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Key Facts: IIW IWI-B Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

IAB-041

Governing IIW Guideline

IIW

Visual

Core Inspection Scope (ISO 17637)

IIW

B/C/D

ISO 5817 Quality Levels

ISO 5817

MCQ

Written Exam Format

IIW

Basic

Entry Inspector Tier

IIW

The IIW International Welding Inspector — Basic (IWI-B) is the foundational level of the International Institute of Welding's IWIP scheme (guideline IAB-041), delivered worldwide through Authorised Nominated Bodies. It qualifies the holder to perform visual inspection of welds (to ISO 17637) and to assist higher-level inspectors. The exam is a written multiple-choice assessment of the Welding Technology and Welding Inspection modules, with practical reporting exercises; question counts, fees and the pass mark (commonly around 60% per module) are set locally by each ANB. Core content covers welding processes (ISO 4063), materials and weldability, weld imperfections and terminology (ISO 6520-1), inspection before/during/after welding, visual testing (ISO 17637), acceptance levels (ISO 5817) and documentation. This free prep includes 100 research-based practice questions with explanations and an AI tutor.

Sample IIW IWI-B Practice Questions

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

1In the ISO 4063 process-numbering system, which reference number designates manual metal arc welding (MMA/SMAW) with a covered electrode?

A.111

B.121

C.135

D.141

Explanation: ISO 4063 assigns reference number 111 to metal arc welding with a covered electrode (MMA/SMAW). Inspectors use these numbers to identify the process on WPS and welder qualification records unambiguously.

2Which ISO 4063 reference number corresponds to tungsten inert gas (TIG / GTAW) welding?

A.111

B.131

C.135

D.141

Explanation: ISO 4063 number 141 designates gas tungsten arc welding (TIG/GTAW), which uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert shielding gas. It is widely used for thin sections, root runs and high-quality joints.

3What is the essential difference between MIG (131) and MAG (135) gas metal arc welding?

A.MIG uses an inert shielding gas while MAG uses an active (reactive) shielding gas

B.MIG uses a tungsten electrode while MAG uses a consumable wire

C.MIG is used only on aluminium and MAG only on stainless steel

D.MIG is a manual process and MAG is fully automatic

Explanation: Both are gas metal arc welding with a continuously fed consumable wire. The distinction is the shielding gas: MIG (131) uses an inert gas such as argon or helium, while MAG (135) uses an active gas such as CO2 or argon/CO2 mixtures that takes part in the arc reactions.

4In manual metal arc welding (MMA/SMAW), what is the primary function of the electrode covering (flux coating)?

A.To increase the electrode core wire diameter

B.To shield the arc and weld pool, form slag and stabilise the arc

C.To act as the non-consumable electrode

D.To replace the need for a power source

Explanation: The covering on an MMA electrode decomposes in the arc to generate a shielding gas, forms a protective slag over the solidifying weld, adds deoxidisers and alloying elements, and stabilises the arc. This protects the molten metal from atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen.

5Submerged arc welding (SAW, process 121) achieves shielding of the weld pool primarily by means of:

A.An inert gas cylinder feeding argon to the nozzle

B.A granular flux that covers and submerges the arc

C.A covered electrode that forms gas as it burns

D.A vacuum chamber surrounding the joint

Explanation: In SAW the arc burns beneath a layer of granular fusible flux, which is fed over the joint and 'submerges' the arc. The flux shields the molten pool, forms slag, and prevents spatter and radiation, allowing high deposition rates.

6Which welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and is best suited to high-quality root runs and thin material?

A.MMA (111)

B.MAG (135)

C.TIG (141)

D.SAW (121)

Explanation: TIG (GTAW, process 141) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode with an inert gas shield and optional separate filler. It gives precise, clean, low-spatter welds and excellent control, making it ideal for root passes and thin sections.

7Resistance spot welding joins overlapping sheets primarily by:

A.Melting a filler wire deposited between the sheets

B.Passing a high current through the sheets so resistance heating fuses them at the contact point under electrode force

C.Using a shielding gas to protect an arc between two electrodes

D.Heating the sheets in a furnace until they bond

Explanation: In resistance spot welding, electrode force clamps the sheets and a high current passes through them; the electrical resistance at the faying surfaces generates localised heat that melts and fuses a small nugget. No filler or shielding gas is used.

8In arc welding, increasing the arc voltage (with current held constant) generally has what effect on the weld bead?

A.Produces a narrower, more peaked bead

B.Produces a wider, flatter bead with a longer arc length

C.Has no effect on bead shape

D.Reduces the arc length and increases penetration depth

Explanation: Arc voltage is closely related to arc length: higher voltage means a longer arc, which spreads the heat and produces a wider, flatter bead. Penetration tends to decrease and the risk of undercut and spatter can rise if voltage is excessive.

9Which welding parameter most directly controls the rate of weld metal deposition and penetration in MMA and MAG welding?

A.Travel speed

B.Welding current (amperage)

C.Electrode angle

D.Ambient temperature

Explanation: Welding current is the dominant control of deposition rate and penetration: higher current melts more wire/electrode per unit time and drives the arc deeper. Inspectors check that recorded amperage falls within the WPS range because it strongly affects fusion and bead size.

10Heat input in arc welding is calculated using which relationship (with k the thermal efficiency factor)?

A.Heat input = (k x voltage x current) / travel speed

B.Heat input = travel speed / (voltage x current)

C.Heat input = voltage / (current x travel speed)

D.Heat input = current x travel speed x voltage

Explanation: Arc energy per unit length is (voltage x current) / travel speed, and heat input multiplies this by a thermal efficiency factor k for the process. Controlling heat input is important because it governs cooling rate, HAZ properties and distortion.

