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Key Facts: IIW IWP Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

4 modules

Syllabus Structure

IIW/IAB

~150 hours

Training (theory + practical)

IIW/IAB

50% per module

Minimum Pass Mark

IAB

Foundation

Lowest Coordination Tier

IIW/IAB

International

ANB-Delivered Diploma

IIW

The International Welding Practitioner (IWP) is the foundation (lowest) level of the four IIW welding-coordination diplomas, below the IWS, IWT and IWE. It is administered by the International Institute of Welding through the International Authorisation Board (IAB) and delivered by national Authorised Nominated Bodies (ANBs). Training is about 150 hours of theory and practical across four modules: Module 1 welding processes and equipment, Module 2 materials and their behaviour during welding, Module 3 construction and design, and Module 4 fabrication, applications engineering and quality. Assessment is by written module exams (multiple-choice and structured questions) with a minimum of 50% per module under IAB rules, plus a practical assessment at the practitioner level. Candidates enter via a standard training route or an alternative experience route of about four years. This free prep includes 100 research-based practice questions with explanations and an AI tutor.

Sample IIW IWP Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the IIW IWP 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 numbering of welding processes, which process number designates manual metal arc welding with a covered electrode (MMA / SMAW)?
A.111
B.131
C.135
D.141
Explanation: ISO 4063 assigns process number 111 to manual metal arc welding (MMA/SMAW) with a covered electrode. The covered (flux-coated) consumable electrode both carries the arc and provides shielding as it burns.
2In gas metal arc welding (GMAW), which metal-transfer mode produces the lowest heat input and is therefore preferred for thin sheet and positional welding?
A.Spray transfer
B.Globular transfer
C.Short-circuiting (dip) transfer
D.Pulsed spray transfer
Explanation: Short-circuiting (dip) transfer operates at low voltage and current, so the wire repeatedly short-circuits to the pool and the arc extinguishes and re-strikes. This gives the lowest heat input, a fast-freezing pool, and good control for thin material and out-of-position welding.
3A welding power source is rated at 300 A at a 60% duty cycle. What does the 60% duty cycle mean?
A.The set can deliver 300 A continuously for any length of time
B.The set can weld at 300 A for 6 minutes out of every 10-minute period
C.The set delivers only 60% of 300 A, i.e. 180 A
D.The set must rest for 6 minutes after every 4 minutes of welding
Explanation: Duty cycle is the percentage of a standard 10-minute period during which the set can deliver its rated current without overheating. A 60% duty cycle at 300 A allows 6 minutes of welding at 300 A followed by 4 minutes of cooling.
4For TIG (GTAW) welding of plain carbon and stainless steels, which current type and polarity is normally used?
A.AC with high-frequency stabilisation
B.DC electrode positive (DCEP)
C.DC electrode negative (DCEN)
D.Square-wave AC with balance control
Explanation: TIG welding of steels uses DC electrode negative (DCEN, straight polarity). With the electrode negative, about two-thirds of the heat is at the workpiece, giving deep penetration and keeping the tungsten relatively cool.
5Which shielding gas is used for TIG (GTAW) welding of carbon steel and stainless steel?
A.Pure carbon dioxide
B.An argon plus 20% CO2 mixture
C.Pure argon (inert gas)
D.Oxygen plus acetylene
Explanation: TIG welding uses an inert shielding gas, normally pure argon, because the tungsten electrode and the molten pool must be protected from any reaction. An active gas such as CO2 would oxidise and rapidly consume the tungsten electrode.
6Increasing the electrical stickout (contact-tip-to-work distance) in GMAW while keeping voltage and wire feed constant will normally:
A.Increase weld penetration and arc current
B.Decrease arc current and penetration, and increase deposition rate
C.Have no effect on the weld
D.Increase the shielding gas coverage
Explanation: A longer stickout means more resistive (I-squared-R) preheating of the wire, so for a fixed wire feed the welding current falls. Lower current reduces arc energy and penetration, while the preheated wire melts off faster, raising deposition rate.
7In submerged arc welding (SAW), the granular flux performs several functions. Which of the following is NOT a function of the SAW flux?
A.Shielding the arc and molten pool from the atmosphere
B.Providing the filler metal that forms the bulk of the weld
C.Acting as a thermal insulator that concentrates heat in the joint
D.Refining the weld metal and influencing its chemical composition
Explanation: In SAW the bulk of the filler is supplied by the continuously fed bare wire electrode, not the flux. The flux shields the arc, insulates and concentrates the heat, and can refine the weld metal and adjust composition through alloy transfer.
8What is the main purpose of the flux coating on a covered MMA (SMAW) electrode?
A.To increase the electrical resistance of the core wire
B.To generate a shielding gas and form a slag that protects the weld
C.To make the electrode stiffer and easier to handle only
D.To lower the melting point of the parent metal
Explanation: When the coating burns it generates a shielding gas that excludes air from the arc and forms a slag that blankets and protects the cooling weld. The coating also stabilises the arc and can add alloying elements and deoxidisers.
9Basic (low-hydrogen) MMA electrodes must be stored and handled carefully because their coating readily absorbs:
A.Oxygen
B.Nitrogen
C.Moisture (hydrogen source)
D.Carbon dioxide
Explanation: Basic electrode coatings are hygroscopic and absorb moisture from the air. Moisture introduces diffusible hydrogen into the weld, which can cause hydrogen-induced (cold) cracking, so the electrodes are baked and held in heated quivers.
10Which welding process uses a non-consumable electrode?
A.MMA (SMAW, 111)
B.MIG/MAG (GMAW, 131/135)
C.TIG (GTAW, 141)
D.Flux-cored arc welding (136)
Explanation: TIG (GTAW) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode that establishes the arc but is not melted into the weld; filler, if needed, is added separately as a rod or wire. The other listed processes all use a consumable electrode that becomes the weld metal.

