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CWI Symbols: Welding and NDE practice questions

Reading and applying AWS A2.4 welding symbols, supplementary symbols, dimensions and nondestructive examination symbols. This domain is about 12% of the exam. Try each question, then open the answer.

Read the Symbols: Welding and NDE study guide

Question 1

A fillet weld symbol is drawn below the reference line. Where is the weld made?
  1. On the other side of the joint
  2. On both sides of the joint
  3. Wherever the welder chooses
  4. On the arrow side of the joint
Show answer

Answer: D. On the arrow side of the joint

In AWS A2.4, a weld symbol below the reference line means the arrow side; above means the other side. This holds no matter which way the arrow points or which end the tail is on.

Source: AWS A2.4:2020, Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination (arrow side and other side significance)

Question 2

No length is shown on a fillet weld symbol and no other note applies. What length of weld is required?
  1. The full length of the joint, between any abrupt changes in direction
  2. The length given in the WPS for that joint
  3. One inch, the default minimum
  4. The portion of the joint that is visible in the view where the arrow points
Show answer

Answer: A. The full length of the joint, between any abrupt changes in direction

When no length is given, the weld extends the full length of the joint. A weld around a corner or a change in direction needs the weld-all-around symbol or separate symbols.

Source: AWS A2.4:2020, Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination (length of welds)

Question 3

A single-V-groove weld symbol has '1/8' written inside the V. What does it indicate?
  1. A root face of 1/8 in.
  2. A weld size of 1/8 in.
  3. A root opening of 1/8 in.
  4. Weld reinforcement of 1/8 in.
Show answer

Answer: C. A root opening of 1/8 in.

The dimension inside a groove weld symbol is the root opening. Groove angle goes outside, and depth and weld size go to the left.

Source: AWS A2.4:2020, Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination (root opening)

Question 4

A circle at the junction of the arrow and reference line means:
  1. Field weld
  2. Spot weld
  3. Melt-through
  4. Weld all around
Show answer

Answer: D. Weld all around

The weld-all-around symbol, a circle at the arrow-reference line junction, means the weld goes completely around the joint, including around corners.

Source: AWS A2.4:2020, Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination (supplementary symbols)

Question 5

A groove weld symbol has a straight line (flush contour symbol) above it with the letter 'G'. What is required?
  1. The weld is to be finished flush by gouging
  2. The weld is to be ground convex
  3. The weld is to be finished flush by grinding
  4. Grinding is optional if the weld is already flush
Show answer

Answer: C. The weld is to be finished flush by grinding

Contour symbols show flush (flat), convex or concave finish. Letters give the finishing method: C chipping, G grinding, H hammering, M machining, P planishing and R rolling.

Source: AWS A2.4:2020, Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination (contour symbols and finishing methods)

Question 6

A rectangle is drawn below the reference line. There is no groove weld symbol on the other side of the line, and the rectangle has a dimension to its left and another to its right. Which weld does it call for?
  1. Backing for a groove weld
  2. Plug or slot weld
  3. Spot weld
  4. Seam weld
Show answer

Answer: B. Plug or slot weld

Plug and slot welds use a rectangle. For plug welds the diameter goes to the left, and pitch goes to the right. Depth of filling, if less than full, goes inside the symbol. Slot weld dimensions are often detailed on the drawing.

Source: AWS A2.4:2020, Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination (plug and slot welds)

Question 7

An examination symbol shows 'RT' below the reference line with '(4)' next to it. What does '(4)' mean?
  1. The radiograph must have a density of 4
  2. Radiograph 4 in. of weld
  3. Use a 4-hole image quality indicator
  4. Four radiographic examinations are to be made
Show answer

Answer: D. Four radiographic examinations are to be made

On examination symbols, a number in parentheses gives the number of examinations to be made. Length of section to examine is shown to the right of the method letters.

Source: AWS A2.4:2020, Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination (number of examinations)

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