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100+ Free AWS CRI Practice Questions

Pass your AWS Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Key Facts: AWS CRI Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

70 + 78

Part A + Part C MCQ

AWS B5.15

70% / 80%

Each Part / Composite

AWS

40 hours

Required Training

AWS B5.15

$1,005+

Exam Fee (Member)

AWS

Part C

Open-Book Code Exam

AWS

The AWS Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI) is the American Welding Society credential for professionals who interpret weld radiographs and apply code acceptance criteria. It has three parts: Part A General Knowledge (70 closed-book multiple-choice questions) and Part C Code Knowledge (78 open-book multiple-choice questions) given together in one 3-hour written session, plus a separate Part B practical film-interpretation exam. You must score at least 70% on each part and average at least 80% overall. Eligibility requires a minimum of 40 hours of organized radiographic-interpretation training plus documented visual acuity and experience under AWS B5.15. Content spans radiographic quality and geometry, welding technology and metallurgy, film and processing, discontinuity interpretation, and codes such as AWS D1.1, API 1104, ASME, and ASTM. This free prep includes 100 research-based practice questions with explanations and an AI tutor.

Sample AWS CRI Practice Questions

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

1In radiography, an Image Quality Indicator (IQI), also called a penetrameter, is used primarily to demonstrate which characteristic of the radiograph?
A.The exact size of any discontinuity present
B.The radiographic sensitivity (image quality) achieved
C.The chemical composition of the weld metal
D.The absorbed dose received by the operator
Explanation: An IQI (penetrameter) is a device of known material and dimensions placed on the part to indicate the quality of the radiographic technique. The visibility of its holes or wires demonstrates the contrast sensitivity and definition (radiographic sensitivity) of the image, not the actual flaw size.
2A hole-type IQI is identified as 2-2T. What does the '2T' designation indicate?
A.The IQI thickness is 2% of the part thickness
B.The essential (required visible) hole has a diameter equal to twice the IQI thickness
C.The exposure must be doubled for thick sections
D.Two penetrameters must be placed on each radiograph
Explanation: For a hole-type IQI, the holes are drilled at 1T, 2T, and 4T, where T is the IQI's own thickness. A '2-2T' level means the IQI thickness is 2% of the specimen thickness and the 2T hole (diameter = 2 x IQI thickness) is the essential hole that must be visible. This represents 2% contrast sensitivity at the 2T hole.
3Hole-type IQIs per ASTM E1025 have three holes. What are their diameters relative to the IQI thickness T?
A.0.5T, 1T, and 2T
B.1T, 2T, and 4T
C.2T, 3T, and 4T
D.1T, 3T, and 5T
Explanation: ASTM E1025 hole-type IQIs are thin plaques whose thickness is nominally 2% of the part, with three drilled holes of diameter 1T, 2T, and 4T (T = the IQI plaque thickness). The level called out (1-1T, 2-2T, 2-4T, etc.) defines which hole must be visible.
4A wire-type IQI per ASTM E747 consists of:
A.A single wire of fixed diameter
B.A set of six parallel wires of graduated diameters
C.A stepped block with drilled holes
D.A lead letter set for film identification
Explanation: ASTM E747 wire IQIs contain six parallel wires of increasing diameter encapsulated in a clear plastic holder. The thinnest wire that is clearly visible on the radiograph establishes the equivalent sensitivity. Wire sets are grouped (Set A, B, C, D) by wire-diameter range and material group.
5Where should an IQI be placed when a source-side placement is required and it represents the area of interest?
A.On the film side of the part, centered over the weld
B.On the source side of the part, in the area of interest, generally adjacent to the weld
C.Taped to the front of the X-ray tube housing
D.In the darkroom next to the processed film
Explanation: Source-side IQI placement (the normal requirement) puts the IQI on the part surface nearest the radiation source so it experiences the same geometric unsharpness and scatter as the section of interest. It is placed in the area of interest, typically alongside the weld on the base metal, with the identifying numbers legible.
6Geometric unsharpness (Ug) in a radiograph is calculated as Ug = F x d / D, where F is the focal-spot (source) size, d is the source-to-object distance, and D is the object-to-film distance. To REDUCE geometric unsharpness you should:
A.Increase the focal-spot size
B.Increase the object-to-film distance
C.Increase the source-to-object distance
D.Decrease the source-to-film distance
Explanation: Geometric unsharpness Ug = F x (object-to-film distance) / (source-to-object distance). Increasing the source-to-object distance enlarges the denominator and shrinks Ug, sharpening the image. A smaller focal spot and minimal object-to-film gap also reduce Ug.
7Radiographic film density of 2.0 means the light transmitted through the film is what fraction of the incident viewing light?
A.One-half (1/2)
B.One-twentieth (1/20)
C.One-hundredth (1/100)
D.One-thousandth (1/1000)
Explanation: Film density D = log10(I0/It). A density of 2.0 means log10 of the ratio is 2, so I0/It = 100, and the transmitted light It is 1/100 of the incident light. Density 1.0 transmits 1/10 and density 3.0 transmits 1/1000.
8Many code radiographs of welds require the film density through the area of interest to fall within which general range?
A.0.5 to 1.5
B.2.0 to 4.0
C.4.0 to 6.0
D.Density is not controlled
Explanation: Most weld radiography standards (e.g., ASME Section V, ASTM E1742) require density in the area of interest between about 2.0 and 4.0 for X-rays (and a similar upper bound for gamma). This range gives adequate contrast while keeping the film light enough to view on a high-intensity illuminator.
9Radiographic contrast is the combination of which two contributing factors?
A.Subject contrast and film contrast
B.Source size and film speed
C.Density and unsharpness
D.Kilovoltage and milliamperage only
Explanation: Radiographic contrast equals subject contrast (differences in radiation transmitted by the part, driven by thickness changes and kilovoltage) multiplied/combined with film contrast (the response of the film characteristic curve). Both must be adequate to render a discontinuity visible.
10Lowering the kilovoltage (kV) of an X-ray exposure, while compensating exposure to maintain density, generally has what effect on subject contrast?
A.Increases subject contrast
B.Decreases subject contrast
C.Has no effect on contrast
D.Eliminates geometric unsharpness
Explanation: Lower kV produces a less penetrating (softer), longer-wavelength beam that is differentially absorbed more strongly by small thickness changes, increasing subject contrast. Higher kV produces a harder beam and a flatter, lower-contrast image. The trade-off is longer exposure and reduced latitude at low kV.

