10.2 Part C (Code Application) Exam Strategies

Part B (Practical) — Gauges, Replicas, and the Book of Specs

Part B is the hands-on, open-book practical part: 46 questions in 2 hours, passed at 72%. AWS provides everything — you do not bring tools. You inspect molded plastic replica weldments (groove plate, fillet/T-joint, and a pipe specimen) using a calibrated inspection tool kit, then accept or reject each feature strictly against the Book of Specifications, with supporting documents in the Book of Exhibits. The whole part is a discipline test: measure precisely, then compare to the written spec — never to memory or field habit.

The inspection kit and what each tool reads:

What you measure and judge per replica:

Part B traps: wrong gauge for the feature; reading the gauge from the wrong reference face; and — most common — judging by memory instead of the Book of Specifications. Always cite the spec line. Re-zero gauges, and report measured values to the precision the gauge allows.

Part C (Code Application) — Navigation Over Memory

Part C is open book against a chosen code — most candidates sit AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code — Steel, but API 1104 (pipelines) and ASME Section IX are options. It is 50 scored questions plus pretest, and 72% passes. Because the code is in front of you, the exam tests how fast and accurately you can find and apply the right clause, table, or figure — not whether you memorized it.

Tab the code before exam day. A consistent color scheme turns a 90-second hunt into a 10-second flip:

Common Part C question types:

Memorize the structure, not the contents: which clause holds qualification, fabrication, and inspection. That mental map is what lets you go straight to the tab.

Open-Book Time Management and Step-by-Step Method

Both open-book parts pass at 72% and both reward a calm, repeatable routine. Time budgets:

That pace is generous only if your gauges and tabs are second nature. Build the habit now: set a timer and practice taking each gauge reading and finding each major table until both take under 30 seconds.

The six-step look-up loop (apply to every Part C item):

1. Read the full question — pin down exactly what value or decision is asked.
2. Identify the clause/table/figure needed (this is the make-or-break step).
3. Navigate by tab — go straight to the reference.
4. Read the actual code text/row — do not assume from memory.
5. Match the answer to the code wording exactly.
6. Move on — trust the code; do not second-guess.

Part C mistakes to avoid:

Part B/C Readiness Checklist (Last Cram Pass)

• Take leg, throat, reinforcement, and undercut readings on a sample weld with the correct gauge, blind
• Practice accepting/rejecting a feature by citing a specific Book of Specifications line
• Confirm all code tabs are placed and labeled (5.3, 5.4, 5.8, 5.1, 5.2, 7.7, 8.1, 8.2, Clause 6)
• Time yourself finding any major table — target under 30 seconds
• Run the six-step look-up loop on 20 practice code questions
• Verify which code edition the exam allows and tab THAT edition only
• Plan to flag-and-return on any item exceeding ~4 minutes

For the exam: the single highest-payoff prep for both open-book parts is timed repetition — gauge readings for Part B, table navigation for Part C — until accuracy is automatic and speed is no longer a worry.