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100+ Free AWS D17.1 Endorsement Practice Questions

Pass your AWS D17.1 Aerospace Welding Endorsement exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Backing or back-purge gas for titanium aerospace welds is typically:

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AWS D17.1 Endorsement Exam

50

Multiple-choice questions

AWS D17.1 endorsement page

72%

Passing score

AWS

2 hours

Time limit

Prometric

$445/$540

Member / Nonmember fee

AWS 2026 price list

D17.1:2024

Reference specification

AWS, 4th edition

Open book

Exam format

Electronic or printed spec allowed

The AWS D17.1 endorsement is an open-book, 50-question, 2-hour Prometric exam taken by active CWIs and SCWIs who want to inspect aerospace fusion welds. You need 72% to pass and the fee is $445 for AWS members or $540 for nonmembers. The reference standard is AWS D17.1/D17.1M:2024 (4th edition, released 2024) which adds a new Clause 10 for crewed-spaceflight hardware and reorganizes the Clause 5 qualification tables. Questions emphasize Class A (fracture-critical), Class B (semi-critical), and Class C (non-critical) acceptance criteria, which are significantly tighter than AWS D1.1 structural acceptance limits.

Sample AWS D17.1 Endorsement Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AWS D17.1 Endorsement exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which AWS document is the reference standard for the current D17.1 endorsement exam?
A.AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2020
B.AWS D17.1/D17.1M:2024
C.AWS D1.6/D1.6M:2017
D.AWS B2.1/B2.1M:2022
Explanation: The current D17.1 endorsement is referenced to AWS D17.1/D17.1M:2024, Specification for Fusion Welding for Aerospace Applications, which is the fourth edition. D1.1 is structural steel, D1.6 is stainless structural, and B2.1 is a general welding procedure standard.
2What is the passing score for the AWS D17.1 endorsement exam?
A.65%
B.70%
C.72%
D.75%
Explanation: AWS requires a minimum 72% correct on the D17.1 endorsement exam. This matches the passing percentage used on the CWI Part A, B, and C exams.
3How many multiple-choice questions are on the D17.1 endorsement exam?
A.25
B.40
C.50
D.65
Explanation: AWS publishes the D17.1 endorsement as approximately 50 multiple-choice questions delivered open-book at a Prometric test center.
4The D17.1 endorsement exam is delivered in what format?
A.Closed-book at AWS seminars only
B.Open-book CBT at Prometric
C.Take-home written exam
D.Practical hands-on inspection of weld replicas
Explanation: The endorsement is an open-book computer-based exam delivered at Prometric test centers. Candidates may use an electronic copy of D17.1 on the test computer or bring a bound printed copy.
5Which credential must a candidate hold to be eligible for the D17.1 endorsement?
A.AWS Certified Welder
B.Active CWI or SCWI
C.CAWI in good standing
D.Any state welding inspector license
Explanation: AWS limits the D17.1 endorsement to candidates who hold a current CWI or SCWI. CAWI candidates and Certified Welders are not eligible. The endorsement remains valid only while the underlying CWI/SCWI is current.
6Per AWS D17.1, a weld whose failure would result in loss of, or critical damage to, an aerospace vehicle is classified as which weld class?
A.Class A
B.Class B
C.Class C
D.Class D
Explanation: Class A welds are fracture-critical / flight-critical. Their failure would compromise a critical system or the entire vehicle, so acceptance criteria are the tightest in the specification. Class B welds reduce strength or function on failure, and Class C welds are non-critical.
7A weld that reduces the strength or effectiveness of an aerospace system if it fails, but does not by itself cause loss of the vehicle, is best classified as:
A.Class A
B.Class B
C.Class C
D.Reference only
Explanation: Class B welds are semi-critical: their failure reduces the strength or effectiveness of the system but is not catastrophic. Class A is fracture-critical and Class C is non-critical.
8Cosmetic welds and ground-support hardware welds that do not affect aircraft performance are normally classified as:
A.Class A
B.Class B
C.Class C
D.Class S
Explanation: Class C welds carry no structural responsibility on the vehicle and are used for cosmetic, ground-support, or otherwise non-critical applications. Acceptance criteria are the most permissive of the three D17.1 classes.
9Who is responsible for designating the weld class (A, B, or C) on aerospace hardware?
A.The welder
B.The CWI inspector
C.The engineering authority / design organization
D.Prometric
Explanation: D17.1 explicitly leaves weld classification to the engineering authority responsible for the design. The inspector verifies welds against the class designated on the drawing or specification; the inspector does not select the class.
10Which clause of AWS D17.1 contains general requirements such as scope, definitions, classification of welds, and personnel responsibilities?
A.Clause 4
B.Clause 5
C.Clause 7
D.Clause 9
Explanation: Clause 4 of D17.1 contains the general requirements, including weld classification (Class A/B/C), basic responsibilities, and definitions. Clause 5 is qualification, Clause 6 is fabrication, Clause 7 is inspection, and Clause 8 is acceptance criteria.

About the AWS D17.1 Endorsement Exam

The AWS D17.1 Aerospace Welding Endorsement is an open-book add-on credential for active Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWI). The 50-question Prometric exam tests application of AWS D17.1/D17.1M:2024, Specification for Fusion Welding for Aerospace Applications, including weld classification (Class A, B, and C), qualification of procedures and personnel, fabrication and repair rules, inspection and NDE acceptance criteria, reports and records, and aerospace-specific materials and design considerations such as titanium discoloration limits, aluminum surface preparation, and crewed-spaceflight hardware requirements.

