California Welding Certification
Journeyman Exam Practice Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
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1. In shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), which factor most directly
influences the penetration depth when welding mild steel in a flat
position using an E6010 electrode on DC+ polarity?
A. Electrode coating color
B. Arc length and travel speed combination
C. Welding helmet shade number
D. Type of chipping hammer used
B
Penetration in SMAW is primarily controlled by heat input and arc
characteristics, where arc length and travel speed directly determine
, how much energy is concentrated into the joint, affecting depth of
fusion significantly.
2. A welder performing a structural weld on ASTM A36 steel notices
excessive spatter and undercut. Which adjustment is most appropriate
to correct this issue without changing the electrode type?
A. Increase arc voltage significantly
B. Decrease travel speed while maintaining correct arc length
C. Switch from DC+ to AC polarity
D. Increase electrode diameter
B
Reducing travel speed allows better control of the molten pool and
reduces undercut while stabilizing the arc, addressing spatter issues
without altering consumables or polarity.
3. When welding stainless steel using GMAW (MIG), which shielding gas
mixture is most commonly used to ensure good arc stability and
minimal oxidation?
A. 100% CO₂
B. 75% Argon / 25% CO₂
C. 100% Oxygen
D. 100% Nitrogen
B
A mixed shielding gas such as 75% Argon and 25% CO₂ provides
, stable arc characteristics and reduces oxidation, making it suitable
for stainless steel GMAW applications.
4. During a weld inspection, a technician identifies a longitudinal crack
along the weld bead. What is the most likely primary cause?
A. Excessive preheat temperature
B. Rapid cooling and high residual stress
C. Too slow electrode movement
D. Excessive shielding gas flow
B
Longitudinal cracks are commonly caused by rapid cooling and
residual stresses that exceed the material’s tensile strength during
solidification.
5. In flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), what is the primary advantage of
using self-shielded flux-cored wire over gas-shielded FCAW?
A. Requires no electrical current
B. Eliminates the need for external shielding gas
C. Produces zero slag
D. Only works on aluminum
B
Self-shielded FCAW generates its own protective gases from the flux
core, removing the need for external shielding gas and making it
suitable for outdoor use.
, 6. A weld joint exhibits incomplete fusion at the root. Which corrective
action is most appropriate?
A. Increase electrode angle and reduce amperage
B. Increase heat input and ensure proper joint preparation
C. Decrease shielding gas flow rate
D. Use a smaller electrode without changing amperage
B
Incomplete fusion at the root is typically resolved by increasing heat
input and improving joint preparation to ensure proper penetration
and bonding.
7. Which welding position is considered the most difficult due to molten
metal being affected heavily by gravity?
A. Flat position (1G)
B. Horizontal position (2G)
C. Vertical overhead position (4G)
D. Vertical up position (3G)
C
The overhead position is the most difficult because gravity works
against the weld pool, increasing the risk of sagging and poor bead
control.
8. In GTAW (TIG) welding, what is the primary function of a tungsten
electrode?
A. To melt and become filler material
Journeyman Exam Practice Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant
Download Pdf
1. In shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), which factor most directly
influences the penetration depth when welding mild steel in a flat
position using an E6010 electrode on DC+ polarity?
A. Electrode coating color
B. Arc length and travel speed combination
C. Welding helmet shade number
D. Type of chipping hammer used
B
Penetration in SMAW is primarily controlled by heat input and arc
characteristics, where arc length and travel speed directly determine
, how much energy is concentrated into the joint, affecting depth of
fusion significantly.
2. A welder performing a structural weld on ASTM A36 steel notices
excessive spatter and undercut. Which adjustment is most appropriate
to correct this issue without changing the electrode type?
A. Increase arc voltage significantly
B. Decrease travel speed while maintaining correct arc length
C. Switch from DC+ to AC polarity
D. Increase electrode diameter
B
Reducing travel speed allows better control of the molten pool and
reduces undercut while stabilizing the arc, addressing spatter issues
without altering consumables or polarity.
3. When welding stainless steel using GMAW (MIG), which shielding gas
mixture is most commonly used to ensure good arc stability and
minimal oxidation?
A. 100% CO₂
B. 75% Argon / 25% CO₂
C. 100% Oxygen
D. 100% Nitrogen
B
A mixed shielding gas such as 75% Argon and 25% CO₂ provides
, stable arc characteristics and reduces oxidation, making it suitable
for stainless steel GMAW applications.
4. During a weld inspection, a technician identifies a longitudinal crack
along the weld bead. What is the most likely primary cause?
A. Excessive preheat temperature
B. Rapid cooling and high residual stress
C. Too slow electrode movement
D. Excessive shielding gas flow
B
Longitudinal cracks are commonly caused by rapid cooling and
residual stresses that exceed the material’s tensile strength during
solidification.
5. In flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), what is the primary advantage of
using self-shielded flux-cored wire over gas-shielded FCAW?
A. Requires no electrical current
B. Eliminates the need for external shielding gas
C. Produces zero slag
D. Only works on aluminum
B
Self-shielded FCAW generates its own protective gases from the flux
core, removing the need for external shielding gas and making it
suitable for outdoor use.
, 6. A weld joint exhibits incomplete fusion at the root. Which corrective
action is most appropriate?
A. Increase electrode angle and reduce amperage
B. Increase heat input and ensure proper joint preparation
C. Decrease shielding gas flow rate
D. Use a smaller electrode without changing amperage
B
Incomplete fusion at the root is typically resolved by increasing heat
input and improving joint preparation to ensure proper penetration
and bonding.
7. Which welding position is considered the most difficult due to molten
metal being affected heavily by gravity?
A. Flat position (1G)
B. Horizontal position (2G)
C. Vertical overhead position (4G)
D. Vertical up position (3G)
C
The overhead position is the most difficult because gravity works
against the weld pool, increasing the risk of sagging and poor bead
control.
8. In GTAW (TIG) welding, what is the primary function of a tungsten
electrode?
A. To melt and become filler material
