PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

100+ Free AWS NDE Coordination Practice Questions

Pass your AWS CWI/SCWI Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Coordination Endorsement exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More American Welding Society Certifications

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

AWS CWI Certified Welding Inspector

Practice QuestionsStudy GuideCheat SheetFlashcards3 blogs

AWS CW Certified Welder

Practice Questions1 video1 blog

AWS CWS Certified Welding Supervisor

Practice Questions1 video1 blog

AWS SCWI Senior Certified Welding Inspector

Practice Questions

AWS API 1104 Pipeline Welding Endorsement

Practice Questions

AWS ASME BPVC Section IX + B31.1/B31.3 Endorsement

Practice Questions

More From This Family

Videos and articles for deeper review.

VideoHow to Become a Welder in 2026: AWS Certification, Salary by State & Career PathVideoHow to Become a Welder in 2026: AWS Certification, Salary by State & Career PathArticleBest Welding Gloves for Certification Students: Complete 2026 Buying Guide13 min readArticleHow to Become a Welder in 2026: AWS Certification, Salary by State & Career Path17 min readArticleBest ANSI Z87.1 Safety Glasses for Construction Trades: 2026 Buying Guide12 min readArticleBest Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets for Certification Candidates: 2026 Buying Guide12 min read
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AWS NDE Coordination Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

55

Exam Questions (50 scored)

AWS

135 min

Time Limit

AWS

72%

Passing Score

AWS

Closed-book

Exam Format

AWS

Apr 2025

Stackable SCWI-Path Credential

AWS

The AWS Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Coordination endorsement is a function-based credential for Certified Welding Inspectors, introduced in April 2025 as one of four stackable credentials on the Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) path. The closed-book exam consists of 55 multiple-choice questions (50 scored plus 5 unscored pretest) over 135 minutes, with a 72% passing score, and requires a current CWI or SCWI certification. It covers three domains: qualification and certification (SNT-TC-1A and CP-189 personnel rules), NDE testing methods (RT, UT, MT, PT, VT, ET), and NDE coordination (method selection, scheduling, acceptance criteria under AWS D1.1 and ASME, report review, and discontinuity-versus-defect evaluation). This free prep includes 100 research-based practice questions with explanations and an AI tutor.

