100+ Free NBBI Authorized Inspector (AI) Practice Questions

Pass your NBBI Authorized Inspector (AI) Commission Exam exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately

~60-70% Pass Rate

100+ Questions

100% Free

1 / 10

Question 1

Score: 0/0

What is the minimum steam pressure threshold above which ASME Section I (Power Boilers) applies?

15 psig

10 psig

5 psig

30 psig

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NBBI Authorized Inspector (AI) Exam

Exam Questions

NBBI

60/85

Passing Score

NBBI

2 weeks

Course Length

NBBI

$3,500

In-Person Tuition

NBBI

Open

Book Policy

NBBI

5 pts

Min. Credit Points

NBBI

The NBBI AI exam has 85 open-book multiple-choice questions with a passing score of 60 correct (~71%). Administered on the last day of the 2-week AI Commission Course. Key domains: ASME Section I (25%), Section VIII Div. 1 (25%), Section IV (15%), Welding & NDE (15%), Materials (10%), Quality Systems (5%), Safety Devices (5%). Requires 5 credit points and employer sponsorship.

Sample NBBI Authorized Inspector (AI) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NBBI Authorized Inspector (AI) 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 minimum steam pressure threshold above which ASME Section I (Power Boilers) applies?

A.15 psig

B.10 psig

C.5 psig

D.30 psig

Explanation: ASME Section I applies to boilers in which steam or other vapor is generated at pressures exceeding 15 psig. Boilers operating at 15 psig or below fall under Section IV (Heating Boilers). This pressure threshold is one of the most fundamental distinctions an Authorized Inspector must know when determining which code section governs a particular piece of equipment. Exam Tip: Remember '15 psig' as the dividing line between Section I and Section IV for steam boilers.

2Which ASME BPVC section governs the construction of unfired pressure vessels operating at pressures exceeding 15 psig?

A.Section VIII Division 1

B.Section IV

C.Section I

D.Section V

Explanation: ASME Section VIII Division 1 provides requirements for the design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and certification of both fired and unfired pressure vessels operating at pressures exceeding 15 psig. Section I covers power boilers, Section IV covers heating boilers, and Section V addresses nondestructive examination methods. Exam Tip: Section VIII is the go-to code for pressure vessels; know its three divisions and their scope.

3An ASME Section IV heating boiler is limited to what maximum operating steam pressure?

A.10 psig

B.30 psig

C.15 psig

D.50 psig

Explanation: ASME Section IV governs steam heating boilers operating at pressures not exceeding 15 psig and hot water heating boilers not exceeding 160 psig and/or 250 degrees F. The 15 psig steam pressure limit is the key boundary between Section I (power boilers) and Section IV (heating boilers). Exam Tip: Section IV limits are 15 psig for steam and 160 psig/250 degrees F for hot water heating boilers.

4Which document must a manufacturer complete and have certified by an Authorized Inspector before an ASME code stamp can be applied?

A.A quality control manual

B.A Manufacturer's Data Report (MDR)

C.A welding procedure specification (WPS)

D.A purchase order

Explanation: The Manufacturer's Data Report (MDR) is the official document that records the construction details, materials, test results, and code compliance of a pressure-retaining item. The Authorized Inspector must review and sign the MDR before the ASME code stamp can be applied. The MDR serves as the permanent record of code compliance and is required for National Board registration. Exam Tip: The MDR is your primary documentation tool — always verify it is complete and accurate before signing.

5What is the PRIMARY role of the Authorized Inspector (AI) during new construction of ASME code items?

A.To design the pressure vessel

B.To verify that construction complies with the applicable ASME code

C.To operate the boiler after construction

D.To sell insurance for the equipment

Explanation: The primary role of the Authorized Inspector during new construction is to verify that the manufacturer's construction activities comply with the applicable ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. This includes reviewing materials, witnessing tests, verifying welding procedures, and certifying the Manufacturer's Data Report. The AI does not design equipment or operate it. Exam Tip: The AI is a verification and compliance role — you confirm the manufacturer followed the code, not design or build.

6Which organization issues the Authorized Inspector Commission?

A.ASME

B.The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI)

C.The state jurisdiction where the inspector works

D.The manufacturer employing the inspector

Explanation: The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI) issues the Authorized Inspector Commission after the candidate completes the required training course and passes the examination. The NBBI is the organization that maintains the commission program and ensures inspectors meet qualification standards. ASME writes the codes, jurisdictions enforce them, but the NBBI commissions the inspectors. Exam Tip: NBBI commissions inspectors; ASME writes codes; jurisdictions enforce laws.

7What type of test is typically required by ASME Section I before a new power boiler can be stamped?

A.Hydrostatic test

B.Pneumatic test only

C.Vacuum test

D.Thermal cycling test

Explanation: ASME Section I requires a hydrostatic test at a specified pressure (typically 1.5 times the MAWP) for new power boilers before the code stamp can be applied. The hydrostatic test uses water to pressurize the vessel and demonstrate its structural integrity without the risk associated with pneumatic testing. The Authorized Inspector must witness this test. Exam Tip: The standard hydrostatic test pressure for Section I is 1.5 times MAWP — know this ratio.

8Which ASME BPVC section contains the requirements and methods for nondestructive examination (NDE)?