About the IIW IWI-B Exam

The IIW International Welding Inspector — Basic (IWI-B) is the entry tier of the International Institute of Welding's welding inspection personnel scheme (IAB-041). It qualifies the holder to carry out visual inspection of welds and to assist higher-level inspectors. Assessment is by written multiple-choice examinations covering welding technology and welding inspection, plus practical reporting exercises.

Exam sponsor: International Institute of Welding (IIW) via its Authorised Nominated Bodies, under guideline IAB-041. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Written multiple-choice examinations covering the Welding Technology (WT) and Welding Inspection (WI) modules, plus practical reporting exercises, administered by an IIW Authorised Nominated Body; this practice bank is 100 selected-response items.

Time Limit

Approximately 1.5 hours for the written inspection theory exam (varies by ANB)

Passing Score

Set by the IIW scheme (commonly around 60% per module; confirmed by the ANB)

Exam / Certification Fees

Set by the examining ANB / training provider (varies by country)

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

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.

20%

Welding Processes Overview

Arc, resistance and beam processes, ISO 4063 numbers, consumables and shielding, welding parameters and heat input, positions and joint preparation

16%

Materials & Weldability Basics

Carbon equivalent, the HAZ, preheat and interpass control, cold and hot cracking, lamellar tearing, stainless and aluminium weldability, and mechanical tests

20%

Weld Imperfections & Terminology (ISO 6520)

The six ISO 6520-1 groups, cracks, porosity, slag and tungsten inclusions, lack of fusion/penetration, undercut, overlap, and discontinuity versus defect

12%

Inspection Before, During & After Welding

Pre-weld fit-up and material checks, in-process interpass and parameter checks, post-weld checks, NDT hold times, PWHT verification and safety

16%

Visual Inspection (ISO 17637) & Measurement

ISO 17637 conditions (350 lux, 600 mm / 30 degrees), surface preparation, direct and remote VT, weld gauges, and an overview of PT, MT, RT and UT

Acceptance Levels (ISO 5817)

Quality levels B/C/D, application to imperfections, cracks and lack of fusion not permitted, and ISO 10042 for aluminium

Documentation & Relevant ISO Standards

WPS, WPQR/PQR, ISO 9606 welder qualification, ISO 15614 procedure qualification, ISO 2553 symbols, EN 10204 certificates and records

Preparing for the IIW IWI-B Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Set by the IIW scheme (commonly around 60% per module; confirmed by the ANB)
Assessment: Written multiple-choice examinations covering the Welding Technology (WT) and Welding Inspection (WI) modules, plus practical reporting exercises, administered by an IIW Authorised Nominated Body; this practice bank is 100 selected-response items.
Time limit: Approximately 1.5 hours for the written inspection theory exam (varies by ANB)
Exam / certification fees: Set by the examining ANB / training provider (varies by country) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
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IIW IWI-B: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize the ISO 4063 process numbers (111 MMA, 121 SAW, 131/135 MIG/MAG, 141 TIG) and the ISO 6520-1 imperfection groups (1 cracks to 6 other)

2Link each standard to its job: ISO 6520 classifies imperfections, ISO 5817 sets acceptance levels B/C/D, ISO 17637 governs visual testing

3Know the ISO 17637 visual conditions cold: minimum 350 lux (500 recommended), eye within 600 mm, viewing angle not less than 30 degrees

4Understand the three factors for hydrogen (cold) cracking, hydrogen plus a hard microstructure plus tensile stress, and how preheat and low-hydrogen consumables break the cycle

5Practice telling apart similar imperfections: lack of fusion vs lack of penetration, undercut vs overlap, concavity vs convexity, and discontinuity vs defect

6Complete all 100 practice questions and review every miss with the AI tutor before sitting the exam

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IIW IWI-B exam and who runs it?

The IIW International Welding Inspector — Basic (IWI-B) is the entry tier of the International Institute of Welding's inspection personnel scheme under guideline IAB-041. It is delivered worldwide through IIW Authorised Nominated Bodies and qualifies the holder to perform visual inspection of welds.

What format is the IWI-B examination?

The IWI-B is assessed by written multiple-choice examinations covering the Welding Technology and Welding Inspection modules, supported by practical reporting exercises. Higher inspector levels (IWI-S and IWI-C) add oral examinations, but the Basic level is primarily a written MCQ assessment.

What standards should I know for the IWI-B exam?

Key standards include ISO 6520-1 (imperfection classification), ISO 5817 (acceptance quality levels B/C/D), ISO 17637 (visual testing of fusion welds), ISO 4063 (process numbers), ISO 2553 (welding symbols), ISO 9606 (welder qualification) and ISO 15614 (procedure qualification).

What can an IWI-B do once qualified?

An IWI-B is qualified to carry out visual inspection of welds in accordance with ISO 17637 and to assist Standard and Comprehensive level inspectors with defined inspection tasks. It is the foundational competence level in the IIW IWIP scheme.

What is the pass mark and exam length for IWI-B?

The pass mark is set within the IIW scheme (commonly around 60% per module) and confirmed by the examining Authorised Nominated Body. The written inspection theory exam is typically about 1.5 hours, but exact duration, question counts and fees are fixed locally by each ANB.

Is this free IWI-B practice as good as paid prep?

Our 100 practice questions cover the same welding technology and welding inspection topics as the IWI-B syllabus, with a teaching explanation for every answer plus free daily AI tutor interactions. All content is free forever and updated for 2026.

Free Practice Questions for IIW IWI-B

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