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SCWI practice questions

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Question 1Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Under AWS D1.1, who is responsible for qualifying welders who will make production welds?

  1. The independent testing laboratory that bends the specimens
  2. The manufacturer or contractor doing the welding Correct answer.
  3. The welding inspector who witnesses the qualification test
  4. The filler metal manufacturer that supplies the electrodes

Explanation

AWS D1.1 places the responsibility for qualifying welders and welding operators on the manufacturer or contractor that employs them. The employer arranges the test, certifies the record, and keeps it available for review. Inspectors verify and may witness, but they do not own the qualification obligation.

Question 2Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder passes a groove weld qualification test. Within the same process and position range, that welder is also qualified to make:

  1. fillet welds only after passing a separate break test
  2. only the exact joint detail that was tested in the coupon
  3. fillet welds in the same process and position range Correct answer.
  4. groove welds made with any welding process the shop uses

Explanation

A groove weld qualification is broader than a fillet qualification, so it also covers fillet welding within the tested process and position limits. The reverse is not true: a fillet test does not qualify a welder for groove welding.

Question 3Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder's qualification becomes void when the welder has not used the qualified process for a period of at least:

  1. 3 months
  2. 12 months
  3. 1 month
  4. 6 months Correct answer.

Explanation

AWS D1.1 considers a qualification void when the welder has not welded with that process for six months or more. The welder must then be requalified by passing a new test before doing production welding.

Question 4Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder passes a 1G plate qualification test. The welder is qualified to weld in the:

  1. all positions on plate
  2. flat position only Correct answer.
  3. flat and horizontal positions
  4. flat, horizontal and vertical positions

Explanation

In the AWS position system, 1G is the flat position test for plate groove welds. A flat test qualifies the welder for flat welding only; additional positions require separate qualification.

Question 5Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

What does a welder performance qualification primarily demonstrate?

  1. That the base metal and filler metal combination is suitable for the design
  2. That the fabricator's quality control system meets the code requirements
  3. That the individual welder can produce sound welds using a qualified procedure Correct answer.
  4. That the welding procedure produces joints meeting mechanical property requirements

Explanation

Welder performance qualification evaluates the skill of the individual to deposit sound weld metal following a qualified procedure. The suitability of the procedure itself is established separately by procedure qualification testing.

Question 6Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Welder qualification records required by AWS D1.1 shall be:

  1. certified by the employer and open to inspector review Correct answer.
  2. sent to the engineer within 30 days of the test
  3. kept only until the welder leaves the company
  4. archived with the procedure qualification records only

Explanation

The manufacturer or contractor must certify the qualification record and keep it available so the inspector can confirm that each welder is qualified for the work assigned. The record typically lists process, position, and thickness variables qualified.

Question 7Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Which test is used to qualify a welder for fillet welds under AWS D1.1?

  1. A fillet weld break test on a T-joint specimen Correct answer.
  2. A nick-break test on a double-V groove coupon
  3. A guided bend test on a butt joint in the flat position
  4. A side bend test on a single-V groove coupon

Explanation

Fillet weld qualification is evaluated by the fillet weld break test, in which a T-joint specimen is loaded until the weld ruptures. The fractured surface is then examined for fusion to the root, slag, and porosity.

Question 8Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Before bend specimens are cut from a completed qualification test coupon, the coupon shall be:

  1. radiographed along its full length
  2. visually inspected and accepted Correct answer.
  3. measured for angular distortion only
  4. stress relieved at the WPS temperature

Explanation

The completed test weld is visually examined against the applicable acceptance criteria before specimens are removed. A coupon with unacceptable visual defects is rejected without further mechanical testing.

Question 9Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder passes a plate groove test in the 3G position. Which positions is the welder qualified for?

  1. Flat and horizontal only
  2. Flat, horizontal and vertical Correct answer.
  3. Vertical and overhead only
  4. All positions including overhead

Explanation

A vertical (3G) plate test qualifies the welder for flat, horizontal, and vertical welding with that process. Overhead welding is not covered and needs a separate 4G qualification.

Question 10Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder qualifies on a 6G pipe test. That qualification covers:

  1. vertical and overhead plate positions only
  2. flat and horizontal pipe positions
  3. the 6G position only
  4. all positions, including 5G and 6G Correct answer.

