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. In radiographic interpretation, an elongated slag inclusion running parallel to the weld axis is best described as which type of discontinuity? → Wagon tracks
3. Which agency sets safety standards for welding operations in the U.S.? → OSHA.
4. 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
5. What is the function of a welding helmet? → To shield the welder from UV rays and sparks.
6. 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
7. 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)
8. 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
9. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for advanced imaging techniques in CRI practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
10. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for report writing & documentation in CRI practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
11. In pipeline girth weld radiography, what is the purpose of the 'back-scatter' lead marker ('B') placed behind the film? → To detect radiation scattered from behind the film that could degrade image quality
12. How can welding defects be minimized? → Using correct technique and settings.
13. Why is proper ventilation important in welding? → To remove hazardous fumes.
14. What does spatter refer to in welding? → Molten metal droplets scattered around the weld.
15. How is radiographic sensitivity expressed as a percentage calculated using a hole-type IQI? → (IQI thickness ÷ specimen thickness) × 100
16. Which defect appears as a dark area on radiographic film? → Porosity.
17. What is the characteristic of a proper weld bead? → Uniform width with smooth edges and good penetration.
18. A radiograph of a socket weld fitting shows a dark ring image concentric with the pipe. What does this indicate? → A gap between the pipe end and the socket bottom (crevice or improper fit-up)
19. On a hole-type IQI, what is the diameter of the 2T hole relative to the IQI thickness? → Equal to twice the IQI thickness
20. Which interpretation technique uses density variations to identify weld defects? → Radiographic interpretation.
21. Per API 1104, what action is required when a crack is found in a pipeline girth weld during radiographic examination? → The weld must be rejected regardless of crack length
22. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for radiation safety & protection in CRI practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
23. In the context of CRI certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing image quality & artifacts? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
24. In the context of CRI certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing material properties & testing standards? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
25. What term describes the distance over which density changes from the indication to the background on a radiographic image? → Gradient
26. What safety precaution is essential during welding? → Ensuring adequate ventilation.
27. Why is documentation important in welding quality control? → To ensure traceability and compliance.
28. What does welding penetration refer to? → Depth of fusion into the base metal.
29. Which radiographic exposure arrangement provides the most uniform density across the full circumference of a large-diameter vessel shell weld in a single shot? → Panoramic internal source technique with film wrapped around the outside
30. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for material properties & testing standards in CRI practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment