Inspector Certification Exam Practice

Ohio Structural Steel & Bolting Inspector Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary role of a structural steel inspector on a

construction site?

• Approve shop drawings on behalf of the fabricator
• Perform welding repairs on structural members
• Verify that materials and workmanship conform to contract

documents and applicable standards

• Direct site erection sequencing for the erector

Rationale: The inspector’s main responsibility is to confirm compliance

with contract documents, specifications, and applicable codes; they do not perform fabrication or make design decisions. 1 / 4

• Which instrument is best for measuring the thickness of a steel plate

where only one side is accessible?

• Vernier caliper
• Ultrasonic thickness gauge
• Micrometer
• Steel rule

Rationale: Ultrasonic gauges measure thickness from one accessible

surface and are commonly used when the opposite face is inaccessible.

• A bolt is specified as A325. Which of the following is true about A325

bolts?

• They are stainless steel bolts
• They are carbon steel structural bolts commonly used in building

construction

• They are designed for slip-critical connections only
• They are non-structural machine bolts

Rationale: A325 bolts are high-strength carbon steel bolts used for

structural connections; they are not stainless and can be used for either bearing-type or slip-critical connections depending on application.

• What is the difference between "snug-tight" and "pretensioned" in

bolted connections?

• Snug-tight is achieved by torque; pretensioned is hand-tight
• Snug-tight requires calibrated hydraulic equipment; pretensioned

does not 2 / 4

• Snug-tight is an installer’s fit sufficient to remove slack;

pretensioned means the bolt is tensioned to a specified preload

• There is no difference—terms are interchangeable

Rationale: Snug-tight is the initial fit-up tightness; pretensioned bolts are

tightened to a specific tension (preload) using torque, turn-of-nut, or direct tensioning methods.

• For slip-critical connections, which surface condition is most

important?

• Thickness of the member
• Friction coefficient of the faying surfaces
• Bolt shank diameter
• Thread pitch

Rationale: Slip-critical connections rely on friction between faying surfaces;

the friction coefficient (affected by surface preparation and coatings) determines resistance to slip.

• Which NDT method is most appropriate for detecting subsurface

laminations in steel plate?

• Visual inspection only
• Magnetic particle inspection
• Ultrasonic testing (UT)
• Liquid penetrant testing (PT) 3 / 4

Rationale: UT can detect internal discontinuities such as laminations and

inclusions; PT and magnetic particle are surface or near-surface methods.

• When inspecting a welded connection, what is the inspector’s first

action?

• Grind out all surface irregularities
• Review welding procedure specifications, weld maps, and welder

qualifications

• Perform radiographic testing immediately
• Remove paint from the entire assembly

Rationale: Before inspection or testing, verify documentation (WPS, PQRs,

welder qual.) to ensure welding is performed per required procedures; testing follows as needed.

• Which of the following is a commonly used acceptance criterion for

visual weld inspection?

• No undercut deeper than the root thickness
• No cracks and undercut within specified limits in the

code/specification

• Fillet weld size must be at least twice the specified size
• Visual inspection is not allowed for structural welds

Rationale: Visual inspection checks for defects (cracks, excessive undercut,

incomplete fusion) against limits in codes/specs (e.g., AWS D1.1).

• / 4