Take Free AWS- CWI Part-A Practice Quiz 2026

Free AWS- CWI Part-A Practice Quiz 2026

Are you preparing for the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam in 2026? The Part A: Fundamentals exam is often considered the most challenging due to its sheer breadth, covering everything from welding metallurgy and NDT to safety and structural symbols.

To help you pass on your first attempt, we have developed this Interactive AWS CWI Part A Practice Quiz. Aligned with the latest 2026 Body of Knowledge (BOK), this quiz provides instant feedback and technical explanations for every question.

1. Which document governs the AWS CWI certification program requirements?

• A. AWS D1.1
• B. AWS QC1
• C. AWS B5.1
• D. ANSI Z49.1
• Answer: B. Explanation: AWS QC1 (Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors) defines the requirements for experience, examination, and maintenance of the CWI credential. AWS B5.1 defines the qualification but QC1 is the certification standard.

2. Which metal transfer mode in GMAW is characterized by a “buzzing” sound and high spatter if not tuned correctly?

• A. Spray transfer
• B. Globular transfer
• C. Short-circuiting transfer
• D. Pulsed-spray transfer
• Answer: C. Explanation: Short-circuiting transfer (GMAW-S) occurs when the electrode touches the weld pool. It is a low-heat input process prone to “cold lap” or lack of fusion if used on thick sections.

3. What is the melting point of low-carbon steel?

• A. 1,500°F
• B. 2,100°F
• C. 2,780°F
• D. 3,300°F
• Answer: C. Explanation: Most carbon steels melt at approximately 2,700°F to 2,800°F. Knowing this helps inspectors understand heat input and cooling rate requirements.

4. A change in an “Essential Variable” on a WPS requires:

• A. A simple pen-and-ink change
• B. Approval by the welder only
• C. Requalification of the welding procedure (new PQR)
• D. No action if the CWI approves
• Answer: C. Explanation: Per AWS and ASME codes, an Essential Variable is a parameter that affects the mechanical properties of the weld. If it changes beyond the allowed range, a new test coupon must be welded and tested.

5. Which NDT method uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal discontinuities?

• A. RT
• B. MT
• C. UT
• D. ET
• Answer: C. Explanation: Ultrasonic Testing (UT) uses transducers to send sound into the part. Reflections (echoes) from cracks or inclusions are shown on a screen to determine the size and depth of the flaw.

6. According to ANSI Z49.1, what is the minimum shade for SMAW with a 1/8″ electrode (under 160 Amps)?

• A. Shade 8
• B. Shade 10
• C. Shade 12
• D. Shade 14
• Answer: B. Explanation: Safety is a major part of the BOK. For standard SMAW (Stick) welding, a Shade 10 filter is the minimum recommended for eye protection at these current levels.

7. The Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) is defined as:

• A. The area that was melted and solidified
• B. The base metal that was not melted but had its properties changed by heat
• C. The weld interface
• D. The filler metal addition
• Answer: B.Explanation: The HAZ is critical because the heat of welding can make this area brittle or reduce its corrosion resistance, even though it never reached the melting point.

8. Where is the “Arrow Side” information located on a welding symbol?

• A. Above the reference line
• B. Below the reference line
• C. In the tail
• D. On the arrow head
• Answer: B.Explanation: In AWS A2.4, information placed below the reference line applies to the side the arrow points to. Information above the line applies to the “Other Side.”

9. Which destructive test is used primarily to evaluate weld ductility?

• A. Charpy V-Notch
• B. Guided Bend Test
• C. Tensile Test
• D. Macroetch
• Answer: B. Explanation: The Guided Bend Test forces the weld to stretch. If the weld is brittle, it will crack. Passing indicates the weld has sufficient ductility (the ability to deform without breaking).

10. What does the “PQR” document prove?

• A. The welder is skilled
• B. The welding procedure produces sound welds with required properties
• C. The company is ISO certified
• D. The material is free of defects
• Answer: B. Explanation: The Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) is the “birth certificate” of a WPS. It records the actual values used to weld a test plate and the lab results that prove the weld is strong enough.

