SSBN727:
I have copy of the 2nd edition which will not do you any good either to answer your question.

You don't want to hear about the proctors who administer the exam, expect the unexpected...

This is all good advice but I'll put in my 2 cents worth anyway.

If you have a welding background then your a step ahead of some people when it comes to the test.
Of the three parts:
1) General knowledge--expect any kind of question that might deal with welding, ie, ndt, processes, etc. Don't be surprised if there are questions on this part that you have absolutely know idea what the answer is or were they came up with the question. Skip the question and then come back to it. If you still don't know what the answer is just choose something, don't leave any question blank. Somebody once told me that if you have to guess pick "c" whether that makes any difference or not.
2) Code Book--On this part speed is essential. Don't be overly concerned with knowing all the code just be relatively familiar with it. Knowing your way around the code and where to find the answers is what is important. Don't rely on your memory for the answers. I would also suggest you TAB your code book for faster indexing and greater ease in navigating through it. Some questions might bounce you around to different areas to find the answer.
3)Practical--About the only advice I can give on this section is when you start forget everything else you know and only reference Part B, no matter what else you've learned only do what Part B says. As far as the weld samples go, the ones I tested on were worn out. Just do your best with what you have to work with.

Hopes this helps,

Brian J. Maas

Thirdeye has sound advice. Like he said, skip questions you don't know the answer to. You will find that the same or similar questions may be asked later in the exam and that will help you answer earlier questions. 2 hours for each exam is plenty of time if you did your homework so don't panic. Make sure you stay on the right line with your answers. Terminology is very important so know your definitions. Know your weld symbols. Know your weld discontinuities and where they are found. Don't stay up cramming the night before. If you don't know it then, you won't learn it over night and being tired on exam day is counterproductive. Eat a light to normal breakfast. Heavy, big breakfast make you sleepy. Know how to use your calculator and make metric to english conversions. By the way, when you calculate answers, make sure to calculate them in metric and english when both answers are given. You already have a good body of knowledge. Don't miss the details, but don't worry about what you already know as long as it is sound. Put most of your study into those things you don't know. For me, I was an NDE tech and was strong on code and inspections. Spent zero time studying the things I knew. I knew little about all the different welding processes and even less about metallurgy. Spent my time in these 2 "chapters". Paid off.

As for your code part, they are testing your ability to use a code book (any code book). They are not looking to see if you have memorized the code (in fact you better off if you don't try). Read through it a couple of times to get the flavor of the authors intentions and limitations. What you should do is get very familiar with the index. Know where different things are found in the code. Know where the charts are and how to interpret them. Don't forget the commentary. Bookmark your codebook. You are allowed to bookmark (index) your own book however you like. The good part about the codebook test is it is open book. All the answers are right there and almost all are word for word straight from the book.

The practical is straight forward. Keep in mind what the acceptance criteria they give you is. Often cruddy looking weld will not have anything unacceptable and nice looking welds may have something that does not comply with their fake code book. Look and measure closely. You have been around long enough to know what MT, PT, RT, UT equipment looks like. They just show you pictures and ask what process is being performed.

General exam is 150 questions. You need to score 70%. That should be relatively easy since you can miss 45 questions and still pass. Codebook and Practical are 46 questions each... 70% means you can only miss 13 questions; that is a little tougher.

Study but don't burn yourself out. Peak at the right time. Lots of luck. I am sure you are already well on your way.

SS,
on the code part of the exam, in addition to what others have mentioned.... very important to read the notes that apply, on several questions, the notes will change your answer. They do this to see if you read far enough and checkout the notes that apply.
just a thought to add,
John Wright

OK get ready to laugh at me- Get one of those big fat soft pencils that they give to first graders or something like a 2B from an art supply, leave it blunt at the end of the lead. You can now fill in the spot where you select your choice of answer with a single stroke. That saves a little time, and if you run short at the end means you will get to read another question. One can turn the trick. I recommend that you answer every question you read, your intuition (knowledge) will usually make your guesses better than random, mark the guesses so you can reconsider later if you have time. Probably best to write the numbers of guesses on the table or scrap paper if allowed to avoid confusing electrical grading equipment if it is used. The penalty for wrong answers is almost never enough to make guesses unprofitable.

I have not taken this test, this is general test taking advice which has served me well.

Good luck never hurt anyone and I wish it for you.

Bill