Sample AWS NDE Coordination Practice Questions

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

1Which group of nondestructive examination methods is capable of detecting only surface-breaking discontinuities?
A.Radiographic testing (RT) and ultrasonic testing (UT)
B.Visual testing (VT) and liquid penetrant testing (PT)
C.Ultrasonic testing (UT) and magnetic particle testing (MT)
D.Radiographic testing (RT) and visual testing (VT)
Explanation: Visual testing (VT) and liquid penetrant testing (PT) detect only discontinuities that break the surface. PT relies on capillary action drawing dye into an opening at the surface, so a discontinuity fully below the surface cannot be found. VT likewise can only see what is exposed on the surface.
2Magnetic particle testing (MT) can be applied to which type of base material?
A.Any metal, including aluminum and austenitic stainless steel
B.Only ferromagnetic materials such as carbon and low-alloy steel
C.Only non-ferrous metals such as copper and titanium
D.Only non-metallic materials such as composites and ceramics
Explanation: MT requires a material that can be magnetized, so it is limited to ferromagnetic materials such as carbon steel and most low-alloy steels. The method magnetizes the part and applies iron particles that gather at flux leakage caused by surface and near-surface discontinuities.
3Liquid penetrant testing (PT) is the preferred surface method for inspecting a weld in austenitic stainless steel primarily because:
A.PT penetrates several inches below the surface
B.Austenitic stainless steel is non-magnetic, so MT will not work
C.PT does not require any surface cleaning
D.PT can size the depth of internal discontinuities
Explanation: Austenitic (300-series) stainless steel is essentially non-magnetic, so magnetic particle testing cannot generate the flux leakage it depends on. Liquid penetrant testing works on any non-porous material regardless of magnetism, making PT the appropriate surface method.
4Which NDE method is best suited to detect a planar discontinuity, such as a lack of fusion oriented perpendicular to the plate surface, in a thick steel weld?
A.Radiographic testing (RT)
B.Ultrasonic testing (UT)
C.Liquid penetrant testing (PT)
D.Visual testing (VT)
Explanation: UT is more reliable than RT for tight, planar discontinuities such as lack of fusion and cracks because the sound beam reflects strongly off the flat face of the discontinuity. RT often misses tight planar flaws when the radiation beam is not aligned with the plane of the flaw.
5Radiographic testing (RT) is generally the most reliable volumetric method for detecting which type of weld discontinuity?
A.Tight cracks oriented perpendicular to the plate
B.Rounded volumetric discontinuities such as porosity and slag
C.Surface lack of fusion
D.Lamellar tearing in the base metal
Explanation: RT produces a shadow image based on differences in radiation absorption, so it readily reveals rounded volumetric discontinuities such as porosity and slag inclusions that displace metal. These changes in density create clear contrast on the radiograph.
6Under the AWS NDE Coordination endorsement scope, the function of a 'coordinator' is best described as:
A.Personally performing all RT and UT examinations
B.Planning, scheduling, and overseeing NDE activities and reviewing results for code compliance
C.Developing radiographic film by hand in a darkroom
D.Operating the eddy current instrument during inspection
Explanation: The NDE Coordination endorsement validates the ability to plan, schedule, and oversee NDE activities, select appropriate methods, verify personnel qualifications, and review reports for compliance with applicable codes. The coordinator manages the program rather than personally performing every examination.
7In AWS terminology, the difference between a 'discontinuity' and a 'defect' is that:
A.They are interchangeable terms for any flaw
B.A discontinuity is any interruption in the structure; a defect is a discontinuity that exceeds acceptance criteria and must be rejected
C.A defect is always smaller than a discontinuity
D.A discontinuity is always rejectable while a defect is acceptable
Explanation: A discontinuity is any interruption in the typical structure of a weld, such as a lack of homogeneity in mechanical, metallurgical, or physical characteristics. A defect is a discontinuity (or accumulation) of sufficient size or type that it exceeds the applicable acceptance criteria and is therefore rejectable.
8ASNT SNT-TC-1A is best characterized as:
A.A mandatory national standard that cannot be modified
B.A recommended practice that an employer adapts into its own written practice
C.A federal regulation enforced by OSHA
D.An international ISO certification scheme administered by a third party
Explanation: SNT-TC-1A is a recommended practice published by ASNT. It uses the word 'should' and provides guidelines that each employer tailors into its own documented written practice for qualifying and certifying NDT personnel. Certification under SNT-TC-1A is employer-based.
9Which statement correctly distinguishes ANSI/ASNT CP-189 from SNT-TC-1A?
A.CP-189 is a recommended practice; SNT-TC-1A is a mandatory standard
B.CP-189 is a standard that establishes minimum requirements that shall be met and cannot be reduced to suit an employer
C.CP-189 has only three certification levels; SNT-TC-1A has five
D.CP-189 applies only to visual testing
Explanation: ANSI/ASNT CP-189 is a national standard that uses 'shall' to establish minimum requirements that must be met without being relaxed to suit an employer's needs. SNT-TC-1A is a recommended practice that uses 'should' and may be tailored by the employer.
10Under SNT-TC-1A, which NDT certification level is qualified to set up and calibrate equipment, perform examinations, and interpret and evaluate results for acceptance to the written procedure?
A.Level I
B.Level II
C.Level III
D.Trainee
Explanation: A Level II is qualified to set up and calibrate equipment, perform and supervise examinations, interpret and evaluate results per applicable codes and procedures, and organize and report results. Level I works under supervision; Level III develops procedures and provides technical oversight.

About the AWS NDE Coordination Exam

The AWS Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Coordination endorsement is one of four function-based stackable credentials introduced in April 2025 on the Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) path. The closed-book exam has 55 multiple-choice questions (50 scored, 5 pretest) delivered over 135 minutes, requires 72% to pass, and validates a CWI's ability to select, plan, schedule, oversee, and review nondestructive examination.

