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AWS CWI Exam · Last updated November 2026

AWS CWI Part C Code Book Exam: AWS D1.1 Structural Steel: free practice test

Part C tests how fast and accurately you can find and apply requirements in the code you chose, here AWS D1.1, the Structural Welding Code for steel. AWS weights it at least 25% each on qualification, fabrication and inspection, and at least 5% each on materials and design, and reports and records.

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About the CWI Part C (D1.1) exam

Part C tests how fast and accurately you can find and apply requirements in the code you chose, here AWS D1.1, the Structural Welding Code for steel. AWS weights it at least 25% each on qualification, fabrication and inspection, and at least 5% each on materials and design, and reports and records.

What's on the exam

CWI Part C (D1.1)
Code Organization and General Requirements
6 key facts
Design of Welded Connections
5 key facts
Prequalified WPSs
6 key facts
Qualification of WPSs and Welders
6 key facts
Fabrication
6 key facts
Inspection and Acceptance Criteria
6 key facts
Stud Welding, Tubular and Existing Structures
4 key facts

Each branch is a topic in the official outline. Members see every key fact on the full mind map. Read the free study guide →

How to pass the CWI Part C (D1.1) exam

  • Tab the code before exam day: Clause 5 preheat table, Clause 6 qualification tables, Table 7.1 electrode exposure, the minimum fillet weld table and Table 8.1 visual acceptance criteria.
  • Use the index. It points to subclause numbers, not pages, and it's faster than flipping when a question names an unusual topic.
  • About 55 to 65 questions in 120 to 135 minutes is roughly 2 minutes each. If a lookup takes more than 3 minutes, flag it and come back.
  • Confirm the edition. AWS's references guide (20 Oct 2026) lists D1.1/D1.1M:2025, while older pages list 2020. Table numbers moved between editions, so bring and practise with the edition on your confirmation letter.

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Create a free account after the test: your score by topic, a mistakes bank, the complete study notes for the first topic, flashcards and the CWI Formula & Values Sheet.

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What's in the premium CWI Part C (D1.1) prep

Premium CWI Part C (D1.1) prep is studied one topic at a time. Each step starts with that topic's key notes and flashcard deck, then its own question sets of 25, so you master one topic before you move to the next. When every topic is strong, the 6 full mock exams show you're ready.

3,000practice questions, every answer explained
6full-length mock exams, 50 questions each, timed
800flashcards with spaced repetition, sorted by topic
60comprehensive key notes across 7 topics

Your step-by-step study path

  1. 1
    Code Organization and General Requirements9 key notes, 115 flashcards, then 450 practice questions in 18 sets of 25
    Notes free with an account
  2. 2
    Design of Welded Connections9 key notes, 115 flashcards, then 425 practice questions in 17 sets of 25
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  3. 3
    Prequalified WPSs9 key notes, 115 flashcards, then 425 practice questions in 17 sets of 25
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  4. 4
    Qualification of WPSs and Welders9 key notes, 115 flashcards, then 425 practice questions in 17 sets of 25
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  5. 5
    Fabrication8 key notes, 115 flashcards, then 425 practice questions in 17 sets of 25
    Premium
  6. 6
    Inspection and Acceptance Criteria8 key notes, 115 flashcards, then 425 practice questions in 17 sets of 25
    Premium
  7. 7
    Stud Welding, Tubular and Existing Structures8 key notes, 110 flashcards, then 425 practice questions in 17 sets of 25
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  8. Final step: 6 full mock exams50 questions each, timed like test day. Pass them, then book your exam.
    Premium
Free with an account

Read the complete CWI Part C (D1.1) study notes for “Code Organization and General Requirements”

Our first full set of comprehensive notes, about 15 minutes of reading: Which edition? · How the code is organized · Shall, should and may · Who is responsible for what · How Part C is weighted, a worked exam example, the traps examiners use and a one-minute recap. Create a free account to read it and see how premium notes work before you decide.

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Study tools included

3,000 practice questions

3,000 exam-style questions per exam, organized topic by topic in sets of 25. Every answer explained, with the rule it comes from.

6 full mock exams

6 full-length timed mock exams per exam, with real question counts and time limits, so test day feels like practice day.

Exam Readiness Score

One 0 to 100 number that tells you when you're ready to book. Reach 80 and you're covered by our Pass Guarantee.

800 flashcards + spaced repetition

800 flashcards per exam, in a deck for each topic, that come back right before you'd forget them. Five minutes a day keeps every number fresh.

