AWS Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against American Welding Society
The American Welding Society Inc establishes the global standards for welding education and certification. Mastering American Welding Society Code D1.1 is crucial for structural steel professionals. Our practice tests simulate real exam conditions to ensure you are ready for certification. Practice with the free AWS - American Welding Society Certification practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (9 questions with answer explanations).
- Part A (Fundamentals) of the AWS Certified Welding Inspector exam has 150 questions on destructive testing, fabrication math, safety, metallurgy, nondestructive testing, welding symbols, WPS/PQR and welding fundamentals. (American Welding Society)
- The AWS CWI Part B practical exam consists of hands-on activities using equipment provided by AWS and 46 questions related to those activities. (American Welding Society)
- Each computer-based part of the AWS CWI exam (Part A and Part C) allows two hours of exam time, with a total seat time of two and a half hours. (American Welding Society)
- AWS CWI candidates must score at least 72% on each of the three exam parts (A, B and C) to earn the credential. (American Welding Society)
- The initial AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exams cost $1,255 for AWS members and $1,520 for non-members, and the non-member price includes a 3-year AWS Individual Membership. (American Welding Society)
- Retesting one AWS CWI exam part (Part A or Part C) costs $445, retesting both Parts A and C costs $870, and retesting Part B costs $385. (American Welding Society)
- Under AWS QC1, CWI applicants may take up to two reexaminations within one year (12 months) of their original test date. (American Welding Society)
- The AWS Certified Welding Inspector certification is valid for nine years and requires a renewal application at years three and six after initial activation. (American Welding Society)
- Parts A and C of the AWS CWI exam are computer-based at more than 450 Prometric exam centers worldwide, while the Part B practical is given at AWS seminar locations. (American Welding Society)
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against American Welding Society. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
AWS Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions (CWI Part A (Fundamentals)) | 150 questions | American Welding Society |
| Number of questions (CWI Part B (Practical)) | Hands-on activities plus 46 questions | American Welding Society |
| Number of questions (CWI Part C (Code Book)) | 50 to 65 open-book questions | American Welding Society |
| Time limit (CWI Parts A and C) | 2 hours per part (2.5 hours seat time) | American Welding Society |
| Passing score (Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)) | 72% on each part | American Welding Society |
| Exam fee (Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)) | $1,255 (AWS member) / $1,520 (non-member) | American Welding Society |
| Retake fee (Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)) | $445 per part (A or C); $870 for Parts A and C; $385 for Part B; $915 member / $1,180 non-member for all parts | American Welding Society |
| Retake policy (Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)) | Up to 2 reexaminations within 12 months of the original test date | American Welding Society |
| Validity (Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)) | 9 years, with renewals at years 3 and 6 | American Welding Society |
| Delivery (Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)) | Parts A & C at 450+ Prometric centers; Part B at AWS seminar locations | American Welding Society |
| Eligibility (Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)) | Vision test + education/work experience (e.g., HS diploma + 5 years welding-based work) | American Welding Society |
| Score release (Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)) | About 2 weeks after Parts A and C | American Welding Society |
| Registration deadline (CWI Part B (Practical)) | About 6 weeks before the Part B exam date (US); Parts A & C are flexible | American Welding Society |
Facts verified Oct 20, 2026 against American Welding Society. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Free AWS - American Welding Society Certification Study Tools
Interactive AWS - American Welding Society Certification resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- AWS Practice Test 1 — 25 questions with answer explanations
- AWS - American Welding Society Certification flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- AWS - American Welding Society Certification study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- AWS - American Welding Society Certification cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
AWS Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the AWS - American Welding Society Certification exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
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AWS Exam Flashcards
Quick review for American Welding Society Certification
🏗️What does AWS D1.1 cover?
AWS D1.1 covers the Structural Welding Code for Steel, including design, procedure qualification, and inspection requirements.
START AWS PRACTICE TEST🔥What is SMAW?
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is a manual arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode covered with a flux to lay the weld.
📐What is a fillet weld symbol?
A fillet weld symbol is represented by a right triangle placed on the reference line, indicating the weld size and location.
REVIEW AWS QUESTIONS⚡What is DCEP polarity?
Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP), or reverse polarity, concentrates heat on the electrode, providing deeper penetration.
TRY AWS MOCK EXAM👀What is visual inspection?
Visual inspection (VT) is the observation of a weld's surface for discontinuities like cracks, porosity, or undercut without destroying the part.
ACCESS AWS STUDY GUIDE🛡️What is ANSI Z49.1?
