Are flashcards effective for the CWI exam?

Yes. Flashcards use active recall — retrieving an answer from memory — which research shows is one of the most effective study methods, especially in short, spaced sessions. They're ideal for the CWI's heavy load of definitions, processes, symbols, and NDE terms.

What topics do the CWI flashcards cover?

All the Part A topic areas: welding and cutting processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW), metallurgy and heat control, weld symbols (AWS A2.4), discontinuities and defects, the five NDE methods (VT, PT, MT, RT, UT), destructive testing, inspection duties, WPS/PQR, and welding terminology (AWS A3.0).

How should I study with these CWI flashcards?

Lead with the largest topic — discontinuities and NDE — then drill processes, metallurgy, symbols, inspection, and terminology. Mix the modes: flip to learn, type to test recall, match for speed, and quiz to check yourself before a full practice test.

Are the CWI flashcards free?

Yes — 100% free, all four study modes, no paywall.

Do these flashcards match the current CWI exam?

Yes. The cards are organized to the current AWS CWI Part A Body of Knowledge and reflect the official AWS A3.0 terms and A2.4 weld symbols the closed-book Fundamentals exam tests.

Discontinuity vs. defect?

A discontinuity is any interruption in the weld's structure; a defect is a discontinuity that exceeds the code's acceptance criteria (rejectable).

What is a discontinuity?

An interruption in the typical structure of a weld — a lack of homogeneity. Not automatically rejectable.

A discontinuity that exceeds the applicable acceptance criteria of the governing code; by definition rejectable.

Cavity-type discontinuities formed by gas trapped in the solidifying weld metal; caused by contamination, poor shielding, or long arc.

Scattered (uniform), cluster (localized), and piping/wormhole (elongated cavities reaching the surface).

What is a slag inclusion?

Nonmetallic flux material trapped in the weld; caused by poor interpass cleaning or improper technique.

A groove melted into the base metal next to the weld toe or root and left unfilled by weld metal; reduces base-metal cross-section.

Common cause of undercut?

Excessive current, too long an arc, incorrect electrode angle, or too fast travel speed.

Weld metal that flows over the base metal at the toe or root without fusing to it; a stress riser.

What is incomplete fusion?

Failure of weld metal to fuse with the base metal or with a preceding weld bead (also called lack of fusion).

What is incomplete joint penetration?

Weld metal does not extend through the full required depth of the joint root.

Incomplete fusion vs. incomplete joint penetration?

Incomplete fusion = no bonding (anywhere); incomplete joint penetration = root not filled to the required depth.

What is a crack (weld)?

A fracture-type discontinuity with a sharp tip; the most serious flaw and almost always rejectable.

Hot cracking vs. cold cracking?

Hot cracking occurs during solidification (high temperature); cold cracking is hydrogen-induced and appears after cooling.

What causes cold cracking?

Hydrogen + a hard microstructure + stress, acting together; common in the HAZ of hardenable steels.

Longitudinal vs. transverse crack?

Longitudinal runs parallel to the weld axis; transverse runs across (perpendicular to) the weld axis.

What is weld reinforcement?

Weld metal in excess of the quantity required to fill the joint, on the face or root side.

What is an arc strike?

A localized discontinuity from striking the arc on the base metal away from the joint; creates a hard spot.

What is lamellar tearing?

Step-like cracking in the base metal beneath welds, caused by through-thickness strain on non-metallic inclusions.

Metal particles expelled during welding that land on the surrounding surface; usually cosmetic.

A depression on the weld face or root extending below the adjacent base-metal surface (joint not fully filled).

What are the five NDE methods?

Visual (VT), liquid penetrant (PT), magnetic particle (MT), radiographic (RT), and ultrasonic (UT).

Which NDE methods are surface methods?

Visual (VT), liquid penetrant (PT), and magnetic particle (MT).

Which NDE methods are volumetric?

Radiographic (RT) and ultrasonic (UT) — they detect internal flaws.

What is visual inspection (VT)?

Examination of a weld with the eye (aided by gauges and light) for surface flaws, profile, and size; always done first.

What is liquid penetrant testing (PT)?

A dye is drawn into surface-breaking flaws and a developer reveals them; works on any clean, nonporous material.

Limitation of liquid penetrant (PT)?

Detects only surface-breaking flaws — it cannot find subsurface or internal flaws.

What is magnetic particle testing (MT)?

Uses a magnetic field and iron particles to reveal surface and near-surface flaws.

Key limitation of magnetic particle (MT)?

Works only on ferromagnetic (ferrous) materials — not on aluminum or austenitic stainless steel.

What is radiographic testing (RT)?

Uses X-rays or gamma rays to image internal volumetric flaws (porosity, slag); produces a permanent record.

Best NDE for porosity & slag?

Radiographic testing (RT) — it images volumetric flaws well and leaves a record.

What is ultrasonic testing (UT)?

Sends high-frequency sound into the weld to detect internal flaws, especially planar cracks and lack of fusion.

