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In the SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) process, what is the primary function of the flux coating on the electrode?

To cool the weld metal rapidly

To provide shielding gas and slag to protect the weld pool

To increase the electrical resistance of the electrode

To increase the welding current

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CWE Exam

196

Total Exam Questions (Part A + Part B)

AWS CWE Examination User Guide

60%

Passing Score (Each Part)

AWS CWE Program Page

$910-$1,175

Exam Fee (Member/Non-Member)

AWS 2026 Price List

4 years

Credential Validity

AWS QC5 Standard

$55K-$80K

Annual Salary Range

AWS Career Resources

5 years

Minimum Experience Required

AWS CWE Eligibility Requirements

The CWE exam uses the same Part A (150-question Fundamentals) and Part B (46-question Practical) as the CWI exam but requires only 60% to pass each part, compared to 72% for CWI. AWS's 2026 price list shows the exam-only fee at $910 for members and $1,175 for non-members. The CWE Examination User Guide (Rev. 09.30.2025) confirms Part A is delivered via CBT at Prometric centers while Part B is hands-on at AWS exam sites. According to AWS's career resources page, Certified Welding Educators earn between $55,000 and $80,000 annually.

Sample CWE Practice Questions

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

1In the SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) process, what is the primary function of the flux coating on the electrode?

A.To cool the weld metal rapidly

B.To provide shielding gas and slag to protect the weld pool

C.To increase the electrical resistance of the electrode

D.To increase the welding current

Explanation: The flux coating on SMAW electrodes decomposes during welding to generate a shielding gas that protects the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination. It also creates a slag layer that covers and protects the solidifying weld. Additionally, flux stabilizes the arc and may add alloying elements to the weld metal.

2Which welding process uses a continuously fed consumable wire electrode and an externally supplied shielding gas?

A.SAW

B.GMAW

C.SMAW

D.GTAW

Explanation: GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), also known as MIG welding, uses a continuously fed consumable wire electrode along with an externally supplied shielding gas such as argon, CO2, or a mixture. SMAW uses stick electrodes with flux, GTAW uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode, and SAW uses granular flux rather than external gas shielding.

3What type of electrode is used in GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding)?

A.Non-consumable tungsten electrode

B.Consumable aluminum electrode

C.Consumable flux-cored electrode

D.Consumable steel electrode

Explanation: GTAW uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to establish and maintain the arc. The tungsten electrode has a very high melting point and does not become part of the weld deposit. If filler metal is needed, it is added separately by hand or through a wire feeder.

4Which shielding gas is most commonly used in GMAW for welding carbon steel in short-circuit transfer mode?

A.75% argon / 25% CO2

B.Pure helium

C.Pure argon

D.Pure nitrogen

Explanation: A 75% argon / 25% CO2 mixture (commonly called C-25) is one of the most widely used shielding gases for GMAW short-circuit transfer on carbon steel. Pure argon is more commonly used for aluminum or stainless steel. Pure helium and nitrogen are not standard choices for carbon steel GMAW.

5What is the AWS electrode classification for a low-hydrogen SMAW electrode typically used in structural welding?

A.E6013

B.E7018

C.E7024

D.E6010

Explanation: E7018 is the most common low-hydrogen electrode used in structural welding. The '70' indicates 70,000 psi minimum tensile strength, the '1' indicates all-position capability, and the '8' designates a low-hydrogen potassium iron powder coating. Low-hydrogen electrodes are critical for preventing hydrogen-induced cracking in structural applications.

6In the FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding) process, what differentiates FCAW-G from FCAW-S?

A.FCAW-G uses external shielding gas while FCAW-S is self-shielded

B.FCAW-G requires DC current while FCAW-S requires AC current

C.FCAW-G is used only for stainless steel while FCAW-S is for carbon steel

D.FCAW-G uses granular flux while FCAW-S uses solid wire

Explanation: FCAW-G (gas-shielded) uses an external shielding gas, typically CO2 or an argon/CO2 mixture, in addition to the flux core. FCAW-S (self-shielded) relies entirely on the flux core ingredients to generate shielding protection without external gas. Both processes can be used on carbon steel and use DC current.

