Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Structural Steel Inspector Licensing Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of structural steel inspection?
• To increase production speed
• To ensure compliance with design specifications
• To reduce labor costs
• To improve aesthetic appearance
• To ensure compliance with design specifications

Rationale: The primary role of a structural steel inspector is to ensure

that materials and workmanship meet design and safety standards.

• Which ASTM standard covers structural steel shapes and plates?

A. ASTM A36

B. ASTM A992 1 / 4

C. ASTM A53

D. ASTM D638

A. ASTM A36

Rationale: ASTM A36 specifies requirements for carbon steel shapes,

plates, and bars for structural use.

• When inspecting bolted connections, what is the primary concern?
• Color of bolts
• Tightness and proper installation
• Bolt manufacturer
• Bolt length only
• Tightness and proper installation

Rationale: Bolted connections must be installed with proper torque

and alignment to ensure structural integrity.

• Which nondestructive testing method is commonly used to detect

surface cracks in steel welds?

• Radiographic testing
• Ultrasonic testing
• Magnetic particle testing
• Tensile testing
• Magnetic particle testing

Rationale: Magnetic particle testing is effective for detecting surface

and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials. 2 / 4

• What does the “yield strength” of steel indicate?
• Maximum stress before fracture
• Stress at which steel begins to deform plastically
• Steel’s ability to resist corrosion
• The steel’s density
• Stress at which steel begins to deform plastically

Rationale: Yield strength represents the point where steel will

experience permanent deformation under stress.

6. The most common type of structural steel used in buildings is:

• Stainless steel
• Carbon steel
• Aluminum steel
• Tool steel
• Carbon steel

Rationale: Carbon steel is widely used for structural applications due

to its strength, availability, and cost-effectiveness.

• In welding inspection, what is a “crater crack”?
• A crack at the start of a weld
• A crack at the weld termination point
• A crack in the base metal
• A crack in a bolt hole
• A crack at the weld termination point 3 / 4

Rationale: Crater cracks form at the termination of a weld due to

improper cooling or welding technique.

• Which organization publishes standards for structural steel

inspection?

A. OSHA

B. AISC

C. ISO

D. NIST

B. AISC

Rationale: The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)

provides codes and standards for structural steel design and inspection.

• Which method is used to verify steel thickness on site?
• Radiographic testing
• Ultrasonic thickness testing
• Tensile testing
• Charpy impact testing
• Ultrasonic thickness testing

Rationale: Ultrasonic testing is commonly used to measure steel

thickness accurately without damaging the material.

• What is the minimum weld size for a fillet weld specified as

5/16"?

• 1/8"
• / 4