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Key Facts: SOLAS Metal Fabrication Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

NFQ Level 6

QQI Advanced Cert Craft

SOLAS/QQI

4 years

Apprenticeship Length

SOLAS

7 phases

On/Off-the-Job Structure

SOLAS

Pass/Merit/Distinction

Phase Grading

SOLAS

Ireland

Metal Fabrication Trade

SOLAS

The SOLAS Metal Fabrication apprenticeship is Ireland's craft pathway to a QQI Advanced Certificate Craft at NFQ Level 6 (the SOLAS trade is officially 'Metal Fabrication'). It runs for four years across seven phases, alternating on-the-job phases with an approved employer and off-the-job phases at a training centre and colleges. Apprentices study welding processes (MMA, MIG/MAG and TIG), structural fabrication, plate and pipe work, thermal and CNC cutting, metallurgy and materials, fabrication drawing and development, distortion control and inspection. Each off-the-job phase is assessed by theory/knowledge tests, practical skills demonstrations and project work, graded Pass, Merit or Distinction under SOLAS criterion-referenced rules. This free prep includes 100 research-based practice questions with explanations and an AI tutor.

Sample SOLAS Metal Fabrication Practice Questions

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

1In Manual Metal Arc (MMA/SMAW) welding, what is the recommended maximum arc length relative to the electrode?
A.About twice the core wire diameter
B.About the same as the core wire diameter
C.About four times the flux coating thickness
D.As long as the arc remains stable, with no limit
Explanation: In MMA welding the arc length should be kept approximately equal to the diameter of the electrode core wire. A longer arc spreads the heat, reduces shielding from the flux gases, and promotes undercut, porosity and spatter.
2Which shielding gas is normally used for TIG (GTAW) welding of plain carbon and stainless steels?
A.Pure oxygen
B.Pure argon
C.Carbon dioxide
D.Compressed air
Explanation: TIG welding uses an inert shielding gas, most commonly pure argon, to protect the tungsten electrode and molten pool from atmospheric contamination. Argon is inert so it does not react with the weld metal or oxidise the tungsten.
3A weld shows a narrow groove melted into the parent metal along the toe of the weld, leaving it below the surrounding surface. What defect is this?
A.Undercut
B.Overlap
C.Incomplete penetration
D.Slag inclusion
Explanation: Undercut is a groove melted into the parent metal at the weld toe that is not filled by weld metal. It is caused by excessive current, too long an arc, incorrect electrode angle or too fast a travel speed, and acts as a stress raiser that reduces fatigue strength.
4Porosity in a weld is caused by which of the following?
A.Excessive travel speed only
B.Gas trapped in the solidifying weld metal
C.Using too small an electrode
D.Welding with the wrong polarity only
Explanation: Porosity is gas (hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, CO/CO2) becoming trapped in the weld pool as it solidifies, forming cavities. Common causes are damp electrodes, oil/grease/rust on the joint, loss of shielding gas, or excessive arc length.
5Why must low-hydrogen (basic-coated) MMA electrodes such as E7018 be stored in a heated oven or quiver?
A.To increase their melting rate
B.To keep the flux coating dry and avoid hydrogen pick-up
C.To soften the core wire for easier striking
D.To improve their electrical conductivity
Explanation: Basic low-hydrogen electrodes absorb moisture readily, and that moisture is a source of hydrogen which can cause hydrogen-induced (cold) cracking in the HAZ. Storing and re-drying them in a heated oven/quiver keeps the coating dry and the diffusible hydrogen low.
6On a welding symbol to BS EN ISO 2553, what does a triangle drawn ON the reference line (touching the arrow side identification line) indicate?
A.A fillet weld on the arrow side of the joint
B.A single-V butt weld
C.A spot weld
D.A surfacing (build-up) weld
Explanation: A right-angled triangle symbol on the reference line denotes a fillet weld, and its position on the line below the reference indicates the weld is on the arrow side of the joint. BS EN ISO 2553 governs the symbolic representation of welds on drawings.
7For a fillet weld, what is the relationship between the design throat thickness (a) and the leg length (z) for an equal-leg mitre fillet?
A.a = z
B.a is approximately 0.7 x z
C.a = 2z
D.a = z squared
Explanation: For an equal-leg, mitre-profile fillet weld the design throat thickness is the perpendicular from the root to the hypotenuse, equal to the leg length multiplied by cos45 (approximately 0.707). So a is about 0.7 times z. European design (BS EN 1993-1-8) specifies welds by throat thickness.
8Structural steel to BS EN 10025-2 designated S275JR has which yield strength and what does 'JR' indicate?
A.275 MPa minimum yield; impact tested at +20 C (27 J)
B.275 HB hardness; no impact requirement
C.27.5 MPa yield; tested at -20 C
D.275 MPa tensile strength; tested at -40 C
Explanation: In S275, the S denotes structural steel and 275 is the minimum yield strength in MPa (N/mm2) for thin sections. The 'JR' suffix specifies a Charpy V-notch impact value of 27 J at +20 C (room temperature). J0 is tested at 0 C and J2 at -20 C.
9What is the primary purpose of applying preheat to a thick section of medium-carbon steel before welding?
A.To increase deposition rate
B.To slow the cooling rate and reduce the risk of hydrogen (cold) cracking
C.To remove the need for a shielding gas
D.To increase the carbon content of the weld
Explanation: Preheat slows the cooling rate of the weld and HAZ, which allows hydrogen to diffuse out and avoids the formation of hard, brittle martensite. This reduces the risk of hydrogen-induced (cold) cracking, especially as carbon equivalent rises above 0.40.
10Which technique is MOST effective for controlling angular distortion when welding a long fillet-welded T-joint?
A.Increasing the current as high as possible
B.Using a balanced/back-step welding sequence and pre-setting the joint
C.Welding the entire length in one continuous fast pass
D.Removing all tack welds before welding
Explanation: Distortion is controlled by balancing shrinkage forces. A back-step or balanced welding sequence, pre-setting (pre-cambering) the joint against the expected movement, and adequate tacking/fixturing all reduce angular distortion. High heat input actually increases distortion.