Best NDE for tight internal cracks?

Ultrasonic testing (UT) — most sensitive to planar flaws and good in thick sections.

RT is best for volumetric flaws with a permanent image; UT is best for planar flaws (cracks) and has no radiation hazard.

Which NDE method is always performed first?

Visual inspection (VT) — it is the most economical and catches many flaws before other NDE.

What is a fillet weld gauge used for?

Measuring fillet weld leg size and throat to verify the weld meets the required dimensions.

PT on aluminum — does it work?

Yes. Liquid penetrant works on any clean, nonporous material, including aluminum (MT does not).

What is a stress riser?

A geometric discontinuity (e.g., undercut, sharp toe) that concentrates stress and can initiate cracking.

Which flaw is a planar discontinuity?

Cracks and lack of fusion are planar (two-dimensional); porosity is volumetric (three-dimensional).

Acceptance criteria — who sets them?

The governing code or specification (e.g., AWS D1.1, API 1104) — they define when a discontinuity is a defect.

What does SMAW stand for?

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (stick) — a flux-coated consumable electrode whose coating forms a shielding gas and slag.

What does GMAW stand for?

Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG) — a continuous consumable wire shielded by an externally supplied gas.

What does FCAW stand for?

Flux-Cored Arc Welding — a continuous tubular wire with flux inside, used self-shielded or with added gas.

What does GTAW stand for?

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG) — a non-consumable tungsten electrode with inert gas and separately added filler.

What does SAW stand for?

Submerged Arc Welding — a continuous wire under a granular flux blanket; the arc is not visible.

Your FREE CWI Flashcards 2026 – 250+ Cards

Realistic, CWI exam-style flashcards across every Part A topic — welding processes, symbols, discontinuities, NDE, and terminology. Flip, match, type, and quiz yourself.

