100+ Free MTTC Welding Trade Test Practice Questions

Prepare for the MTTC Trade Test — Fabrication and Welding (NCQF Level III, Botswana) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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68.6% (1,322 passed of 1,928 candidates across all Level III trades in May–June 2026 national series) Pass Rate

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MTTC Welding Trade Test Exam

MTTC

National Awarding Body

BQA AB0015 Accreditation

68.6%

Level III Pass Rate

Ministry of Higher Education (May–June 2026)

Q0677

BQA Qualification Code

Botswana Qualifications Authority

40 Credits

NCQF Level III Total

BQA NCQF Register

50% / 60%

Statutory / Course Pass Mark

S.I. 84 of 1993 / Q0677

100 Q

Free Practice Bank

OpenExamPrep

The MTTC Fabrication and Welding Trade Test is Botswana's national vocational qualification examination administered by the Madirelo Training and Testing Centre (MTTC) under DTVET, Ministry of Higher Education. Accredited by BQA (AB0015), MTTC conducts external assessments for learners on the Certificate III in Fabrication and Welding (BQA Q0677) across Brigades and Technical Colleges (such as Jwaneng, Ghanzi, and Gweta). The exam consists of an English-language written theory paper and a timed practical test piece. In the May–June 2026 national sitting, 1,928 Level III trade test candidates sat examinations nationwide with a 68.6% pass rate. Core syllabus areas include basic metal work (14 credits), joining processes and equipment (10 credits), basic engineering drawing (6 credits), and engineering materials (4 credits). This free preparation resource provides 100 research-based practice questions with complete explanations and AI study support.

Sample MTTC Welding Trade Test Practice Questions

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

1What is the primary danger of looking directly at an electric welding arc without proper eye protection (shade lens)?

A.Temporary eye fatigue caused by infrared heat only

B.Corneal burns ('arc eye') and retinal damage from ultraviolet

C.Raised eye pressure and glaucoma caused by the visible glare

D.Immediate and permanent loss of colour vision

Explanation: Electric arcs emit intense ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. Unprotected exposure causes 'arc eye' (photokeratitis)—acute, painful blistering of the corneal epithelium—and can inflict irreversible retinal damage.

2Which shade number filter lens is standard for manual metal arc welding (SMAW) operating between 100 A and 150 A?

A.Shade 4 to 5

B.Shade 10 to 11

C.Shade 2

D.Shade 14 to 15

Explanation: For Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) at currents between 100 A and 150 A, a Shade 10 or Shade 11 optical filter lens provides the required attenuation of harmful UV and visible glare.

3Why must synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon never be worn in a welding and fabrication workshop?

A.Synthetic fabrics conduct electricity and cause shocks

B.Synthetic fibres melt and fuse to the skin, causing deep burns

C.Synthetic clothing traps welding fume against the body

D.Synthetic fabrics are dissolved by weld-cleaning solvents

Explanation: Synthetics like polyester melt into liquid plastic at welding temperatures. Sparks melt through the fabric, causing molten plastic to fuse to the skin, causing severe burns. Welders must wear 100% heavy cotton, denim, or leather.

4Which tool is used to lay out large circles and arcs on steel plates during plate fabrication?

A.Engineer's try square

B.Trammel points on a beam bar

C.Combination set protractor head

D.Outside spring caliper

Explanation: Trammel points clamp onto a wooden beam or steel bar at adjustable distances, functioning as an extended compass to scribe large accurate circles and radii that exceed standard divider limits.

5Which measuring gauge is specifically used to measure fillet weld throat thickness and leg length during quality inspection?

A.Fillet weld gauge

B.Vernier height gauge

C.Telescoping snap gauge

D.Feeler blade gauge

Explanation: A fillet weld gauge (such as a multi-blade fillet gauge or Cambridge gauge) features precision curved and stepped blades designed to measure actual leg length and effective throat thickness of welded joints.

