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100+ Free AWS Welding Procedure Qualifier Practice Questions

Pass your AWS CWI/SCWI Welding Procedure Qualifier Endorsement exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Key Facts: AWS Welding Procedure Qualifier Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

50

Scorable Exam Questions

AWS

At least 66%

Passing Score

AWS

Open-book

Exam Format

AWS

$540 / $630

Member / Non-member Fee

AWS

4 endorsements

SCWI Path (Apr 2025)

AWS

The AWS CWI/SCWI Welding Procedure Qualifier endorsement validates a certified welding inspector's ability to qualify Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS): determining base-metal to filler-metal combinations, evaluating welding processes, overseeing procedure qualification testing, and preparing Procedure Qualification Records (PQRs). The exam is open-book and multiple-choice, with 50 scorable questions (plus 5 unscored pretest items) referencing AWS D1.1/D1.1M and AWS B2.1/B2.1M, and requires at least 66% to pass. It is one of four function-based endorsements that, together, form the new SCWI credential path effective April 1, 2025, and costs $540 for AWS members or $630 for non-members. Eligibility requires a current CWI or SCWI certification. This free prep includes 100 research-based practice questions with explanations and an AI tutor.

Sample AWS Welding Procedure Qualifier Practice Questions

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

1What does the acronym WPS stand for in the context of the Welding Procedure Qualifier endorsement?
A.Weld Process Standard
B.Welding Procedure Specification
C.Welder Performance Sheet
D.Weld Production Schedule
Explanation: A WPS is a Welding Procedure Specification, the written document that provides direction to the welder or operator for making production welds in accordance with code requirements. It lists the variables (process, base/filler metals, position, electrical parameters, preheat, etc.) within their qualified ranges.
2Which document records the actual values used during procedure qualification testing and the results of the required mechanical tests?
A.WPS
B.PQR
C.WPQ
D.NDE report
Explanation: The Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) documents the actual welding variables used to produce the test coupon and the results of the required mechanical tests (tensile, bend, and where applicable impact). A WPS qualified by testing must be supported by at least one PQR.
3Under AWS D1.1, a prequalified WPS is one that:
A.Has passed the most demanding mechanical tests
B.Conforms to all code prescriptive requirements and is exempt from procedure qualification testing
C.Has been approved by a third-party inspector only
D.Is qualified by impact testing alone
Explanation: A prequalified WPS meets all of the prescriptive provisions of AWS D1.1 (Clause 5 prequalification requirements) and therefore does not require a supporting PQR. It is exempt from procedure qualification testing because the code has already established its acceptability within defined limits.
4Which AWS document is the primary reference for the Welding Procedure Qualifier endorsement examination's structural welding requirements?
A.AWS D1.2 Aluminum
B.AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code — Steel
C.AWS D14.1 Industrial Cranes
D.AWS D9.1 Sheet Metal
Explanation: AWS D1.1/D1.1M, Structural Welding Code — Steel, is the principal reference code for the Welding Procedure Qualifier endorsement, along with AWS B2.1 for procedure and performance qualification. D1.1 governs prequalification and qualification of WPSs for structural steel.
5In ASME-style filler metal grouping, the F-number is used primarily to:
A.Group base metals of similar weldability
B.Group filler metals of similar usability characteristics to reduce the number of qualifications
C.Define the tensile strength of the deposit
D.Specify the shielding gas composition
Explanation: F-numbers group electrodes and welding rods by their usability characteristics (how they run), allowing one qualification to cover similar consumables and thereby reducing the number of procedure and performance qualifications required. ASME Section IX lists F-numbers in Table QW-432.
6The A-number in ASME Section IX classification is based on the:
A.Chemical composition of the deposited weld metal
B.Diameter of the electrode
C.Welding position used
D.Type of current and polarity
Explanation: A-numbers (ASME Section IX Table QW-442) group ferrous filler metals by the chemical composition of the deposited weld metal (for example carbon steel, chromium-molybdenum, austenitic stainless). They apply only to ferrous deposits and help control alloy content as an essential variable.
7An E7018 SMAW electrode is classified under which F-number?
A.F1
B.F2
C.F4
D.F6
Explanation: Low-hydrogen SMAW electrodes such as E7018 are grouped as F-number 4. E6010/E6011 are F3, E6012/E6013 are F2, and heavy mill-scale fast-fill electrodes like E6020/E7024 fall under F1; bare solid wires such as ER70S are F6.
8When selecting a welding process for a thick structural steel joint requiring high deposition rates in the flat position, which process is most commonly the best fit?
A.GTAW (TIG)
B.Submerged arc welding (SAW)
C.Oxyfuel gas welding
D.Brazing
Explanation: Submerged arc welding (SAW) provides very high deposition rates and deep penetration and is well suited to thick sections welded in the flat or horizontal position, making it economical for heavy structural fabrication. GTAW is slow and better for thin or root passes.
9For a WPS qualified by testing, a change in welding process (for example from SMAW to GMAW) is considered:
A.A nonessential variable
B.A supplementary essential variable
C.An essential variable requiring requalification
D.An optional variable
Explanation: A change in the welding process is an essential variable; changing it requires a new procedure qualification (a new PQR) because it materially affects the weld's mechanical properties. Essential variables are those whose change requires requalification of the WPS.
10Which category of variable, when changed, requires editing the WPS but does NOT require requalification?
A.Essential variable
B.Supplementary essential variable
C.Nonessential variable
D.Critical variable
Explanation: A nonessential variable may be changed without requalifying the procedure, but the WPS document must still be revised to reflect the change. Nonessential variables do not materially affect the mechanical properties that qualification testing verifies.