Explanation

The 6G pipe test is the most comprehensive position test and qualifies the welder for all pipe and plate positions with that process. A 5G test, by comparison, is narrower in scope.

Question 11Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder qualified with SMAW is assigned to make FCAW welds. What is required?

  1. A separate qualification test for the FCAW process Correct answer.
  2. No action, since the position already qualified covers both
  3. A written approval from the engineer in charge
  4. Only a check of the welder's WPS by the inspector

Explanation

Each welding process is a separate essential variable for welder qualification. A welder must pass a test with FCAW before making FCAW production welds, even if already qualified in SMAW.

Question 12Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder is qualified using E7018 electrodes. Production now requires E6010 root passes. What must happen?

  1. The WPS must be reapproved but the welder need not retest
  2. The welder must be qualified for the E6010 classification Correct answer.
  3. The welder need only run one practice weld for approval
  4. The welder may proceed because both are SMAW electrodes

Explanation

Electrode classification is an essential variable for welder qualification, and E6010 and E7018 fall in different classification groups. Changing to a different group requires the welder to be requalified with that electrode.

Question 13Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder fails the bend test on a first qualification attempt. Under AWS D1.1 the welder may:

  1. be retested after completing additional training or practice Correct answer.
  2. be qualified by the inspector's written waiver
  3. not be tested again on that process for one year
  4. resubmit the same specimens for a second evaluation

Explanation

A failed test does not permanently disqualify the welder; the code permits requalification by a new test after the welder has had further training or practice. The original specimens cannot be re-evaluated because they have already been destroyed.

Question 14Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

In the guided bend test for welder qualification, a specimen fails when it shows:

  1. weld reinforcement left on the tension surface
  2. a slight rounding of the specimen edges
  3. a crack or defect exceeding 1/8 in (3 mm) in any direction Correct answer.
  4. any discoloration on the weld face

Explanation

Bend specimens are accepted unless an open defect or crack larger than 1/8 in (3 mm) in any direction is present in the bent weld region. Smaller indications and edge conditions within the tolerance do not by themselves fail the specimen.

Question 15Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

How shall the qualification test weld itself be made?

  1. Using any convenient procedure chosen by the welder
  2. Only under laboratory conditions by a third party
  3. With preheat omitted to make the test more severe
  4. Using a qualified WPS with the same essential variables as production Correct answer.

Explanation

The welder is tested while following a qualified WPS that reflects production conditions, including preheat and interpass limits. This ensures the test demonstrates the welder's ability under the conditions that will actually be used.

Question 16Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Why does AWS D1.1 require welders to apply an identification mark to their completed welds?

  1. to show that the weld has passed visual inspection
  2. so each weld can be traced to the welder who made it Correct answer.
  3. to indicate the preheat temperature that was used
  4. to record the welder's hourly production rate

Explanation

Identification marks provide traceability between a finished weld and the qualified welder who deposited it. This traceability supports inspection, repair records, and any later investigation of weld quality.

Question 17Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

In AWS D1.1 terminology, a person who operates automatic or machine welding equipment is called a:

  1. welding inspector
  2. welding operator Correct answer.
  3. welder's helper
  4. tack welder

Explanation

The code distinguishes a welder, who manipulates the arc manually, from a welding operator, who sets up and runs machine or automatic equipment. Both must be qualified for the work they perform.

Question 18Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

In a welder qualification test, the root bend specimen is used mainly to evaluate:

  1. the hardness of the weld metal at mid-thickness
  2. the toughness of the filler metal at low temperature
  3. the root penetration and fusion of the joint Correct answer.
  4. the strength of the base metal heat-affected zone

Explanation

The root bend places the root of the weld in tension, exposing lack of penetration, lack of fusion, and other root region defects. The face bend, by contrast, puts the weld face in tension.

Question 19Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Under AWS D1.1, an inspector may revoke a welder's qualification when:

  1. the welder requests a change of shift
  2. a new WPS is issued for the project
  3. the welder has been employed for over five years
  4. there is a specific reason to question the welder's ability Correct answer.

Explanation

The inspector is given authority to revoke a qualification when there is a specific reason to doubt the welder's ability to produce acceptable welds. Revocation requires a documented reason and normally leads to requalification testing.

