National Board Authorized Inspector (AI) Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified) 2026/2027 | Graded A+.

National Board Authorized Inspector (AI) Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified) 2026/2027 | Graded A+. 1. Which code governs the construction of pressure vessels in the United States? a) ASME B16.5 b) API 650 c) ASME Section VIII d) AWS D1.1 ASME Section VIII provides the rules for construction of pressure vessels. 2. What is the primary responsibility of an Authorized Inspector? a) Designing pressure vessels b) Performing maintenance c) Ensuring compliance with the National Board and ASME codes d) Welding pressure vessels An AI ensures that construction, repairs, and alterations comply with applicable codes. 3. Before starting a hydrostatic test, an Authorized Inspector must verify: a) Material certificates b) Design calculations c) Test procedures, pressure, and safety measures d) Welding procedure specifications The AI ensures the test is conducted safely and according to code. 5. The National Board Number on a pressure vessel indicates: a) Manufacturer location b) Serial number c) Registration with the National Board d) ASME code section The National Board Number shows the vessel is registered and inspected under the National Board. 6. Which document must accompany all repairs performed under the National Board rules? a) ASME Section IX b) Material test report c) National Board Repair Data Report (RDR) d) Welding procedure specification The RDR ensures repair work is documented and traceable. 7. An Authorized Inspector may witness which type of test on a pressure vessel? a) Tensile test b) Charpy impact test c) Hydrostatic and pneumatic tests d) Hardness test AI must witness pressure tests to verify compliance with code requirements. 8. Which of the following is considered a pressure-containing component? a) Instrument tubing b) Pressure vessel shell c) Safety signage d) Electrical panel Pressure-containing components are designed to hold internal pressure, like shells, heads, and tubes. 9. What is the minimum qualification to be an Authorized Inspector? a) ASME Section IX certification b) Welding Inspector certification c) Certification by the National Board d) Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering Only National Board-certified inspectors can serve as Authorized Inspectors. 10. Which ASME section covers welding qualifications for pressure vessels? a) Section II b) Section V c) Section IX d) Section VIII, Division 2 ASME Section IX specifies welding procedures and welder qualification. 11. When a vessel is constructed in multiple shops, the Authorized Inspector must: a) Inspect only the final assembly b) Inspect only the largest components c) Ensure inspection is performed at each shop according to code d) Delegate inspection to the manufacturer’s quality control AI must verify code compliance at each location where pressure parts are fabricated. 12. What is the purpose of the pressure relief device on a pressure vessel? a) Enhance vessel strength b) Control temperature c) Prevent overpressure and protect personnel d) Facilitate hydrostatic testing Relief devices prevent overpressure situations that could lead to failure. 4. Which type of inspection must an Authorized Inspector perform on a new pressure vessel? a) Daily operations inspection b) In-process and final inspection c) Only visual inspection d) Only nondestructive examination AI involvement is required during critical stages of fabrication, including in-process and final inspections. 13. During a repair, an Authorized Inspector must ensure: a) Only visual inspection is performed b) Welding is done by a certified welder c) Repair meets National Board and ASME code requirements d) Manufacturer supervises the repair AI ensures repairs are code-compliant and properly documented. 14. The term “rigid inspection authority” refers to: a) Manufacturer’s QA department b) ASME Section IX c) Authority of the Authorized Inspector to accept or reject work d) National Board technical committee