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Exam Review

Key Facts: AWS Welder Performance Qualifier Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

70%

Passing Score

AWS

Open book

Exam Format

AWS

$540 / $630

Member / Non-member Fee

AWS

CWI / SCWI

Prerequisite

AWS

Apr 2025

Function-based SCWI Path Launch

AWS

The AWS CWI/SCWI Welder Performance Qualifier Endorsement is a function-based credential added to a current Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) certification. Launched in April 2025 as one of four endorsements that build a stackable path to the SCWI, it tests an inspector's command of conducting welder qualification tests: applying essential variables, selecting plate/pipe positions (1G-6G, 1F-4F), determining the range of qualification, evaluating results by visual, bend, RT, and macroetch criteria, and completing Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) records. The open-book, multiple-choice exam requires 70% to pass and costs $540 for AWS members ($630 non-members); primary references are AWS Best Practices for Performing a Welder Qualification Test, AWS B2.1/B2.1M:2021, and AWS B5.4. This free prep includes 100 research-based practice questions with explanations and an AI tutor.

Sample AWS Welder Performance Qualifier Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the AWS Welder Performance Qualifier exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary purpose of a welder performance qualification test?
A.To qualify the welding procedure specification (WPS)
B.To demonstrate that a welder can deposit sound weld metal following a qualified WPS
C.To establish the mechanical properties of the base metal
D.To certify the welding equipment for production use
Explanation: Performance qualification proves the welder has the skill to deposit sound weld metal within the range of variables tested while following a qualified WPS. It tests the person, not the procedure; procedure qualification (PQR) tests the WPS and base-metal mechanical properties separately.
2Which document is the primary AWS specification cited for the Welder Performance Qualifier Endorsement covering procedure and performance qualification?
A.AWS A2.4
B.AWS B2.1/B2.1M:2021
C.AWS A5.1
D.AWS QC1
Explanation: AWS B2.1/B2.1M:2021, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification, is a primary reference for the endorsement. It defines the rules, variables, and ranges for qualifying both procedures and welders.
3A welder qualifies on a groove weld in the 3G (vertical) position using vertical-up progression. Under AWS D1.1, may the welder then weld vertically with downhill (vertical-down) progression in production?
A.Yes, position qualification covers both progressions
B.No, progression direction is an essential variable and downhill is not qualified
C.Yes, but only on fillet welds
D.Only if the plate thickness is under 1/4 inch
Explanation: Under AWS D1.1, vertical progression direction is an essential variable for welders. A welder qualified vertical-up is NOT qualified for vertical-down, and vice versa, because the techniques and resulting weld soundness differ significantly.
4In welding position nomenclature, what does the '6G' designation indicate?
A.A flat-position fillet weld on plate
B.A pipe groove weld with the pipe axis fixed at 45 degrees, inclined
C.An overhead groove weld on plate
D.A horizontal fillet weld on pipe
Explanation: 6G is a pipe groove-weld test position in which the pipe axis is fixed at a 45-degree incline and cannot be rotated, forcing the welder through flat, vertical, and overhead orientations in one pass. The 'G' denotes groove and the inclined fixed position makes it the most demanding pipe test.
5A welder passes a 6G pipe groove test. For which positions is the welder qualified to make pipe groove welds?
A.6G only
B.1G and 2G only
C.All pipe groove positions (1G through 6G)
D.5G only
Explanation: Because 6G (inclined, fixed pipe) combines flat, vertical, and overhead welding in one test, passing it qualifies the welder for all pipe groove positions (1G, 2G, 5G, and 6G). It is the single test giving the broadest position coverage on pipe.
6Under AWS D1.1, which plate test position(s) qualify a welder for all four groove positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead) on plate with one combination test?
A.1G alone
B.2G alone
C.3G and 4G together
D.1F and 2F together
Explanation: A combined 3G (vertical) plus 4G (overhead) plate groove test qualifies the welder for all four plate groove positions. A single 1G or 2G test only covers the easier positions, while 3G and 4G prove vertical and overhead skill.
7When a welder qualifies on a plate groove test using steel backing, what limitation applies to production welding under AWS D1.1?
A.The welder may weld with or without backing freely
B.The welder is qualified only for welds made with backing, not for welds without backing or welded from both sides
C.The welder may weld pipe of any diameter
D.The welder is limited to fillet welds only
Explanation: Welding with backing is easier because the root is supported. A welder qualified WITH backing is not qualified to weld a single-sided groove WITHOUT backing. Welding without backing (or with back-gouging from the second side) is treated as the more demanding condition.
8A welder qualifies on a 3/8 in (10 mm) thick groove test coupon. Under the common 2t rule used in AWS B2.1/ASME IX for limited-thickness qualification, what is the maximum production thickness qualified?
A.3/8 in (10 mm)
B.3/4 in (19 mm)
C.Unlimited
D.1/4 in (6 mm)
Explanation: Under the 2t rule, a test coupon of thickness t qualifies the welder up to a maximum of 2t. A 3/8 in coupon therefore qualifies up to 3/4 in. Unlimited thickness generally requires a coupon at least 1/2 in (13 mm) thick with three or more weld layers.
9To qualify a welder for unlimited base-metal thickness in groove welding under AWS B2.1/ASME IX, the test coupon must generally be at least which thickness AND deposited in how many layers?
A.3/8 in (10 mm) with one layer
B.1/2 in (13 mm) with three or more weld layers
C.1/4 in (6 mm) with two layers
D.1 in (25 mm) with a single pass
Explanation: A groove coupon of at least 1/2 in (13 mm) deposited in three or more layers qualifies the welder for unlimited production thickness. The multiple layers demonstrate the welder can build up sound weld metal over many passes, which is what thick joints require.
10Filler metals are grouped by 'F-number' for performance qualification primarily to:
A.Indicate the tensile strength of the deposited weld
B.Group electrodes by usability/operating characteristics so qualification on one covers similar electrodes
C.Specify the required preheat temperature
D.Identify the base-metal P-number
Explanation: F-numbers group filler metals and electrodes by their usability and operating characteristics (e.g., similar arc behavior and technique). Qualifying with one electrode generally qualifies the welder for others in the same or a lower F-number, reducing the number of tests needed.

