AWS CERTIFIED WELDER EXAM
Questions with Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1.
Which welding process uses a continuously fed wire electrode and shielding gas?
A. SMAW
B. GTAW
C. GMAW
D. Oxy-fuel welding
Answer: C
GMAW (MIG welding) uses a continuous wire feed and shielding gas for protection.
2.
A weld shows excessive spatter and poor bead appearance. What is the MOST likely cause?
A. Correct voltage
B. Incorrect shielding gas flow or voltage setting
C. Proper travel speed
D. Clean base metal
Answer: B
Improper settings or shielding gas issues commonly cause spatter.
3.
Which welding process is MOST commonly used for thin stainless steel tubing?
A. SMAW
B. GTAW
C. FCAW
D. SAW
,Answer: B
GTAW (TIG) provides precision for thin materials.
4. (Case Scenario)
A welder is working on a structural steel beam. After welding, cracks appear in the heat-affected zone.
What is the MOST likely cause?
A. Low heat input
B. Hydrogen embrittlement or improper preheat
C. Excess shielding gas
D. High travel speed only
Answer: B
Cracking in HAZ is often caused by hydrogen or improper preheat control.
5.
Which type of weld is used to join two plates at a right angle?
A. Butt weld
B. Fillet weld
C. Groove weld
D. Spot weld
Answer: B
Fillet welds are used in T-joints and corner joints.
6.
What is the primary purpose of shielding gas in welding?
A. Increase metal strength
B. Protect weld from atmospheric contamination
C. Cool the weld faster
D. Increase electrode size
Answer: B
Shielding gas prevents oxidation and contamination.
7.
Which defect appears as a groove melted into the base metal along the weld toe?
, A. Porosity
B. Undercut
C. Slag inclusion
D. Crack
Answer: B
Undercut weakens the base metal at weld edges.
8.
Which process uses a flux-coated consumable electrode?
A. GTAW
B. GMAW
C. SMAW
D. PAW
Answer: C
SMAW uses stick electrodes coated in flux.
9.
What is porosity in welding?
A. Excess reinforcement
B. Gas pockets trapped in weld metal
C. Excess penetration
D. Lack of fusion
Answer: B
Porosity is caused by trapped gas bubbles.
10.
A weld fails radiographic inspection due to lack of fusion. This is MOST likely caused by:
A. Excess heat input
B. Improper electrode angle or low heat input
C. Clean base metal
D. High shielding gas flow
Answer: B
Poor technique or insufficient heat causes lack of fusion.
Questions with Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1.
Which welding process uses a continuously fed wire electrode and shielding gas?
A. SMAW
B. GTAW
C. GMAW
D. Oxy-fuel welding
Answer: C
GMAW (MIG welding) uses a continuous wire feed and shielding gas for protection.
2.
A weld shows excessive spatter and poor bead appearance. What is the MOST likely cause?
A. Correct voltage
B. Incorrect shielding gas flow or voltage setting
C. Proper travel speed
D. Clean base metal
Answer: B
Improper settings or shielding gas issues commonly cause spatter.
3.
Which welding process is MOST commonly used for thin stainless steel tubing?
A. SMAW
B. GTAW
C. FCAW
D. SAW
,Answer: B
GTAW (TIG) provides precision for thin materials.
4. (Case Scenario)
A welder is working on a structural steel beam. After welding, cracks appear in the heat-affected zone.
What is the MOST likely cause?
A. Low heat input
B. Hydrogen embrittlement or improper preheat
C. Excess shielding gas
D. High travel speed only
Answer: B
Cracking in HAZ is often caused by hydrogen or improper preheat control.
5.
Which type of weld is used to join two plates at a right angle?
A. Butt weld
B. Fillet weld
C. Groove weld
D. Spot weld
Answer: B
Fillet welds are used in T-joints and corner joints.
6.
What is the primary purpose of shielding gas in welding?
A. Increase metal strength
B. Protect weld from atmospheric contamination
C. Cool the weld faster
D. Increase electrode size
Answer: B
Shielding gas prevents oxidation and contamination.
7.
Which defect appears as a groove melted into the base metal along the weld toe?
, A. Porosity
B. Undercut
C. Slag inclusion
D. Crack
Answer: B
Undercut weakens the base metal at weld edges.
8.
Which process uses a flux-coated consumable electrode?
A. GTAW
B. GMAW
C. SMAW
D. PAW
Answer: C
SMAW uses stick electrodes coated in flux.
9.
What is porosity in welding?
A. Excess reinforcement
B. Gas pockets trapped in weld metal
C. Excess penetration
D. Lack of fusion
Answer: B
Porosity is caused by trapped gas bubbles.
10.
A weld fails radiographic inspection due to lack of fusion. This is MOST likely caused by:
A. Excess heat input
B. Improper electrode angle or low heat input
C. Clean base metal
D. High shielding gas flow
Answer: B
Poor technique or insufficient heat causes lack of fusion.
