Welding symbols quiz: read the symbol, name the weld

How the welding symbols quiz works

Each set is 15 questions, five of each kind: read a symbol and name the weld and its side, say where a symbol puts the weld, and pick the drawing that matches a description. The symbols come from 11 weld shapes: fillet, square groove, V-groove, bevel groove, U-groove, J-groove, plug and slot, spot, seam, surfacing and edge, each on the arrow side, the other side, both sides or centered, wherever that shape allows. Every answer, right or wrong, comes with an explanation, and the end of the set lists all 15 for review.

Each set has a number. Enter it to reload the same 15 questions later or to share a set with a study partner; New set moves to the next number. The chart below also shows the back and backing, weld all around, field weld, melt-through and contour marks, which the quiz does not ask. Practice weld all around, field weld and contour, plus sizes, lengths and pitch, in the welding symbol builder.

Using the quiz for CWI Part A and Part B

Part A is closed book, and Symbols, Welding and NDE is at least 10% of it, so shapes and sides have to come from memory. Drawings come up again on Part B, where Utilization of Specifications and Drawings is at least 8% of the practical. These questions are our own, not exam items, and they train the two reads every symbol question starts with: the side and the shape.

1. Run sets until every question reads at a glance, then keep going on new set numbers.
2. Say “arrow side” or “other side” out loud before you name the weld. Side first, shape second, every time.
3. Add sizes, pitch and the extra marks with the five steps in how to read welding symbols, then rebuild each reading in the builder to check it.
4. Open the page for any shape you miss twice; each one covers that symbol's dimensions and traps.
5. When symbols are automatic, take the free 10-question check below to see where the rest of the exam stands. The Part A guide and Part B guide cover everything else.

Welding symbols explained: the parts

The weld symbol is the small shape that names the weld. The complete welding symbol includes its reference line, arrow and any extra instructions. This page practices the single solid reference-line convention governed by AWS A2.4. Check which notation system your drawing uses.

Reference line

The horizontal anchor for the shape and its instructions.

Arrow

Identifies the joint or surface. Arrow side is relative to the joint it points to.

Tail

An optional fork for process, procedure or specification references.

Arrow side vs other side

Below the line means arrow side; above means other side. Marks on both sides call for both. Changing the arrow's direction does not reverse this convention.

Convention source: Open Oregon Educational Resources, Basics of Welding Symbols.

Worked reading and quiz score

In the example above, first follow the arrow to the joint. The triangle identifies a fillet weld. Its position below the line calls for the arrow side. A matching triangle above the line as well would call for fillet welds on both sides. These schematic exercises do not specify weld size.

A second reading, in words: a mark above the line with one upright stroke and one sloping stroke. That shape is a bevel groove, and above the line puts it on the other side of the joint, away from the arrow. Two sloping strokes would make it a V. A break in the arrow points at the member to bevel; with no break, either member may be prepared. The quiz does not ask this; the bevel groove weld symbol page shows how to read it.

No engineering calculation is needed to identify a symbol. The score uses percentage = correct answers ÷ 15 × 100, rounded to a whole percent. For example, 12 correct answers gives 12 ÷ 15 × 100 = 80%. Each question earns one point; this is not an exam pass prediction.