The IWE exam: syllabus, format and preparation
Definition of the IWE (International Welding Engineer), the four-module syllabus, exam format, frequently asked questions and free practice questions.
What is the IWE?
The IWE (International Welding Engineer, in French ingénieur international en soudage) is a welding engineering qualification defined by the IIW, the International Institute of Welding. It attests to the knowledge needed to design, fabricate and inspect welded assemblies: processes, materials, design and fabrication.
The syllabus in four modules
Module 1 — Welding processes and equipment
Module 1 reviews the joining processes and their equipment: arc welding (covered electrode, MIG/MAG, TIG, flux-cored wire, submerged arc), resistance welding, electron beam, laser and plasma, brazing, cutting and mechanisation. It also covers power sources, gases and consumables.
Module 2 — Materials and their behaviour during welding
Module 2 deals with welding metallurgy: structure of metals, mechanical testing, non-alloy, alloy and stainless steels, weld metal and heat-affected zone, heat treatment, creep, corrosion, wear, cast irons, copper, nickel, aluminium, titanium and the joining of dissimilar materials.
Module 3 — Construction and design
Module 3 covers the design and sizing of welded joints: strength of materials, design under static load, fracture mechanics, fatigue, pressure equipment, steel structures and aluminium structures.
Module 4 — Fabrication and applications engineering
Module 4 covers welded fabrication: quality assurance, qualification of welding procedures and welders, residual stresses and distortion, health and safety, imperfections and acceptance criteria, non-destructive testing, costs, repair and welding of reinforcing steels.
The exam format
In the format used by this practice tool, the exam consists of 46 multiple-choice questions in 1 h, followed by 6 open questions in 1 h. A multiple-choice question has four options, one or more of which are correct. The exact arrangements depend on the body that runs the exam: check with them.
Preparing with this tool
Choose a module or sub-module and a number of questions, or start a series in the exam format. Each answer is checked option by option, with an explanation, followed by the series results and a progress page.
The practice questions and their explanations are currently in French; this site and the practice interface are available in English.
Frequently asked questions
Is the IWE practice test free?
Yes. The practice tool is free, with no sign-up, no account and no cookie.
How many questions does the bank contain?
1346 questions, spread across 4 modules and 66 sub-modules. Each question is checked option by option, with an explanation and a summary. The questions are currently in French.
How is the IWE exam organised?
In the format used by this tool, the exam consists of 46 multiple-choice questions in 1 h, followed by 6 open questions in 1 h (two with coefficient 3, two with coefficient 2 and two with coefficient 1). The exact arrangements depend on the body that runs the exam: check with them.
Can I practise offline?
Yes. After a first visit, the app can be installed on your phone or computer and works offline.
How do I find my progress on another device?
Your progress stays on your device. To find it elsewhere, simply ask for a resume key in the settings: it asks for no name and no email address.
Are the answers reliable?
The questions and their explanations were written with the help of artificial intelligence, then checked, edited or rewritten by humans. A question that has not yet been validated says so clearly, and the Report button lets you challenge an answer.
Who publishes this site?
Green Engine, which publishes and hosts it on its own premises. No data is collected without your knowledge.
See also: how this site works.