About the AWS Welding Procedure Qualifier Exam

The AWS Welding Procedure Qualifier endorsement is a function-based credential for current CWIs and SCWIs that validates the ability to qualify Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS). It is an open-book, multiple-choice exam (50 scorable questions plus 5 pretest items) referencing AWS D1.1 and AWS B2.1, requiring at least 66% to pass. It is one of four endorsements that together form the SCWI credential path effective April 2025.

Assessment

50 scorable multiple-choice questions plus 5 unscored pretest items, delivered as a timed open-book examination referencing AWS D1.1/D1.1M and AWS B2.1/B2.1M; at least 66% to pass. This practice bank is 100 selected-response items.

Time Limit

Timed open-book examination (AWS-allotted)

Passing Score

At least 66%

Exam Fee

$540 for AWS members, $630 for non-members (American Welding Society (AWS))

AWS Welding Procedure Qualifier Exam Content Outline

30%

Planning (Process & Material Selection)

Code selection, base-metal grouping (P-numbers), filler-metal classification (AWS A5 series, F-numbers, A-numbers), base/filler matching, and welding process selection

45%

WPS Qualification & Testing Requirements

Essential, supplementary-essential, and nonessential variables; overseeing qualification testing; tension, bend, and macroetch tests; witnessing parameters; and qualified ranges for thickness, position, and diameter

25%

Finalization of the WPS

Preparing PQRs, translating tested values into WPS production ranges, prequalified vs qualified WPS per AWS D1.1, joint-detail conformance, and WPS documentation and approval

How to Pass the AWS Welding Procedure Qualifier Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: At least 66%
  • Assessment: 50 scorable multiple-choice questions plus 5 unscored pretest items, delivered as a timed open-book examination referencing AWS D1.1/D1.1M and AWS B2.1/B2.1M; at least 66% to pass. This practice bank is 100 selected-response items.
  • Time limit: Timed open-book examination (AWS-allotted)
  • Exam fee: $540 for AWS members, $630 for non-members

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 Welding Procedure Qualifier Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know the three exam domains cold: planning, WPS qualification and testing requirements, and finalization of the WPS
2Memorize the difference between essential, supplementary-essential (toughness-driven), and nonessential variables and what each change requires
3Master AWS A5 filler classifications and the F-number/A-number and P-number grouping logic for base/filler combinations
4Understand prequalified vs qualified WPS in AWS D1.1, including the GMAW short-circuiting (GMAW-S) and ESW/EGW exclusions
5Practice the heat-input formula (V x A x 60 / travel speed) and the required mechanical tests for groove and fillet qualification
6Complete all 100 practice questions and review every miss with the AI tutor before sitting the exam

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the AWS Welding Procedure Qualifier endorsement exam?

The exam has 50 scorable multiple-choice questions plus 5 unscored pretest items. It is an open-book examination referencing AWS D1.1/D1.1M and AWS B2.1/B2.1M, and you need at least 66% correct on the scorable questions to pass.

What score do I need to pass the Welding Procedure Qualifier endorsement?

AWS requires at least 66% correct on the scorable questions to pass. Because the exam covers planning, qualification variables and testing, and WPS finalization, balanced study across all three areas is essential.

Who is eligible for the Welding Procedure Qualifier endorsement?

You must hold a current, active AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) certification. The endorsement is one of four function-based endorsements that together form the SCWI credential path effective April 1, 2025.

What topics does the Welding Procedure Qualifier exam cover?

It covers planning (process and material selection, base/filler combinations, F-numbers and A-numbers), WPS qualification and testing requirements (essential and supplementary-essential variables, mechanical testing, qualified ranges), and finalization of the WPS (preparing PQRs and prequalified vs qualified WPS per AWS D1.1).

Is the Welding Procedure Qualifier endorsement exam open-book?

Yes. It is an open-book, multiple-choice exam; candidates may reference AWS D1.1/D1.1M and AWS B2.1/B2.1M, either electronically on the testing computer or as bound printed copies.

Is this free Welding Procedure Qualifier practice as good as paid prep?

Our 100 practice questions cover the same body of knowledge as the official endorsement, grounded in AWS D1.1 and B2.1, with a teaching explanation for every answer plus free daily AI tutor interactions. All content is free forever and updated for 2026.