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CWI Flashcards

Discontinuity vs. defect?: A discontinuity is any interruption in the weld's structure; a defect is a discontinuity that exceeds the code's acceptance criteria (rejectable).
What is a discontinuity?: An interruption in the typical structure of a weld — a lack of homogeneity. Not automatically rejectable.
What is a defect?: A discontinuity that exceeds the applicable acceptance criteria of the governing code; by definition rejectable.
What is porosity?: Cavity-type discontinuities formed by gas trapped in the solidifying weld metal; caused by contamination, poor shielding, or long arc.
Types of porosity?: Scattered (uniform), cluster (localized), and piping/wormhole (elongated cavities reaching the surface).
What is a slag inclusion?: Nonmetallic flux material trapped in the weld; caused by poor interpass cleaning or improper technique.
What is undercut?: A groove melted into the base metal next to the weld toe or root and left unfilled by weld metal; reduces base-metal cross-section.
Common cause of undercut?: Excessive current, too long an arc, incorrect electrode angle, or too fast travel speed.
What is overlap?: Weld metal that flows over the base metal at the toe or root without fusing to it; a stress riser.
What is incomplete fusion?: Failure of weld metal to fuse with the base metal or with a preceding weld bead (also called lack of fusion).
What is incomplete joint penetration?: Weld metal does not extend through the full required depth of the joint root.
Incomplete fusion vs. incomplete joint penetration?: Incomplete fusion = no bonding (anywhere); incomplete joint penetration = root not filled to the required depth.
What is a crack (weld)?: A fracture-type discontinuity with a sharp tip; the most serious flaw and almost always rejectable.
Hot cracking vs. cold cracking?: Hot cracking occurs during solidification (high temperature); cold cracking is hydrogen-induced and appears after cooling.
What causes cold cracking?: Hydrogen + a hard microstructure + stress, acting together; common in the HAZ of hardenable steels.
Longitudinal vs. transverse crack?: Longitudinal runs parallel to the weld axis; transverse runs across (perpendicular to) the weld axis.
What is weld reinforcement?: Weld metal in excess of the quantity required to fill the joint, on the face or root side.
What is an arc strike?: A localized discontinuity from striking the arc on the base metal away from the joint; creates a hard spot.
What is lamellar tearing?: Step-like cracking in the base metal beneath welds, caused by through-thickness strain on non-metallic inclusions.
What is spatter?: Metal particles expelled during welding that land on the surrounding surface; usually cosmetic.
What is underfill?: A depression on the weld face or root extending below the adjacent base-metal surface (joint not fully filled).
What are the five NDE methods?: Visual (VT), liquid penetrant (PT), magnetic particle (MT), radiographic (RT), and ultrasonic (UT).
Which NDE methods are surface methods?: Visual (VT), liquid penetrant (PT), and magnetic particle (MT).
Which NDE methods are volumetric?: Radiographic (RT) and ultrasonic (UT) — they detect internal flaws.
What is visual inspection (VT)?: Examination of a weld with the eye (aided by gauges and light) for surface flaws, profile, and size; always done first.
What is liquid penetrant testing (PT)?: A dye is drawn into surface-breaking flaws and a developer reveals them; works on any clean, nonporous material.
Limitation of liquid penetrant (PT)?: Detects only surface-breaking flaws — it cannot find subsurface or internal flaws.
What is magnetic particle testing (MT)?: Uses a magnetic field and iron particles to reveal surface and near-surface flaws.
Key limitation of magnetic particle (MT)?: Works only on ferromagnetic (ferrous) materials — not on aluminum or austenitic stainless steel.
What is radiographic testing (RT)?: Uses X-rays or gamma rays to image internal volumetric flaws (porosity, slag); produces a permanent record.
Best NDE for porosity & slag?: Radiographic testing (RT) — it images volumetric flaws well and leaves a record.
What is ultrasonic testing (UT)?: Sends high-frequency sound into the weld to detect internal flaws, especially planar cracks and lack of fusion.
Best NDE for tight internal cracks?: Ultrasonic testing (UT) — most sensitive to planar flaws and good in thick sections.
RT vs. UT?: RT is best for volumetric flaws with a permanent image; UT is best for planar flaws (cracks) and has no radiation hazard.
Which NDE method is always performed first?: Visual inspection (VT) — it is the most economical and catches many flaws before other NDE.
What is a fillet weld gauge used for?: Measuring fillet weld leg size and throat to verify the weld meets the required dimensions.
PT on aluminum — does it work?: Yes. Liquid penetrant works on any clean, nonporous material, including aluminum (MT does not).
What is a stress riser?: A geometric discontinuity (e.g., undercut, sharp toe) that concentrates stress and can initiate cracking.
Which flaw is a planar discontinuity?: Cracks and lack of fusion are planar (two-dimensional); porosity is volumetric (three-dimensional).
Acceptance criteria — who sets them?: The governing code or specification (e.g., AWS D1.1, API 1104) — they define when a discontinuity is a defect.
What does SMAW stand for?: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (stick) — a flux-coated consumable electrode whose coating forms a shielding gas and slag.
What does GMAW stand for?: Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG) — a continuous consumable wire shielded by an externally supplied gas.
What does FCAW stand for?: Flux-Cored Arc Welding — a continuous tubular wire with flux inside, used self-shielded or with added gas.
What does GTAW stand for?: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG) — a non-consumable tungsten electrode with inert gas and separately added filler.
What does SAW stand for?: Submerged Arc Welding — a continuous wire under a granular flux blanket; the arc is not visible.
How is SMAW shielded?: By the gas and slag produced when the electrode's flux coating burns.
How is GMAW shielded?: By an externally supplied shielding gas such as argon or carbon dioxide.
How is GTAW shielded?: By an inert shielding gas (argon or helium); the tungsten electrode is not consumed.