A.Section V

B.Section II

C.Section I

D.Section IX

Explanation: ASME Section V contains the requirements and methods for nondestructive examination (NDE) techniques such as radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, and visual examination. Other code sections reference Section V for NDE requirements. Section II covers materials, Section IX covers welding and brazing qualifications, and Section I covers power boilers. Exam Tip: Section V = NDE methods; Section IX = welding/brazing qualifications; Section II = materials.

9What does ASME Section IX primarily address?

A.Rules for construction of power boilers

B.Material specifications

C.Nondestructive examination methods

D.Welding, brazing, and fusing qualifications

Explanation: ASME Section IX provides rules for the qualification of welding, brazing, and fusing procedures and the performance qualification of welders, brazers, and operators. It establishes the requirements for Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQR), and Welder Performance Qualifications (WPQ). These qualifications are essential for code construction. Exam Tip: Section IX covers three key documents — WPS, PQR, and WPQ. Know the purpose of each.

10What is the purpose of a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)?

A.To provide detailed instructions for making production welds in accordance with code requirements

B.To record the welder's personal information

C.To order welding consumables from a supplier

D.To schedule welding inspections

Explanation: A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) provides the detailed instructions and parameters that welders must follow when making production welds. It specifies variables such as base metal type, filler metal, preheat temperature, interpass temperature, welding position, and technique. The WPS must be qualified by a Procedure Qualification Record (PQR). Exam Tip: The WPS tells the welder HOW to weld; the PQR proves the procedure WORKS; the WPQ proves the welder CAN do it.

About the NBBI Authorized Inspector (AI) Exam

The NBBI Authorized Inspector (AI) Commission certifies individuals to perform inspections of boilers and pressure vessels during manufacture as required by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. The open-book exam covers ASME Sections I (Power Boilers), IV (Heating Boilers), and VIII Division 1 (Pressure Vessels), along with welding qualifications, NDE methods, materials, safety devices, and quality control systems. This is the premier credential for new-construction boiler and pressure vessel inspectors.

Questions

85 scored questions

Time Limit

Last day of 2-week course

Passing Score

60/85 correct (~71%)

Exam Fee

$3,500 in-person / $4,200 virtual (National Board (NBBI) / Prometric)

NBBI Authorized Inspector (AI) Exam Content Outline

25%

ASME Section I — Power Boilers

Design, fabrication, materials, welding, testing, and inspection of power boilers

25%

ASME Section VIII, Div. 1 — Pressure Vessels

Design rules, material requirements, fabrication, inspection, and testing of pressure vessels

15%

ASME Section IV — Heating Boilers

Cast iron and steel heating boilers, hot water supply boilers, safety controls

15%

Welding and NDE

ASME Section IX welding qualifications, NDE methods, weld acceptance criteria

10%

Materials and Testing

ASME Section II materials, material test reports, mechanical properties, impact testing

Quality Systems and Stamps

ASME QC programs, code stamps, data reports, authorized inspection agencies

Safety Devices

Safety valve requirements, relief devices, pressure settings, capacity certification

How to Pass the NBBI Authorized Inspector (AI) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 60/85 correct (~71%)
Exam length: 85 questions
Time limit: Last day of 2-week course
Exam fee: $3,500 in-person / $4,200 virtual

Keys to Passing

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

NBBI Authorized Inspector (AI) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Tab and highlight your ASME Code books — the exam is open-book but time is limited

2Focus on ASME Section I and Section VIII Div. 1 — they make up 50% of the exam

3Know ASME Section IX welding procedure and welder qualification requirements

4Study safety valve sizing, set pressure, and capacity requirements for both boilers and vessels

5Practice navigating between ASME Code sections quickly — code navigation speed is critical

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NBBI Authorized Inspector (AI) Commission?

The NBBI AI Commission qualifies individuals to inspect boilers and pressure vessels during manufacture under the ASME Code. The 85-question open-book exam is given on the last day of a 2-week course. You need 60 correct answers (~71%) to pass.

Is the NBBI AI exam open-book?

Yes. The NBBI AI exam is an open-book examination. You may reference the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code during the exam. Knowing how to navigate the code quickly is essential since the exam is timed.

What are the eligibility requirements for the AI Commission?

You need a minimum of 5 credit points from education and experience. Technical training or engineering degrees earn education credits. Each year of boiler/pressure vessel experience earns 1 credit. Employer sponsorship by an authorized inspection agency (AIA) is required.

What ASME Code sections are tested on the AI exam?

The AI exam primarily covers ASME Section I (Power Boilers), Section IV (Heating Boilers), Section VIII Division 1 (Pressure Vessels), Section IX (Welding Qualifications), and Section II (Materials). Know how to navigate each section efficiently.

What is the difference between AI and IS commissions?

The AI (Authorized Inspector) Commission covers inspection during manufacture of new boilers and pressure vessels under the ASME Code. The IS (Inservice Inspector) Commission covers inspection of installed equipment — installation, operation, maintenance, and repairs under the NBIC.

How much does the NBBI AI course cost?

The AI Commission Course costs $3,500 for in-person attendance or $4,200 for virtual attendance. This includes tuition, course materials, and the exam. ASME Code books are additional — budget $500-$2,000 for reference materials.

Can I take the AI exam remotely?

The National Board has partnered with Prometric to offer commission exams via their computer-based testing platform with locations in over 180 countries. Virtual course attendance is also available at $4,200 tuition.