AWS AWS Certification & Qualification 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to AWS QC1, what is the maximum allowable period a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) may go without an eye examination before recertification is required?
- 1 year
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
- 10 years
Correct answer: 3 years
AWS QC1 requires CWIs to submit a vision statement from a licensed physician or optometrist at every renewal, which occurs on a 3-year cycle.
Question 2: Under AWS D1.1, which condition requires a welder to be re-qualified immediately?
- Welder changes to a different brand of electrode
- Welder has not used the qualified process for more than 6 months (Correct answer)
- Welder moves to a different job site
- Welder changes shift supervisors
Correct answer: Welder has not used the qualified process for more than 6 months
AWS D1.1 requires re-qualification when a welder has not used a qualified welding process for a period exceeding 6 months.
Question 3: A Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) credential issued by AWS is primarily intended for individuals who:
- Perform nondestructive testing of welds
- Oversee and direct welding operations and personnel (Correct answer)
- Design welded joint configurations
- Inspect completed weldments for code compliance
Correct answer: Oversee and direct welding operations and personnel
The AWS CWS certification recognizes individuals who supervise welding operations, manage welding personnel, and ensure quality and safety standards are met.
Question 4: When a Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) is used to support a WPS, which of the following statements is TRUE?
- The PQR documents the actual variables used during the test weld and the test results (Correct answer)
- The PQR is a document written before welding begins to describe intended parameters
- The PQR must be recertified every 3 years regardless of production use
- The PQR is required only for prequalified joints under AWS D1.1
Correct answer: The PQR documents the actual variables used during the test weld and the test results
A PQR is a record of the actual welding variables used during a test weld and documents the resulting test results that confirm the WPS is sound.
Question 5: Which AWS certification specifically addresses the qualification of radiographic testing personnel for weld inspection?
- CWI
- SCWI
- CAWI
- AWS does not certify RT personnel — ASNT does (Correct answer)
Correct answer: AWS does not certify RT personnel — ASNT does
Radiographic testing personnel certification falls under ASNT (American Society for Nondestructive Testing) SNT-TC-1A, not AWS certification programs.
Question 6: A welder qualifies on a 1-inch (25 mm) thick test plate in the 3G position using SMAW. What is the maximum base metal thickness this welder is qualified to weld in production per AWS D1.1?
- 1 inch (25 mm)
- 1.5 inches (38 mm)
- Unlimited thickness (Correct answer)
- 2 inches (50 mm)
Correct answer: Unlimited thickness
Under AWS D1.1, a welder who passes a groove weld test on plate 1 inch or thicker in any position is qualified for unlimited thickness in production.
Question 7: What does the AWS 'endorsement' system allow a CWI to demonstrate?
- Eligibility to teach AWS-accredited courses
- Specialized knowledge in a specific welding code or process beyond the base CWI (Correct answer)
- Authorization to certify other inspectors
- Completion of a second full CWI examination
Correct answer: Specialized knowledge in a specific welding code or process beyond the base CWI
AWS endorsements allow a CWI to demonstrate specialized expertise in a particular code (e.g., D1.1, API 1104) or process area beyond the scope of the standard CWI credential.
AWS AWS Certification & Qualification 4
According to AWS QC1, what is the maximum allowable period a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) may go without an eye examination before recertification is required?