ST0852 Plate Welder: practice questions and mock tests
A 30-question plate-welding test with five safety questions and a mandatory safety minimum for both pass and distinction.
Apprentices registered to ST0852 version 1.1 and preparing for the knowledge-test part of the Level 3 end-point assessment.
Standard
ST0852
Version
v1.1
Level
3
Exam at a glance
ST0852 · version 1.1
- Questions / papers
- 30 questions
- Time allowed
- 60 minutes
- Pass requirement
- 18/30 + 4/5 safety
- Reference policy
- Closed book
What is the ST0852 Plate Welder test?
The ST0852 knowledge test checks the technical judgement needed to prepare, weld and inspect plate joints safely while following approved procedures and quality requirements.
This page focuses on the knowledge-test method. The full end-point assessment may also include practical, observation or professional-discussion methods. Use the official assessment-plan links below to check the complete EPA.
When you take it
It is normally taken during end-point assessment, after the apprentice has completed training and passed through gateway. The employer, training provider and end-point assessment organisation agree the booking and sequence.
- 01
Training
Build the occupational knowledge, practical competence and workplace evidence.
- 02
Gateway
The employer confirms the apprentice is ready to enter end-point assessment.
- 03
Knowledge test
Sit the ST0852 multiple-choice knowledge test.
- 04
Other EPA methods
Complete the practical, observation or discussion methods specified by the assessment plan.
Try a practice question
ST0852 · Original practice material
A plate welder is reviewing plate dimensions, thermal expansion and conductivity before starting work.
How does greater plate thickness generally affect local welding heat demand?
Choose one answer, then check it.
ST0852 exam format and scoring
These are the recorded rules for this standard version. Always compare them with the final joining instructions from your end-point assessment organisation.
Delivery
Controlled and closed book.
Question style
30 four-option multiple-choice questions with one correct answer.
Books and materials
No reference books or notes are used.
| Paper | Coverage | Questions | Time | Grade boundary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test | ST0852 knowledge-test categories, including five safety questions | 30 | 60 minutes | Pass 18/30 plus at least 4/5 safetyDistinction 24/30 plus at least 4/5 safety |
What to revise for ST0852
The current published Trade Exams library for this standard contains 360 original practice questions and 41 focused fact sheets. These are revision-library counts, not official exam weightings.
Knowledge-area map
Standard reference
ST0852
Plate seam blueprint
- T01Welding safety
- T02Plate materials and consumables
- T03Processes and equipment
- T04Plate joints and positions
- T05Welding procedure control
- T06Inspection and defects
Welding safety
01Fumes, fire, electricity, heat, handling, PPE and safe work controls.
Plate materials and consumables
02Identification, condition, preparation, filler selection and storage.
Processes and equipment
03Power sources, polarity, gases, process controls and equipment checks.
Plate joints and positions
04Edge preparation, fit-up, distortion control and positional technique.
Welding procedure control
05WPS information, parameters, preheat, interpass control and traceability.
Inspection and defects
06Imperfections, likely causes, visual examination and NDT purpose.
How to prepare for the ST0852 test
A practical four-stage revision sequence: understand the rules first, close topic gaps, practise decisions, then rehearse under the real time pressure.
- 1
Track the five safety questions separately and consistently reach at least four correct.
- 2
Use joint drawings to compare edge preparation, fit-up and distortion-control choices.
- 3
Practise extracting the controlling information from a welding procedure.
- 4
Complete 30-question timed sessions and connect each weld defect to its likely cause and prevention.
Revision access
Questions, mocks and fact sheets
One exam, one clear price. Access ends automatically and never renews into a subscription.
£10
30 days of access
Everything for this exam for 30 days.
One-off payment. No automatic renewal.
£20
90 days of access
Everything for this exam for 90 days.
One-off payment. No automatic renewal.
ST0852 exam questions answered
Format, timing, version, preparation and booking questions—answered from the recorded standard and assessment-plan sources.
01What is the ST0852 Plate Welder exam?
The ST0852 knowledge test checks the technical judgement needed to prepare, weld and inspect plate joints safely while following approved procedures and quality requirements. This page focuses on the knowledge-test method; the full end-point assessment may also contain practical or discussion-based methods.
02Who should use this ST0852 revision page?
Apprentices registered to ST0852 version 1.1 and preparing for the knowledge-test part of the Level 3 end-point assessment.
03When do apprentices take the ST0852 knowledge test?
It is normally taken during end-point assessment, after the apprentice has completed training and passed through gateway. The employer, training provider and end-point assessment organisation agree the booking and sequence.
04What is the ST0852 exam format?
Multiple-choice knowledge test. Controlled and closed book. 30 four-option multiple-choice questions with one correct answer.
05How many questions are there and how long does the test take?
30 questions and 60 minutes. Knowledge test: 30 questions, 60 minutes, pass 18/30 plus at least 4/5 safety.
06What is the ST0852 pass mark?
18/30 + 4/5 safety. Knowledge test: pass 18/30 plus at least 4/5 safety; distinction 24/30 plus at least 4/5 safety. The 4/5 safety minimum applies to both pass and distinction; the overall mark alone is not enough.
07Is the ST0852 test open book?
Closed book. No reference books or notes are used.
08What subjects should I revise for ST0852?
The main areas are Welding safety, Plate materials and consumables, Processes and equipment, Plate joints and positions, Welding procedure control and Inspection and defects. The detailed coverage on this page stays within the knowledge mapped to this assessment method.
09How should I prepare for the ST0852 exam?
Track the five safety questions separately and consistently reach at least four correct. Use joint drawings to compare edge preparation, fit-up and distortion-control choices. Practise extracting the controlling information from a welding procedure. Complete 30-question timed sessions and connect each weld defect to its likely cause and prevention.
10Which version of ST0852 does this page cover?
This page and bank are aligned to ST0852 Plate Welder version 1.1.
11Are the Trade Exams questions official live exam questions?
No. Trade Exams' 360 practice questions and 41 fact sheets are independently authored revision material. They do not reproduce recalled, live, confidential or password-protected EPAO questions.
12Where do the ST0852 exam details come from?
The format and scope are based on the listed Skills England standard and end-point assessment sources, checked for this content pack on 2026-07-29. Always confirm late changes and booking instructions with the employer, training provider or EPAO.
13How does Trade Exams access work?
Access is a one-off £10 payment for 30 days or £20 for 90 days. It never renews automatically.
Official sources and currency
Check the standard behind this page
The format and scope were checked on 29 July 2026. Assessment arrangements can change, so confirm the final booking details with your employer, training provider or EPAO.
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