How is SAW shielded?: By a blanket of granular flux that covers the arc and weld pool.
Which process gives the highest quality welds?: GTAW (TIG) — precise, clean welds ideal for thin material, root passes, stainless, and aluminum.
Which process gives the highest deposition on thick steel?: SAW (Submerged Arc Welding) — automated, high deposition, used on thick sections.
Which arc process is the most portable?: SMAW (stick) — minimal equipment, no external gas, works outdoors.
GMAW vs. GTAW — key difference?: GMAW feeds a consumable wire (becomes filler); GTAW uses a non-consumable tungsten with separate filler.
What is resistance spot welding?: Joining sheet metal with heat from electrical resistance and pressure; no filler metal is added.
Reading E7018: what is the 70?: Minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi (70 ksi).
Reading E7018: what is the 1?: Welding position — 1 means all positions.
Reading E7018: what is the 8?: Coating type and current — 8 indicates a low-hydrogen, iron-powder electrode.
Why store low-hydrogen electrodes dry?: Moisture introduces hydrogen into the weld, raising the risk of cold (hydrogen-induced) cracking.
What is GMAW short-circuit transfer?: A low-energy metal transfer mode where the wire repeatedly touches the pool; good for thin material and out-of-position welds.
What is GMAW spray transfer?: A high-energy mode where fine droplets cross the arc; high deposition, used in the flat/horizontal positions.
What is oxy-fuel cutting (OFC)?: A thermal cut that preheats steel then burns it in a stream of oxygen; relies on oxidation.
Why can't oxy-fuel cut stainless or aluminum?: They form protective oxides and don't oxidize like carbon steel, so the oxygen stream cannot burn through.
What is plasma arc cutting (PAC)?: Cutting with a high-temperature ionized gas jet; cuts any electrically conductive metal, including stainless and aluminum.
What is carbon-arc gouging?: An arc melts the metal and compressed air blows it away; used for back-gouging and removing defects.
What is a consumable electrode?: An electrode that melts and becomes part of the weld (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW).
What is a non-consumable electrode?: An electrode that conducts the arc but is not melted into the weld — the tungsten in GTAW.
What is the duty cycle of a welding machine?: The percentage of a 10-minute period a machine can weld at a given output without overheating.
Constant current vs. constant voltage power?: CC suits SMAW/GTAW (stable amperage); CV suits GMAW/FCAW/SAW (stable voltage with wire feed).
What shielding gas is common for GMAW on steel?: A mix such as argon with carbon dioxide (e.g., 75% Ar / 25% CO2), or straight CO2.
What is FCAW self-shielded?: Flux-cored welding where the flux alone shields the weld — no external gas needed; good for field work.
What is the heat-affected zone (HAZ)?: Base metal next to the weld whose microstructure and properties changed from welding heat without melting.
Why is the HAZ a concern?: It can become hard and brittle, making it a common site for cracking.
Why is preheat used?: To slow cooling so the weld and HAZ stay softer and hydrogen can escape — preventing cold cracking.
What is interpass temperature?: The temperature of the metal between weld passes; controlled to maintain preheat's benefits.
What is PWHT?: Post-Weld Heat Treatment — controlled heating after welding to relieve residual stress or improve toughness.
What is carbon equivalent (CE)?: A calculated value from carbon and alloy content used to estimate a steel's weldability and cracking risk.
Higher carbon equivalent means what?: Greater hardenability and higher cracking risk — usually requiring more preheat.
Three ingredients of cold cracking?: Hydrogen, a hard (susceptible) microstructure, and tensile stress — all present together.
How does faster cooling affect weld hardness?: Faster cooling produces a harder, more brittle, more crack-prone microstructure.
What is residual stress?: Internal stress left in a weldment after welding due to uneven heating and cooling; PWHT can relieve it.
What is distortion in welding?: Dimensional change from the heating and cooling of welding; controlled by sequence, fixturing, and heat input.
What is heat input?: The energy delivered per unit length of weld; it rises with voltage and amperage and falls with faster travel speed.
Effect of higher heat input?: Slower cooling rate, larger weld bead, and a wider HAZ.
What is martensite?: A hard, brittle steel microstructure formed by rapid cooling; associated with HAZ cracking.
What is hydrogen embrittlement?: Loss of ductility and cracking caused by dissolved hydrogen in susceptible steel.
What is annealing?: A heat treatment that softens metal and relieves stress by heating and slow cooling.
What is normalizing?: Heating steel then air-cooling to refine grain structure and improve uniformity.
What is quenching and tempering?: Rapid cooling (quench) for hardness, then reheating (temper) to restore toughness.
What is ductility?: A material's ability to deform plastically (stretch) before fracturing.
What is toughness?: A material's ability to absorb energy and resist fracture, especially under impact.
What is hardenability?: The ability of a steel to form hard martensite on cooling; increases with carbon and alloy content.
Why does preheat help drive off hydrogen?: It keeps the metal hot longer, giving dissolved hydrogen time to diffuse out before the weld cools.
What is interpass cleaning?: Removing slag, spatter, and contamination between passes to prevent inclusions and ensure fusion.
What is grain growth in the HAZ?: Coarsening of grains from welding heat that can reduce toughness near the fusion line.
What is a fusion zone?: The region of a weld where base and filler metal melted and solidified together.
Below the reference line means?: The arrow side of the joint — the side the symbol's arrow points to.
Above the reference line means?: The other side of the joint — the side away from the arrow.
Parts of a welding symbol?: Reference line, arrow, and tail (plus the weld symbol and dimensions); per AWS A2.4.
What does the arrow point to?: The joint to be welded.
What is the tail of a welding symbol for?: References such as the process, specification, or other supplementary information.