6What is the primary function of a guillotine shearing machine in a sheet metal and plate fabrication shop?

A.To roll flat plate into cylindrical shells

B.To shear sheet and plate along straight full-width lines

C.To punch holes in thick structural beams

D.To grind bevel edges on plate for groove welds

Explanation: A mechanical or hydraulic guillotine shear utilizes a fixed bottom blade and a moving, slightly inclined upper blade to shear sheet metal and plate accurately along straight lines with minimal edge deformation.

7What is the consequence of setting the blade clearance too wide on a plate guillotine shear?

A.The blades rub together and dull rapidly

B.The plate folds into the gap, leaving heavy burrs and torn edges

C.The sheared edge work-hardens and cracks along the cut

D.The cut wanders out of square across the sheet width

Explanation: Guillotine blade clearance is typically set to 5%–10% of plate thickness. If clearance is too wide, the material bends and draws into the gap instead of shearing cleanly, tearing edges and jamming the machine.

8Which sheet metal machine uses segmented upper fingers to form sheet metal into four-sided boxes and pans?

A.Pyramid slip rolling machine

B.Box and pan folder (finger brake)

C.Rotary swaging machine

D.Hydraulic punch press

Explanation: A box and pan brake (finger folder) features removable, interchangeable upper clamping fingers of various widths. Removing specific fingers allows previously bent vertical side flanges to clear the clamping beam when forming boxes.

9What is 'springback' in sheet metal bending and fabrication?

A.Sudden fracture of the metal along the bend line

B.Elastic recovery that partially reopens the bend when pressure is released

C.Plastic thinning of the metal as it passes under the rollers

D.Thermal contraction of a weld seam as it cools

Explanation: When sheet metal is bent past its yield point, elastic stresses remain in the outer and inner fibers. Releasing forming pressure allows these elastic forces to partially unbend the angle. Fabricators 'overbend' slightly to achieve the desired final angle.

10In sheet metal fabrication, where is the 'neutral axis' of a bent metal sheet located?

A.Along the outer stretched surface of the bend

B.On an internal plane that is neither stretched nor compressed

C.Along the inner compressed surface of the bend

D.On the centreline of the press-brake punch nose

Explanation: During bending, metal on the outside of the bend is stretched in tension, while metal on the inside is compressed. The neutral axis is the theoretical layer inside the material thickness that remains at its original un-stretched length.

About the MTTC Welding Trade Test Exam

The MTTC Trade Test in Fabrication and Welding is the national vocational assessment in Botswana administered by the Madirelo Training and Testing Centre (MTTC) under DTVET and accredited by BQA (AB0015). Sat by candidates from state Brigades, Technical Colleges, and industry apprentices on the NCQF Level III qualification (BQA Q0677) and legacy Trade Test C/B ladder, the assessment certifies practical competence and theoretical knowledge across workshop safety, metal cutting and forming, SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, oxy-fuel welding and cutting, welding symbols, pattern development, and metals metallurgy. This practice bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation designed for revision of core trade theory.

Assessment

The national assessment comprises an English-language written trade theory paper covering basic metal work, joining processes, engineering drawing, and materials, paired with an independently moderated timed practical workshop assessment. Under legacy trade test regulations (S.I. 84 of 1993) the pass mark is 50% in both theory and practical; under NCQF Level III specifications (Q0677) the summative course pass mark is 60%.

Time Limit

Written theory examination plus timed practical workshop test piece

Passing Score

50% (legacy trade test regulations) / 60% (NCQF Level III course standard)

Exam Fee

Not published — the trade test fee is prescribed under regulation 29 of the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Regulations (S.I. 84 of 1993) but is not published; confirm it with the MTTC Examination Office (Madirelo Training and Testing Centre (MTTC), DTVET, Ministry of Higher Education)

MTTC Welding Trade Test Exam Content Outline

41%

Basic Metal Work & Workshop Tools

Workshop safety, PPE, marking out, hand and power cutting tools, grinding, shearing, sheet metal rolling and bending, and clamping fixtures.