About the SOLAS Metal Fabrication Exam

The SOLAS Metal Fabrication apprenticeship leads to a QQI Advanced Certificate Craft at NFQ Level 6 in Ireland. Over four years and seven phases, apprentices learn welding (MMA, MIG/MAG, TIG), structural and plate fabrication, thermal cutting, metallurgy, fabrication drawing and inspection, assessed through phase theory tests, practical skills and projects.

Exam sponsor: SOLAS (Further Education and Training Authority) with QQI, delivered through Education and Training Boards and higher-education colleges. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

A 4-year, 7-phase apprenticeship alternating employer-based on-the-job phases (1, 3, 5, 7) with off-the-job phases (2, 4, 6) at a training centre and colleges; each off-the-job phase is assessed by theory/knowledge tests, practical skills tests and project work, graded Pass/Merit/Distinction

Time Limit

Set per phase assessment by the delivering centre

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced Pass grade per SOLAS marking and grading rules (typically a 50% threshold; Merit and Distinction awarded above)

Exam / Certification Fees

No separate exam fee for registered apprentices; annual student contribution applies at the centre (varies)

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.

22%

Welding Processes (MMA/MIG/TIG)

MMA (SMAW), MIG/MAG (GMAW) and TIG (GTAW): arc length, polarity, shielding gases, transfer modes, positions, parameters and process selection

14%

Structural Fabrication

Steel sections and connections, joint preparation, tacking and assembly, jigs and fixtures, fit-up and multi-run/thick-plate welding

12%

Plate & Section Work

Marking out, measurement, thermal and CNC profile cutting, plate rolling and bending, bend allowance, shearing and sheet seams