What standard governs welding symbols?: AWS A2.4 — Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination.
What is a fillet weld symbol?: A right-triangle symbol; the vertical leg is always drawn on the left.
Where does fillet weld size go?: To the left of the weld symbol.
Where do weld length and pitch go?: To the right of the weld symbol.
What is the field weld symbol?: A flag at the junction of the reference line and arrow — meaning the weld is made in the field, not the shop.
What is the weld-all-around symbol?: A circle at the bend in the reference line — the weld goes completely around the joint.
What are the five basic joint types?: Butt, lap, tee, corner, and edge joints.
What is a butt joint?: Two members in the same plane joined edge to edge.
What is a lap joint?: Two overlapping members joined together.
What is a tee joint?: One member perpendicular to another, forming a T.
What is a corner joint?: Two members meeting at a corner, forming an L.
What is an edge joint?: The edges of two parallel or nearly parallel members joined together.
What are the groove types?: Square, V, bevel, U, and J grooves.
Fillet weld vs. groove weld?: A fillet joins surfaces at roughly a right angle; a groove weld fills a prepared groove between members.
What does a contour symbol show?: The required shape of the finished weld face — flush, convex, or concave.
What are the weld dimensions on a fillet symbol?: Leg size (left), and length and pitch for intermittent welds (right).
Joint vs. weld — what's the difference?: The joint is the geometry of how parts meet; the weld is how they are joined (fillet, groove).
What does a plug or slot weld symbol indicate?: A weld made through a hole (plug) or slot in one member to join it to another.
What is a melt-through symbol?: A supplementary symbol indicating complete joint penetration with visible root reinforcement.
What does the number left of a fillet symbol mean?: The leg size of the fillet weld (in inches or millimeters).
What is a WPS?: Welding Procedure Specification — a written document directing the welder how to make a code-compliant weld.
What is a PQR?: Procedure Qualification Record — documents the test weld and results that qualify (support) a WPS.
What is a WPQ?: Welder Performance Qualification — a record showing a welder can deposit sound welds within a range of conditions.
WPS vs. PQR?: The WPS directs production welding; the PQR is the test record proving the WPS produces sound welds.
WPS vs. WPQ?: The WPS qualifies the procedure; the WPQ qualifies the welder (the person).
What is an essential variable?: A welding variable whose change beyond set limits requires requalification of the procedure or welder.
What are the three inspection phases?: Before welding, during welding, and after welding.
What does the inspector check before welding?: Base metal, fit-up, joint preparation, cleanliness, and welder/WPS qualification.
What does the inspector check during welding?: Amperage, voltage, travel speed, preheat/interpass temperature, and adherence to the WPS.
What does the inspector check after welding?: Visual inspection first, then required NDE and measurements against acceptance criteria.
Core duties of a CWI?: Verify that materials, procedures, welders, and welds conform to the code, and keep accurate, impartial records.
What ethics must a CWI follow?: Honesty, objectivity, and freedom from conflicts of interest; report findings factually regardless of pressure.
What standard qualifies welding inspectors?: AWS B5.1 — Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors.
What is fit-up?: How well the parts are aligned and gapped before welding; poor fit-up causes defects.
What is a CAWI?: Certified Associate Welding Inspector — an entry-level AWS certification below the CWI.
What is an SCWI?: Senior Certified Welding Inspector — the highest AWS welding-inspector certification level.
Why does VT come before other NDE?: It is the cheapest method and catches many surface defects, so it is done first.
What is a hold point?: A point in fabrication where work must stop for inspection before proceeding.
What is a welding inspection report?: The documented, impartial record of what was inspected, measurements, and accept/reject decisions.
What is calibration (inspection tools)?: Verifying a gauge or instrument reads accurately against a known standard.
What is a code in welding?: A document with mandatory requirements (e.g., AWS D1.1) governing how welds are made and accepted.
What is the difference between a code and a specification?: A code gives mandatory rules; a specification details requirements for a product or procedure, often referenced by a code.
What is base metal?: The parent material being welded or cut, as opposed to the filler metal added by the weld.
What is filler metal?: The metal added during welding (from an electrode or rod) that becomes part of the weld.
What is weld metal?: The portion of a weld that melted during welding — a mix of melted base metal and filler metal.
What is the weld face?: The exposed surface of the weld on the side from which it was made.
What is the weld root?: The points where the weld metal meets the base metal at the back/root of the joint.
What is the weld toe?: The junction of the weld face and the base metal — a frequent flaw site.
What is the leg of a fillet weld?: The distance from the joint root to the toe of the fillet weld.
What is the throat of a fillet weld?: The shortest distance from the weld root to the face; the load-bearing dimension.
What is penetration?: The depth that weld metal extends into the joint from the surface.
What is a weld pass (bead)?: A single progression of welding along a joint; multi-pass welds use several beads.
What are the welding positions?: 1 = flat, 2 = horizontal, 3 = vertical, 4 = overhead; G = groove, F = fillet.
What does 3G mean?: A groove weld made in the vertical position.
What do 5G and 6G mean?: Fixed-pipe positions where the pipe does not rotate (6G is at a 45-degree angle).
What is a backing?: Material placed at the root of a joint to support molten weld metal and ensure full penetration.
What is a root opening?: The gap between the members at the root of the joint before welding.
What is a bevel?: An angled edge prepared on a member to form a groove for welding.
What is a root pass?: The first weld pass that fuses the root of the joint.
What is a cover pass?: The final weld pass(es) that complete the weld face.
