ICC S2 Welding study plan

Map the five exam domains against your current knowledge and rank your weakest three subtopics

Outline the welding symbol system: fillet, groove, plug, slot, and stud symbols plus tail, arrow, and reference line placement

Read the AISC Specification chapters covering general requirements, design of welded connections, and fabrication in one sitting, annotating clause numbers

Define 30 core terms (PJP, CJP, effective throat, prequalified joint, WPS, PQR, essential variable) in your own words with clause citations

Distinguish prequalified joints from joints requiring procedure qualification and list the conditions that void prequalification

Compute effective throat thickness and required weld size for fillet and PJP groove welds in several worked examples

Explain minimum and maximum weld size limits, minimum length rules, and end-return requirements for stiffeners and connections

Interpret a set of welding symbols on a structural detail and state the weld type, size, length, and process each one specifies

List the essential variables of a WPS for SMAW, GMAW, and FCAW and explain how a change in each triggers requalification

Describe how a PQR is produced: test coupon, welding position, mechanical testing, and acceptance criteria

Compare prequalified WPS use against procedure qualification testing in terms of cost, lead time, and documentation

Explain the role of shielding gas, electrode classification, and current/polarity in procedure selection

Outline the welder performance qualification variables: process, position, thickness, joint type, and progression

Explain the difference between procedure qualification and performance qualification and who holds responsibility for each

Describe the visual and mechanical tests used for welder qualification coupons and their acceptance limits

State the conditions that require requalification of a welder and the conditions that allow continued qualification

Map welding positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead) to their letter designations and test coupon requirements

Explain how thickness qualified ranges are derived from test coupon thickness and how that limits production welding

Describe qualification records: essential content, retention, and how to verify a welder's card against production work

Analyze case scenarios where a welder is assigned work outside their qualified range and identify the nonconformance

Sequence the inspection stages of a welded connection: fit-up, preheat verification, in-process, and final

Explain visual inspection criteria for undercut, porosity, overlap, crater cracks, and weld profile, with acceptance limits

Compare UT, RT, MT, and PT on the defects each detects, surface preparation, and typical application to structural welds

Interpret an NDT report: technique, coverage, acceptance standard, and disposition of indications

Explain high-strength bolt grades, required pretension, and the methods used to verify tension (turn-of-nut, tension calibrator, direct tension indicator)

Describe the difference between snug-tight, pretensioned, and slip-critical connections and when each applies

Outline bolted connection inspection: hole size and alignment, faying surface preparation, and installation sequence

Identify common bolting nonconformances such as improper washer use, unverified pretension, and damaged threads

Revisit your weakest subtopics from week 1 and close each gap with a written explanation

Complete a full-length timed practice set across all five domains and score each domain separately

Review every missed question and write the underlying rule, not just the correct answer

Consolidate your glossary, checklists, and decision trees into a single review packet for exam day