GMAW NC II exam-day guide
GMAW NC II · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID (original, not a photocopy)
Bring the same ID used during registration. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID are accepted and whether a second ID is required.
Admission letter / appointment slip
Print or download the notice showing your test date, time, and venue. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory or a digital copy is acceptable.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): welding helmet, safety glasses, flame-resistant jacket or sleeves, leather gloves, leather apron, safety boots, ear plugs
Inspect your helmet lens and headgear before the test. Confirm with the provider whether you must bring your own PPE or whether some items are supplied, and whether a specific shade lens is required.
Welding tools: chipping hammer, wire brush, slag reamer, tip cleaners, pliers, tape measure, square, soapstone or marker
Pack a small tool bag and label your tools. Confirm with the provider which tools are allowed at the station and which are supplied.
Work clothing: cotton or FR coveralls, no synthetic fabrics, closed-toe safety boots
Dress for sparks and spatter. Confirm with the provider any dress code restrictions, such as no loose sleeves or jewelry.
Water bottle and a light snack
Welding is physically demanding. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed in the waiting area and whether breaks are scheduled.
Review the practical test specification: joint type, material thickness, position, wire type and diameter, shielding gas, and acceptance criteria
Know the exact parameters you will be expected to set and the visual and destructive test criteria. Confirm with the provider the current test specification, since it can change between cycles.
Rehearse your machine setup routine: polarity, wire feed, gas flow, contact tip and nozzle condition, liner, drive rolls
Practice setting up a GMAW machine from scratch within a realistic time limit. Confirm with the provider whether setup time is included in the test time.
Plan your travel and arrive early
Check the venue location and transport. Aim to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before your scheduled time. Confirm with the provider the exact reporting time and late-arrival policy.
Read the candidate instructions and scoring rubric
Understand how you will be scored on safety, setup, technique, and weld quality. Confirm with the provider whether the rubric is published and where to find it.
Arrange rest and hydration the day before
Avoid heavy physical work and alcohol the night before. Get a full night's sleep so your hands are steady.
Confirm the venue's locker or storage policy for personal belongings
You may not be allowed to keep your phone or bag at the station. Confirm with the provider where personal items are stored during the test.
Plan the day
Re-read the test specification and acceptance criteria. List every parameter you must set: polarity, wire feed speed, voltage, gas type and flow rate, travel angle, and work angle. Write a one-page setup card and practice the setup on a machine similar to the one used at the test. If you do not have access to the exact machine, confirm with the provider which machine model and wire type will be used.
Run at least two full practice welds in the test position and joint configuration. Inspect each weld for porosity, undercut, overlap, spatter, and bead profile. Note the settings that produced the best result and adjust systematically rather than randomly.
Prepare and pack your PPE and tools. Check helmet lens shade, headgear tension, glove condition, and boot soles. Replace worn contact tips, nozzles, and liners if you supply your own. Confirm with the provider which consumables are supplied and which you must bring.
Confirm logistics: venue address, reporting time, transport, parking, and ID requirements. Confirm with the provider whether you need a printed admission letter and whether late arrival means forfeiture.
Do a light review only: safety rules, machine setup sequence, and the acceptance criteria. Avoid learning new techniques or making major changes to your settings. Stop practice early enough to rest.
Lay out your clothes, PPE, tools, ID, and admission letter in one place. Check the weather and traffic forecast, and set two alarms. Eat a normal meal and avoid alcohol. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep.
Eat a light breakfast and hydrate. Arrive at the venue 30–45 minutes early. Present your ID and admission letter at registration. Listen carefully to the examiner's briefing on station layout, time limits, emergency stops, and scoring.
Inspect your station before starting: machine power and polarity, gas cylinder and flow meter, wire spool and drive rolls, ground clamp, ventilation, and fire extinguisher location. Report any defect or missing item to the examiner immediately rather than adjusting equipment yourself.
Set up the machine methodically: check polarity, install the correct wire and drive rolls, set gas flow, and test the wire feed and gas flow before striking an arc. Record your settings if allowed. Confirm with the provider whether you may use a written setup card at the station.
Tack and align the joint, then run your root and subsequent passes using a consistent travel angle, work angle, and travel speed. Watch the weld pool and listen to the arc. Clean between passes with a wire brush or chipping hammer as required by the specification.
Manage your time: leave enough time for cleaning, inspection, and marking your test piece as instructed. If you finish early, inspect your weld for defects and note anything you would correct. Do not start extra passes unless the specification allows it.
Follow all safety rules: wear PPE at all times, keep flammable materials away, use screens, and never leave a hot workpiece unattended. If you need a break, ask the examiner first. Confirm with the provider the break policy and whether the clock stops during a break.
Rules to check
Bring original, valid photo ID and present it at registration. The name must match your registration. Confirm with the provider which ID forms are accepted and what to do if your ID is lost or expired.
Arrive at the reporting time stated in your admission letter. Late arrival may result in forfeiture of your test slot. Confirm with the provider the exact late-arrival and rescheduling policy.
Wear the required PPE at all times in the test area: welding helmet, safety glasses, flame-resistant clothing, leather gloves, and safety boots. Do not wear synthetic fabrics. Confirm with the provider any additional PPE requirements.
Follow the examiner's instructions and the station safety rules. Do not adjust, repair, or tamper with equipment beyond normal setup. Report equipment faults or gas leaks immediately and stop work if conditions are unsafe.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the test, and do not use phones, smart devices, or notes unless the provider explicitly permits them. Confirm with the provider the policy on personal items and written setup cards.
Breaks are at the examiner's discretion. Ask before leaving the station, and confirm with the provider whether the test clock stops during a break and whether you may leave the test area.
Scoring is based on the published acceptance criteria for the specified joint, position, and process, plus safety and setup performance. Confirm with the provider the scoring rubric, pass marks, and appeal or re-test procedure.
If you believe the test conditions were unfair or equipment was faulty, raise it with the examiner immediately and ask for it to be recorded. Confirm with the provider the formal complaint and appeal process and its deadline.