60 comprehensive key notes

60 key notes per exam, split across its topics and each explained in full: the concepts, worked exam examples, the traps examiners use and a quick recap. Your first set is free with an account.

Mind maps

See the whole exam on one screen: every topic and the facts under it.

Sample questions with answers

These are the questions in the free test above, with answers. Try the test first. You'll learn more by getting some wrong.

1. In AWS D1.1, a provision that uses the word 'should' is:
Answer: Nonmandatory, a recommended practice. D1.1 Clause 1 (Mandatory and Nonmandatory Provisions): 'shall' is mandatory, 'should' is a recommendation and not mandatory, and 'may' means a choice of optional procedures. Code questions often turn on this one word.
2. Under AWS D1.1, unless the contract documents say otherwise, who is responsible for fabrication/erection inspection and testing (as distinct from verification inspection)?
Answer: The Contractor. D1.1 separates fabrication/erection inspection and testing, which is the Contractor's responsibility, from verification inspection, which is the Owner's prerogative and must be specified in the contract documents.
3. In AWS D1.1, which clause contains the table of visual inspection acceptance criteria?
Answer: Clause 8, Inspection. Table 8.1, Visual Inspection Acceptance Criteria, is in Clause 8, Inspection (Part C, Acceptance Criteria), in both the 2020 and 2025 editions. Knowing which clause holds what is half the Part C battle.
4. Along the edge of a 1/2 in. thick plate, where the weld isn't detailed to be built out for full throat, what is the maximum specified fillet weld size AWS D1.1 permits?
Answer: 7/16 in.. Clause 4: along edges of material 1/4 in. or thicker, the maximum fillet weld size is the material thickness minus 1/16 in. (unless the drawing specifies building out for full throat). 1/2 − 1/16 = 7/16 in. Below 1/4 in. thick, the maximum is the material thickness.
5. Which welding process can NOT be used for a prequalified WPS under AWS D1.1?
Answer: GMAW with short-circuiting transfer (GMAW-S). Clause 5 prequalifies SMAW, SAW, GMAW (except GMAW-S) and FCAW. GMAW-S, GTAW, ESW and EGW are allowed but the WPS must be qualified by testing under Clause 6.
6. A prequalified FCAW WPS is used to weld ASTM A572 Grade 50 plates 1-1/4 in. thick. What is the minimum prequalified preheat and interpass temperature?
Answer: 50°F. In the prequalified minimum preheat table (Category B: low-hydrogen SMAW, SAW, GMAW and FCAW on steels such as A572 Grade 50), over 3/4 in. through 1-1/2 in. requires 50°F. 1/8 to 3/4 in. is 32°F, over 1-1/2 through 2-1/2 in. is 150°F, over 2-1/2 in. is 225°F. 70°F is the trap: it applies when the base metal is below 32°F.
7. Under AWS D1.1, a welder's qualification remains in effect indefinitely unless:
Answer: The welder hasn't used the process for more than six months, or there is a specific reason to question the welder's ability. D1.1 Clause 6 period of effectiveness: qualification stays in effect indefinitely unless the welder isn't engaged in that welding process for more than six months, or there's a specific reason to question the welder's ability.
8. A welder passes a CJP groove weld performance test on 1 in. thick plate. Under AWS D1.1, what production plate thickness range does this qualify for CJP groove welds?
Answer: 1/8 in. minimum, maximum unlimited. In the welder qualification table for tests on plate, a 3/8 in. test plate qualifies 1/8 in. to 3/4 in., a test over 3/8 in. and under 1 in. qualifies 1/8 in. to 2T, and a test of 1 in. or more qualifies 1/8 in. to unlimited.
9. A welder fails a D1.1 performance qualification test. Without further training, what may an immediate retest consist of?
Answer: Two test welds of each type and position failed, all of which must pass. D1.1 Retest: an immediate retest is two test welds of each type and position failed, and all retest specimens must meet the requirements. With evidence of further training or practice, a complete retest of the types and positions failed may be made instead.
10. Under AWS D1.1, what is the maximum time E7018 electrodes may be exposed to the atmosphere after removal from a sealed container or holding oven (Table 7.1, Column A)?
Answer: 4 hours. Table 7.1 Column A: E70XX 4 hours, E80XX 2 hours, E90XX 1 hour, E100XX and E110XX 1/2 hour. Longer times apply only to electrodes tested and designated under the Column B rules.
11. Under AWS D1.1, low-hydrogen SMAW electrodes taken out of hermetically sealed containers must be stored in holding ovens at a minimum of:
Answer: 250°F. D1.1 Clause 7 requires low-hydrogen electrodes to be stored in ovens held at 250°F (120°C) minimum once removed from sealed containers or after drying. Note that 120 is the Celsius equivalent, not a Fahrenheit option.
12. Two 1 in. thick steel plates are joined with a fillet weld. What is the minimum fillet weld size under AWS D1.1?
Answer: 5/16 in.. Minimum fillet weld sizes: base metal up to 1/4 in. needs 1/8 in.; over 1/4 to 1/2 in., 3/16 in.; over 1/2 to 3/4 in., 1/4 in.; over 3/4 in., 5/16 in. (The minimum need not exceed the thickness of the thinner part.)
13. Under AWS D1.1, when may visual inspection for acceptance be performed on welds in ASTM A514 steel?
Answer: Not less than 48 hours after completion. Table 8.1, time of inspection: visual inspection may begin once welds have cooled to ambient temperature, but acceptance for ASTM A514, A517 and A709 Grade HPS 100W steels must be based on inspection at least 48 hours after completion, to catch delayed hydrogen cracking.
14. A statically loaded nontubular connection in 1-1/4 in. thick steel has undercut along a weld. What is the maximum undercut depth permitted by AWS D1.1 Table 8.1?
Answer: 1/16 in.. For statically loaded nontubular connections, material 1 in. or thicker may have undercut up to 1/16 in. for any length of weld. Under 1 in., the limit is 1/32 in. with limited exceptions. The 0.01 in. limit is for cyclically loaded primary members with the weld transverse to tensile stress.
15. At the start of production with a given stud welding setup, AWS D1.1 requires the first two studs welded to be tested by bending them about how far from their original axis?
Answer: 30°. D1.1 Clause 9 production control: before production with a set-up and stud size, and at the start of each day or shift, the first two studs are bent about 30° from their axes (by hammer or a pipe over the stud). If either fails, the procedure is corrected and two more studs are welded and tested.

