MMAW NC I study plan

Map the SMAW domain's 20% weight into a topic checklist covering electrode classification, arc characteristics, current types, and polarity, then rate your confidence on each item from 1 to 5.

Explain aloud, without notes, how the EXXYY-Z electrode designation system encodes tensile strength, position, coating type, and current/polarity, and decode five electrodes you pick at random.

List the six welding hazards (fume, arc radiation, electric shock, fire/explosion, compressed gas, noise) and write the specific control for each that applies to a shop-floor SMAW station.

Demonstrate correct setup and shutdown of an SMAW machine: cable inspection, amperage setting, stinger inspection, and post-weld power-down sequence.

Pass a 20-question self-quiz on electrode selection and polarity with at least 16 correct before moving on.

Describe how arc length, travel speed, and current interact to change bead width, penetration, and spatter, and predict the effect of each variable on a sketch of a bead cross-section.

Define heat input in kJ/mm, state the formula (voltage x current x 60 / travel speed in mm/min / 1000), and calculate it for three worked examples with different amperages and travel speeds.

Explain the practical consequences of excessive heat input for a plain carbon steel and a quenched-and-tempered steel, naming at least two property changes for each.

Identify the four basic SMAW arc faults (arc blow, arc strike, porosity from long arc, slag inclusion from poor cleaning) and state the corrective action for each.

Complete ten heat-input calculations unaided with at least 90% accuracy.

Diagnose ten described weld discontinuities by name, cause, and prevention, covering slag inclusion, porosity, undercut, overlap, incomplete fusion, and crater cracks.

Distinguish a discontinuity from a defect and state who decides acceptance, referencing a workmanship standard rather than a personal opinion.

Explain what visual inspection can and cannot detect, and name the inspection methods used for subsurface flaws (radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, dye penetrant) with one strength and one limitation each.

Describe the correct sequence for cleaning a SMAW bead (slag chipping, wire brushing, inspection) and explain why each step matters to the next pass.

Sort fifteen described flaws into 'visual-detectable' and 'requires NDT' with a written justification for each.

Compare GMAW transfer modes (short-circuit, globular, spray, pulsed) on current range, position capability, spatter level, and typical application, and state which mode fits thin sheet versus thick plate.

Explain the GMAW electrode classification (ERXXS-X) and shielding gas choices (CO2, argon/CO2 mixes, argon/helium) and match three gas blends to three described applications.

Diagnose five GMAW faults from symptom descriptions: wire stubbing, burn-back, porosity, poor fusion, and bird-nesting, naming the likely parameter at fault.

Explain what makes FCAW different from GMAW: flux core function, slag, self-shielded versus gas-shielded, and why FCAW suits outdoor or high-deposition work.

List the FCAW electrode designation elements (e.g. E71T-1) and decode three examples, including the meaning of the T and the position/polarity digits.

Set and justify starting parameters (voltage, wire feed speed, gas flow, stick-out, travel angle) for a described GMAW job on 6 mm carbon steel, and explain how you would adjust for a wider gap.

Explain the metallurgical effect of cooling rate on the heat-affected zone, and describe what preheat does to cooling rate and cracking risk in a hardenable steel.

Identify the three plain-carbon steel groups by carbon content and state one welding implication of each, including why high-carbon steels need controlled procedures.

Describe how hydrogen can enter a weld and the conditions that produce hydrogen-assisted cold cracking, then list three preventive measures.

Answer fifteen mixed GMAW/FCAW/metallurgy questions and log every wrong answer with the corrected reasoning.

Explain the GTAW process: tungsten electrode types and color coding, the role of the shielding gas, AC versus DCEN versus DCEP, and which current suits aluminum versus steel.

Describe the function of the high-frequency start and the foot pedal or current control, and state two safety differences between GTAW and SMAW.

List the steps of the oxy-fuel cutting process from preheat to severing the kerf, and explain what the cutting oxygen jet actually does to the steel.

Name the three common fuel gases used with oxygen, compare their flame temperatures and typical uses, and identify the three flame types (carburizing, neutral, oxidizing).

State five oxy-fuel safety rules covering cylinder storage, flashback arrestors, hose color coding, and leak testing, and explain the cause of a flashback.

Identify the five basic joint types and the common weld types (groove, fillet, plug, spot) and match each to a described application.

Read and interpret the standard welding symbol: reference line, arrow, tail, root opening, groove angle, size, length, pitch, and the meaning of a symbol on the arrow side versus the other side.

Explain the difference between a welding symbol and a weld symbol, and describe what a supplementary contour or finish symbol adds.

State fit-up tolerances and preparation requirements for a single-V butt joint and a T-fillet, including root gap, land, and bevel angle effects on penetration.

Complete a ten-item symbol-reading exercise and a ten-item joint-type identification exercise with at least 80% correct on each.

Review your confidence ratings from week 1 and re-quiz every domain at or below 3, targeting the two weakest domains with focused practice.

Complete a full-length timed mock exam under exam conditions and score it by domain to find remaining gaps.

Re-derive the heat-input formula and re-solve three problems from memory to confirm retention.

Recite the hierarchy of hazard controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE) and give a welding example of each level.

Write a one-page exam-day strategy covering question triage, unit conversions, and how to handle questions on standards you are unsure of.