AWS Certified Welding Inspector — FundamentalsInspector Duties and ResponsibilitiesMedium
A CWI is reviewing a welder qualification record for a new project. The record shows the welder qualified using the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process in the 3G position. The new project requires welding in the 4F position (overhead fillet). The governing code is AWS D1.1. According to AWS D1.1, what additional qualification, if any, is required for this welder?
- ANo additional qualification is needed, as 3G qualifies for all fillet positions.
- BThe welder needs to qualify specifically for the 4F position.
- CThe welder needs to qualify for the 2F and 4F positions.
- DThe welder needs to qualify for the 6G position to cover all positions.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The welder needs to qualify specifically for the 4F position.
According to AWS D1.1, a 3G (vertical groove) qualification covers 1G, 2G, and 3G groove positions, and 1F, 2F, and 3F fillet positions. It does NOT cover the 4F (overhead fillet) position. Therefore, the welder would need to specifically qualify for the 4F position to perform overhead fillet welds.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; 3G does not qualify for 4F fillet welds.
- C. 3G already covers 2F, so only 4F is missing.
- D. 6G is for all-position groove welds, which is an over-qualification for a specific 4F fillet need, and 3G does not automatically qualify for 6G.
AWS D1.1 Welder Qualification (Position)
AWS D1.1 specifies the range of positions a welder is qualified to weld based on the test position performed, with certain groove tests qualifying for specific fillet positions.
- A 3G (vertical groove) test qualifies for 1F, 2F, 3F fillet welds.
- A 4F (overhead fillet) test is a separate qualification.
- Qualification ranges are detailed in AWS D1.1 tables.
Memory trick: Grooves Don't Always Cover All Fillets.