ANSI Z49.1 is the American National Standard for Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, mandated by AWS.
PRACTICE AWS TEST NOWAmerican Welding Society Study Guide
The American Welding Society Certification path requires a deep understanding of code books, inspection techniques, and practical skills. This study guide breaks down the essential components of the AWS Welding exams.
- Topics: Documented Work History
- Questions: Verification Letter
AWS Exam Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
150
105 out of 150 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
The American Welding Society foundation offers scholarships to help offset the cost of education and certification. Check the American Welding Society scholarships page for eligibility.
AWS Career Opportunities
An American Welding Society Certification opens doors to diverse and high-paying roles.
Certified
Welding InspectorInspects welds for code compliance and quality. A CWI ensures structural integrity in construction and manufacturing.
Certified Welding Educator
Teaches welding techniques and theory. A CWE works in vocational schools and training centers.
Structural Welder
Specializes in fabricating metal frameworks for buildings and bridges using
AWS Test Day Checklist
- ✓Valid Government ID
- ✓Confirmation Number
- ✓Code Book (Part C)
- ✓Approved Calculator
- ✓Earplugs (Optional)
- ✓Light Jacket
- ✓Arrive 30 Mins Early
- ✓Review AWS Weld Symbols
Start Your AWS Welding Journey
Join thousands of successful AWS Certified professionals. Access our premium study materials and pass the Certified Welding Inspector exam on your first try.
AWS Renewal Requirements
Cycle
3 Years
Recertification
9 Years
To avoid retaking the exam, submit your renewal application before the expiration date. You must provide proof of continuous engagement in AWS Welding related activities.
- +Industry-recognized credential boosts your resume
- +Higher earning potential (10-20% salary increase on average)
- +Demonstrates commitment to professional development
- +Opens doors to advanced career opportunities
- −Exam preparation requires significant time investment (4-8 weeks)
- −Certification fees can be $100-$400+
- −May require continuing education to maintain
- −Some employers may not require certification
Sample AWS - American Welding Society Certification Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free AWS - American Welding Society Certification practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
In plasma arc welding (PAW), what distinguishes the 'keyhole' technique from conventional fusion welding?
- A. The keyhole technique uses lower current to avoid burn-through on thin materials
- B. A high-velocity plasma jet penetrates completely through the base metal, creating a hole that is progressively filled as the torch advances
- C. The keyhole technique requires the use of filler metal on every pass
- D. The keyhole technique is performed without any shielding gas
Answer: B. A high-velocity plasma jet penetrates completely through the base metal, creating a hole that is progressively filled as the torch advances
In keyhole PAW, the constricted plasma arc fully penetrates the joint, and surface tension holds the molten metal as the keyhole moves forward, enabling full-penetration single-pass welds.
Which welding process is best for welding aluminum?
- A. Stick Welding
- B. TIG Welding
- C. Flux Core Welding
- D. Submerged Arc Welding
Answer: B. TIG Welding
TIG welding is generally considered the best process for welding aluminum due to its ability to produce very clean and high-quality welds. The use of AC current in TIG welding helps to break up the tenacious aluminum oxide layer, which is crucial for achieving good penetration and a strong, defect-free weld. This precision is vital for aluminum's properties.
A welder notices that a long steel beam is bowing upward after welding along its bottom flange. Which corrective measure is most appropriate BEFORE welding?
- A. Pre-camber the beam opposite to the expected distortion direction
- B. Increase interpass temperature to soften the steel
- C. Use a higher heat input to fully penetrate the joint
- D. Apply post-weld quenching with water
Answer: A. Pre-camber the beam opposite to the expected distortion direction
Pre-cambering positions the workpiece opposite to anticipated distortion so that after welding, the part returns to the desired geometry.
What does the arrow in a welding symbol typically indicate in welding symbols & blueprint reading?
- A. Weld location
- B. Weld type
- C. Filler material
- D. Welding process
Answer: A. Weld location
In a welding symbol, the arrow points directly to the joint or area where the weld is to be made. It indicates the 'arrow side' of the joint, which is crucial for distinguishing between welds on one side versus the other or both sides of a joint. This ensures the welder places the weld in the correct position as specified by the design.
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How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- aws-p-001-delivery.sitecorecontenthub.cloud — Exam information · verified Oct 2026
- aws.org — Retake fee, registration deadline, time limit, test delivery, eligibility, fees, exam format, passing score, score release, score validity · verified Oct 2026
- pubs.aws.org — Retake policy · verified Oct 2026