CWI Part A practice test: 165 questions, closed book, 10 domains

Where the points are

• Joining and cutting processes and definitions and terminology carry the two largest minimum weights. Many questions turn on the exact meaning of a term, so precise vocabulary pays. The welding terms glossary covers joint types, weld parts, fillet throats and fit-up terms, each with an original drawing.
• Symbols, welding and NDE: reading welding and examination symbols on drawings, including arrow side and other side, supplementary symbols and dimensions.
• Visual examination and NDE fundamentals: which method finds which discontinuity, and what each method can't see.
• Welding application and control, metallurgy, welding-related calculations, destructive testing and duties and responsibilities make up the rest.

How to prepare

• Take the free 10-question check, then spend your time where your weak areas meet the big weights. Joining and cutting processes is at least 14% of the questions and destructive testing fundamentals at least 3%; these are minimums, not exact shares of a test form.
• Joining and cutting processes is closed-book recall, so drill it: the welding process quiz has you name SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, SAW, oxyfuel and stud welding from drawings and match each to its shielding, polarity and typical flaws.
• NDE is also about limits, so drill it: the NDE methods quiz asks which of VT, PT, MT, RT, UT and ET finds the flaw, which material rules a method out and what each one relies on.
• Drill symbols until you can read them without thinking. They have their own domain and turn up inside others.
• For a step-by-step method, read how to read welding symbols on drawings, then test yourself on the welding symbols quiz. The welding symbol builder works in reverse: choose the weld, side and dimensions, and see where each one goes on the symbol. Keep the printable welding symbols chart beside you while you drill.
• Positions are recall too. The weld position trainer shows original drawings of plate and pipe joints and has you name 1G to 6G and 1F to 4F, then pick the drawing for a given code, with the geometry explained each time.
• Build recall on cards first: the free CWI Part A flashcards cover processes, symbols, NDE, metallurgy, discontinuities, safety and math, with your know and don't-know marks saved in your browser.
• Practice the calculations by hand. Part A is closed book, so you need the formulas cold. Print the CWI Part A formula sheet for every formula with a worked example. The CWI math calculator works heat input, carbon equivalent, tensile stress, elongation, reduction of area and unit conversions step by step. For the arc energy formula on its own, with a stopwatch option, use the heat input calculator. For the metallurgy side, the carbon equivalent calculator gives IIW CE and Pcm with every term shown. To see how those numbers connect to preheat and cracking, read welding metallurgy for the CWI exam.
• Try an explained Part A calculation, plus one question each for Parts B and C, in the free CWI practice test.
• Part B comes before Part A. You book Part A at Prometric with the eligibility code from your Part B confirmation. For sites and booking order, see where to take the CWI exam.
• Before you book, the CWI eligibility checker compares your education and experience with AWS's published minimums.

3 sample questions

One original question from each of three major Part A domains. Answer from memory, with no book.

1. Joining and cutting processes. A low-hydrogen SMAW electrode has sat in an open box on the bench for several days. What is the main concern with using it?

• A. Excess spatter
• B. Moisture pickup that adds hydrogen to the weld
• C. Loss of arc stability from rust on the core wire
• D. Too much slag

Answer: B. Low-hydrogen coverings absorb moisture from the air, and that moisture puts hydrogen into the weld metal, which raises the risk of hydrogen cracking. Spatter, rust and slag are not the reason these electrodes are stored in a controlled way.

2. NDE fundamentals. You need to find a buried, planar lack of fusion in a thick plate weld, with access from one face only. Which method fits best?

• A. Penetrant testing
• B. Magnetic particle testing
• C. Ultrasonic testing
• D. Visual examination

Answer: C. Ultrasonic testing sends sound into the weld and detects planar flaws below the surface. Penetrant testing and visual examination only see surface conditions, and magnetic particle testing is limited to the surface and near surface.

3. Symbols, welding and NDE. A fillet weld symbol is drawn above the horizontal reference line. Where does the weld go?

• A. On the arrow side of the joint
• B. On the other side of the joint
• C. On both sides of the joint
• D. All around the joint

Answer: B. A symbol above the reference line means the other side of the joint. Arrow side is the opposite placement, both sides needs a symbol on each side of the line, and all around needs the circle at the arrow bend.

For a Part A calculation with a worked explanation, see the free CWI practice test.

Exam day, step by step

Part A is a closed-book, computer-based test at a Prometric test center. Here's the day in order.

