Free AWS CWI Exam Flashcards

The horizontal line in a welding symbol that carries the weld symbol, dimensions, tail information, and other requirements. Read the placement of symbols relative to this line before interpreting size or length.

A weld symbol below the reference line applies to the arrow side of the joint. A symbol above the reference line applies to the other side. This distinction controls where the weld is made.

A flag at the arrow-reference line junction means the weld is to be made in the field rather than in the shop. The inspector should verify the correct location and conditions for field work.

A circle at the arrow-reference line junction indicates the weld continues around the entire joint where geometry permits. Inspect the full perimeter, not just the side shown in the drawing view.

The tail may identify the process, specification, procedure, or other reference information. If no extra reference is needed, the tail may be omitted without changing the basic weld requirement.

An interruption in the expected weld or base-metal structure, such as porosity, undercut, or lack of fusion. A discontinuity becomes a defect only when it exceeds the applicable acceptance criteria.

A fracture-type discontinuity with a sharp tip and high stress concentration. Cracks are treated seriously because they can grow under load, vibration, or thermal cycling.

Rounded cavities caused by gas trapped as the weld metal solidifies. Common contributors include contamination, poor shielding, moisture, excessive travel speed, or unstable welding conditions.

Nonmetallic slag trapped in the weld metal or between passes. It often points to poor cleaning between passes, improper electrode manipulation, or joint geometry that traps slag.

A condition where weld metal fails to fuse with the base metal or a previous weld bead. It is commonly associated with insufficient heat, poor access, improper angle, or incorrect travel technique.

A groove melted into base metal next to the weld toe or root and left unfilled. It reduces section thickness and creates a notch that can concentrate stress.

The first-line inspection method for weld surface condition, profile, dimensions, and workmanship. VT is most effective when performed before, during, and after welding instead of only at final inspection.

A tool used to verify fillet weld leg size, throat-related dimensions, and profile features. The inspector must seat the gauge correctly against both members before making an accept/reject call.

Extra weld metal above the required surface or contour of a groove weld. Some reinforcement may be acceptable, but excessive buildup can create stress concentration or interfere with fit-up.

The separation between members at the root before welding. It affects penetration, access for the root pass, filler metal volume, and whether the joint matches the approved procedure.

The check performed before welding to verify joint preparation, alignment, backing, root opening, cleanliness, and procedure requirements. Finding problems at fit-up prevents expensive repairs later.

An NDE method that uses capillary action to reveal surface-breaking discontinuities. It works on many nonporous materials but cannot find discontinuities that do not open to the surface.

An NDE method that magnetizes ferromagnetic material and uses particles to show leakage fields at surface or near-surface discontinuities. It is not suitable for nonmagnetic materials.

An NDE method that sends sound waves into a material and evaluates reflected signals. UT is useful for locating internal planar discontinuities such as cracks or lack of fusion.

An NDE method that uses radiation to produce an image of internal weld conditions. It is strong for volumetric discontinuities and creates a record, but orientation and safety controls matter.

Choose the method based on material, expected discontinuity type, location, access, code requirements, and safety. No single method is best for every weld or every discontinuity.

The region of base metal that did not melt but had its properties or microstructure changed by welding heat. The HAZ is important because hardness, toughness, and cracking risk can change there.

Heating the base metal before welding to slow cooling, reduce thermal gradients, and lower cracking risk. Required preheat depends on material, thickness, hydrogen control, restraint, and code requirements.

The temperature of the weld area before the next weld pass is deposited. The inspector checks it because too cold or too hot can affect cracking risk and mechanical properties.

A delayed cracking mechanism promoted by diffusible hydrogen, a susceptible microstructure, and tensile stress. Control methods include low-hydrogen consumables, clean surfaces, preheat, and proper storage.

A way to estimate steel hardenability and weldability from chemical composition. Higher values generally mean greater attention to preheat, hydrogen control, and heat input.

Stress locked into the weldment after uneven heating and cooling. It can contribute to distortion, cracking, and service performance concerns even when no external load is applied.

A code usually contains mandatory rules, a standard provides agreed technical requirements, and a specification defines detailed requirements for a material, process, or product. Contract language determines what is enforceable.

The AWS document that governs certification of welding inspectors. Do not confuse it with a construction welding code such as AWS D1.1, which governs welded structural work when specified.

The code application portion tests whether a candidate can locate and apply requirements from the assigned codebook. Efficient navigation and careful reading matter more than memorizing every table.

The code, specification, drawing, or contract requirements used to decide whether a weld condition is acceptable. An inspector should identify the governing criteria before making a rejection.

A CWI verifies that work meets the specified requirements and documents results. The inspector should not replace engineering judgment or change contract requirements without proper authority.

A written instruction for making a production weld. It lists variables such as process, base metal, filler metal, joint design, electrical parameters, position, preheat, and shielding.

The record of actual variables used to weld a qualification test coupon and the test results. A PQR supports one or more WPSs within the limits allowed by the governing code.

A welding variable that can affect the mechanical properties or soundness of the weld. Changing an essential variable beyond its qualified range generally requires requalification.

A WPS allowed by a code without procedure qualification testing when all prequalification requirements are satisfied. If the joint, process, material, or variable falls outside those rules, qualification is needed.

A destructive test that bends a welded specimen to reveal ductility and soundness. The inspector evaluates discontinuities exposed on the tension surface against the applicable acceptance criteria.

A test that demonstrates a welder can deposit sound weld metal with a specific process under defined conditions. It qualifies the person, not the welding procedure.

The welding position used for a performance test controls which production positions the welder may use. More difficult test positions can qualify broader work ranges when the code allows.

Welder qualification may depend on continued use of the qualified process and proper records. The inspector should verify continuity before accepting production welds.

When witnessing qualification, the CWI verifies identity, WPS use, test assembly details, essential variables, testing, and documentation. The goal is traceable evidence of welder ability.

Welding and cutting can ignite nearby combustibles from sparks, slag, or heat transfer. A fire watch and area preparation are used when hazards cannot be fully removed or isolated.

The welding arc emits intense ultraviolet and infrared energy. Eye and skin protection, screens, and controlled access help prevent burns and eye injuries.

Welding fumes depend on base metal, coating, filler metal, process, and ventilation. Inspectors should recognize when ventilation, respiratory protection, or special precautions are required.

Welding in confined spaces requires controls for atmosphere, ventilation, rescue, fire, and electrical hazards. Inspection work should not proceed until the required safety controls are in place.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding uses a flux-coated consumable electrode. The flux produces shielding and slag, making the process portable and common for field and repair welding.

Gas Metal Arc Welding uses a continuously fed consumable wire and external shielding gas. Inspectors watch for shielding problems, parameter control, transfer mode, and procedure compliance.

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding uses a nonconsumable tungsten electrode and separate filler metal when needed. It is valued for control and clean welds but usually has lower deposition speed.

Flux-Cored Arc Welding uses tubular wire containing flux. Some wires require external shielding gas, while self-shielded wires are useful where wind makes gas shielding difficult.

Submerged Arc Welding forms the arc beneath granular flux. It is efficient for suitable joint positions and long welds, but the flux blanket and position limits affect inspection planning.