11. In the SMAW classification E7018, what does the “8” signify?

• A. 80,000 psi tensile strength
• B. All-position welding
• C. Low-hydrogen, iron powder coating
• D. 80% ductility
• Answer: C. Explanation: The last digit in an SMAW electrode code indicates the type of flux coating and current. “8” represents a low-hydrogen coating often used for structural steel.

12. “Overlap” is a surface discontinuity caused by:

• A. High current
• B. Excessive travel speed
• C. Weld metal flowing onto the base metal without fusing
• D. Trapped gas
• Answer: C. Explanation: Overlap occurs when the weld pool rolls over the base metal surface without melting it (often due to low heat or poor technique). It creates a sharp notch that can lead to fatigue failure.

13. A 2-inch thickness is approximately how many millimeters?

• A. 25.4 mm
• B. 50.8 mm
• C. 10.2 mm
• D. 100 mm
• Answer: B. Explanation: Since 1 inch = 25.4 mm, multiplying $2 \times 25.4$ gives 50.8 mm. CWI candidates must be comfortable with metric conversions.

14. Which element is the primary cause of “Cold Cracking”?

• A. Carbon
• B. Hydrogen
• C. Oxygen
• D. Nitrogen
• Answer: B. Explanation: Hydrogen atoms can become trapped in the weld. As the weld cools and the metal shrinks, the hydrogen builds pressure, causing “Hydrogen-Induced Cracking” (HIC).

15. GTAW of Aluminum typically requires which current?

• A. DCEN
• B. DCEP
• C. AC (Alternating Current)
• D. Pulsed DC
• Answer: C. Explanation: Alternating Current (AC) provides a “cleaning action” during the positive half of the cycle (removing the oxide layer) and penetration during the negative half.

16. Which of the following is an example of a “Volumetric” NDE method?

• A. Liquid Penetrant (PT)
• B. Magnetic Particle (MT)
• C. Radiographic Testing (RT)
• D. Visual Testing (VT)
• Answer: C. Explanation: Volumetric methods (RT and UT) can see inside the metal. PT, MT, and VT are primarily surface or near-surface inspection methods.

17. The angle between the center of the groove and the vertical plane of the joint member is the:

• A. Bevel angle
• B. Groove angle
• C. Inclusion angle
• D. Travel angle
• Answer: A. Explanation: The Bevel Angle is the angle of the cut on a single member. The Groove Angle is the total included angle between the two members being joined.

18. What property is measured by the “Charpy V-Notch” test?

• A. Hardness
• B. Tensile strength
• C. Impact toughness (energy absorption)
• D. Chemical composition
• Answer: C. Explanation: This test involves hitting a notched specimen with a swinging pendulum to see how much energy the material can absorb before breaking, especially at low temperatures.

19. Which shielding gas is known for providing deep “finger-like” penetration in GMAW?

• A. Argon
• B. Helium
• C. Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
• D. Nitrogen
• Answer: C. Explanation: Pure CO2 provides deep penetration and is cheap, but it results in more spatter and a harsher arc compared to Argon blends.

20. A CWI’s main responsibility regarding NDE is to:

• A. Perform all X-rays personally
• B. Verify that NDE is performed by qualified personnel per the code
• C. Repair any defects found by NDE
• D. Design the NDE equipment
• Answer: B. Explanation: While some CWIs are NDE certified, their primary role is oversight—ensuring the people doing the NDE are certified and that they are using the correct procedures.

21. A “T-joint” consists of members that are:

• A. Parallel
• B. Perpendicular (forming a ‘T’)
• C. Overlapping
• D. Edge-to-edge
• Answer: B. Explanation: A T-joint is a joint between two members located approximately at right angles to each other in the form of a T.

22. “Capillary Action” is the principle behind which NDE method?

• A. MT
• B. UT
• C. PT
• D. RT
• Answer: C. Explanation: Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) relies on a fluid’s ability to pull itself into tight surface-breaking cracks via capillary action.

