CRI Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for digital radiography systems in CRI practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
2. Carbon equivalent (CE) is used primarily to predict: → Susceptibility to hydrogen-induced cracking
3. Which type of radiation has the greatest penetrating power? → Gamma rays
4. Which factor primarily determines the dynamic range of a digital flat-panel detector? → The bit depth of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and electronic noise floor
5. Residual stress in a weld joint is most commonly tensile at which location? → Weld metal and adjacent HAZ
6. In computed tomography, which artifact appears as streaks or bands between two highly attenuating objects such as metal fasteners? → Beam hardening artifact
7. In radiographic interpretation, an elongated slag inclusion running parallel to the weld axis is best described as which type of discontinuity? → Wagon tracks
8. When radiographing a circumferential weld using the panoramic (360°) technique, the IQI is placed: → On the source side at each IQI location per code
9. When evaluating a radiograph, increasing kVp while keeping mAs constant will generally: → Decrease image contrast and increase density
10. In a direct conversion flat-panel detector, which material is most commonly used as the photoconductor? → Amorphous selenium (a-Se)
11. In radioscopic testing, the minimum detectable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) required per ASTM E2597 for a valid digital radioscopy technique is: → SNR ≥ 10 (typically)
12. The radiographic appearance of a lamellar tear in the base metal adjacent to a weld is: → Step-like dark indications parallel to the plate surface
13. Which welding process is most associated with tungsten inclusions as a radiographic defect? → Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)
14. Which agency sets safety standards for welding operations in the U.S.? → OSHA.
15. Per API 1104, what is the maximum allowable aggregate length of inadequate penetration (IP) in any continuous 12-inch length of pipeline weld? → 1 inch
16. ASME Section VIII requires that radiographic film be retained for a minimum of: → 3 years
17. In radiographic documentation, what does a 'reject' disposition require beyond just recording the indication? → A nonconformance report or NCR must be generated per quality system requirements
18. What is the function of a welding helmet? → To shield the welder from UV rays and sparks.
19. What type of artifact in computed radiography (CR) is caused by incomplete erasure of a previous image? → Ghost image (ghosting)
20. A controlled area radiation survey after an exposure shows 3 mR/hr at the boundary. Per 10 CFR 34, this boundary level is: → Above the 2 mR/hr limit and must be corrected before personnel entry
21. What is the primary biological effect of concern from low-level, chronic radiation exposure to workers? → Stochastic effects such as cancer induction
22. On which side of the test object should the IQI preferably be placed according to most radiographic codes? → Source side of the object being radiographed
23. What does a transport index (TI) of 1.0 on a radioactive package indicate? → The dose rate at 1 meter is 0.1 mSv/hr
24. A 'burn-through' in a weld radiograph will typically appear as: → A very dark circular or irregular area where excess metal melted through
25. In radiographic interpretation, 'density' refers to: → The degree of blackening or optical density of the processed film
26. In a flat panel detector, 'dead pixels' are addressed during image processing by: → Applying pixel defect maps and interpolating neighboring pixel values
27. A radiograph shows a double-wall single-image (DWSI) exposure. The geometric relationship requires that the radiation source be: → Directly opposed to the film on the outside
28. According to AWS D1.1, what is the maximum allowable length of an individual porosity indication in a complete joint penetration groove weld? → 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)
29. What is the typical advantage of a cesium iodide (CsI) scintillator over a gadolinium oxysulfide (GOS) screen in flat-panel detectors? → Needle-shaped crystal structure that reduces light diffusion and improves resolution
30. Which radiographic image characteristic is used to verify that adequate film-to-source geometry was maintained during pipe weld examination? → The IQI (penetrameter) essential wire or hole is visible on the radiograph