UA STEAMFITTER WELDER
QUALIFICATION EXAM QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWERS(VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which welding process is most commonly used for pipe welding in
steamfitting applications?
A. FCAW
B. GMAW
C. SMAW
D. SAW
SMAW is widely used because it is versatile, portable, and suitable for
carbon steel piping in steam systems.
2. The primary purpose of preheating carbon steel pipe before welding is to:
A. Increase weld speed
B. Improve appearance
C. Reduce hydrogen cracking
D. Lower filler metal usage
Preheating slows cooling, allowing hydrogen to diffuse and reducing the
risk of cracking.
3. What electrode is commonly used for root passes on carbon steel pipe?
A. E6010
B. E6010 or E6011
C. E7018
D. E7024
E6010/E6011 provide deep penetration and good root fusion.
,4. What does the “70” in E7018 electrode classification indicate?
A. Electrode diameter
B. Coating type
C. Minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi
D. Welding position
The first two digits indicate tensile strength in thousands of psi.
5. Which welding position is designated as 6G?
A. Horizontal pipe
B. Vertical pipe
C. Overhead pipe
D. Fixed pipe at 45 degrees
6G is the most difficult position, combining all positions.
6. Lack of fusion in a weld is primarily caused by:
A. Too slow travel speed
B. Excessive preheat
C. Improper heat input or technique
D. Clean base metal
Insufficient heat or poor technique prevents proper fusion.
7. What is the function of shielding gas in GTAW?
A. Adds alloying elements
B. Protects molten weld pool from atmosphere
C. Increases penetration
D. Removes slag
Shielding gas prevents contamination from oxygen and nitrogen.
8. Which defect is most associated with hydrogen contamination?
A. Undercut
B. Slag inclusion
C. Cracking
D. Porosity
Hydrogen can cause delayed cracking in steel welds.
9. The correct polarity for SMAW with E7018 is:
A. AC only
B. DCEN
, C. DCEP
D. Reverse AC
E7018 is designed for DCEP for stable arc and penetration.
10.What is the primary purpose of a root opening in pipe welding?
A. Reduce filler metal
B. Ensure full penetration
C. Increase weld speed
D. Improve bead appearance
Proper root opening allows full penetration and fusion.
11.Which inspection method uses sound waves to detect internal flaws?
A. Radiographic testing
B. Magnetic particle testing
C. Ultrasonic testing
D. Dye penetrant testing
UT uses high-frequency sound waves to locate internal defects.
12.Excessive weld spatter is commonly caused by:
A. Low current
B. Incorrect amperage or arc length
C. Clean electrode
D. Proper polarity
Too high current or long arc increases spatter.
13.What does “HI-LO” refer to in pipe welding?
A. Heat input
B. Weld size
C. Internal misalignment
D. Electrode classification
HI-LO is the offset between pipe walls at the joint.
14.The primary cause of porosity is:
A. Slow cooling
B. Contamination or inadequate shielding
C. Low hydrogen electrodes
D. Proper joint prep
Moisture, oil, or poor shielding introduce gas pockets.
QUALIFICATION EXAM QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWERS(VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which welding process is most commonly used for pipe welding in
steamfitting applications?
A. FCAW
B. GMAW
C. SMAW
D. SAW
SMAW is widely used because it is versatile, portable, and suitable for
carbon steel piping in steam systems.
2. The primary purpose of preheating carbon steel pipe before welding is to:
A. Increase weld speed
B. Improve appearance
C. Reduce hydrogen cracking
D. Lower filler metal usage
Preheating slows cooling, allowing hydrogen to diffuse and reducing the
risk of cracking.
3. What electrode is commonly used for root passes on carbon steel pipe?
A. E6010
B. E6010 or E6011
C. E7018
D. E7024
E6010/E6011 provide deep penetration and good root fusion.
,4. What does the “70” in E7018 electrode classification indicate?
A. Electrode diameter
B. Coating type
C. Minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi
D. Welding position
The first two digits indicate tensile strength in thousands of psi.
5. Which welding position is designated as 6G?
A. Horizontal pipe
B. Vertical pipe
C. Overhead pipe
D. Fixed pipe at 45 degrees
6G is the most difficult position, combining all positions.
6. Lack of fusion in a weld is primarily caused by:
A. Too slow travel speed
B. Excessive preheat
C. Improper heat input or technique
D. Clean base metal
Insufficient heat or poor technique prevents proper fusion.
7. What is the function of shielding gas in GTAW?
A. Adds alloying elements
B. Protects molten weld pool from atmosphere
C. Increases penetration
D. Removes slag
Shielding gas prevents contamination from oxygen and nitrogen.
8. Which defect is most associated with hydrogen contamination?
A. Undercut
B. Slag inclusion
C. Cracking
D. Porosity
Hydrogen can cause delayed cracking in steel welds.
9. The correct polarity for SMAW with E7018 is:
A. AC only
B. DCEN
, C. DCEP
D. Reverse AC
E7018 is designed for DCEP for stable arc and penetration.
10.What is the primary purpose of a root opening in pipe welding?
A. Reduce filler metal
B. Ensure full penetration
C. Increase weld speed
D. Improve bead appearance
Proper root opening allows full penetration and fusion.
11.Which inspection method uses sound waves to detect internal flaws?
A. Radiographic testing
B. Magnetic particle testing
C. Ultrasonic testing
D. Dye penetrant testing
UT uses high-frequency sound waves to locate internal defects.
12.Excessive weld spatter is commonly caused by:
A. Low current
B. Incorrect amperage or arc length
C. Clean electrode
D. Proper polarity
Too high current or long arc increases spatter.
13.What does “HI-LO” refer to in pipe welding?
A. Heat input
B. Weld size
C. Internal misalignment
D. Electrode classification
HI-LO is the offset between pipe walls at the joint.
14.The primary cause of porosity is:
A. Slow cooling
B. Contamination or inadequate shielding
C. Low hydrogen electrodes
D. Proper joint prep
Moisture, oil, or poor shielding introduce gas pockets.