Assessment

55 multiple-choice questions (50 scored + 5 unscored pretest), closed-book, over 135 minutes, 72% to pass; this practice bank is 100 selected-response items

Time Limit

135 minutes (2 hours 15 minutes)

Passing Score

72%

Exam Fee

$540 (AWS members) / $630 (non-members, includes 1-year membership) (American Welding Society (AWS))

AWS NDE Coordination Exam Content Outline

40%

NDE Testing Methods

Principles, advantages, and limitations of RT, UT, MT, PT, VT, and ET; volumetric versus surface methods; RT IQI/penetrameter and film density; UT angle-beam and calibration; and interpreting porosity, slag, cracks, and tungsten inclusions

30%

Qualification and Certification

NDE personnel qualification under ASNT SNT-TC-1A and ANSI/ASNT CP-189, employer written practice, Level I/II/III responsibilities, vision requirements, and verifying certifications and qualified procedures

30%

NDE Coordination

Selecting NDE methods, planning and scheduling (PWHT, delayed-cracking holds, radiation safety), reviewing reports for compliance, applying AWS D1.1 and ASME acceptance criteria, discontinuity-versus-defect evaluation, and records/traceability

How to Pass the AWS NDE Coordination Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 72%
  • Assessment: 55 multiple-choice questions (50 scored + 5 unscored pretest), closed-book, over 135 minutes, 72% to pass; this practice bank is 100 selected-response items
  • Time limit: 135 minutes (2 hours 15 minutes)
  • Exam fee: $540 (AWS members) / $630 (non-members, includes 1-year membership)

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 NDE Coordination Study Tips from Top Performers

1Group the methods first: RT and UT are volumetric (internal); VT, PT, and MT are surface or near-surface, with MT limited to ferromagnetic material
2Memorize the discontinuity-versus-defect rule: a defect is a discontinuity that exceeds the applicable code acceptance criteria
3Know SNT-TC-1A (recommended practice, 'should', three levels) versus ANSI/ASNT CP-189 (standard, 'shall', five levels) and Level I/II/III responsibilities
4Study which flaws image dark versus light on a radiograph: porosity, slag, and cracks are darker; a tungsten inclusion is lighter (brighter)
5Understand coordination logic: verify personnel certifications and qualified procedures up front, schedule around PWHT and radiation safety, and re-examine repairs
6Complete all 100 practice questions and review every miss with the AI tutor before sitting the closed-book exam

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the AWS NDE Coordination endorsement exam and how long is it?

The exam has 55 multiple-choice questions (50 scored and 5 unscored pretest) and is closed-book, delivered over 135 minutes (2 hours 15 minutes). You need at least 72% on the scored items to pass.

What score do I need to pass the AWS NDE Coordination endorsement?

You must correctly answer at least 72% of the scored questions. The exam spans qualification and certification, NDE testing methods, and NDE coordination, so balanced study across all three domains is important.

What are the prerequisites for the NDE Coordination endorsement?

You must hold a current AWS CWI or SCWI certification. The endorsement is one of four function-based stackable credentials introduced in April 2025 on the SCWI path. Familiarity with NDE programs, methods, and coordination is recommended but no mandatory training is required.

Is the AWS NDE Coordination exam open-book or closed-book?

It is a closed-book examination. Unlike some CWI code-application sections, this endorsement tests applied knowledge of NDE methods, personnel qualification, and coordination without reference to a code book during the exam.

What topics does the NDE Coordination endorsement cover?

Three domains: qualification and certification (SNT-TC-1A and CP-189 personnel rules), NDE testing methods (RT, UT, MT, PT, VT, ET), and NDE coordination (method selection, scheduling, acceptance criteria under AWS D1.1 and ASME, report review, and discontinuity-versus-defect evaluation).

Is this free AWS NDE Coordination practice as good as paid prep?

Our 100 practice questions cover the same three exam domains with a teaching explanation for every answer plus free daily AI tutor interactions. All content is free forever and updated for 2026.