7In SAW (Submerged Arc Welding), what provides protection for the weld pool?

A.The flux coating on the electrode

B.A granular fusible flux blanket

C.An externally supplied inert gas

D.A vacuum chamber around the joint

Explanation: SAW uses a granular fusible flux that is deposited ahead of or around the arc. The arc is completely submerged beneath this flux blanket, which melts and solidifies to form a protective slag over the weld. This submerged arc produces very little visible arc, spatter, or fume compared to other processes.

8Which transfer mode in GMAW produces the least amount of spatter and is best suited for thin-gauge materials?

A.Spray transfer

B.Pulsed spray transfer

C.Globular transfer

D.Short-circuit transfer

Explanation: Short-circuit transfer in GMAW operates at lower voltage and wire feed speed, resulting in lower heat input that is ideal for thin materials and out-of-position welding. While it does produce some spatter, it is the mode best suited for thin-gauge work. Spray transfer produces a very smooth arc with minimal spatter but requires higher heat input, making it unsuitable for thin materials.

9What does the term 'duty cycle' mean when referring to welding power sources?

A.The total hours a machine can operate before maintenance

B.The number of electrodes consumed per hour

C.The percentage of a 10-minute period a machine can operate at rated output without overheating

D.The ratio of arc-on time to total project time

Explanation: Duty cycle is expressed as a percentage of a 10-minute period during which a welding machine can operate at its rated output without overheating. For example, a 60% duty cycle at 300 amps means the machine can weld for 6 minutes out of every 10 minutes at 300 amps. This is a critical specification when selecting equipment for classroom and production environments.

10Which polarity setting is recommended for E7018 electrodes in SMAW?

A.AC only

B.Either DCEN or AC

C.DCEN (DC Electrode Negative)

D.DCEP (DC Electrode Positive)

Explanation: E7018 electrodes are designed to operate on DCEP (DC Electrode Positive), also known as reverse polarity. DCEP provides deeper penetration and a more stable arc with low-hydrogen electrodes. Some E7018 variants (E7018 AC) can also run on AC, but DCEP is the standard recommendation.

About the CWE Exam

The Certified Welding Educator (CWE) credential from the American Welding Society validates a professional's ability to teach welding principles, safety procedures, and hands-on techniques. The CWE exam shares content with the CWI exam — candidates must pass Part A (Fundamentals) and Part B (Practical) with a minimum 60% on each part. The credential is governed by AWS QC5 and AWS B5.5 standards and is valid for four years with renewal.

Assessment

Two-part exam: Part A (150 multiple-choice CBT at Prometric) + Part B (46 hands-on practical questions at AWS exam sites)

Time Limit

Part A: 135 minutes + Part B: 2 hours

Passing Score

60% on each part

Exam Fee

$910 member / $1,175 non-member (AWS (American Welding Society))

CWE Exam Content Outline

12%

Definition and Terminology

Welding definitions, joint types, weld types, positions, brazing vs. soldering, and standard terminology per AWS A3.0.

12%

Welding Processes

SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW processes including equipment setup, electrode classification, shielding gases, and transfer modes.

10%

Symbols — Welding and NDE

Interpretation of welding symbols per AWS A2.4, supplementary symbols, NDE symbols, and blueprint reading.

10%

Weld Examination

Visual inspection, discontinuity identification (undercut, porosity, lack of fusion, overlap), and acceptance/rejection criteria.

Welding Performance

WPS, PQR, WQTR documentation, essential variables, welder qualification, and procedure qualification requirements.

Test Methods — NDE

VT, MT, PT, UT, RT methods including principles, applications, limitations, and selection criteria.

