100+ Free FCAW NC II Practice Questions

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Key Facts: FCAW NC II Exam

₱3,353

Assessment Fee

TESDA Circular 072-2021

Pipes

Core Product Focus

FCAW NC II TR

Competency

Passing Standard

TESDA

5 years

NC Validity

TESDA

TESDA FCAW NC II certifies welders for carbon steel pipe welding with flux-cored arc welding. Assessment includes written and practical components. Promulgated fee is ₱2,925.

Sample FCAW NC II Practice Questions

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

1What does the welding process abbreviation FCAW stand for?

A.Flux-Cored Arc Welding

B.Friction-Cored Arc Welding

C.Fusion-Carbon Arc Welding

D.Flux-Coated Arc Welding

Explanation: FCAW stands for Flux-Cored Arc Welding, a semi-automatic or automatic arc welding process that uses a continuously fed tubular electrode containing flux. The flux provides shielding and slag-forming compounds. TESDA FCAW NC II qualifies welders to weld carbon steel pipes using this process.

2What is the primary difference between self-shielded and gas-shielded flux-cored wire?

A.Self-shielded wire relies on flux ingredients for shielding; gas-shielded wire also uses an external shielding gas supplied at the nozzle.

B.Self-shielded wire requires 100% argon; gas-shielded wire uses no external gas.

C.Self-shielded wire is only for stainless steel; gas-shielded wire is only for aluminum.

D.Self-shielded wire uses AC only; gas-shielded wire uses DC only.

Explanation: Self-shielded FCAW (FCAW-S) generates shielding from the flux core and slag system, making it suitable for outdoor work without gas cylinders. Gas-shielded FCAW (FCAW-G) adds external shielding gas (commonly CO₂ or an Ar/CO₂ blend) at the gun nozzle for additional protection. TESDA FCAW NC II underpinning knowledge covers both wire types.

3On a constant-voltage (CV) FCAW power source, which parameter is most directly increased when the wire feed speed is turned up?

A.Welding current (amperage)

B.Open-circuit voltage only

C.Shielding gas cylinder pressure

D.Ground clamp resistance

Explanation: On a CV welding machine, wire feed speed is the primary control for welding current. As feed speed increases, more wire enters the arc per unit time and amperage rises. Voltage is set separately on the machine or adjusted within the WPS range. Always follow the approved WPS rather than arbitrary settings.

4What is the main function of the wire feeder in an FCAW setup?

A.To drive the flux-cored electrode from the spool through the gun to the arc at a controlled speed

B.To convert AC input power to welding current

C.To mix shielding gas with compressed air before it reaches the nozzle

D.To grind the wire tip to a point before each weld

Explanation: The wire feeder pulls or pushes flux-cored wire from the spool through the liner and contact tip at a set wire feed speed. TESDA FCAW NC II lists a wire feeder among required welding accessories. The power source supplies current; the feeder controls wire delivery.

5Which type of welding machine is specifically listed in the TESDA FCAW NC II Training Regulations as a required accessory?

A.Transformer-rectifier type welding machine

B.Engine-driven TIG-only machine

C.Resistance spot welder

D.Thermit welding crucible heater

Explanation: TESDA FCAW NC II WPS requirements list welding accessories including a transformer-rectifier type welding machine, wire feeder, and related equipment. FCAW on carbon steel pipe is performed with a CV DC power source of this general type.

6What is the purpose of the contact tip in an FCAW welding gun?

A.To conduct welding current to the wire and guide it concentrically through the nozzle

B.To store spare flux inside the gun handle

C.To measure the temperature of the weld pool

D.To replace the need for a work lead

Explanation: The contact tip is a consumable copper component that transfers current to the moving wire and keeps the wire aligned as it exits the nozzle. Correct tip size matches the wire diameter. Poor contact causes erratic arc and can contribute to defects.

7Why must the electrode extension (stick-out) be kept within the range specified on the WPS?

