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Quizzes > Science

CWI Practice Test: Check Your Welding Inspector Knowledge

Quick, free quiz with CWI Part A practice test items. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Josephine VasquezUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz illustration for free CWI practice test on dark blue background

This CWI practice test helps you spot gaps and build confidence for the Certified Welding Inspector exam. Work through exam‑style questions on codes, metallurgy, joints, and inspection calls, then try a welding symbols test, a CSWIP 3.1 quiz, or a CSWIP 3.1 mock test to broaden your practice.

What is the primary purpose of a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)?
To record the results of welder performance tests
To replace the need for inspection
To provide detailed, approved instructions for making a weld that meets code and design requirements
To certify the base metal heat treatment cycle
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Which discontinuity is characterized by gas cavities trapped in the solidifying weld metal?
Overlap
Lack of fusion
Undercut
Porosity
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Which welding process uses a nonconsumable tungsten electrode?
SMAW
GTAW
GMAW
FCAW
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In the electrode designation E7018, what does 70 represent?
Maximum current of 70 A
Minimum tensile strength of 70 ksi
Electrode diameter of 7.0 mm
Hydrogen content of 7 ml/100 g
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Which process employs a consumable tubular wire with flux at its core?
PAW
FCAW
SAW
GTAW
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A standard fillet weld gauge directly measures which dimension?
Root opening
Leg size
Weld reinforcement height
Effective throat only
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Magnetic particle testing is effective only on ferromagnetic materials.
True
False
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In procedure qualification, what does a Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) primarily demonstrate?
That the NDE method is properly calibrated
That the base metal meets chemical composition limits
That the welder understands symbols on drawings
That the WPS can produce welds with acceptable mechanical properties
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A prequalified WPS eliminates the need for welder performance qualification.
False
True
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For welding aluminum with GTAW, which current/polarity is commonly used to achieve cleaning action?
Pulsed DCEN only
DCEN
AC
DCEP
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In liquid penetrant testing, what is the primary purpose of the developer?
To etch the surface to improve wetting
To magnetize the part for indication formation
To draw penetrant out of surface-breaking flaws for visibility
To remove excess penetrant from the surface
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Radiographic testing is the most effective method for detecting surface-breaking cracks in ferromagnetic steel welds.
True
False
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What is the purpose of using an image quality indicator (IQI) in radiographic testing?
To determine base metal thickness
To calibrate X-ray tube voltage
To verify radiographic sensitivity and image quality
To locate the weld centerline
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When code acceptance criteria differ from project specifications, which should the inspector apply?
The more stringent criteria specified in the contract documents
Always the code criteria
Inspector preference
Whichever is less costly to meet
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For visual inspection per common structural codes, what is a typical minimum illumination at the inspection surface?
500 foot-candles (approximately 5000 lux)
1 foot-candle (approximately 10 lux)
100 foot-candles (approximately 1000 lux)
10 foot-candles (approximately 100 lux)
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At what temperature range can sensitization of 300-series stainless steels occur during improper thermal exposure?
1800 to 2200 F (980 to 1200 C)
Approximately 800 to 1500 F (425 to 815 C)
Below 200 F (93 C)
32 to 70 F (0 to 21 C)
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Why is controlling weld metal ferrite number important in austenitic stainless steel welds?
To improve magnetic particle response
To increase electrical conductivity
To prevent galvanic corrosion with aluminum
To reduce risk of hot cracking during solidification
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Which change typically requires requalification of a WPS under ASME Section IX?
Changing base metal from P-No. 1 to P-No. 8 beyond qualified ranges
Switching from stringer to weave within qualified heat input limits
Minor adjustment of travel speed to maintain heat input
Changing contact tip-to-work distance by 1 mm in GMAW
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For an AC yoke used in magnetic particle testing, what is the typical minimum lifting capacity required by many standards?
40 lb (18 kg)
25 lb (11.3 kg)
2 lb (0.9 kg)
10 lb (4.5 kg)
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Accepting gifts from a contractor whose welds you inspect is acceptable if the value is under 50 dollars.
True
False
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0

Study Outcomes

  1. Interpret AWS Code Requirements -

    Understand key clauses and definitions in AWS welding codes as presented in the CWI practice test to ensure accurate code application during the certified welding inspector exam.

  2. Apply Inspection and Testing Techniques -

    Gain practical knowledge of non-destructive and destructive inspection methods through simulated CWI practice questions, sharpening skills for assessing weld quality.

  3. Analyze Welding Defects -

    Identify and categorize common welding flaws, such as cracks or porosity, to improve diagnostic accuracy on the CWI exam.

  4. Evaluate Joint Geometry and Fit-up -

    Learn to measure and assess weld joint alignment, dimensions, and preparation standards to ensure compliance with code requirements.

  5. Develop Test-taking Strategies -

    Build confidence by practicing timing and answer-selection techniques on this certified welding inspector practice test, optimizing performance on exam day.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Key Welding Codes & Standards -

    When tackling a cwi practice test, ensure you know AWS D1.1 (Structural Welding Code - Steel) and ASME Section IX (Welding Qualifications) inside out. Review tables for weld procedure qualifications (PQR/WPS) and personnel performance qualification (WPQ). Mnemonic trick: "D1.1, IX Done" to recall both codes quickly.

  2. Recognizing Weld Discontinuities -

    Memorize common defects like porosity, lack of fusion, and undercut, and match them to acceptance criteria in AWS D1.1 Table 6. Practice by labeling sketch examples of each discontinuity until you can spot them blindfolded. Use the "P.L.U.G." mnemonic (Porosity, Lack of fusion, Undercut, Gouging) to jog your memory on test day.

  3. Non-Destructive Examination Techniques -

    Master radiographic (RT), ultrasonic (UT), magnetic particle (MT), and liquid penetrant (PT) methods by understanding their principles, sensitivity levels, and limitations. For example, UT uses high-frequency sound waves (2 - 5 MHz) to detect internal flaws. Remember "RUST P" (Radiography, Ultrasonic, Surface PT, MT) as your quick NDE rundown.

  4. Welding Metallurgy Basics -

    Review the carbon equivalent (CE) formula: CE = C + Mn/6 + (Cr+Mo+V)/5 + (Ni+Cu)/15 to predict HAZ hardness and crack risk. Understand grain growth in the heat-affected zone and the role of preheat/interpass temperature. A simple rhyme - "Calculate CE so HAZ stays free" - can help you recall this critical equation.

  5. Inspection Documentation & Reporting -

    Practice filling out NDT records, weld maps, and your certified welding inspector practice test report forms accurately under time pressure. Know how to interpret welding symbols on drawings and correlate them to WPS details. Tip: use a consistent 24-hour timestamp and legend for clarity - your future self will thank you!

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