Question 20Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Before production welding begins, the inspector should confirm that each welder:

  1. owns the welding machine assigned to the work
  2. holds a qualification covering the process and position to be used Correct answer.
  3. has at least ten years of field experience
  4. has passed a written welding theory examination

Explanation

The practical check is whether the welder's certified qualification covers the process, position, and thickness of the production work. A welder working outside the qualified range is not qualified for that work.

Question 21Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Which of the following changes requires the welder to be requalified?

  1. Welding thicker base metal within the qualified range
  2. Switching to another brand of the same electrode classification
  3. Raising the preheat within the limits of the qualified WPS
  4. Changing from vertical-up to vertical-down progression Correct answer.

Explanation

Welding progression is an essential variable, and a welder qualified with vertical-up progression is not qualified for vertical-down welding. Brand changes, thickness within the qualified range, and preheat adjustments allowed by the WPS do not trigger requalification.

Question 22Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder's thickness qualification for groove welds is established by:

  1. the thickness of the production joint only
  2. the diameter of the electrode that was used
  3. the number of passes deposited in the coupon
  4. the thickness of the test coupon that was welded Correct answer.

Explanation

The test coupon thickness sets the range of production thicknesses the welder is qualified for, following the code's thickness range table. Welding beyond that range requires a new qualification with a thicker coupon.

Question 23Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder qualifies on a plate groove test in the 4G position. Which positions does this cover?

  1. Flat, horizontal and overhead Correct answer.
  2. Overhead only
  3. Flat, horizontal and vertical
  4. Vertical and overhead only

Explanation

An overhead plate test qualifies the welder for flat, horizontal, and overhead welding with that process. Vertical welding is not included and requires a 3G qualification.

Question 24Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder passes a fillet weld break test on 3/8 in (10 mm) plate. Which fillet base metal thicknesses may this welder produce?

  1. Only base metal up to 3/4 in (19 mm)
  2. Only base metal equal to the test plate
  3. Only base metal thinner than the test plate
  4. Any thickness, since fillet qualification is not thickness limited Correct answer.

Explanation

Fillet weld qualification is not restricted by the thickness of the test plate used for the break test. The limitation that arises from coupon thickness applies to groove weld qualification.

Question 25Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Before bending, bend specimens cut from a plate groove test coupon are prepared by:

  1. grinding the reinforcement and backing flush with the surfaces Correct answer.
  2. polishing the specimen to a mirror finish
  3. leaving the weld reinforcement in place as welded
  4. machining a groove along the length of the weld

Explanation

Specimens are machined so the weld reinforcement and any backing are removed flush with the adjacent surfaces, and the edges are rounded. This ensures the bend strains the weld region rather than a raised bead or sharp edge.

Question 26Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Welder performance qualification under AWS D1.1 is intended primarily to demonstrate that the welder:

  1. has completed a recognized welding training course
  2. produces sound welds using a qualified WPS Correct answer.
  3. understands the metallurgy of the base metals involved
  4. can write welding procedures for the joint to be used

Explanation

Performance qualification evaluates the welder's ability to deposit sound welds while following an already qualified welding procedure specification. It does not evaluate training history, procedure-writing skill, or metallurgical knowledge.

Question 27Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Under AWS D1.1, who is responsible for qualifying welders who work on a project?

  1. The electrode manufacturer supplying the consumables
  2. The manufacturer or fabricator doing the work Correct answer.
  3. The owner's engineering representative
  4. The welding inspector assigned by the owner to the project

Explanation

The code places responsibility for qualifying welding personnel on the manufacturer or fabricator that performs the work. The inspector verifies qualification but does not own that responsibility.

Question 28Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Who must make the welds on a welder qualification test coupon?

  1. The welder being qualified Correct answer.
  2. The shop's most experienced welder
  3. Any qualified welder employed by the fabricator
  4. The welding inspector acting as a witness

Explanation

The test coupon must be welded by the individual whose skill is being evaluated, because the coupon is evidence of that person's ability. Another welder or the inspector cannot make the test weld.

Question 29Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder will make production groove welds in the overhead position. In which position must the qualification test coupon be welded?

  1. Flat
  2. Overhead Correct answer.
  3. Vertical
  4. Horizontal

Explanation

The qualification test must be made in the position in which the welder will work in production, unless the code's position table grants additional coverage. Overhead production work therefore requires an overhead test.