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Certification guide

CWI exam guide: The AWS Certified Welding Inspector exam has three parts, and you need at least 72% on each one. Part B, the hands-on practical, comes first; Parts A and C follow on computer at a Prometric test center. Here is what each part tests, what it costs and what happens if you need a retest, based on [AWS's CWI page](https://www.aws.org/certification-and-education/professional-certification/certified-welding-inspector/) and its current exam guides.

CWI Part C (D1.1) exam FAQ

How many questions are on the CWI Part C (D1.1) exam?

50 to 60 scored multiple-choice questions; English forms add about 5 unscored pretest items (55 to 65 in total), with a time limit of 120 minutes (135 minutes on forms with pretest items). Format: open book: bring aws d1.1/d1.1m (check the edition on your confirmation letter); a digital copy is provided for most code exams.

What is the passing score for CWI Part C (D1.1)?

72% on Part C (each of Parts A, B and C must be passed at 72%).

How much does the CWI Part C (D1.1) exam cost?

Included in the initial CWI exam fee for all three parts: US$1,255 for AWS members or US$1,520 for non-members. A Part C retest costs US$445. The code book is bought separately. AWS fees can change without notice, so confirm on aws.org before you apply.

Which languages is the CWI Part C (D1.1) exam offered in?

English (check aws.org for other language forms).

Where do I take the CWI Part C (D1.1) exam?

Prometric test center (computer-based).

Is this CWI Part C (D1.1) practice test free?

Yes. The 15-question practice test on this page is free, with an explanation for every answer and no signup. A free account also unlocks the complete study notes for the first topic. The full CWI Part C (D1.1) prep is Premium at $147 a month for this exam.

What's in the premium CWI Part C (D1.1) prep?

3,000 practice questions organized topic by topic (Code Organization and General Requirements: 450; Design of Welded Connections: 425; Prequalified WPSs: 425; Qualification of WPSs and Welders: 425; Fabrication: 425; Inspection and Acceptance Criteria: 425; Stud Welding, Tubular and Existing Structures: 425), 6 full-length timed mock exams of 50 questions, 800 flashcards and 60 comprehensive key notes split across all 7 topics, plus a mistakes bank and the Readiness Score.

Compare CWI Part C (D1.1) with the other CWI parts

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Exam details are summarized from the official candidate information available in October 2026. AWS changes formats and fees, so confirm with American Welding Society (AWS) before you book. CWIQuizBank is not affiliated with the American Welding Society or Prometric.

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