Practice Exam Questions And Correct

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 continuously fed consumable electrode

and shielding gas?

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

Rationale: GMAW uses a continuously fed wire electrode and

shielding gas to protect the weld from contamination.

2. The primary purpose of preheating a steel plate before welding is to:

• Increase electrode consumption 1 / 4

• Reduce the risk of cracking
• Improve welding speed
• Remove surface contaminants

Rationale: Preheating slows cooling rates and reduces the risk of

hydrogen-induced cracking.

• What does the term “weld fusion” refer to?
• The chemical composition of the filler metal
• The complete melting and joining of base metal and filler metal
• The width of the weld bead
• The heat input per unit length

Rationale: Fusion is the process of melting the base and filler metals

to create a solid joint.

• Which NDT method is most effective for detecting surface cracks in a

weld?

• Radiographic Testing
• Ultrasonic Testing
• Magnetic Particle Testing
• Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing

Rationale: Magnetic Particle Testing is sensitive to surface and near-

surface defects in ferromagnetic materials.

• In welding symbols, a circle at the junction of the arrow and reference

line indicates:

• Weld all around 2 / 4

• Field weld
• Backing weld
• Flare bevel

Rationale: A circle indicates the weld is to be performed in the field

rather than in the shop.

• What is the primary purpose of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT)?
• Increase deposition rate
• Relieve residual stresses and reduce hardness
• Improve electrode life
• Prevent oxidation

Rationale: PWHT reduces residual stresses, minimizes distortion, and

improves toughness in steel welds.

• Which of the following is a common discontinuity caused by improper

electrode angle or travel speed?

• Undercut
• Porosity
• Slag inclusion
• Lamellar tearing

Rationale: Undercut occurs when the weld melts away base metal

along the toe of the weld due to incorrect technique.

• The acceptable weld size tolerance for a fillet weld is usually specified

in:

• Inches per foot 3 / 4

• Inches or millimeters
• Degrees
• Pounds per square inch

Rationale: Fillet weld size tolerances are expressed in linear

measurements, typically inches or millimeters.

• Which welding process is most commonly used for thin sheet stainless

steel?

A. SMAW

B. GTAW

C. SAW

• Oxy-fuel welding

Rationale: GTAW provides precise control and produces high-quality

welds with minimal distortion on thin stainless steel.

10. The purpose of a welding procedure specification (WPS) is to:

• Train welders
• Inspect welds
• Provide detailed instructions on how a weld is to be made
• Purchase welding equipment

Rationale: A WPS ensures consistency and quality by specifying

materials, processes, and parameters.

• What is the primary role of flux in SMAW?
• Cool the weld
• Strengthen the weld
• / 4