IIW IWI-C study plan

Map the scope of inspection, testing and QA (Domain 5, 20%) and NDT/defect evaluation (Domain 6, 12%) into a written topic inventory before touching other domains

Explain the difference between destructive and non-destructive testing and state, for at least six NDT methods, what each detects and where it is applied

Describe the sequence of inspection stages (before, during and after welding) and what is verified at each stage

Build a personal glossary of at least 40 inspection and NDT terms with one-line definitions

Draft a defect catalogue listing at least 12 weld imperfections with cause, appearance and typical detection method

Explain how NDT method choice depends on defect type, geometry, material and access, and justify a method selection for five given joint configurations

Describe acceptance criteria logic and how quality levels are applied to reported indications

Work through at least 15 practice questions on inspection and defect evaluation and record every wrong answer with the reason

Explain QA system elements: documentation, traceability, calibration and records retention

Compare radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, penetrant, visual and eddy current testing on sensitivity, cost and limitations

Explain what a welding procedure specification contains and how it is supported by procedure qualification records

Distinguish essential, supplementary essential and non-essential variables and predict when a change forces requalification

Describe the purpose, range and limits of welder qualification tests and how qualification ranges are extended or restricted

Outline the qualification route from preliminary procedure to production approval

Answer 12 scenario questions on variable changes and decide whether requalification is required

Describe the main arc welding processes (covered electrode, MIG/MAG, TIG, submerged arc, flux-cored) in terms of principle, transfer mode, typical applications and limitations

Explain how process selection interacts with material, thickness, position and productivity

State the equipment set-up and parameter ranges that matter for each process (current, voltage, polarity, travel speed, shielding gas)

Link common process faults to their parameter causes

Complete a 20-question mixed set on process and qualification topics and log errors

Classify the main weldable material groups and state their key mechanical and physical properties

Explain the metallurgical changes that occur in the heat-affected zone and how they affect properties

Describe carbon equivalent, preheat and hydrogen control and explain why they are linked

Explain the behaviour of stainless and aluminium alloys during welding and the main risks for each

Explain solidification, microstructure and the origin of cracking phenomena

Explain how design and joint preparation influence weldability and inspectability

Describe joint types, edge preparation and symbol interpretation well enough to read a simple drawing

Explain stress distribution, restraint, distortion mechanisms and mitigation measures

Describe residual stress formation and the purpose of post-weld heat treatment

Explain basic static design considerations for welded connections and where fatigue matters

Explain how codes and standards are structured and how a project selects the applicable one

Distinguish standards, codes, specifications and contracts and state who carries which responsibility

Describe the contractual roles of manufacturer, inspector, third-party body and client in acceptance decisions

Explain liability, traceability and documentation duties in a welded fabrication contract

Answer 15 mixed questions on design and codes and log errors

Identify the main welding hazards (fume, arc radiation, electric shock, fire, noise, confined space) and the control hierarchy for each

Explain fume extraction, PPE selection and environmental obligations relevant to welding operations

Run two timed full-length mock exams and score them against the domain weightings

Revisit every logged error from weeks 1 to 7 and rewrite the correct reasoning from memory

Produce a final one-page revision sheet of the ten weakest points