Certification Examination Practice

Illinois Metallurgical Welding Inspector Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a welding inspection?
• To speed up production
• To ensure welds meet specified standards
• To design welding procedures
• To train welders
• To ensure welds meet specified standards

Rationale: Welding inspection ensures that welds conform to code

requirements, standards, and project specifications, maintaining structural integrity and safety. 1 / 4

• Which welding process uses a consumable electrode shielded by gas?

A) SMAW

B) GMAW

C) FCAW

D) GTAW

B) GMAW

Rationale: Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) uses a continuous

consumable wire electrode with shielding gas to protect the weld pool.

• What is the primary function of preheat in welding?
• Reduce weld size
• Improve aesthetics
• Reduce the risk of cracking
• Increase welding speed
• Reduce the risk of cracking

Rationale: Preheating reduces thermal gradients and residual

stresses, minimizing the risk of cracking, especially in thick or high- carbon steels.

• Which inspection method uses magnetic fields to detect surface

discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials?

• Ultrasonic Testing
• Radiographic Testing
• Magnetic Particle Testing 2 / 4

• Liquid Penetrant Testing
• Magnetic Particle Testing

Rationale: Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) detects surface and

slightly subsurface defects in ferromagnetic materials using a magnetic field and iron particles.

• What is a common cause of porosity in welds?
• Incorrect amperage
• Improper shielding gas coverage
• Excessive weld speed
• Low carbon content
• Improper shielding gas coverage

Rationale: Inadequate shielding gas exposes the molten weld pool to

atmospheric contamination, causing porosity.

• Which symbol represents a fillet weld on a welding drawing?
• A triangle
• A square
• A circle
• A line
• A triangle

Rationale: The triangular symbol on welding drawings indicates a

fillet weld.

• What is the primary purpose of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT)?
• Improve weld appearance 3 / 4

• Relieve residual stress and improve toughness
• Increase weld size
• Reduce welding speed
• Relieve residual stress and improve toughness

Rationale: PWHT reduces residual stresses and enhances mechanical

properties, particularly in high-strength or thick sections.

• Which type of defect appears as a crack in the weld or heat-affected

zone?

• Porosity
• Undercut
• Weld crack
• Slag inclusion
• Weld crack

Rationale: Cracks are discontinuities that significantly compromise

weld integrity and can occur in the weld metal or HAZ.

• What is the purpose of using a welding procedure specification (WPS)?
• To describe weld inspection methods
• To standardize welding processes and ensure quality
• To train welders
• To calculate weld cost
• To standardize welding processes and ensure quality

Rationale: A WPS provides detailed instructions for performing

welding to maintain consistency and quality according to codes.

• / 4