Heat Control and Metallurgy

Preheat, interpass temperature, PWHT, carbon equivalent, HAZ microstructures, hydrogen cracking, and hot cracking.

Welding Related Calculations

Heat input calculations, fillet weld throat, electrode consumption, and unit conversions.

Duties and Responsibilities

CWE role under AWS QC5 and B5.5, ethical obligations, certification renewal, and professional development.

Destructive Tests

Bend tests, tensile tests, Charpy impact tests, hardness tests, and macro-etch examination.

Cutting Processes

Oxyfuel cutting, plasma arc cutting, and air carbon arc gouging principles and safety.

CWE-specific

Teaching Methodology

Instructional strategies, lesson planning, student assessment, SENSE program alignment, lab safety management, and differentiated instruction.

How to Pass the CWE Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 60% on each part
Assessment: Two-part exam: Part A (150 multiple-choice CBT at Prometric) + Part B (46 hands-on practical questions at AWS exam sites)
Time limit: Part A: 135 minutes + Part B: 2 hours
Exam fee: $910 member / $1,175 non-member

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CWE Study Tips from Top Performers

1Start with welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW) and definitions since they account for 24% of Part A. Know electrode classifications, shielding gases, transfer modes, and equipment differences cold.

2Practice with weld replicas and inspection tools before the Part B exam. Familiarize yourself with the Book of Specifications, fillet weld gauges, calipers, and how to evaluate WPS/PQR documents under timed conditions.

3Study metallurgy concepts (HAZ, preheat, carbon equivalent, hydrogen cracking) even though they are only 6% of Part A. These topics have high difficulty and appear in application-style questions that many candidates find challenging.

4Master welding symbol interpretation per AWS A2.4. Practice reading arrow side vs. other side placement, supplementary symbols (weld all around, field weld), and sizing dimensions. This is 10% of the exam.

5Review the CWE-specific standards: AWS QC5 (certification requirements), AWS B5.5 (qualification of welding educators), and the AWS SENSE program. Understanding the CWE's role and ethical responsibilities will appear on the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the CWE exam?

The CWE exam has two parts: Part A (Fundamentals) contains 150 scored multiple-choice questions (plus 15 unscored pretest questions, for 165 total) delivered via CBT at Prometric. Part B (Practical) contains 46 questions based on hands-on inspection activities at AWS exam sites.

What score do I need to pass the CWE exam?

CWE candidates must score at least 60% on each part (Part A and Part B) to pass. This is lower than the 72% required for the CWI credential. Scores are reported to the nearest lower whole percent.

How much does the CWE exam cost in 2026?

According to the AWS 2026 Certification and Education Programs Price List, the CWE exam-only fee is $910 for members and $1,175 for non-members. SENSE participants pay $445 (member) or $710 (non-member). Retest fees are $430/$695, and single-part retests are $385.

What are the prerequisites for the CWE exam?

Applicants need a minimum of 5 years of welding-related experience (up to 2 years can be met through teaching experience), a valid welder certification or qualification test record, and a completed CWE Instructor Credentials form. Higher education can reduce the experience requirement.

Can I earn both CWE and CWI credentials at the same time?

Yes. Since the CWE exam uses Part A and Part B from the CWI exam, candidates can pursue both credentials simultaneously by also taking Part C (Code Book) and scoring at least 72% on all three parts for CWI. Submit the combined CWI/CWE Exam Application and CWE Instructor Credentials form together.

How long is the CWE credential valid?

The CWE credential is valid for four years. Renewal requires completing a renewal application and demonstrating at least two years of activity in welding education or related activities during the certification period. The CWE does not require recertification by exam.

How much do Certified Welding Educators earn?

According to AWS career resources and industry salary data, most Certified Welding Educators earn between $55,000 and $80,000 annually. Entry-level welding instructors typically earn $45,000-$55,000, while experienced educators with certifications can earn $60,000-$75,000 or more at technical colleges and training centers.