About the AWS CRI Exam

The AWS Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI) credential certifies the ability to interpret radiographs of welds and castings and apply code acceptance criteria. Candidates pass three parts: Part A General Knowledge (70 closed-book MCQ), Part C Code Knowledge (78 open-book MCQ, both written in one 3-hour session), and Part B Practical Film Interpretation. Passing requires 70% on each part and an 80% average.

Assessment

Part A General Knowledge (70 closed-book MCQ) and Part C Code Knowledge (78 open-book MCQ) are administered together in a single 3-hour session, plus a separate Part B practical film-interpretation exam. Pass requires 70% on each part and an 80% composite average. This practice bank is 100 selected-response items for the two written MCQ parts.

Time Limit

3 hours (Part A/Part C written session)

Passing Score

70% on each part, 80% composite average

Exam Fee

$1,005 AWS members / $1,270 non-members (all three parts) (American Welding Society (AWS))

AWS CRI Exam Content Outline

40%

Radiographic Quality & Geometry of Image Formation

IQIs/penetrameters and sensitivity, geometric unsharpness, contrast, definition, density, scatter control, and source-to-film geometry

25%

Welding Technology

Welding processes, joint and weld terminology, base/filler metals, weld metallurgy, the heat-affected zone, and preheat

15%

Photographic Aspects (Film, Processing & Handling)

Film selection and speed, the characteristic (H&D) curve, density and contrast, lead screens, processing, fog, and handling artifacts

10%

Application to Welds & Discontinuity Interpretation

Reading porosity, slag, incomplete penetration, lack of fusion, undercut, cracks, burn-through, and root conditions from their radiographic images

7%

Viewing Radiographs & Codes/Standards

Viewing conditions and film-quality checks plus applying AWS D1.1, API 1104, ASME Section V/VIII, and ASTM acceptance criteria

3%

Radiation Nature/Safety & Equipment/Exposure

X-ray and gamma-ray physics, sources (Ir-192, Co-60), inverse square law, exposure calculations, equipment, and ALARA radiation safety

How to Pass the AWS CRI Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% on each part, 80% composite average
  • Assessment: Part A General Knowledge (70 closed-book MCQ) and Part C Code Knowledge (78 open-book MCQ) are administered together in a single 3-hour session, plus a separate Part B practical film-interpretation exam. Pass requires 70% on each part and an 80% composite average. This practice bank is 100 selected-response items for the two written MCQ parts.
  • Time limit: 3 hours (Part A/Part C written session)
  • Exam fee: $1,005 AWS members / $1,270 non-members (all three parts)

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 CRI Study Tips from Top Performers

1Weight your study toward radiographic quality and geometry (about 40% of Part A) and welding technology (about 25%) - together they dominate the General Knowledge exam
2Master IQI/penetrameter concepts: hole-type 1T/2T/4T holes, the 2-2T designation, wire IQIs, and what 2% sensitivity means
3Know the density rules cold: density is logarithmic (2.0 = 1/100 transmitted light), the ~2.0 to 4.0 acceptable range, and the -15%/+30% IQI density variation window
4Learn each discontinuity's radiographic signature: voids/porosity image dark, dense tungsten images light, IP is a sharp centerline dark line, cracks are jagged and orientation-sensitive
5For Part C (open-book), practice navigating AWS D1.1, API 1104, and ASME acceptance tables quickly rather than memorizing every value - e.g., API 1104 burn-through 1/4 in., ESI 2 in., cracks essentially prohibited
6Complete all 100 practice questions and review every miss with the AI tutor before sitting the exam

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the AWS CRI exam structured and how long is it?

The CRI has three parts. Part A General Knowledge (70 closed-book multiple-choice questions) and Part C Code Knowledge (78 open-book multiple-choice questions) are given together in one 3-hour written session, and Part B is a separate practical film-interpretation exam. This practice bank focuses on the two written MCQ parts.

What score do I need to pass the AWS CRI exam?

You must score at least 70% on each of the three parts (A, B, and C) and achieve a composite average of at least 80% across all three. Both conditions must be met to earn the credential.

What are the eligibility requirements for the AWS CRI?

Per AWS B5.15, candidates need a minimum of 40 hours of organized training in radiographic interpretation/examination, documented proof of visual acuity (near and color vision), and qualifying experience before sitting the exams.

What topics does the AWS CRI exam cover?

It covers radiographic quality and geometry of image formation, welding technology and metallurgy, photographic/film aspects, weld discontinuity interpretation, viewing radiographs, radiation physics and safety, and code acceptance criteria from AWS D1.1, API 1104, ASME, and ASTM.

Which part of the CRI exam is open-book?

Part C, the Code Knowledge exam, is open-book: candidates use the provided AWS Book of Reference Standards to locate and apply acceptance criteria. Part A, General Knowledge, is closed-book.

Is this free AWS CRI practice as good as paid prep?

Our 100 questions cover the same content domains as the official CRI body of knowledge, with a teaching explanation for every answer and a free daily AI tutor. All content is free forever and updated for 2026.