About the IIW IWP Exam

The International Welding Practitioner (IWP) is the foundation level of the IIW welding-coordination diploma scheme administered by the International Authorisation Board (IAB). Training is about 150 hours of theory and practical, organised into four modules, and is assessed by written module exams plus a practical, with a minimum of 50% per module under IAB rules.

Exam sponsor: International Institute of Welding (IIW) / International Authorisation Board (IAB), delivered through national ANBs. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Written module exams covering Module 1 (processes), Module 2 (materials), Module 3 (design) and Module 4 (fabrication/quality), using multiple-choice and structured questions, plus a practical assessment for the practitioner level; this practice bank is 100 selected-response items

Time Limit

Module-based written papers (a few hours total across the four modules; set by the ANB)

Passing Score

Minimum 50% per module under IAB rules (some ANBs require a higher mark)

Exam / Certification Fees

Set by the local ANB and usually bundled with the training course (commonly EUR 2,000+ for the package, varies by country)

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.

25%

Module 1: Welding Processes & Equipment

Arc, gas and beam processes, ISO 4063 numbers, power sources, metal transfer, polarity, shielding gases, duty cycle and equipment

25%

Module 2: Materials & Their Behaviour During Welding

Steels, stainless steels and aluminium, the HAZ, carbon equivalent, preheat, hydrogen and hot cracking, sensitisation and PWHT

20%

Module 3: Construction & Design Basics

Joint types and preparations, fillet/butt weld geometry, ISO 2553 symbols, ISO 6947 positions, fatigue and stress concentration

30%

Module 4: Fabrication, Applications & Quality

Weld defects and ISO 6520, ISO 5817 acceptance, NDT (VT/PT/MT/UT/RT), WPS/WPQR, ISO 9606 and ISO 3834, distortion control and safety

Preparing for the IIW IWP Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Minimum 50% per module under IAB rules (some ANBs require a higher mark)
  • Assessment: Written module exams covering Module 1 (processes), Module 2 (materials), Module 3 (design) and Module 4 (fabrication/quality), using multiple-choice and structured questions, plus a practical assessment for the practitioner level; this practice bank is 100 selected-response items
  • Time limit: Module-based written papers (a few hours total across the four modules; set by the ANB)
  • Exam / certification fees: Set by the local ANB and usually bundled with the training course (commonly EUR 2,000+ for the package, varies by country) 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

IIW IWP: Suggested Study Strategy

1Learn the ISO 4063 process numbers cold: 111 MMA, 121 SAW, 131 MIG, 135 MAG, 136 FCAW, 141 TIG, 311 oxy-acetylene
2Know the throat-to-leg rule for equal-leg fillets (throat = 0.707 x leg) and that strength is always based on the throat area
3Master the three conditions for hydrogen (cold) cracking: diffusible hydrogen, hard microstructure and tensile stress, and how preheat breaks the chain
4Memorise the ISO 6520 imperfection groups (100 cracks, 200 cavities, 300 inclusions, 400 lack of fusion, 500 shape, 600 misc.) and the ISO 5817 quality levels B/C/D
5Match each NDT method to what it finds: PT/MT for surface defects, UT/RT for internal/volumetric defects, MT only on ferromagnetic steel
6Complete all 100 practice questions and review every miss with the AI tutor before sitting the module exams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IIW International Welding Practitioner (IWP)?

The IWP is the foundation (lowest) level of the four IIW welding-coordination diplomas, below the IWS, IWT and IWE. It is administered by the International Institute of Welding through the International Authorisation Board (IAB) and delivered by national ANBs.

How is the IWP exam structured?

Training is split into four modules (processes, materials, design, and fabrication/quality) and is assessed by written module exams using multiple-choice and structured questions, plus a practical assessment at the practitioner level. Exact paper formats are set by each national ANB.

What score do I need to pass the IWP exams?

Under the IAB guideline a minimum of 50% must be achieved in each module, and failing a module blocks the award until it is passed. Some ANBs apply a higher pass mark, so confirm the requirement with your training body.

What topics does the IWP cover?

It covers Module 1 welding processes and equipment, Module 2 materials and their behaviour during welding, Module 3 construction and design, and Module 4 fabrication, applications engineering and quality, including weld defects, NDT, WPS/WPQR and welding safety.

How do I become eligible for the IWP?

You meet your national ANB access conditions and follow either the standard route (about 150 hours of approved training at an Approved Training Body) or the alternative route (about four years of relevant welding experience in a responsible role).

Is this free IWP practice as good as paid prep?

Our 100 practice questions cover the same four IIW modules at practitioner depth, with a teaching explanation for every answer plus free daily AI tutor interactions. All content is free forever and updated for 2026.