AWS CWI Part B – Practical Examination
Exam NEWEST 2026 UPDATE — ACTUAL
QUESTIONS & CORRECT ANSWERS Plus
Rationales | Instant download Pdf|
ALREADY GRADED A+
1. A weld specimen has a visible depression along the weld toe where base
metal has been melted away without being filled by weld metal. What
discontinuity is present?
A. Overlap
B. Undercut
C. Porosity
D. Slag inclusion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Undercut is a groove or depression melted into the base metal adjacent
to the weld toe or root and left unfilled by weld metal. In Part B, the inspector
must recognize the physical appearance of the discontinuity and then compare its
measured size with the applicable acceptance criteria.
2. Which tool is most appropriate for measuring the leg size of a fillet weld?
A. Fillet weld gauge
B. Steel tape
C. Vernier caliper only
D. Temperature-indicating crayon
Correct Answer: A
,Rationale: A fillet weld gauge is specifically designed to measure fillet-weld
dimensions such as leg size and, depending on the gauge, other profile
characteristics. Selecting the correct inspection tool is a core Part B skill.
3. During visual inspection, a weld contains several small rounded cavities open
to the surface. What condition should the inspector identify?
A. Undercut
B. Incomplete fusion
C. Surface porosity
D. Overlap
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Porosity consists of cavities caused by gas becoming trapped during
solidification. When those cavities intersect the weld surface, they can be
observed directly during visual examination.
4. A weld's measured leg size is smaller than the minimum dimension required
by the applicable specification. What should the inspector do?
A. Accept it because the weld is continuous
B. Accept it if the weld is visually smooth
C. Record the condition and evaluate it against the applicable acceptance criteria
D. Increase the measured value to account for weld reinforcement
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acceptance is based on the governing requirements, not simply on
whether the weld appears continuous or attractive. The inspector should
document the actual measurement and compare it with the applicable minimum.
5. Which instrument is best suited for checking a small dimensional gap
between two components during fit-up?
A. Fillet weld gauge
B. Feeler gauge
C. Temperature crayon
D. Hammer
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Feeler gauges contain calibrated leaves of known thickness and are
useful for determining small gaps. They provide a direct measurement rather than
relying on visual estimation.
6. A groove weld specimen has weld metal that extends beyond the intended
toe and lies on the adjacent base-metal surface without proper fusion. What
condition is this?
A. Overlap
B. Porosity
C. Crater
D. Arc strike
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Overlap occurs when weld metal rolls onto the adjacent base-metal
surface without proper fusion. The inspector should distinguish it from undercut,
which is a groove or depression in the base metal.
7. What is the principal purpose of a welding procedure specification (WPS)
during a Part B evaluation?
A. To provide the qualified production welding requirements against which the
welding operation can be compared
B. To document the inspector's final score
C. To replace the applicable construction code
D. To identify the contractor's purchasing department
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The WPS establishes the welding variables and requirements to be
followed during production welding. In the practical examination, the candidate
may need to compare observed or stated conditions with the applicable WPS
requirements.
8. A WPS specifies a preheat temperature that must be maintained before
welding. Which tool is most appropriate for a quick field verification of
temperature?
, A. Fillet weld gauge
B. Bridge cam gauge
C. Temperature-indicating crayon
D. Vernier caliper
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Temperature-indicating crayons are designed to indicate when a
specified temperature has been reached. They are commonly used for practical
temperature verification during welding operations.
9. Which measurement is most directly associated with groove-weld joint
preparation?
A. Root opening
B. Fillet leg size
C. Weld face width only
D. Toe radius
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Root opening is the separation between the members at the root of a
groove joint. It is a critical fit-up dimension that can affect penetration and must
conform to the applicable WPS or specification.
10. A groove weld specimen has a crack extending outward from the end of the
weld where welding was terminated. What type of crack should be suspected?
A. Longitudinal crack
B. Crater crack
C. Lamellar tear
D. Transverse crack in the base plate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A crater crack forms in the crater created when welding is terminated
improperly. It is commonly associated with inadequate filling of the weld crater
before the arc is extinguished.