About the AWS Welder Performance Qualifier Exam

The AWS CWI/SCWI Welder Performance Qualifier Endorsement is a function-based add-on credential for Certified and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors. Introduced in April 2025 as one of four endorsements forming a stackable path to the SCWI, it validates the inspector's ability to set up, administer, evaluate, and document welder qualification tests per AWS B2.1, AWS Best Practices, and AWS B5.4. The open-book, multiple-choice exam requires 70% to pass.

Exam sponsor: American Welding Society (AWS). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Open-book, multiple-choice endorsement exam requiring 70% to pass, referencing AWS Best Practices for Performing a Welder Qualification Test, AWS B2.1/B2.1M:2021, and AWS B5.4; this practice bank is 100 selected-response items

Time Limit

Allotted per AWS exam scheduling (open book)

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

$540 (AWS member) / $630 (non-member)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

19%

Welder Qualification Test Setup & Administration

Conducting tests per a qualified WPS, witnessing the welder's unaided performance, coupon and run-off-tab preparation, and AWS Best Practices, B2.1, and B5.4 facility requirements

19%

Range of Qualification

Position, thickness (2t and unlimited rules), pipe-diameter limits, and groove-to-fillet coverage that define what a qualified welder may weld in production

18%

Essential Variables for Welder Qualification

Process, position, progression, backing, base-metal P/M-number grouping, and filler-metal F-number grouping that trigger requalification when changed

11%

Test Coupon, Pipe/Plate Position Selection

Plate and pipe positions 1G-6G and 1F-4F, ISO 9606 PA/PC/PF/PG/PE and H-L045 designations, and selecting coupons for broad coverage

14%

Evaluating Welder Performance & Test Results

Visual, guided-bend, radiographic, and macroetch/break acceptance criteria, the RT-for-bend substitution and GMAW short-circuit exception, and retest provisions

13%

WPQ Documentation & Records

Completing and certifying WPQ records, recording actual variables and qualified ranges, and qualification validity and continuity rules

6%

ISO 9606 / AWS D1.1 / ASME IX Rules

Comparing the welder-qualification frameworks of AWS D1.1, AWS B2.1/ASME Section IX, and ISO 9606-1, including validity and position systems

Preparing for the AWS Welder Performance Qualifier Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: Open-book, multiple-choice endorsement exam requiring 70% to pass, referencing AWS Best Practices for Performing a Welder Qualification Test, AWS B2.1/B2.1M:2021, and AWS B5.4; this practice bank is 100 selected-response items
  • Time limit: Allotted per AWS exam scheduling (open book)
  • Exam / certification fees: $540 (AWS member) / $630 (non-member) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

AWS Welder Performance Qualifier: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize the welder essential variables: process, position, progression direction, backing, base-metal P/M-number group, and filler-metal F-number group
2Practice the range-of-qualification rules: 2t for limited thickness, 1/2 in with 3+ layers for unlimited, and pipe-diameter and groove-to-fillet coverage
3Know the position systems cold: plate/pipe 1G-6G and 1F-4F, plus ISO 9606 PA/PB/PC/PE/PF/PG and H-L045 (the ISO 6G equivalent)
4Remember the acceptance criteria: cracks never acceptable, 1/32 in undercut limit, 1/8 in bend-specimen discontinuity limit, and RT may replace bends except for GMAW short-circuit
5Since the exam is open book, build tabbed quick-reference indexes for AWS B2.1, the AWS Best Practices guide, and B5.4 so you can find rules fast
6Complete all 100 practice questions and review every miss with the AI tutor before sitting the exam

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AWS Welder Performance Qualifier Endorsement?

It is a function-based endorsement added to a current CWI or SCWI certification that validates an inspector's ability to set up, administer, evaluate, and document welder qualification tests. Introduced in April 2025, it is one of four endorsements forming a stackable path to the SCWI credential.

What score do I need to pass the Welder Performance Qualifier Endorsement?

You need at least 70% on the open-book, multiple-choice exam. It draws on AWS Best Practices for Performing a Welder Qualification Test, AWS B2.1/B2.1M:2021, and AWS B5.4.

Do I need to be a CWI to take this endorsement?

Yes. You must hold a current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) certification. There is no mandatory training, though AWS recommends a seminar or self-study.

How much does the Welder Performance Qualifier Endorsement cost?

The exam fee is $540 for AWS members and $630 for non-members. The endorsement renews automatically with each CWI renewal or recertification, so it has no separate renewal fee.

What topics does the exam cover?

It covers welder qualification test setup and administration, essential variables, plate and pipe position selection (1G-6G, 1F-4F), range of qualification, evaluating test results by visual, bend, RT, and macroetch criteria, WPQ documentation, and the AWS D1.1, B2.1/ASME IX, and ISO 9606 frameworks.

Is this free Welder Performance Qualifier practice as good as paid prep?

Our 100 practice questions cover the same domains as the endorsement exam, grounded in AWS B2.1, AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, and ISO 9606, with a teaching explanation for every answer plus a free AI tutor. All content is free forever and updated for 2026.