14%

Metallurgy & Materials

Carbon and structural steels, stainless grades, mechanical properties, carbon equivalent, the HAZ, heat treatment, preheat and interpass control

12%

Drawings & Development

First-angle projection, BS EN ISO 2553 weld symbols, dimensioning and scale, and parallel-line, radial-line and triangulation development

12%

Inspection & Codes

Weld defects and acceptance, visual inspection and gauges, NDT (PT, MPI, RT, UT), destructive tests, WPS and consumable classification

8%

Distortion Control

Angular and longitudinal distortion, welding sequence, back-step and intermittent welding, pre-setting, restraint and heat-input control

6%

Safety

Welding fume and confined spaces, PPE and filter shades, gas cylinders and oxy-acetylene/flashback, hot work, machine guarding and electrical safety

Preparing for the SOLAS Metal Fabrication Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Criterion-referenced Pass grade per SOLAS marking and grading rules (typically a 50% threshold; Merit and Distinction awarded above)
  • Assessment: A 4-year, 7-phase apprenticeship alternating employer-based on-the-job phases (1, 3, 5, 7) with off-the-job phases (2, 4, 6) at a training centre and colleges; each off-the-job phase is assessed by theory/knowledge tests, practical skills tests and project work, graded Pass/Merit/Distinction
  • Time limit: Set per phase assessment by the delivering centre
  • Exam / certification fees: No separate exam fee for registered apprentices; annual student contribution applies at the centre (varies) 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

SOLAS Metal Fabrication: Suggested Study Strategy

1Weight your study toward welding processes and metallurgy together with safety - they are the core of the trade and the largest share of the practice bank
2Learn the BS EN ISO 2553 weld symbols and the throat = 0.7 x leg rule for fillet welds; symbol and calculation questions are common
3Understand carbon equivalent and preheat: know that a CEV around 0.40 or below is readily weldable and higher values need preheat and low-hydrogen control
4Practise pattern development (parallel-line for cylinders, radial-line for cones, triangulation for transitions) until you can lay out a blank confidently
5Connect distortion control to causes: heat input, sequence, pre-setting and restraint - expect questions linking the welding sequence to the resulting distortion
6Complete all 100 practice questions and review every miss with the AI tutor before each phase exam

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualification does the SOLAS Metal Fabrication apprenticeship lead to?

It leads to a QQI Advanced Certificate Craft in Metal Fabrication at NFQ Level 6, the standard award for the SOLAS craft apprenticeship. The official SOLAS trade name is 'Metal Fabrication', which covers welding and fabrication work.

How is the SOLAS Metal Fabrication apprenticeship structured and assessed?

It runs for four years across seven phases, alternating on-the-job phases with an approved employer (Phases 1, 3, 5, 7) and off-the-job phases at a training centre and colleges (Phases 2, 4, 6). Each off-the-job phase is assessed by theory/knowledge tests, practical skills tests and project work, graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.

What score do I need to pass the phase exams?

SOLAS uses criterion-referenced marking. A Pass is typically achieved at a 50% threshold, with Merit and Distinction awarded for higher performance. Marking standards are set by SOLAS and applied by the delivering Education and Training Board or college.

What topics does the Metal Fabrication apprenticeship cover?

It covers welding processes (MMA, MIG/MAG and TIG), structural fabrication, plate and pipe work, thermal and CNC cutting, metallurgy and materials, fabrication drawing and development, distortion control, and inspection and codes, plus health and safety throughout.

How do I become a SOLAS Metal Fabrication apprentice?

You must first secure employment with a SOLAS-approved employer in Metal Fabrication, who registers you as an apprentice. You need to be at least 16 with a minimum NFQ Level 3 standard, and you are paid a training wage while you complete the phases.

Is this free SOLAS Metal Fabrication practice as good as paid prep?

Our 100 practice questions cover the same content as the official phase curriculum - welding, fabrication, metallurgy, drawing and inspection - with a teaching explanation for every answer plus free daily AI tutor interactions. All content is free forever and updated for 2026.