Question 30Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

In the guided bend test used for welder qualification, the specimen is bent through an angle of:

  1. 180 degrees Correct answer.
  2. 90 degrees
  3. 120 degrees
  4. 360 degrees

Explanation

The guided bend test bends the specimen 180 degrees around a plunger so that the weld is severely strained in tension. This amount of deformation reveals lack of fusion, cracks, and similar discontinuities.

Question 31Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Bend specimens cut from a qualification test coupon are taken in which orientation relative to the weld?

  1. At 45 degrees to the weld axis
  2. Parallel to the weld face
  3. Transverse to the weld axis Correct answer.
  4. Longitudinal, along the weld axis

Explanation

Bend specimens are cut across the weld so that the full weld cross-section, including root and fusion boundaries, is subjected to bending. This orientation exposes lack of fusion and root defects.

Question 32Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

For a plate groove weld qualification test coupon, the required bend specimens are:

  1. Four side bend specimens cut from the coupon
  2. One face bend and one root bend Correct answer.
  3. Two face bend specimens cut from the coupon
  4. Two root bend specimens cut from the coupon

Explanation

The plate groove test normally provides one face bend and one root bend so that both the face and the root of the weld are evaluated. Side bends are used instead when the plate is thick enough.

Question 33Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A groove weld qualification test coupon is 1 in (25 mm) thick. Which bend specimens may be used?

  1. One face bend and one root bend
  2. Two side bend specimens Correct answer.
  3. One side bend and one face bend
  4. Two face bend specimens

Explanation

For plate 3/4 in (19 mm) and thicker, side bend specimens may be used instead of face and root bends, and two specimens are required. Side bends expose the full thickness of the weld in a single specimen.

Question 34Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder qualifies for unlimited base metal thickness on plate when the groove test coupon thickness is at least:

  1. 1/2 in (13 mm)
  2. 3/4 in (19 mm)
  3. 3/8 in (10 mm)
  4. 1 in (25 mm) Correct answer.

Explanation

The thickness range qualified is tied to the thickness of the test coupon, and only a coupon of 1 in (25 mm) or more confers unlimited thickness. Coupons thinner than that qualify only a limited range.

Question 35Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder is qualified on pipe with an outside diameter of 2-7/8 in (73 mm) or larger. This qualification covers:

  1. only the diameter that was tested
  2. only diameters up to twice the tested diameter
  3. only diameters equal to or larger than the tested diameter
  4. all pipe diameters Correct answer.

Explanation

Pipe of 2-7/8 in (73 mm) outside diameter and larger is the threshold size that qualifies a welder for all pipe diameters. Below that size, qualification is limited to the diameter tested.

Question 36Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder last welded with the qualified process 9 months ago. To resume production welding with that process, the welder must:

  1. do nothing, because qualification never expires
  2. weld only in the flat position until requalified
  3. be requalified by passing a new qualification test Correct answer.
  4. have the qualification record signed by the inspector

Explanation

Qualification remains valid only while the welder uses the process within the continuity period, which is six months. After a lapse of more than six months, the welder must be requalified by test.

Question 37Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder qualified by a groove weld test on plate is also qualified for:

  1. fillet welds within the positions and thicknesses qualified Correct answer.
  2. fillet welds only in the flat position
  3. all fillet welds regardless of position
  4. no fillet welding until a separate test is passed

Explanation

A groove weld test qualifies the welder for both groove and fillet welds within the limits established by that test. The fillet work is still bounded by the qualified positions and thicknesses.

Question 38Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder qualified only by fillet weld tests may perform:

  1. groove welds only
  2. groove and fillet welds in the tested position
  3. fillet welds only Correct answer.
  4. any weld the WPS permits

Explanation

A fillet weld test qualifies the welder for fillet welds only, within the positions and thicknesses tested. Groove welding requires a groove weld qualification test.

Question 39Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Tack welds that will remain part of the finished weld shall be made by:

  1. any employee trained in tacking operations
  2. a welder qualified under the code Correct answer.
  3. the welding inspector
  4. a welding operator using machine welding

Explanation

Tack welds that become part of the completed weld are treated as production welds, so they must be made by qualified welding personnel. Untrained personnel may not leave tacks in a finished weld.

Question 40Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

The primary purpose of the fillet weld break test is to:

  1. expose internal defects such as lack of fusion Correct answer.
  2. verify that the base metal chemistry is correct
  3. determine the hardness of the heat-affected zone
  4. measure the ultimate tensile strength of the fillet weld

Explanation

Breaking the fillet specimen opens the weld so the fractured surfaces can be examined for lack of fusion, incomplete penetration, and porosity at the root. It is a soundness test, not a strength or chemistry test.

