PIPEFITTER Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PIPEFITTER facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What are typical work environments for pipefitters? → Construction Sites
2. What does the note 'SMLS' mean when written next to a pipe specification on a drawing? → Seamless pipe (no longitudinal weld seam)
3. What does the acronym NDE stand for in piping inspection? → Non-Destructive Examination
4. What type of pipe hanger is designed to allow the pipe to move axially (along its centerline) while still providing vertical support? → Sliding pipe support or roller support
5. What education or training pathways can help pipefitters advance to higher-paying roles? → Enrolling in Advanced Apprenticeship Programs
6. What factors influence a pipefitter’s choice of industry? → Pay Scale
7. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of the "attendant" during a permit-required confined space entry? → To remain outside the space and continuously monitor entrants and conditions.
8. On a piping isometric drawing, what does the abbreviation 'EL' typically precede? → The elevation of a pipe's centerline
9. What does the abbreviation 'BW' next to a pipe connection on a P&ID indicate? → Butt weld
10. Which of the following is a key advantage of fabricating pipe spools in a controlled workshop environment versus assembling the entire system on-site? → It improves quality control and allows for more efficient, parallel work.
11. When making a 90-degree offset using two 45-degree elbows, what is the travel distance if the offset is 18 inches? → 25.46 inches
12. What is a 'check valve,' and what is its function in a piping system? → A self-actuating valve that allows flow in one direction only and prevents backflow
13. On an isometric drawing, what does a small circle drawn on the pipe centerline at a joint location indicate? → A flanged connection
14. Which ASME code specifically governs the design, fabrication, inspection, and testing of process piping systems in refineries and chemical plants? → ASME B31.3 (Process Piping)
15. In threaded pipe joints per ASME B1.20.1, what is the standard taper of NPT (National Pipe Taper) threads? → 1/16 inch per inch (1 in 16)
16. What information is typically found in the title block of a construction drawing? → Drawing number, revision, scale, company name, date, and drawing title
17. Which of the following is a core responsibility of a journeyman pipefitter on a construction project? → Interpreting engineering drawings and installing piping systems to code
18. A pipefitter is preparing to perform a 'hot tap' on a live pipeline. Which of the following is the MOST critical prerequisite before starting the work? → Obtaining a properly authorized Hot Work Permit.
19. What is the primary purpose of visual testing (VT) in piping inspection? → To identify surface defects, misalignment, and improper installation
20. When laying out a three-piece 90-degree mitered turn using a 12-inch nominal pipe (OD = 12.75"), what is the correct cutback measurement for the miter cuts? → 2.65 inches
21. Which in-service inspection method uses a magnetic field to detect pipe wall loss and corrosion without removing insulation or coatings? → Magnetic flux leakage (MFL)
22. On a plot plan, what do concentric circles with a letter/number designation typically represent? → Column north reference points
23. A pipe flange has 8 bolt holes on a 9.5-inch bolt circle diameter (BCD). What is the spacing between adjacent bolt holes? → 3.74 inches
24. Which document gives a pipefitter the legal authority to open a flanged connection on a live process line? → A line break permit (or equipment opening permit)
25. A 6-inch NPS Schedule 40 pipe has a wall thickness of 0.280 inches and an OD of 6.625 inches. What is the inside diameter? → 6.065 inches
26. On a piping plan drawing, what does a double-triangle symbol (two triangles meeting at a point) represent at a valve location? → A gate valve shown in plan view
27. Per OSHA 1926.1416, before a mobile crane is used for lifting operations, what must the operator do? → Conduct a pre-shift visual inspection of the crane and all associated rigging equipment
28. According to ASME B31.3, what is the maximum allowable temperature of the test water used for hydrostatic testing? → 120°F (49°C)
29. What is the primary purpose of a 'load cell' used during rigging operations? → To measure the actual weight of a load in real time during lifting
30. What is the responsibility of a pipefitter regarding pipe support installation? → Install supports at locations and types specified in the drawings before line testing