Questions

50 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

72%

Exam Fee

$445 / $540 (AWS (Prometric))

AWS D17.1 Endorsement Exam Content Outline

20%

General Requirements & Weld Classification (Clause 4)

Scope, definitions, Class A fracture-critical welds, Class B semi-critical welds, Class C non-critical welds, drawing call-outs, and the relationship between weld class and inspection rigor.

20%

Qualification of Procedures & Personnel (Clause 5)

WPS and PQR essential variables, welder and welding operator performance qualification, tack welder qualification, and the 2024 edition reorganization of Tables 5.1 through 5.7.

20%

Fabrication (Clause 6)

Joint preparation, pre-weld cleaning, fit-up tolerances, preheat and interpass control, shielding gas requirements, tack welds, repair limits, and process-specific rules for aluminum, titanium, nickel-based, and iron-based alloys.

15%

Inspection (Clause 7)

Visual inspection, radiographic testing, liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, ultrasonic testing, eddy current, leak testing, and how method selection follows weld class.

10%

Weld Acceptance Criteria (Clause 8)

Class-specific limits for porosity, cracks, lack of fusion, incomplete penetration, undercut, underfill, concavity, convexity, mismatch, and titanium discoloration.

5%

Aluminum & Titanium Aerospace Welding

Surface oxide removal for aluminum, hydrogen porosity control, titanium inert-gas shielding and trailing/backing shielding, beta transus considerations, and discoloration acceptance (silver, straw, blue, gray, white).

5%

Nickel & Iron-Based Aerospace Alloys

Solidification cracking, hot cracking sensitivity, low heat input rules, PWHT, and stress-corrosion considerations for nickel-based superalloys and PH stainless steels.

3%

Reports, Records & Traceability

WPS/PQR/WPQ retention, inspection report content, traceability of filler metals, and continuity records.

2%

Crewed Spaceflight Hardware (Clause 10, new in 2024)

Additional rigor for crewed-spaceflight hardware including documentation, traceability, and Class A defaults.

How to Pass the AWS D17.1 Endorsement Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 72%
  • Exam length: 50 questions
  • Time limit: 2 hours
  • Exam fee: $445 / $540

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

AWS D17.1 Endorsement Study Tips from Top Performers

1Tab the table of contents and Clauses 5, 6, 7, and 8 with colored flags - the acceptance and qualification tables are looked up dozens of times during the exam.
2Memorize the Class A, Class B, and Class C definitions cold so you do not waste open-book time on the easiest questions.
3Build a one-page cheat-sheet of titanium discoloration colors (silver, straw, blue, gray, white) and which classes accept which colors.
4Practice aluminum surface preparation sequencing (degrease, then chemical or mechanical oxide removal, then weld within the allowed time window) until it is automatic.
5Drill the differences between AWS D17.1 (aerospace, stricter) and AWS D1.1 (structural) - many exam distractors use D1.1 limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a CWI before I can sit for the D17.1 endorsement?

Yes. The AWS D17.1 endorsement is open only to candidates who hold an active CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) or SCWI (Senior Certified Welding Inspector) at the time of application. The endorsement is layered on top of those credentials and remains valid only while the underlying CWI/SCWI is current. If your CWI lapses, the endorsement lapses with it.

Is the D17.1 endorsement exam open book?

Yes. The 50-question multiple-choice exam is open book. At the Prometric test center you may rely on memory, use the electronic copy of AWS D17.1/D17.1M:2024 provided on the testing computer, or bring your own bound printed copy. Tabbing your specification and practicing fast lookups is the single biggest difference between candidates who pass and candidates who run out of time.

What edition of D17.1 is the 2026 endorsement exam based on?

The current exam is based on AWS D17.1/D17.1M:2024, Specification for Fusion Welding for Aerospace Applications. This is the fourth edition. Key changes from the 2017 version include separation of welding procedure and welder qualification criteria in Clause 5, a reworked set of Tables 5.1-5.7, and a brand-new Clause 10 covering crewed-spaceflight hardware.

How is a Class A weld different from a Class B or Class C weld?

AWS D17.1 sorts every weld into three criticality classes. Class A welds are fracture-critical and flight-critical; a Class A failure would compromise a critical system or the entire vehicle, so acceptance criteria are extremely tight. Class B welds are semi-critical and reduce strength or function if they fail. Class C welds are non-critical, often cosmetic or for ground-support hardware, and the acceptance limits are the most permissive of the three.

How much does the D17.1 endorsement cost in 2026?

The 2026 endorsement application fee is $445 for AWS members and $540 for nonmembers. You will also need a copy of the AWS D17.1/D17.1M:2024 specification for study (AWS sells print and PDF versions). Most candidates also budget for a focused review seminar or online course, though no prep course is required by AWS.

How long should I study for the D17.1 endorsement?

Most CWIs with some aerospace exposure spend 40-80 hours preparing. Plan to read AWS D17.1/D17.1M:2024 cover to cover at least twice, build a tabbed open-book index of every Clause 5 qualification table and every Clause 8 acceptance table, and run several timed 50-question simulations. Heavy use of the spec during practice is the most effective way to build the lookup speed the exam rewards.