Page 1 of 61
Shipfitter Certification Performance Exam–ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS
YEAR
Shipfitter Certification: Exact Exam Coverage & Outline
Module 1: Foundation & Safety (Pre-Job Setup)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Selection and inspection of welding helmets, gloves,
goggles, respiratory protection, and hearing protection.
• Hot Work Safety: Fire watch procedures, clearing combustibles, and proper ventilation for
confined spaces.
• Material Handling: Rigging inspection (slings, chains), crane hand signals, and using spreader
bars to prevent plate warping.
• Tool ID & Inspection: Selecting the correct square, level, or clamp; inspecting cables and torch
hoses for damage.
Module 2: Layout, Development & Blueprint Reading (The "Fit-Up")
• Blueprint Interpretation: Reading orthographic views, weld symbols (size, length, pitch), and
structural lines (buttock, waterline, sheer).
• Geometric Layout: Using the 3-4-5 method for squareness; scribing arcs/circles with dividers.
• Template Use: Creating and using cardboard/plywood templates for curved hull sections.
• Measurement: Reading steel rules, vernier calipers, and using contour markers for pipe/plate
intersections.
Module 3: Thermal & Mechanical Cutting (Material Preparation)
• Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC): Setting a neutral flame for cutting steel; adjusting cutting speed to
prevent slag buildup; piercing techniques.
• Plasma Cutting: Technique for stainless steel and aluminum (non-ferrous).
• Beveling: Creating single-V, double-V, and J-bevel preps for full penetration welds.
• Grinding: Deburring sharp edges and using grinders with guards for surface prep.
Module 4: Assembly, Alignment & Temporary Fastening (The "Fitting")
• Alignment Tools: Using "Dogs and Wedges," strongbacks, and come-alongs to pull plates flush.
• Tack Welding: Size and placement of tacks to prevent distortion; sequence of tacking.
• Distortion Control: Understanding shrinkage; implementing back-step welding sequences.
• Fasteners: Installation of Clecos (temporary fasteners) in pre-drilled holes.
1. During the fit-up of a backing bar for a full-penetration butt weld, you notice a 1/8" gap at the root.
What action should be taken to meet code?
A) Increase the amperage to melt across the gap.
, Page 2 of 61
B) Weld it as-is, the gap will fill with slag.
C) Adjust the fit-up to the required root opening specification.
D) Stuff the gap with a steel rod to act as a filler.
Rationale: Root opening is a critical dimension specified on the welding procedure. Too large a gap can
cause burn-through or lack of fusion; too small prevents penetration. The fitter must adjust the fit-up
before welding .
2. While reviewing a blueprint, you see a weld symbol with a circle at the intersection of the arrow and
reference line. What does this symbol mandate for the welder?
A) Weld in the flat position only.
B) Weld the joint in the field (on-site).
C) Weld completely around the perimeter of the joint.
D) Use a backing bar on the back side.
Rationale: The "weld all around" symbol (a circle) indicates that the weld must be applied continuously
around the entire contour of the joint, not just on the arrow side .
, Page 3 of 61
3. You are tasked with installing a watertight bulkhead. After tacking, the level shows a 1/2" deviation
from plumb over 8 feet. What is the correct corrective action?
A) Grind off the tacks and re-align before final welding.
B) Pull the bulkhead into position using a chain fall and weld it hot.
C) Ignore the deviation if the deck is also sloped.
D) Cut a relief kerf in the bottom of the bulkhead to relieve stress.
Rationale: Bulkheads must be plumb for structural integrity, especially watertight ones. Misalignment
must be corrected by removing tacks and re-aligning; forcing and welding induces high residual stress .
4. You are about to cut a 2-inch thick steel plate with an oxy-fuel torch, but the steel is wet from rain.
What is the primary hazard of cutting wet steel?
A) The water will instantly evaporate with no effect.
B) The water will cause the torch tip to melt.
C) The water can flash to steam, causing molten metal spatter (explosion).
D) The water will harden the steel, preventing the cut.
, Page 4 of 61
Rationale: Cutting wet or damp steel is dangerous because trapped water turns to steam explosively,
ejecting molten metal. Steel must be dry or preheated to remove moisture before cutting .
5. You need to align two heavy plates that have a "high-low" mismatch (one plate is higher than the
other by 1/4"). Which specific tool is designed to pull these plates into vertical alignment?
A) C-Clamp
B) Vise Grip
C) Dogs and Wedges
D) Cleco Fastener
Rationale: "Dogs" (small metal brackets tacked to the higher plate) and "Wedges" (driven between the
dog and lower plate) apply mechanical leverage to align the edges perfectly flush before tacking .
6. While fitting a longitudinal stiffener to a deck plate, the blueprint calls for a 6mm fillet weld. You
notice a 4mm gap between the stiffener and the plate. What is the best method to address this?
A) Bridge the gap with a larger weld pass.
B) Use a grinder to bevel the stiffener edge.
