Practice Exam Questions And Correct

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

• Which welding process uses a consumable electrode and shielding gas?

A. SMAW

B. GMAW

C. GTAW

D. FCAW

Rationale: GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) uses a consumable wire

electrode and an external shielding gas to protect the weld pool from contamination.

2. In SMAW, the primary function of the flux coating is to:

• Increase weld speed 1 / 4

• Protect the weld from atmospheric contamination
• Cool the weld faster
• Provide filler material only

Rationale: The flux coating melts and forms a protective slag and gas shield

around the weld, preventing oxidation and contamination.

• Which welding process is most suitable for thin sheet metal?

A. SMAW

B. FCAW

C. GTAW

D. SAW

Rationale: GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) allows precise heat control,

making it ideal for thin metals.

4. Preheating is required before welding to:

• Increase electrode consumption
• Reduce welding speed
• Prevent cracking in the heat-affected zone
• Eliminate the need for post-weld heat treatment

Rationale: Preheating slows cooling rates, reducing the risk of hydrogen-

induced or thermal cracks.

• / 4

• Which defect is characterized by a cavity formed at the root of a weld

due to lack of fusion?

• Slag inclusion
• Porosity
• Undercut
• Crater

Rationale: Porosity refers to gas pockets or cavities trapped in the weld

metal, often caused by lack of fusion or contamination.

6. The tensile strength of a weld should generally match or exceed:

• 50% of base metal strength
• The base metal strength
• 120% of base metal strength
• Not relevant to inspection

Rationale: AWS requires that welds have mechanical properties comparable

to the base material to ensure structural integrity.

• Which test is used to detect surface cracks in welds?
• Radiographic Testing
• Dye Penetrant Testing
• Ultrasonic Testing
• Bend Test 3 / 4

Rationale: Dye penetrant testing highlights surface-breaking defects, making

them visible under inspection.

• Which welding position is designated as 3G?
• Flat
• Horizontal
• Vertical
• Overhead

Rationale: 3G refers to a vertical groove weld position.

9. The term “slag inclusion” refers to:

• Gas pockets in the weld
• Nonmetallic solid material trapped in the weld metal
• Undercut along the weld toe
• Cracking due to cooling

Rationale: Slag inclusions occur when flux or oxides are trapped in the weld

metal during solidification.

10. The main advantage of FCAW over SMAW is:

• Lower equipment cost
• Higher deposition rate
• / 4