A.Incorrect stick-out changes resistance heating of the wire and can alter arc stability, penetration, and weld quality

B.Longer stick-out always increases penetration regardless of other settings

C.Stick-out only affects the color of the slag, not weld quality

D.Stick-out is set by the ground clamp location, not by gun distance

Explanation: Electrode extension is the length of wire between the contact tip and the arc. Too short or too long stick-out changes preheating of the wire and voltage drop, affecting bead profile and fusion. WPS values must be followed; do not invent acceptance limits beyond the approved procedure.

8For gas-shielded FCAW on carbon steel, which external shielding gases are commonly specified on a WPS?

A.Carbon dioxide (CO₂) or argon/carbon dioxide mixtures

B.Pure acetylene

C.Compressed air only

D.Propane

Explanation: Gas-shielded FCAW on carbon steel typically uses CO₂ or mixed gases such as argon with CO₂, as specified on the WPS. The TESDA TR lists shielding gases under materials and consumables. Acetylene, air, and propane are not standard FCAW shielding gases for carbon steel.

9What happens if travel speed is excessively fast relative to the WPS and heat input?

A.The weld bead may be narrow, ropey, or lack adequate fusion and fill

B.Penetration always becomes deeper regardless of heat input

C.Slag becomes impossible to remove from any FCAW bead

D.The wire feeder automatically stops without operator action

Explanation: Travel speed that is too fast reduces heat input per unit length, which can cause insufficient fusion, underfill, and a narrow bead. TESDA lists travel speed as a WPS parameter. Operators adjust speed to match amperage, voltage, and joint requirements per the approved procedure.

10Which polarity is most commonly used for gas-shielded FCAW of carbon steel pipe when the WPS specifies DC?

A.Direct current electrode positive (DCEP / DC+)

B.Alternating current only

C.Direct current electrode negative only for all FCAW wires

D.No electrical connection to the electrode

Explanation: Gas-shielded FCAW on carbon steel commonly uses DCEP (DC+), placing most heat in the workpiece for penetration. Self-shielded wires may use different polarity per manufacturer and WPS. Always follow the WPS polarity setting listed under current parameters.

About the FCAW NC II Exam

National flux-cored welding certification practice covering wire types, parameters, pipe welding knowledge, and inspection concepts.

Assessment

Performance-based assessment

Time Limit

4 to 8 hours

Passing Score

Competency-based

Exam Fee

₱3,353.00 (TESDA)

FCAW NC II Exam Content Outline

25%

FCAW Process & Equipment Setup

Set up FCAW equipment, polarity, wire feed, and shielding (self-shielded vs gas-shielded)

35%

Pipe Welding Technique

Weld carbon steel pipes using FCAW to WPS/drawing requirements

25%

Weld Quality & Defects

Identify discontinuities, inspection criteria, and repair approaches aligned to codes

15%

Safety & Common Welding Skills

Welding safety, drawings/symbols, fit-up, and calculations

How to Pass the FCAW NC II Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Competency-based
Assessment: Performance-based assessment
Time limit: 4 to 8 hours
Exam fee: ₱3,353.00

Keys to Passing

Work through all 100 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

FCAW NC II Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know self-shielded vs gas-shielded FCAW applications and typical polarities.

2Review pipe positions (1G–6G concepts) and joint preparation quality.

3Study common weld defects: porosity, slag inclusion, lack of fusion, undercut.

4Practice reading welding symbols and WPS parameters without inventing unverified amp ranges.

5Prioritize PPE, fume extraction, and fire watch practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FCAW NC II qualify a person to do?

Weld carbon steel pipes using flux-cored arc welding in accordance with drawings/WPS, conforming to standards such as AWS D1.1, ASME IX, API 1104, and ISO 9606-1 as referenced in TESDA welding TRs.

What is the assessment fee?

Promulgated TESDA assessment fee ₱3,353.00 for Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) NC II Full (TESDA Circular No. 072-2021, 6 Sep 2021).

How is competency assessed?

Through written knowledge checks plus observation/demonstration with oral questioning and practical weld tests at accredited centers.

Is FCAW the same as GMAW?

No. FCAW uses a tubular flux-cored electrode; GMAW uses solid wire with external shielding gas. Both are separate TESDA qualifications.

What grade is issued?

Competent or Not Yet Competent—not a percentage score.

100+ Free FCAW NC II Practice Questions

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