AWS Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
- Which AWS specification covers the qualification of welding
procedures?
A. AWS D1.1
B. AWS B2.1
C. AWS A5.18
D. AWS D1.5
Rationale: AWS B2.1 provides the standard for welding procedure
and performance qualification.
- What is the primary purpose of a welding procedure specification
(WPS)? 1 / 4
- To define the welder’s salary
- To provide a step-by-step welding manual
- To ensure consistent and repeatable weld quality
- To document inspection results
Rationale: A WPS is a document that provides parameters for
producing quality welds consistently.
- Which type of joint is most commonly used for butt welding?
- Lap joint
- Corner joint
- Tee joint
- Butt joint
Rationale: Butt joints involve two pieces of metal aligned in the same
plane and are standard for full-penetration welds.
4. The recommended preheat temperature is primarily intended to:
- Reduce welding speed
- Minimize the risk of cracking
- Reduce filler metal consumption
- Increase electrode life
Rationale: Preheating slows cooling, reducing thermal stresses and
preventing cracking.
- Which of the following electrodes is best suited for welding low-alloy
steel?
A. E6010 2 / 4
B. E7018
C. E308L
D. E316L
Rationale: E7018 electrodes are low-hydrogen and suitable for low-
alloy steels with good mechanical properties.
- When performing a visual inspection, what is the maximum allowable
- 1/32 inch
- 1/16 inch
- 1/8 inch
- 1/4 inch
undercut for a fillet weld?
Rationale: AWS D1.1 specifies that undercut should not exceed 1/8
inch for fillet welds.
- Which NDE method is most appropriate for detecting internal cracks in
- Visual inspection
- Magnetic particle testing
- Radiographic testing
- Dye penetrant testing
a weld?
Rationale: Radiographic testing (RT) allows detection of internal
discontinuities within a weld.
- Which factor has the greatest effect on weld distortion?
- Electrode brand 3 / 4
- Filler metal type
- Heat input
- Shielding gas type
Rationale: Heat input directly influences thermal expansion and
contraction, leading to distortion.
- What is the purpose of a weld map?
- To track welders’ working hours
- To calculate material costs
- To document and locate welds on a structure
- To record weld amperage
Rationale: A weld map identifies all welds on a component for
traceability and inspection purposes.
- Which gas is commonly used for gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
- Helium
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
- Oxygen
- Nitrogen
of carbon steel?
Rationale: CO₂ is commonly used as a shielding gas for GMAW on
carbon steels due to its penetration characteristics.
- What is the effect of excessive travel speed on a weld bead?
- Wider bead
- Increased penetration
- / 4