Boilermaker U.S. Journeyman Exam Prep
Built by tradespeople. Aligned to NCCER Boilermaker, ASME Section I and VIII, NBIC, AWS D1.1, NFPA 85 and OSHA. Ready for apprentices and journey-level candidates.
1,000 practice questions across 8 full-length tests
Aligned to NCCER Boilermaker curriculum and ASME / NBIC code references
Detailed answer explanations — not just an answer key
U.S. units and ASME / AWS standards throughout
The U.S. Boilermaker journeyman exam tests knowledge of pressure vessel construction, code-driven welding, rigging, and boilermaker safety. The exam is delivered through NCCER (in non-union shops) or through the Boilermakers National Joint Apprenticeship Board (in IBB locals). The domains below cover the typical content. Our book follows the same structure so your study time matches the assessment.
| Knowledge Domain / Major Work Activity | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Safety, OSHA and confined space
Rigging, hoisting and scaffolding Layout, fabrication and pattern development Welding processes (SMAW, GTAW, FCAW) and AWS D1.1 ASME Section I (power boilers) and Section VIII (pressure vessels) NBIC (National Board Inspection Code) and pressure tests NFPA 85 boiler & combustion systems hazards Tube rolling, swaging, and pressure part repair Total | 12% 13% 14% 15% 16% 10% 8% 12% 100% |
Source: NCCER Boilermaker curriculum and Boilermakers National Joint Apprenticeship standard. Code references include ASME Section I, ASME Section VIII Div. 1, NBIC, AWS D1.1, NFPA 85, OSHA 1910 and 1926. This is a study aid. Red Seal Training Academy is not affiliated with NCCER, IBB, ASME or NBIC.
Which Path Are You On?
Apprentice writing the IP exam
You have finished your technical training and are booked to write the Interprovincial (IP) exam. Use our 8 full-length tests to pace yourself, find weak areas, and walk in ready.
Field welder upgrading to journeyman
You have field experience and want to formalize your journey-level credentials through NCCER assessment or local examination. Our full bank covers the breadth of the trade including code references.
Re-testing after a previous attempt
If your last attempt did not go the way you wanted, use our detailed answer explanations to fix the knowledge gaps, not just memorize answers. Every question in the book has a written explanation.
Try 3 Free Sample Questions
One question of each type you will see on the real exam. Scroll to see the answer and explanation.
Per ASME Section VIII Division 1 (current edition), what is the standard hydrostatic test pressure for a new pressure vessel?
A. 1.0 times MAWP
B. 1.3 times MAWP
C. 1.5 times MAWP
D. 2.0 times MAWP
Answer: B
Explanation:
ASME Section VIII Division 1 currently requires a hydrostatic test pressure of 1.3 times Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP), corrected for temperature. Earlier editions used 1.5 x MAWP. The change to 1.3 reflects updated stress analysis. Always verify against the edition stamped on the vessel data report.
What is the correct procedure for rolling a new boiler tube into a tube sheet?
A. Roll until the tube is flush with the tube sheet on the fire side
B. Roll to the manufacturer’s specified percentage of wall reduction, typically 6-10%
C. Roll until the tube cracks, then back off
D. Hand-tighten only — pressure will seal in service
Answer: B
Explanation:
Tubes are rolled to a specified percentage of wall reduction, typically 6-10% depending on the tube material and tube sheet specs. Under-rolling leaves a leak; over-rolling work-hardens the tube and risks splitting. A roll meter or torque-controlled roller motor measures the reduction. The exact target is given in the boiler manufacturer or NBIC repair specification.
During a weld qualification test on a 6-inch schedule 80 carbon steel pipe coupon (per AWS D1.1), the radiograph shows a 1/8-inch slag inclusion at the root. The coupon is otherwise sound. What is the correct disposition?
A. Acceptable — the inclusion is within the AWS D1.1 acceptance criteria
B. Rejected — the coupon fails AWS D1.1 acceptance criteria for slag inclusions
C. Re-test the same coupon after gouging the defect
D. Accept and note as ‘minor inclusion’ on the WPS
Answer: B
Explanation:
AWS D1.1 acceptance for slag inclusions has strict size and aggregate length limits. A 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) slag inclusion at the root exceeds the typical acceptance for a 6-inch coupon. The coupon is rejected. The welder must repeat the test on a new coupon. Re-testing the same coupon after gouging is not permitted under AWS D1.1 weld qualification testing.
Our book has 1,000 questions like these, with an explanation for every one.
Boilermaker (USA) NCCER / Boilermakers Local Exam — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the U.S. Boilermaker journeyman exam?
The U.S. Boilermaker journeyman exam is the written assessment that follows the boilermaker apprenticeship. In the union sector, it is administered by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program. In non-union and merit-shop construction, the equivalent assessment is the NCCER Journey-Level Boilermaker Assessment. Both test similar content based on the NCCER curriculum and ASME / NBIC code references.
How many questions are on the exam?
Length varies. The NCCER Journey-Level Assessment is 100-140 multiple-choice questions plus a practical performance verification. Union local exams typically run 100-200 questions over 3-4 hours, plus a separate welding qualification component.
The exam has 110 multiple-choice questions. Each question has one correct answer out of four options. The questions are split across the six Major Work Activities in the National Occupational Analysis.
What is the pass mark?
Most NCCER and union local exams require 70% to pass. Some locals require higher scores on welding-specific sections. Confirm with your training director or Accredited Assessment Center.
Do I need welding tickets to work as a U.S. boilermaker?
Yes. Most boilermaker work in the U.S. requires ASME Section IX procedure-qualified welding tickets, often with multiple processes (SMAW, GTAW, FCAW). The journeyman written exam tests knowledge; the welding tickets are separate qualifications earned through welded test coupons. Most apprentices pursue welding tickets in parallel with their journey-level credential.
What code books should I be familiar with for the exam?
ASME Section I (Power Boilers), ASME Section VIII Division 1 (Pressure Vessels), AWS D1.1 (Structural Welding Code — Steel), NBIC NB-23 (National Board Inspection Code), NFPA 85 (Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code), and OSHA 1910 / 1926. The exam tests your ability to apply the rules, not memorize them.
Is NCCER Boilermaker certification transferable across states?
Yes. NCCER credentials are nationally recognized across the U.S. and accepted by many contractors in Canada and internationally. Your NCCER training records remain in the NCCER Registry permanently.