What is weldability?: How readily a metal can be welded to produce sound, serviceable joints.
What is a tack weld?: A small temporary weld used to hold parts in alignment before final welding.
What is a stringer bead?: A weld bead made with little or no side-to-side motion.
What is a weave bead?: A weld bead made with side-to-side oscillation to widen the bead.
What shade lens protects against arc UV?: A welding filter lens of the proper shade number for the process and current — protecting eyes from UV and IR.
Why ventilate a welding area?: To remove hazardous welding fume and gases from the breathing zone.
What is a hot-work permit?: An authorization controlling welding/cutting fire risk in areas with combustibles.
What is the puddle (weld pool)?: The localized volume of molten metal during welding before it solidifies.
What is dilution?: The change in weld-metal composition from melting and mixing in base metal.
What is a weldment?: An assembly whose component parts are joined by welding.
What is a fusion line?: The boundary between weld metal and base metal where they fused together.
What is a cluster porosity?: A localized group of pores caused by intermittent shielding loss or contamination.
What is piping porosity?: Elongated gas voids (wormholes) that extend toward the weld surface.
What is a centerline crack?: A crack running down the middle of the weld, often a hot crack from solidification.
What is a crater crack?: A crack in the weld crater formed when the arc is broken improperly at the end of a bead.
How do you prevent crater cracks?: Use a crater-fill technique or back-step to fill the crater before breaking the arc.
What is excessive reinforcement?: Weld metal piled above the surface beyond code limits; creates a sharp toe and stress riser.
What is convexity (fillet)?: Excess weld metal bulging above a straight line across the fillet toes.
What is concavity (fillet)?: A fillet face that dishes inward, reducing the effective throat.
What is a burn-through?: Excess heat melting through the joint, leaving a hole or excessive root penetration.
What is a magnetic particle indication?: A buildup of iron particles at a flux leakage field, marking a surface or near-surface flaw.
What is the developer in PT?: A coating that draws penetrant back out of flaws to make indications visible.
Wet vs. dry magnetic particle?: Wet uses particles in a liquid carrier (finer flaws); dry uses powder (rough surfaces, subsurface).
What is radiographic film density?: A measure of film darkness used to confirm the radiograph has adequate exposure for interpretation.
What is an image quality indicator (IQI)?: A penetrameter placed in an RT shot to verify the radiograph's sensitivity.
What is a UT transducer?: The probe that sends and receives ultrasonic sound waves into the weld.
What is a UT couplant?: A liquid or gel between the transducer and part that transmits sound into the material.
Straight beam vs. angle beam UT?: Straight beam checks thickness/laminations; angle beam finds weld flaws at an angle to the surface.
What is a false indication?: An NDE signal that is not an actual flaw (e.g., surface dirt, geometry); must be distinguished from real flaws.
What is a relevant indication?: An NDE indication caused by an actual discontinuity that must be evaluated against acceptance criteria.
What polarity is DCEP?: Direct current electrode positive (reverse polarity) — deeper penetration; common for SMAW low-hydrogen.
What polarity is DCEN?: Direct current electrode negative (straight polarity) — less penetration, higher deposition.
What does AC welding mean?: Alternating current — the polarity reverses; helps with arc blow and is used in some GTAW (aluminum).
What is arc blow?: Deflection of the arc by magnetic fields; mitigated with AC, ground placement, or technique.
What is a shielding gas flow rate?: The volume of gas per minute protecting the weld; too low loses shielding, too high causes turbulence.
What gas is used for GTAW?: Inert gas — argon (most common) or helium, or argon-helium mixes.
Why not use CO2 for GTAW?: CO2 is reactive and would contaminate/oxidize the weld; GTAW requires an inert gas.
What is globular transfer (GMAW)?: Large irregular droplets cross the arc; more spatter, used at lower energy than spray.
What is pulsed spray transfer?: A controlled mode pulsing between background and spray current for out-of-position spray-like welding.
What is electroslag welding (ESW)?: A high-deposition process using molten slag resistance heating for thick vertical joints.
What is brazing?: Joining metals with a filler that melts above 840 F (450 C) without melting the base metal.
What is soldering?: Joining metals with a filler that melts below 840 F (450 C) without melting the base metal.
Brazing vs. welding?: Brazing does not melt the base metal and bonds via capillary action; welding melts and fuses the base metal.
What is preheating before cutting?: Heating steel to ignition temperature so the oxygen jet can start the oxy-fuel cut.
What is the kerf?: The width of material removed by a cutting process.
What is dross (cutting)?: Molten material that resolidifies on the bottom edge of an oxy-fuel or plasma cut.
What is laser beam cutting?: A focused laser melts/vaporizes material for a narrow, precise kerf.
What is air carbon arc gouging (CAC-A)?: An arc melts metal and a stream of compressed air blows it away to gouge or back-gouge.
What is back-gouging?: Removing weld/base metal from the root side to reach sound metal before welding the back.
What is a WPS essential variable for SMAW?: Examples include electrode classification, polarity, position, and preheat.
What is austenite?: A high-temperature face-centered-cubic phase of steel; transforms on cooling.
What is ferrite?: A soft, ductile body-centered-cubic phase of iron present in many steels.
What is pearlite?: A layered structure of ferrite and cementite formed on moderate cooling of steel.
What is cementite?: Iron carbide (Fe3C) — a hard, brittle compound in steel.
What is tempering?: Reheating hardened steel below its critical temperature to reduce brittleness and restore toughness.
What is stress relief (heat treatment)?: Heating to relax residual stresses without significantly changing the microstructure.
What is the critical cooling rate?: The cooling rate above which hard martensite forms in steel.
