. Which document governs the qualification of welding procedures and welders on code
piping projects?
✓ A) ASME Section IX
B) ASME B16.5
C) ASME B36.10
D) NFPA 70
Correct Answer: A) ASME Section IX
Rationale: ASME Section IX (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code) provides the requirements for
qualifying welding procedure specifications (WPS) and welder performance (WPQ).
Q6. A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) is best described as:
A) A record of an individual welder's qualification test results
✓ B) A written document providing the required welding variables for a specific
application to ensure repeatability
C) A purchase order for welding rod
D) A blueprint of the piping isometric
Correct Answer: B) A written document providing the required welding variables for a
specific application to ensure repeatability
Rationale: A WPS specifies variables such as base metal, filler metal, process, preheat, and
technique so that a weld can be reproduced consistently and meet code requirements.
Q7. A Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) documents:
✓ A) The actual welding variables used and test results obtained when qualifying a WPS
B) A welder's attendance record
C) The piping isometric drawing revision history
D) The material purchase specification only
Correct Answer: A) The actual welding variables used and test results obtained when
qualifying a WPS
Rationale: The PQR records the actual parameters used and the mechanical test results
(e.g., bend, tensile) obtained during procedure qualification, which supports the WPS.
,Q8. A pipe fabrication drawing labeled with a specific 'piping class' primarily
communicates:
A) The fabricator's shop location
✓ B) The material, rating, and component specification applicable to that line
C) The delivery schedule for materials
D) The insurance requirements for the project
Correct Answer: B) The material, rating, and component specification applicable to
that line Rationale: A piping class ties a line to its governing specification, defining allowable
materials, ratings, and components for construction.
Q9. Which of the following is a primary purpose of a Piping and Instrumentation Diagram
(P&ID;)?
A) To show exact pipe support spacing
✓ B) To show the process flow, instrumentation, and control logic of a system, including
line numbers
C) To specify individual welder qualifications
D) To document employee safety training records
Correct Answer: B) To show the process flow, instrumentation, and control logic of a
system, including line numbers
Rationale: A P&ID; represents the process schematically, showing equipment, piping,
instrumentation, and control elements, and is used alongside isometrics for construction.
Q10. A code addendum or edition update to ASME B31.3 typically:
A) Has no bearing on current projects
✓ B) May revise requirements and should be checked against the edition
specified in the contract/specification
C) Automatically supersedes the owner's piping specification
D) Only applies to piping outside the United States
Correct Answer: B) May revise requirements and should be checked against the edition
specified in the contract/specification
Rationale: Code editions are periodically updated; the applicable edition/addenda is typically
specified by contract or specification, and jurisdictional or owner requirements should be
verified.
Q11. Pipe schedule number is primarily an indication of:
A) The pipe's nominal outside diameter only
✓ B) The wall thickness of the pipe relative to its diameter
C) The manufacturer's location
D) The pipe's exact length
Correct Answer: B) The wall thickness of the pipe relative to its diameter
Rationale: Schedule number is related to the ratio of pressure to allowable stress and
indicates relative wall thickness; for a given nominal size, a higher schedule number
generally means a thicker wall.
, Q12. For NPS 12 and smaller pipe, nominal pipe size (NPS) generally does NOT equal:
✓ A) The exact outside diameter in every case
B) The approximate inside diameter for older schedules
C) A standardized designation used across schedules
D) A dimensionless reference number for larger sizes
Correct Answer: A) The exact outside diameter in every case
Rationale: For NPS 12 and smaller, the actual outside diameter is larger than the nominal
size (e.g., NPS 2 pipe has an actual OD of 2.375 in); for NPS 14 and larger, NPS equals
actual OD.
Q13. Carbon steel pipe commonly used in process piping is typically manufactured to
which ASTM specification?
✓ A) ASTM A106 or A53
B) ASTM A36 exclusively for pipe
C) ASTM B88
D) ASTM D1785
Correct Answer: A) ASTM A106 or A53
Rationale: ASTM A106 (seamless) and A53 (seamless or welded) are common
specifications for carbon steel pipe used in process and power piping applications.
Q14. Which material property describes a metal's ability to deform without fracturing under
tensile stress?
A) Hardness
✓ B) Ductility
C) Density
D) Thermal conductivity
Correct Answer: B) Ductility
Rationale: Ductility refers to a material's capacity to undergo plastic deformation (such as
stretching or bending) before fracture, an important property for piping subjected to stress.
Q15. Stainless steel piping is often specified for process systems primarily due to its:
A) Lower initial material cost compared with carbon steel
✓ B) Corrosion resistance in aggressive or high-purity service
C) Lighter weight than PVC
D) Higher magnetic permeability
Correct Answer: B) Corrosion resistance in aggressive or high-purity service
Rationale: Stainless steel's chromium oxide layer provides strong corrosion resistance, making it
suitable for corrosive, sanitary, or high-purity process applications.
Q16. A Material Test Report (MTR), also called a mill certificate, provides:
A) The installer's certification records
✓ B) Documented chemical composition and mechanical properties of a specific heat/lot
of material
C) The job site safety plan