29%

Joining Processes & Equipment

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, oxy-fuel cutting and welding, joint configurations, weld positions, and defect diagnosis.

18%

Basic Engineering Drawing

Standard welding symbols (AWS/ISO), orthographic and sectional views, pattern development (parallel line, radial line, triangulation), and structural drawings.

12%

Engineering Materials & Metallurgy

Ferrous and non-ferrous metals, structural carbon steels, stainless steel, weldability, thermal distortion control, preheating, and post-weld treatment.

How to Pass the MTTC Welding Trade Test Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 50% (legacy trade test regulations) / 60% (NCQF Level III course standard)
Assessment: The national assessment comprises an English-language written trade theory paper covering basic metal work, joining processes, engineering drawing, and materials, paired with an independently moderated timed practical workshop assessment. Under legacy trade test regulations (S.I. 84 of 1993) the pass mark is 50% in both theory and practical; under NCQF Level III specifications (Q0677) the summative course pass mark is 60%.
Time limit: Written theory examination plus timed practical workshop test piece
Exam fee: Not published — the trade test fee is prescribed under regulation 29 of the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Regulations (S.I. 84 of 1993) but is not published; confirm it with the MTTC Examination Office

Keys to Passing

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

MTTC Welding Trade Test Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize standard welding symbols, including the difference between arrow-side (below line) and other-side (above line) symbol placements.

2Understand electrode classification codes (e.g. AWS E6013, E7018) including tensile strength, welding positions, and flux coating types.

3Master oxy-acetylene cylinder safety, pressure regulators, left-hand threads on fuel fittings, and flashback arrestor functions.

4Study sheet metal pattern development methods: parallel line (ducts), radial line (cones), and triangulation (transitions).

5Learn the causes and remedies of common weld defects: porosity, undercut, lack of penetration, and cold/hydrogen cracking.

6Complete all 100 questions in this bank and review the comprehensive explanations for both correct and incorrect options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the awarding body for the Botswana fabrication and welding trade test?

The awarding body is the Madirelo Training and Testing Centre (MTTC), operating under the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DTVET), Ministry of Higher Education. MTTC is accredited as an awarding body (AB0015) by the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA).

What is the format of the official MTTC welding trade test?

The official assessment consists of an English-language written trade theory examination and an independently assessed, timed practical workshop test piece. Our online practice bank provides 100 multiple-choice questions adapted to support preparation for the written theory, safety, equipment setup, drawing symbols, and metallurgy topics.

What topics are tested on the NCQF Level III fabrication and welding examination?

The test is aligned with BQA qualification Q0677 (40 credits total, 34 core credits), covering Basic Metal Work (14 credits), Joining Processes and Equipment (10 credits), Basic Engineering Drawing (6 credits), and Engineering Materials (4 credits). Q0677 was registered on 9 August 2021 with an expiry of 8 August 2026; the BQA register still shows it as VALID, so check the register for the current registration state before relying on the code.

What is the passing score for the welding trade test in Botswana?

Under the Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Regulations (S.I. 84 of 1993), the minimum pass mark is 50% in both the theoretical and practical tests. Under the NCQF Level III course specification (Q0677), the summative course pass mark is 60% with continuous assessment weighting.

Does this practice test replace practical welding and fabrication practice?

No. This practice question bank is an English-language study aid for the written theory, welding parameters, joint setups, defect remedies, and pattern development principles. Hands-on arc welding, torch manipulation, guillotine shearing, and roll forming must be practiced in an accredited workshop.

How can I progress after passing the Level III / Trade Test C welding examination?

Successful candidates can progress to MTTC Trade Test B and the National Craft Certificate (NCC), or pursue the Certificate V in Welding and Fabrication (BQA Q0396) for advanced pipe welding (5F/6G) and weld inspection qualifications.