What does preheat do to cooling rate?: It slows the cooling rate, reducing hardness and cracking risk.
What is hot shortness?: A tendency to crack at high temperature due to low-melting films (e.g., sulfur).
What is solidification cracking?: Hot cracking that occurs as the weld pool freezes, often along the centerline.
What is reheat cracking?: Cracking during PWHT or service in the HAZ of certain alloy steels.
What is the yield strength?: The stress at which a material begins to deform permanently.
What is ultimate tensile strength?: The maximum stress a material withstands before breaking.
What is elongation (tensile)?: The percent a specimen stretches before fracture; a measure of ductility.
What is a Charpy V-notch test?: An impact test measuring the energy absorbed by a notched specimen at a set temperature.
What is the ductile-to-brittle transition?: The temperature range where steel toughness drops sharply as it gets colder.
What is grain refinement?: Producing smaller grains to improve strength and toughness.
What is corrosion?: Degradation of metal by chemical/electrochemical reaction with the environment.
What is galvanic corrosion?: Accelerated corrosion when two dissimilar metals contact in an electrolyte.
What is a low-alloy steel?: Steel with small additions of alloying elements for strength, toughness, or hardenability.
What is the V-groove symbol?: A weld symbol showing a V-shaped groove preparation between members.
What is the bevel-groove symbol?: A weld symbol showing one member beveled to form the groove.
What is the U-groove symbol?: A weld symbol for a U-shaped groove preparation, used on thicker material.
What is the J-groove symbol?: A weld symbol for a J-shaped groove preparation on one member.
What is the square-groove symbol?: A weld symbol for a groove with no edge preparation (square butt joint).
Where does the groove angle appear?: Above or below the weld symbol, near the groove symbol.
What does the root opening number show?: The gap dimension inside the groove symbol.
What is an intermittent fillet weld?: A fillet weld in short increments at a regular pitch rather than continuous.
How is intermittent weld pitch shown?: Length and pitch (center-to-center spacing) to the right of the fillet symbol (e.g., 2-5).
What is a both-sides weld symbol?: Identical weld symbols above and below the reference line — weld on both sides.
What is the CJP designation?: Complete Joint Penetration — the weld extends fully through the joint thickness.
What is the PJP designation?: Partial Joint Penetration — the weld intentionally does not fully penetrate the joint.
CJP vs. PJP?: CJP welds the full thickness; PJP welds only part of it by design.
What is a backing symbol?: A symbol indicating backing material is used at the root of a groove weld.
What is a spacer symbol?: Indicates a spacer is used in the root of certain groove welds.
What is acceptance vs. rejection?: Acceptance means the weld meets the code criteria; rejection means a defect exceeds them.
What is a repair (weld)?: Removing a defect and re-welding to bring the joint into conformance with the code.
What is a nonconformance report (NCR)?: A document recording work that does not meet requirements and its disposition.
What is a prequalified WPS?: A WPS that meets all code conditions to be used without procedure qualification testing (per AWS D1.1).
What is a destructive test specimen?: A coupon cut from a test weld and tested to failure to qualify a procedure or welder.
What does the inspector verify about consumables?: Correct classification, condition, storage (especially low-hydrogen electrodes), and traceability.
What is traceability (materials)?: The ability to trace a material back to its mill certification and heat number.
What is a mill test report (MTR)?: A certified document of a material's chemical and mechanical properties.
What is visual acceptance criteria?: Code limits for surface flaws (undercut, porosity, profile) judged during VT.
What is the inspector's role on ethics violations?: Report findings honestly and refuse to certify nonconforming work, free of conflicts of interest.
What does CWI Part A test?: Welding fundamentals: processes, metallurgy, symbols, NDE, terminology, math, and safety (closed-book).
What does CWI Part B test?: Hands-on practical inspection of plastic weld replicas using the Book of Specifications (46 questions).
What does CWI Part C test?: Open-book application of a chosen code (50-65 questions), most often AWS D1.1 or API 1104.
What is the Book of Specifications (BOS)?: A fictitious specification AWS supplies for Part B so the test measures inspection skill, not code memorization.
What passing score does each CWI part need?: 72% on each of Part A, Part B, and Part C, separately.
What is a groove face?: The surface of a member within the groove that is to be welded.
What is the root face?: The portion of the groove face within the joint root (the unbeveled land).
What is the included angle?: The total angle of the groove between the members.
What is a weld axis?: An imaginary line through the length of the weld in the direction of travel.
What is the actual throat?: The shortest distance from the root to the face of the actual fillet weld.
What is the effective throat?: The minimum throat used in design strength calculations for a weld.
What is a single-pass weld?: A weld completed in one pass along the joint.
What is a multipass weld?: A weld built up with two or more passes.
What is travel speed?: The rate at which the arc moves along the joint; affects heat input and bead size.
What is travel angle?: The angle of the electrode relative to the weld axis (push or drag).
What is work angle?: The angle of the electrode relative to the joint surfaces.
What is electrode extension (stickout)?: The length of wire/electrode beyond the contact tip or holder.
What is a faying surface?: The surfaces of members in contact or close proximity that are to be joined.
What is positional welding?: Welding in positions other than flat (horizontal, vertical, overhead).
What is a weld coupon?: A test weld made to qualify a procedure or welder.
What is the as-welded condition?: The state of a weld after welding before any further processing or heat treatment.
What is a single-V groove?: A groove formed by beveling both members on one side into a V.
What is a double-V groove?: A groove beveled from both sides, used to balance distortion on thick material.