Shipfitter Certification Performance Exam–ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE THIS
YEAR
Shipfitter Certification: Exact Exam Coverage & Outline
Module 1: Foundation & Safety (Pre-Job Setup)
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Selection and inspection of welding helmets, gloves,
goggles, respiratory protection, and hearing protection.
• Hot Work Safety: Fire watch procedures, clearing combustibles, and proper ventilation for
confined spaces.
• Material Handling: Rigging inspection (slings, chains), crane hand signals, and using spreader
bars to prevent plate warping.
• Tool ID & Inspection: Selecting the correct square, level, or clamp; inspecting cables and torch
hoses for damage.
Module 2: Layout, Development & Blueprint Reading (The "Fit-Up")
• Blueprint Interpretation: Reading orthographic views, weld symbols (size, length, pitch), and
structural lines (buttock, waterline, sheer).
• Geometric Layout: Using the 3-4-5 method for squareness; scribing arcs/circles with dividers.
• Template Use: Creating and using cardboard/plywood templates for curved hull sections.
• Measurement: Reading steel rules, vernier calipers, and using contour markers for pipe/plate
intersections.
Module 3: Thermal & Mechanical Cutting (Material Preparation)
• Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC): Setting a neutral flame for cutting steel; adjusting cutting speed to
prevent slag buildup; piercing techniques.
• Plasma Cutting: Technique for stainless steel and aluminum (non-ferrous).
• Beveling: Creating single-V, double-V, and J-bevel preps for full penetration welds.
• Grinding: Deburring sharp edges and using grinders with guards for surface prep.
Module 4: Assembly, Alignment & Temporary Fastening (The "Fitting")
• Alignment Tools: Using "Dogs and Wedges," strongbacks, and come-alongs to pull plates flush.
• Tack Welding: Size and placement of tacks to prevent distortion; sequence of tacking.
• Distortion Control: Understanding shrinkage; implementing back-step welding sequences.
• Fasteners: Installation of Clecos (temporary fasteners) in pre-drilled holes.
1. During the fit-up of a backing bar for a full-penetration butt weld, you notice a 1/8" gap at the root.
What action should be taken to meet code?
A) Increase the amperage to melt across the gap.
, Page 2 of 61
B) Weld it as-is, the gap will fill with slag.
C) Adjust the fit-up to the required root opening specification.
D) Stuff the gap with a steel rod to act as a filler.
Rationale: Root opening is a critical dimension specified on the welding procedure. Too large a gap can
cause burn-through or lack of fusion; too small prevents penetration. The fitter must adjust the fit-up
before welding .
2. While reviewing a blueprint, you see a weld symbol with a circle at the intersection of the arrow and
reference line. What does this symbol mandate for the welder?
A) Weld in the flat position only.
B) Weld the joint in the field (on-site).
C) Weld completely around the perimeter of the joint.
D) Use a backing bar on the back side.
Rationale: The "weld all around" symbol (a circle) indicates that the weld must be applied continuously
around the entire contour of the joint, not just on the arrow side .
, Page 3 of 61
3. You are tasked with installing a watertight bulkhead. After tacking, the level shows a 1/2" deviation
from plumb over 8 feet. What is the correct corrective action?
A) Grind off the tacks and re-align before final welding.
B) Pull the bulkhead into position using a chain fall and weld it hot.
C) Ignore the deviation if the deck is also sloped.
D) Cut a relief kerf in the bottom of the bulkhead to relieve stress.
Rationale: Bulkheads must be plumb for structural integrity, especially watertight ones. Misalignment
must be corrected by removing tacks and re-aligning; forcing and welding induces high residual stress .
4. You are about to cut a 2-inch thick steel plate with an oxy-fuel torch, but the steel is wet from rain.
What is the primary hazard of cutting wet steel?
A) The water will instantly evaporate with no effect.
B) The water will cause the torch tip to melt.
C) The water can flash to steam, causing molten metal spatter (explosion).
D) The water will harden the steel, preventing the cut.
, Page 4 of 61
Rationale: Cutting wet or damp steel is dangerous because trapped water turns to steam explosively,
ejecting molten metal. Steel must be dry or preheated to remove moisture before cutting .
5. You need to align two heavy plates that have a "high-low" mismatch (one plate is higher than the
other by 1/4"). Which specific tool is designed to pull these plates into vertical alignment?
A) C-Clamp
B) Vise Grip
C) Dogs and Wedges
D) Cleco Fastener
Rationale: "Dogs" (small metal brackets tacked to the higher plate) and "Wedges" (driven between the
dog and lower plate) apply mechanical leverage to align the edges perfectly flush before tacking .
6. While fitting a longitudinal stiffener to a deck plate, the blueprint calls for a 6mm fillet weld. You
notice a 4mm gap between the stiffener and the plate. What is the best method to address this?
A) Bridge the gap with a larger weld pass.
B) Use a grinder to bevel the stiffener edge.