23. The “Carbon Equivalent” (CE) formula is used to determine:

• A. The weight of the steel
• B. The likelihood of cold cracking and need for preheat
• C. The melting point
• D. The price of the material
• Answer: B. Explanation: Higher CE values indicate that the steel is more likely to form brittle structures (like martensite) upon cooling, requiring higher preheat temperatures to prevent cracking.

24. Which SMAW electrode is considered “Low Hydrogen”?

• A. E6010
• B. E6011
• C. E7018
• D. E7024
• Answer: C. Explanation: Electrodes ending in 15, 16, 18, or 28 are low-hydrogen types. E6010 is a high-cellulose electrode, not low-hydrogen.

25. “Incomplete Fusion” is often caused by:

• A. Too much heat
• B. Insufficient heat or improper electrode manipulation
• C. High moisture in the flux
• D. Excessive shielding gas flow
• Answer: B. Explanation: If the arc does not melt the base metal or the previous weld bead, the metals won’t bond. This is a “planar” defect and is considered very serious.

26. What is “Preheat”?

• A. Heating the weld after it’s finished
• B. Heating the base metal before welding begins
• C. The heat generated by the arc
• D. Stress relief in a furnace
• Answer: B. Explanation: Preheat slows the cooling rate of the weld and HAZ, allowing hydrogen to escape and preventing the formation of brittle microstructures.

27. What does “Hardness” measure in a metal?

• A. Resistance to pulling apart
• B. Resistance to indentation or scratching
• C. Ability to bend without breaking
• D. Weight per cubic inch
• Answer: B. Explanation: Hardness tests (like Rockwell or Brinell) measure how well a material resists being dented. Higher hardness often correlates to higher strength but lower ductility.

28. “Arc Blow” is a phenomenon caused by:

• A. Windy weather
• B. Magnetic fields diverting the arc
• C. Too much voltage
• D. Wet electrodes
• Answer: B. Explanation: Arc blow occurs when magnetic fields in the workpiece or the welding current push the arc away from its intended path. It is most common with DC welding.

29. A “Fillet Weld” is measured by its:

• A. Depth of penetration
• B. Leg length or Throat size
• C. Tensile strength
• D. Radius
• Answer: B.Explanation: Inspectors measure the “leg” (the distance from the root to the toe) and the “throat” (the distance from the root to the face) to ensure the weld meets the design size.

30. Which AWS specification covers the “Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination”?

• A. AWS D1.1
• B. AWS A3.0
• C. AWS A2.4
• D. AWS QC1
• Answer: C. Explanation: AWS A2.4 is the industry standard for welding symbols. (A3.0 is for terms and definitions).

Detailed Study Guide: AWS CWI Part A Breakdown

If you found some questions tricky, here is a quick refresher on the core pillars of the 2026 exam.

1. Welding Metallurgy and Materials

Understanding how heat affects the base metal is critical. You must be able to identify the Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) and understand how cooling rates lead to the formation of Martensite.

2. Welding Symbols (AWS A2.4)

Symbols are the language of the inspector. Remember the “Reference Line Rule”: Information below the line is the Arrow Side, and information above the line is the Other Side.

3. Nondestructive Testing (NDT)

The 2026 exam places heavy emphasis on choosing the right NDT method.

• Volumetric: RT and UT (find internal flaws).
• Surface: PT and MT (find surface-breaking cracks).

4. Fillet Weld Inspection

For the practical and fundamental parts, you must distinguish between the Actual Throat, Effective Throat, and Theoretical Throat.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the passing score for CWI Part A in 2026?

You must achieve a minimum score of 72% on Part A to qualify for the CWI certification. However, aiming for 80%+ on practice tests is recommended to ensure a safety margin during the actual proctored exam.

How many questions are on the CWI Part A exam?

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2 hours. This averages to about 48 seconds per question, making speed and familiarity with the topics essential.

Can I use a code book during Part A?

No. Unlike Part C, Part A is a closed-book exam. You must rely entirely on your knowledge of welding fundamentals, safety, and inspection methods.

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