11. Which tool is most appropriate for checking the depth of an undercut?
Exam NEWEST 2026 UPDATE — ACTUAL
QUESTIONS & CORRECT ANSWERS Plus
Rationales | Instant download Pdf|
ALREADY GRADED A+
1. A weld specimen has a visible depression along the weld toe where base
metal has been melted away without being filled by weld metal. What
discontinuity is present?
A. Overlap
B. Undercut
C. Porosity
D. Slag inclusion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Undercut is a groove or depression melted into the base metal adjacent
to the weld toe or root and left unfilled by weld metal. In Part B, the inspector
must recognize the physical appearance of the discontinuity and then compare its
measured size with the applicable acceptance criteria.
2. Which tool is most appropriate for measuring the leg size of a fillet weld?
A. Fillet weld gauge
B. Steel tape
C. Vernier caliper only
D. Temperature-indicating crayon
Correct Answer: A
,Rationale: A fillet weld gauge is specifically designed to measure fillet-weld
dimensions such as leg size and, depending on the gauge, other profile
characteristics. Selecting the correct inspection tool is a core Part B skill.
3. During visual inspection, a weld contains several small rounded cavities open
to the surface. What condition should the inspector identify?
A. Undercut
B. Incomplete fusion
C. Surface porosity
D. Overlap
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Porosity consists of cavities caused by gas becoming trapped during
solidification. When those cavities intersect the weld surface, they can be
observed directly during visual examination.
4. A weld's measured leg size is smaller than the minimum dimension required
by the applicable specification. What should the inspector do?
A. Accept it because the weld is continuous
B. Accept it if the weld is visually smooth
C. Record the condition and evaluate it against the applicable acceptance criteria
D. Increase the measured value to account for weld reinforcement
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acceptance is based on the governing requirements, not simply on
whether the weld appears continuous or attractive. The inspector should
document the actual measurement and compare it with the applicable minimum.
5. Which instrument is best suited for checking a small dimensional gap
between two components during fit-up?
A. Fillet weld gauge
B. Feeler gauge
C. Temperature crayon
D. Hammer
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: Feeler gauges contain calibrated leaves of known thickness and are
useful for determining small gaps. They provide a direct measurement rather than
relying on visual estimation.
6. A groove weld specimen has weld metal that extends beyond the intended
toe and lies on the adjacent base-metal surface without proper fusion. What
condition is this?
A. Overlap
B. Porosity
C. Crater
D. Arc strike
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Overlap occurs when weld metal rolls onto the adjacent base-metal
surface without proper fusion. The inspector should distinguish it from undercut,
which is a groove or depression in the base metal.
7. What is the principal purpose of a welding procedure specification (WPS)
during a Part B evaluation?
A. To provide the qualified production welding requirements against which the
welding operation can be compared
B. To document the inspector's final score
C. To replace the applicable construction code
D. To identify the contractor's purchasing department
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The WPS establishes the welding variables and requirements to be
followed during production welding. In the practical examination, the candidate
may need to compare observed or stated conditions with the applicable WPS
requirements.
8. A WPS specifies a preheat temperature that must be maintained before
welding. Which tool is most appropriate for a quick field verification of
temperature?
, A. Fillet weld gauge
B. Bridge cam gauge
C. Temperature-indicating crayon
D. Vernier caliper
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Temperature-indicating crayons are designed to indicate when a
specified temperature has been reached. They are commonly used for practical
temperature verification during welding operations.
9. Which measurement is most directly associated with groove-weld joint
preparation?
A. Root opening
B. Fillet leg size
C. Weld face width only
D. Toe radius
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Root opening is the separation between the members at the root of a
groove joint. It is a critical fit-up dimension that can affect penetration and must
conform to the applicable WPS or specification.
10. A groove weld specimen has a crack extending outward from the end of the
weld where welding was terminated. What type of crack should be suspected?
A. Longitudinal crack
B. Crater crack
C. Lamellar tear
D. Transverse crack in the base plate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A crater crack forms in the crater created when welding is terminated
improperly. It is commonly associated with inadequate filling of the weld crater
before the arc is extinguished.
11. Which tool is most appropriate for checking the depth of an undercut?
