Practice Exam Questions And Correct

AWS Associate Welding Inspector (AWI) Practice Exam 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 provide a record of weld inspections
• To serve as a safety guideline
• To provide detailed instructions for welding a specific joint
• To describe the types of defects

Rationale: A WPS outlines the parameters, techniques, and materials

required to produce a weld of acceptable quality.

• Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode?
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG) 1 / 4

• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

Rationale: GTAW uses a tungsten electrode that does not melt, and filler

metal is added separately.

3. The purpose of preheating a base metal before welding is to:

• Increase the welding speed
• Make the electrode melt faster
• Reduce the risk of cracking
• Increase electrical conductivity

Rationale: Preheating slows the cooling rate, minimizing thermal stresses

and reducing the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking.

• What is the primary cause of undercut in welding?
• Improper cleaning
• Low welding current
• Excessive welding current or incorrect technique
• Incorrect filler material

Rationale: Undercut is typically caused by high welding current or poor

manipulation of the welding torch, which erodes the base metal.

• Which inspection method can detect surface cracks in welds?
• Radiographic Testing (RT)
• Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) 2 / 4

• Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
• Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)

Rationale: PT uses a dye or fluorescent penetrant that enters surface

discontinuities to reveal cracks.

• In SMAW, what is the primary function of the flux coating on the

electrode?

• To increase electrode electrical conductivity
• To shield the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination
• To decrease the melting rate of the electrode
• To cool the weld rapidly

Rationale: The flux melts and produces gases that protect the molten weld

from oxygen and nitrogen in the air.

• Which AWS document provides standards for visual inspection of

welds?

A. AWS D1.2

• ASME Section IX

C. AWS QC1

D. ISO 3834

Rationale: AWS QC1 establishes visual inspection criteria for welds,

including acceptable imperfections.

• What type of welding defect is characterized by small cavities in the

weld metal caused by gas entrapment? 3 / 4

• Undercut
• Slag inclusion
• Porosity
• Crater crack

Rationale: Porosity is formed when gases are trapped in the weld metal

during solidification.

• Which nondestructive testing method is best for detecting subsurface

defects?

• Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
• Visual Testing (VT)
• Radiographic Testing (RT)
• Dye Penetrant Magnetic Testing

Rationale: RT passes X-rays or gamma rays through the weld, revealing

internal defects on film.

• What does the term “heat-affected zone” (HAZ) refer to?
• The molten weld metal
• The electrode coating area
• The area of base metal affected by welding heat but not melted
• The welding equipment

Rationale: HAZ experiences thermal cycles that can alter mechanical

properties and microstructure.

• / 4