1. Get your eligibility code. You can book Parts A and C only after your Part B confirmation letter arrives, because it carries the eligibility codes you use at Prometric. AWS suggests booking at least 30 days ahead, because seats fill fast.
2. Book at Prometric and match your name. Prometric emails a confirmation with the test center, time and exam name. Print it. Prometric turns you away without a valid government-issued ID, or if the name on the appointment doesn't exactly match your ID. Call AWS ahead of time to fix a name problem; leaving it can mean rescheduling and extra fees.
3. Check your ID. It must be current and show your full name, date of birth, a recognizable photo, a signature and an expiration date. No signature on it? Bring a second ID that has one.
4. Arrive 30 minutes early. You sign in, agree to Prometric's rules, and staff check your identity, exam and appointment. Lockers hold your personal items.
5. Expect a security check. Staff check that nothing prohibited comes in: a metal-detector wand, emptied pockets, glasses inspected and large jewelry in the locker, every time you enter the room. Your calculator is inspected at check-in.
6. Know what comes in with you. Your ID, the pencil and scratch paper the test center gives you, your locker key, and an approved calculator: four-function, construction or non-programmable scientific, not noisy, programmable, alphabetical or memory models. Water in a clear container with labels removed is allowed after inspection. Phones, tablets, wearables, bags, coats, hats and food are not.
7. Accept the agreement and take the tutorial. You agree to the Candidate Attestation Agreement, and a tutorial shows how to move through the test. Tutorial time doesn't come off your test time.
8. Take the exam. There are no scheduled breaks. If you need one, raise your hand. The time comes off your test time, you show ID and pass security again to get back in, and AWS is told about the break.
9. Finish. Raise your hand, and staff confirm the exam ended properly before you leave.
10. Get your results. Prometric emails a preliminary score report within two hours. AWS's score letter follows two to four weeks after your last part. Scores round down to the whole percent, and each part needs 72%.

Staff can't answer questions about exam content, but report any computer problem right away. Exam content is confidential, and sharing it can cost you your scores.

Part A specifics: nothing comes in with you but the items above, so rehearse your formulas and symbol reading without notes. Hand back used scratch sheets before you get new ones.

Find your weak Part A domains free

Take the free 10-question check for Part A. It's scored by domain, takes no signup, and shows which domains to fix first. When you're ready for the full prep, the Part A course gives you a lesson for every exam subject, worked calculations you can repeat with your own numbers, two full-length timed practice exams, a worked explanation with every answer, and a study plan built from your check and your exam date.

FAQ

Is there a free CWI Part A practice test?

Yes. The free 10-question check for Part A is scored by domain, needs no signup and explains every answer. This page has three sample questions with answers, and the free CWI practice test adds a worked Part A calculation. For more free drills, use the CWI Part A flashcards, the welding process quiz and the NDE methods quiz.

What is on CWI Part A?

Ten domains: joining and cutting processes, definitions and terminology, symbols for welding and NDE, visual examination, NDE fundamentals, welding application and control, metallurgy, welding-related calculations, destructive testing, and duties and responsibilities. AWS sets a minimum weight for each, and the minimums total 82%. Joining and cutting processes is at least 14%.

What should I study for CWI Part A?

Study the processes, terms, symbols, NDE methods and formulas until you can recall them without a book, since nothing comes in with you. For a book, AWS sells the Certification Manual for Welding Inspectors and the Welding Inspection Technology workbook, and CWI training, courses and books compared lists both. The CWI study guide puts all three parts in study order.

How many questions are on CWI Part A?

Part A has 165 questions in 135 minutes, which is under 50 seconds a question.

Is CWI Part A open book?

No. Part A is closed book, with no code book, no notes and nothing to look up, so formulas and symbol reading have to be in your head.

What can you bring into CWI Part A?

Your ID, your locker key, the pencil and scratch paper the test center gives you, and a four-function, construction or non-programmable scientific calculator, which is inspected at check-in. Phones, tablets, wearables, bags, coats, hats and food stay out.

When do you get CWI Part A results?

Prometric emails a preliminary score report within two hours, and AWS's score letter follows two to four weeks after your last part. Scores round down to the whole percent, and each part needs 72%.

When can you book CWI Part A?

Only after your Part B confirmation letter arrives, because it carries the eligibility code you use at Prometric. AWS suggests booking at least 30 days ahead, because seats fill fast.