Question 41Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder passes a plate groove test in the 1G position. The qualification covers:

  1. flat and horizontal positions
  2. flat, horizontal, and vertical positions
  3. flat position only Correct answer.
  4. all positions

Explanation

The 1G position is flat welding and qualifies the welder for the flat position only. Broader coverage requires testing in the higher positions.

Question 42Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder passes a plate groove test in the 2G position. The qualification covers:

  1. all positions
  2. flat and horizontal positions Correct answer.
  3. flat, horizontal, and vertical positions
  4. flat position only

Explanation

A 2G (horizontal) test qualifies the welder for flat and horizontal welding. Vertical and overhead work require additional position coverage.

Question 43Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder makes the root pass with GTAW and the fill passes with SMAW on the same joint. Under AWS D1.1, the welder must be:

  1. qualified for either process, since the joint is the same
  2. qualified for both processes Correct answer.
  3. qualified only for the process depositing the most metal
  4. qualified only for the process used for the root

Explanation

Qualification is granted by process, so a welder who deposits metal with two processes must hold a qualification for each of them. The joint being the same does not merge the two qualifications.

Question 44Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Machine or automatic welding on a qualified job shall be performed by:

  1. a welder qualified by a manual groove test
  2. any operator trained by the equipment supplier
  3. the welding inspector when the machine is set
  4. a qualified welding operator Correct answer.

Explanation

Machine and automatic welding are performed by welding operators, who must be qualified for the process and equipment they run. A manual welder qualification does not cover machine operation.

Question 45Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

An inspector revokes a welder's qualification for consistently unacceptable work. The welder may resume welding only after:

  1. the inspector issues a written warning
  2. passing a new qualification test Correct answer.
  3. the next scheduled production outage
  4. a one-month probation period

Explanation

Revocation removes the welder's authority to weld under the code, so the welder must requalify by test before returning to production welding. A warning or waiting period does not restore the qualification.

Question 46Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A newly hired welder claims previous qualification but has no records. Before production welding, the employer shall:

  1. require the welder to weld only in the flat position
  2. qualify the welder by test for the work Correct answer.
  3. wait until the previous employer sends the records
  4. accept the welder's word and monitor the first welds

Explanation

Qualification must be supported by records that the employer can verify; without them the welder is not qualified. The employer must therefore test the welder for the process, position, and thickness to be used.

Question 47Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

Before a welder qualification test can be conducted, what must be in place?

  1. A welder continuity log signed by the inspector
  2. An approved inspection and test plan
  3. A qualified welding procedure specification (WPS) Correct answer.
  4. A welder performance qualification record

Explanation

The qualification coupon must be welded in accordance with a qualified WPS, so the procedure must be established before the welder is tested. The welder qualification record is the output of the test, not a prerequisite.

Question 48Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

A welder qualified under one WPS is assigned to a different WPS for the same process, position, and thickness. What is required?

  1. The welder must be tested in the flat position first
  2. Requalification is required if the WPS number changes
  3. A new qualification test is always required for each WPS
  4. No requalification, if essential variables are unchanged Correct answer.

Explanation

A welder's qualification is tied to essential variables such as process, position, and thickness, not to a specific WPS document number. As long as those variables remain within the qualified limits, no new test is needed.

Question 49Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

In the fillet weld break test, the specimen is broken by:

  1. bending the specimen around a 1 in plunger
  2. striking the weld with a hammer and chisel
  3. pulling the two plates apart in tension
  4. applying force that bends the upstanding leg over Correct answer.

Explanation

The fillet break test loads the upstanding leg so that it bends over and fractures the weld, exposing the root and fusion boundaries. This is a bend-type loading, not a direct tension pull.

Question 50Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ1)

During visual examination of a completed qualification coupon, a crack is found. The coupon shall be:

  1. tested anyway, because cracks are evaluated in bending
  2. repaired and then tested
  3. rejected, and the welder must be retested Correct answer.
  4. accepted if the crack is less than 1/8 in long

Explanation

Cracks are not acceptable in a qualification coupon, and repair of the test weld is not permitted. The coupon is rejected and the welder must make and pass a new test.