Here you can take a free CSWIP 3.1 practice test with the latest Paper One Questions and Answers (Multiple Choice).
CSWIP 3.1 Paper One – Top 30 Questions and Answers (Free Practice Test)
Prepare for the CSWIP 3.1 Paper One Exam with our top 30 most important questions and answers. Free mock test with explanations, exam tips, and downloadable study material.
Are you preparing for the CSWIP 3.1 Welding Inspector Exam?
Then you’re in the right place. This free practice test will help you confidently prepare for CSWIP 3.1 Paper One (Theory Paper) with 30 hand-picked multiple-choice questions, detailed answers, and explanations based on the latest CSWIP syllabus.
At UpWeld.org, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked CSWIP Paper 1 questions from previous exams and training institutes — so you can focus on what truly matters.
About CSWIP 3.1 Paper One
Paper One of the CSWIP 3.1 (Welding Inspector Level) exam tests your understanding of welding theory, materials, inspection techniques, and defect identification.
Exam Details | Description |
---|---|
Exam Name | CSWIP 3.1 – Paper One (Theory) |
Format | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Total Questions | 20–25 |
Passing Marks | 70% |
Duration | 1 Hour |
Topics Covered | Welding processes, defects, NDT, materials, symbols, inspection procedures |
How to Use This Free Practice Test
- Read each question carefully before viewing the answer.
- Try to recall the answer before checking.
- Review the explanations — they are designed to reinforce theory.
- At the end, check your score and identify weak areas.
Tip: Practice this set multiple times before attempting Paper Two (Application of Standards) and Paper Three (Visual Inspection).
Top 30 CSWIP 3.1 Paper One Questions and Answers
Section 1: Welding Processes & Equipment
Q1. Which welding process uses a continuously fed wire and shielding gas?
a) MMAW
b) FCAW
c) GMAW
d) SAW
Answer: c) GMAW
Explanation: Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) uses a continuous wire electrode and an externally supplied shielding gas such as argon or CO₂.
Q2. The main advantage of TIG welding is:
a) High deposition rate
b) Low cost
c) Produces high-quality, precise welds
d) Can be used underwater
Answer: c) Produces high-quality, precise welds
Explanation: TIG (GTAW) produces clean and precise welds with excellent control, ideal for stainless steel and thin materials.
Q3. Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) mainly uses:
a) Flux-coated electrode
b) Bare wire with granular flux blanket
c) Consumable tungsten electrode
d) Gas shield only
Answer: b) Bare wire with granular flux blanket
Explanation: SAW employs a bare wire electrode and a layer of granular flux to shield the arc.
Section 2: Welding Defects & Discontinuities
Q4. Which of the following is a planar defect?
a) Porosity
b) Slag inclusion
c) Lack of fusion
d) Tungsten inclusion
Answer: c) Lack of fusion
Explanation: Planar defects, like a lack of fusion or cracks, are severe because they interrupt metal continuity.
Q5. What is the most likely cause of an undercut?
a) High welding speed
b) Low arc voltage
c) Insufficient shielding gas
d) Incorrect filler metal
Answer: a) High welding speed
Explanation: High speed causes the molten metal to fail to fill edges, resulting in an undercut.
Q6. Hydrogen-induced cracking is more likely in:
a) Austenitic stainless steel
b) Aluminum
c) Carbon steels with high hardness
d) Copper
Answer: c) Carbon steels with high hardness
Explanation: HIC occurs due to hydrogen entrapment, high hardness, and residual stress.
Section 3: Metallurgy & Heat Treatment
Q7. The microstructure of steel just below the lower critical temperature (Ac1) is:
a) Austenite
b) Pearlite
c) Martensite
d) Bainite
Answer: b) Pearlite
Explanation: Below Ac1, steel consists of pearlite (ferrite + cementite).
Q8. Normalizing of carbon steel is performed to:
a) Refine grain structure
b) Reduce hardness
c) Increase residual stress
d) Produce martensite
Answer: a) Refine grain structure
Explanation: Normalizing refines grain size and improves mechanical properties.
Q9. Tempering after quenching:
a) Softens the metal and increases ductility
b) Increases hardness
c) Produces martensite
d) Eliminates all residual stress
Answer: a) Softens the metal and increases ductility
Explanation: Tempering converts brittle martensite to a more stable structure.
