10.2 Part C (Code Application) Exam Strategies
Key Takeaways
- Part C: 50 scored questions, open book (AWS D1.1), 180 minutes — ~3.3 minutes per question
- Navigation speed is the #1 skill — tab your code book with colored tabs for all key references
- Always verify answers in the code book — even if you think you know the answer
- Common question types: table look-ups, acceptance criteria, prequalification checks, joint details
- If you cannot find an answer within 4 minutes, mark it and move on
- Practice code navigation with a timer — find major references in under 30 seconds
Last updated: March 2026
10.2 Part C (Code Application) Exam Strategies
Part C tests your ability to navigate and apply the AWS D1.1 code book. Unlike Part A, this is an open-book exam — success depends on navigation speed, not memorization.
Time Management
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Scored questions | 50 |
| Total questions | 55 (5 unscored pretest) |
| Time limit | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Average time per question | ~3.3 minutes |
| Passing score | 72% (36 of 50) |
Code Book Preparation (Critical!)
Tab your code book with colored tabs. Recommended tabs:
| Tab Color | Location | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Table 5.3 | Approved base metals |
| Blue | Table 5.4 | Matching filler metals |
| Green | Table 5.8 | Preheat temperatures |
| Yellow | Figure 5.1 | Prequalified CJP joints |
| Orange | Figure 5.2 | Prequalified PJP joints |
| Purple | Table 7.4 | Minimum fillet weld size |
| Pink | Table 8.1 | Visual acceptance criteria |
| Brown | Table 8.2 | UT acceptance criteria |
| White | Figure 7.1 | Fillet weld profiles |
| Black | Clause 6 start | Qualification requirements |
Common Question Types on Part C
| Type | Example | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Table look-up | "What is the minimum preheat for A572 Gr 50 at 2" thickness?" | Go to Table 5.8, find the category for A572 Gr 50 from Table 5.3, cross-reference thickness |
| Acceptance criteria | "Is 0.02" undercut acceptable on a cyclically loaded structure?" | Go to Table 8.1, find undercut row, cyclically loaded column |
| Prequalification check | "Is this WPS prequalified?" | Check all Clause 5 conditions: process, base metal, filler, joint, preheat |
| Joint detail | "What is the maximum root opening for a B-U3a joint?" | Go to Figure 5.1 or 5.2, find the joint designation |
| Qualification | "Must this welder re-qualify if the position changes from 3G to 4G?" | Go to Clause 6, welder qualification tables |
| Fabrication | "What is the minimum fillet weld size for 1" thick plate?" | Go to Table 7.4 |
| Repair | "What NDE is required after a weld repair?" | Go to Clause 8, repair section |
Part C Step-by-Step Approach
For each question:
- Read the question completely — identify exactly what is being asked
- Identify the clause/table/figure needed — this is the critical step
- Navigate to the reference using your tabs
- Read the specific requirement — do not assume you know the answer; read the code text
- Select the answer that matches the code text exactly
- Move on — do not second-guess; trust the code
Common Part C Mistakes
| Mistake | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Assuming you know the answer without looking it up | Always verify in the code — even if you think you know |
| Confusing cyclically loaded vs. statically loaded criteria | Read the question carefully — which loading condition? |
| Wrong table version (old vs. 2025 edition) | Use only the edition provided or allowed on the exam |
| Misreading thickness ranges | Pay attention to "up to and including" vs. "over" — boundary values matter |
| Not checking all prequalification conditions | A WPS is prequalified only when ALL conditions are met |
| Running out of time | If you cannot find an answer in 4 minutes, mark it and move on |
For the Exam: The single most important Part C preparation activity is practicing code navigation with a timer. Set a 3-minute alarm and try to find specific tables, clauses, and figures. Do this repeatedly until you can find any major reference in under 30 seconds.
Test Your Knowledge
What is the most important skill for passing Part C of the CWI exam?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
On Part C, approximately how much time do you have per question?
A
B
C
D