GTAW always Rules!! Don't know anyone who would not rather Tig it if given the choice. Welding S/S with any flux process sux, but we all already know that. Problem is that the slag wants to go where it doesn't need to be. Like in the toes and worse yet Under the bead.
For out of position, say vertical up, keep electrode angle perpendicular or even slightly leading angle as if you were welding flat...point arc towards the puddle. Work the edges and pass through the middle as fast possible.
Problem with small bore S/S pipe is that heat doesn't conduct away as fast as steel. It gets hot and Stays hot. So let it cool down between passes. XS heat is the enemy of S/S and will ruin it's anti corrosion properties. For the welder, it means that that it is going to want to have XS convexity if too hot out of position. Stick a hair dryer in your welding bucket and use it on cool to keep your test piece temps down (Austenitic S/Ss [304, 316] only. 400 series with appreciable carbon content are prone to cracking from thermal shock like a medium to high carbon steel would be). When I test on S/S, I like it to be able to put my hand on it before firing back up.
Hope you get to play with some different techniques before test time. Kinda like learning a new guitar lick before going on stage.
Good luck to you on your test.
You have a chill ring
Not that difficult, just weld like vert with back up, kinda hot but move quick with your zzzz, or 8888...
Lucky you got a chill ring, I once took that test on 6" ss smaw with open root
Hope this helps
Thank you for your time and consideration
Sincerely,
Kent