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Free CWSR Practice Questions

10 free, exam-style Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free CWSR practice test to study every exam domain.

Question 1

A fabricator runs GMAW on 3/16 in. steel plate in the flat position and wants a high deposition rate with a smooth, stable arc and minimal spatter. Which shielding gas and transfer mode should a sales representative recommend?

  1. 100% CO2 with globular transfer for penetration
  2. 75% argon / 25% CO2 with short-circuiting transfer
  3. 90% argon / 10% CO2 with axial spray transfer
  4. 100% CO2 with short-circuiting transfer for thin work
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - 90% argon / 10% CO2 with axial spray transfer

Question 2

A welder switches from 75% argon / 25% CO2 to 100% CO2 but keeps voltage and wire feed speed high. What is the MOST likely change in metal transfer?

  1. Spray transfer reverts to globular, raising spatter
  2. Globular transfer converts to clean axial spray mode
  3. The arc drops into short-circuiting transfer mode
  4. Metal transfer stops until the argon mix is restored
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Spray transfer reverts to globular, raising spatter

Question 3

A customer setting up to GTAW aluminum sees that CO2 is steeply discounted and asks whether to stock it. What should the sales representative advise?

  1. Stock the cheap CO2, since it shields any arc process
  2. Blend the CO2 with argon to cut cost and keep quality
  3. Choose 75% argon / 25% CO2 as a general-purpose mix
  4. Use argon; the CO2 would contaminate the tungsten
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - Use argon; the CO2 would contaminate the tungsten

Question 4

A contractor welds structural steel outdoors where wind frequently disrupts the shielding. Which process is BEST suited to maintain weld quality?

  1. Gas-shielded GMAW with an external CO2 supply
  2. Self-shielded flux-cored arc welding (FCAW-S)
  3. Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) with argon gas
  4. Gas-shielded FCAW (FCAW-G) with a 75/25 blend
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Self-shielded flux-cored arc welding (FCAW-S)

Question 5

In the SMAW electrode classification E7018, what does the third digit (the 1) designate?

  1. A minimum tensile strength of 1,000 psi
  2. Suitability for all welding positions
  3. A coating of about one percent iron powder
  4. An electrode for single-pass welding only
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Suitability for all welding positions

Question 6

A welder using 100% argon to GMAW carbon steel reports a narrow, peaked bead with poor edge wetting and undercut. What is the MOST likely cause?

  1. The argon flow rate has been set far too high
  2. The wire feed speed is too low for the puddle
  3. Pure argon suits steel poorly; add CO2 or O2
  4. The workpiece is poorly grounded at the clamp
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Pure argon suits steel poorly; add CO2 or O2

Question 7

A shop runs both stick (SMAW) and wire (GMAW) welding from one multi-process power source. Which statement correctly matches the output type to each process?

  1. SMAW needs constant voltage; GMAW needs constant current
  2. Both SMAW and GMAW run on constant-voltage output
  3. SMAW needs constant current; GMAW needs constant voltage
  4. Both SMAW and GMAW run on constant-current output
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - SMAW needs constant current; GMAW needs constant voltage

Question 8

A customer wants to cut 1/2 in. aluminum plate with their oxyfuel torch and asks if it will work. What is the correct response?

  1. Yes, if the cutting tip size is increased a step
  2. No; oxyfuel oxidizes steel and cannot cut aluminum
  3. Yes, after switching the fuel gas over to propane
  4. No, because 1/2 in. plate is too thin for oxyfuel
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - No; oxyfuel oxidizes steel and cannot cut aluminum

Question 9

A silver-based filler (liquidus about 1,150F) flows into a tight gap by capillary action while the steel base metal never melts. This process is classified as:

  1. Soldering, since the base metal is never melted
  2. Braze welding, since the filler fills the joint
  3. Brazing, because the filler liquidus exceeds 840F
  4. Fusion welding, since the filler bonds the parts
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Brazing, because the filler liquidus exceeds 840F

Question 10

An acetylene cylinder is found lying on its side in storage. What is the correct action before use, and why?

  1. Use it right away; orientation has no real effect
  2. Stand it upright and let it settle before any use
  3. Lay it the opposite way to equalize internal pressure
  4. Crack the valve to vent some gas, then put it to use
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Stand it upright and let it settle before any use

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