Section 4: Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Q10. Which NDT method is best for detecting surface cracks in welds?
a) Radiography
b) Ultrasonic testing
c) Magnetic particle testing
d) Eddy current testing
Answer: c) Magnetic particle testing
Explanation: MT is ideal for surface and near-surface cracks in ferromagnetic materials.
Q11. Ultrasonic testing uses which type of energy?
a) X-rays
b) Sound waves
c) Magnetic flux
d) Light waves
Answer: b) Sound waves
Explanation: UT uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal defects.
Q12. In radiographic testing, IQI stands for:
a) Image Quality Indicator
b) Internal Quality Inspection
c) Indication Quality Index
d) Inspection Quality Information
Answer: a) Image Quality Indicator
Explanation: IQI ensures the radiograph quality is suitable for defect detection.
Section 5: Welding Symbols & Drawings
Q13. The symbol “∠” in a welding drawing represents:
a) Fillet weld
b) V-groove weld
c) Bevel groove weld
d) Square groove weld
Answer: a) Fillet weld
Explanation: The triangular symbol represents a fillet weld.
Q14. In welding symbols, the arrow side is:
a) Always the top side
b) Side to which the arrow points
c) Opposite side of the weld
d) Not important
Answer: b) Side to which the arrow points
Explanation: The arrow side identifies where the weld is applied.
Q15. The tail of a welding symbol may contain:
a) Process designation (e.g., MIG, TIG)
b) Material thickness
c) Weld position
d) Inspection result
Answer: a) Process designation
Explanation: The tail is used to provide supplementary information, like the process type.
Section 6: Inspection & Quality Control
Q16. Visual inspection should be performed:
a) Only after welding
b) Only before welding
c) Before, during, and after welding
d) Only after NDT
Answer: c) Before, during, and after welding
Explanation: Visual inspection is a continuous process for ensuring weld quality.
Q17. Preheat is mainly applied to:
a) Reduce the cooling rate and prevent cracking
b) Increase deposition rate
c) Make the weld brighter
d) Eliminate inclusions
Answer: a) Reduce cooling rate and prevent cracking
Explanation: Preheating slows cooling, allowing hydrogen to escape and reducing cracking risk.
Q18. What is the most important factor affecting the hardness of weld metal?
a) Cooling rate
b) Current type
c) Electrode coating color
d) Base metal color
Answer: a) Cooling rate
Explanation: Faster cooling increases hardness and brittleness in carbon steels.
(Continue with questions up to Q30 — similar pattern covering welding codes, discontinuities, and safety. Take our Free Practice test)
(2) Work Pack ,WQT, WPQR
(3) Practical Plate Segment
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Ideally document for passing the examination. Free guidelines during learning. We give you lots of study material Free of cost with this question bank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How many papers are there in the CSWIP 3.1 exam?
There are three papers:
- Paper 1: Welding Theory
- Paper 2: Application of Standards
- Paper 3: Visual Inspection Practical
Q2. What is the passing score for CSWIP 3.1 Paper One?
You must score at least 70% to pass this paper.
Q3. What topics should I focus on for Paper One?
- Welding processes and defects
- NDT methods (UT, RT, MT, PT)
- Metallurgy and heat treatment
- Welding symbols and standards
Q4. Where can I practice Paper Two and Paper Three?
- CSWIP 3.1 Paper Two – Application of Standards Questions
- CSWIP 3.1 Paper Three – Visual Inspection Practice
Related Resources
- CSWIP 3.1 Full Study Guide – 2025 Edition
- ASNT Level II NDT Practice Questions
- AWS CWI Part B Mock Exam – 46 Questions with Answers
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Final Tip
“Don’t just memorize — understand why each answer is correct.
The CSWIP 3.1 exam tests your reasoning, not just recall.”
ANSWER OF QUESTION 19 IS WRONG
yes, i agree with you, the correct answer is C. Ultrasonic Examination
It not lamination, Lamellar tearing is defect occur after welding, need temperature and strees. So it can’t checked before welding.
19th answer is right only. lamellar tearing normally not identified by any of NDE until its subjected to any other further process.
Hi can you explain why it is wrong ?
CAN U PLS ANY ONE EXPLAIN Q NO; 10,11