Examination Practice Questions And

AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a welding procedure specification

(WPS)?

• To detail inspection methods
• To provide instructions for making a weld
• To list required safety equipment
• To define the dimensions of a structure

Rationale: The WPS provides step-by-step instructions for welders to

ensure the weld meets quality and mechanical requirements.

• Which of the following is a common non-destructive testing (NDT)

method used for weld inspection? 1 / 4

• Tensile testing
• Radiographic testing (RT)
• Bend testing
• Hardness testing

Rationale: RT allows internal defects to be detected without

destroying the weld, making it a key NDT method.

• What does “preheat” refer to in welding?
• Heating the filler metal before use
• Heating the base metal before welding
• Heating the electrode
• Heating the shielding gas

Rationale: Preheating reduces thermal stress and prevents cracking

in the weld area.

• Which type of welding joint is formed when two pieces are placed at

an angle to each other?

• Butt joint
• Lap joint
• Fillet joint
• Edge joint

Rationale: Fillet joints are created by welding at the intersection of

two surfaces forming a right angle.

• In the AWS CWI exam, what is the purpose of performing a bend test?
• Measure hardness 2 / 4

• Evaluate ductility and soundness of a weld
• Test tensile strength
• Check weld size

Rationale: Bend tests show the ability of a weld to withstand plastic

deformation without cracking.

• Which type of welding electrode is coated to stabilize the arc and

provide shielding?

• Bare electrode
• Flux-cored wire
• Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) electrode
• TIG torch

Rationale: SMAW electrodes have flux coating that stabilizes the arc

and protects the weld pool.

• What is the main cause of porosity in welds?
• Excessive heat
• Incorrect electrode angle
• Contaminants such as moisture or oil
• Low welding current

Rationale: Moisture, rust, oil, or paint can release gases during

welding, causing porosity.

• Which AWS specification outlines standards for carbon and low-alloy

steel welding?

A. AWS D1.2 3 / 4

B. AWS D1.3

C. AWS D1.1

D. AWS D17.1

Rationale: AWS D1.1 is the structural steel welding code for carbon

and low-alloy steels.

• During visual inspection, which defect is characterized by a linear

depression in the weld surface?

• Overlap
• Porosity
• Undercut
• Slag inclusion

Rationale: An undercut is a groove at the weld toe that weakens the

weld.

• Which welding position is considered the most difficult?
• Flat
• Horizontal
• Overhead
• Vertical

Rationale: Overhead welding requires the welder to work against

gravity, increasing difficulty and risk of defects.

• What is the main purpose of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT)?
• Increase hardness
• Reduce weld size
• / 4