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By Career EmployerUpdated Sep 12, 2026

250+ free CWI flashcards — 4 ways to study

CWI Flashcard of the DayNew daily

The classic card. Do you know this one?

Click Study Flashcards above to open the flashcard hub — hundreds of CWI cards you can flip, match, type, or quiz yourself on. Every card is drawn from the AWS Certified Welding Inspector Part A Body of Knowledge, so you study exactly what the closed-book Fundamentals exam tests.^[1] Pair them with our free practice test and study guide.

CWI Flashcard Study Modes

Flip mode lets you study a card front, think, and turn it over. Match is a timed game pairing terms to definitions. Type shows the definition and asks you to key the term back, so a card like the one asking What is undercut? has to come out of memory. Quiz turns the same cards into multiple choice for checking recall under pressure.

Free CWI flashcards from Career Employer — active recall for the AWS Certified Welding Inspector exam

Why Flashcards Work for the CWI Exam

Start with Discontinuities & NDE, the heaviest block at 60 cards. These fronts drill the vocabulary you need to name what you see and explain how it was found, with cards such as What is porosity? and What is undercut?, plus comparison prompts like RT vs. UT? that push you to separate radiographic and ultrasonic testing by what each method actually detects.

Welding Processes & Cutting brings 50 cards on process identification, shielding, and thermal cutting. Expect the card that asks How is SMAW shielded? next to prompts like What is arc blow? and What is the kerf?, so process behavior and cut-geometry terms stay distinct when the wording on an item is deliberately close.

Terminology & Definitions holds 46 cards covering the base language of joints, parts, and positions. Cards such as What is base metal? and What is a weldment? anchor the everyday terms, while the card that asks What does 3G mean? checks position notation. Other domains assume you already own this layer, so it repays early passes.

Metallurgy & Heat Control adds 45 cards on microstructure and heat treatment. Prompts like What is austenite? and What is tempering? sit beside the card that asks What is PWHT?, and drilling them as one set keeps phase names from blurring into thermal processes.

Weld Symbols contributes 40 cards on joint configurations and symbol elements, including cards such as What is a tee joint? and What is a backing symbol?, along with the CJP vs. PJP? comparison. Inspection, QA & Documentation closes with 37 cards on paperwork and credentials, where prompts like WPS vs. PQR? and the card that asks What is a CAWI? carry most of the weight.

CWI Part A is dense with terminology — welding processes, dozens of weld symbols, discontinuity definitions, NDE methods, and AWS A3.0 vocabulary.^[2] Spaced flashcards are the most efficient way to keep it all fresh. Used alongside our practice test and study guide, they turn review time into measurable progress.

CWI Flashcards by Topic

The cards are organized by the Part A Body of Knowledge. Drill the largest topic — discontinuities and NDE — first, then work through the rest:^[1]

CWI flashcards by Part A topic area
Topic	What it covers
Discontinuities & NDE	Discontinuity vs. defect, common flaws, VT/PT/MT/RT/UT
Welding Processes & Cutting	SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, SAW; oxy-fuel & plasma cutting
Metallurgy & Heat Control	HAZ, cracking, preheat, carbon equivalent
Inspection, QA & Documentation	WPS, PQR, WPQ, inspector duties & ethics
Terminology & Definitions	AWS A3.0 terms, weld anatomy, positions
Weld Symbols	AWS A2.4 reference line, joints, fillet & groove symbols

How to Get the Most Out of These Flashcards

Open with the largest domain. Discontinuities & NDE is 60 cards, the biggest single block here, and its terms reappear inside inspection and process questions, so early mastery pays off twice.
Type-drill the near twins. Run the cards that ask What is overlap? and What is underfill? in Type mode, since recognizing them is easy and producing the exact distinction is not.
Use Match for joint and symbol terms. The Weld Symbols cards on lap, tee, butt, and corner joints sort fastest under a timer, which exposes the pairs you are still guessing at.
Move to the practice test once recall holds. When Quiz scores stay steady across Metallurgy & Heat Control and Inspection, QA & Documentation, switch over and let the study guide fill whatever the results expose.
Rotate rather than sprint. With 278 cards, work one domain per session, then re-Flip the previous domain first, so the 46 Terminology & Definitions cards keep resurfacing instead of fading.

CWI Flashcards FAQ

Hundreds of free CWI flashcards, organized by the AWS Certified Welding Inspector Part A Body of Knowledge — welding processes, metallurgy, weld symbols, discontinuities and NDE, inspection and QA, and terminology. They're free with no account required.

References

1.American Welding Society. “Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) — Certification Program.” aws.org. ↑
2.American Welding Society. “AWS A3.0 — Standard Welding Terms and Definitions.” pubs.aws.org. ↑
3.American Welding Society. “AWS A2.4 — Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and NDE.” pubs.aws.org. ↑

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