I agree that AWS D1.1 is easier if you take the time to prepare both yourself and the Code. I also suggest that you add keywords to the index. For example, if you look up F number in the index, you will not find it. Add it to the index so you can find it easily.

Like many codes, AWS D1.1 will direct you to a different paragraph (reference), table or figure. Add the "forewarding address", i.e., page number of the reference to the margin next to the paragraph.

Highlight all the little, tiny, winnie, footnote numbers in the tables so they stand out. There is no need to highlight the text of the footnotes, you have already been alerted to look for the text by the highlighted numbers in the table.

The commentary is not going to be a source of a test answer, so put a big paper clip or elastic band around the commentary and the nonmandatory annex sections.

Tab the Sections on the long edge, tables and figures along the top and bottom edges. Make sure you can read each tab. Figures are at the back of each section, tab the first page of the figures, there's no need to try to tab each figure. The forewarding addresses you write in the margins will get you to the proper figure with little effort.

As stated by others, don't try to memorize the code. Read it once to see how it is laid out. Add tabs on your second read once you are more familiar with what is in the code. Everything looks important on the first read. Know what each section covers so you can read the test question and determine if the question is about design (Section 2), fabrication (section 5), inspection (section 6), etc.

Some reference paragraphs have titles that don't use typical jargon. Add terms that you might better understand in the margins. Example, reference 5.22.1 Fillet Weld Assembly; add "fitup requirements / root opening" to the margin.

You can write notes in the margins, but if memory serves me correctly, They would not allow "loose" notes or paper in the code book.

Study before taking the AWS seminar so you are not overwhelmed by new information. Be prepared!

Hope this helps.

Happy New Year!

Al

Good answer.  In the real world you might work with one code or several, sometimes more than a few per day.  Having a good general knowledge of the codes and knowing where to find the answers to questions you don't know is key.  Try color coded tabs like Yellow for general info, Green for tables, Red for formulas, etc. 
Just dont get too carried away or you'll defeat the purpose fo tabbing and highlighting.

Hello guys,
A big Happy New Year to everyone.
As mentioned by previous posters it is the code you are most comfortable with.
I did my CWI with ASME IX and a lot of guys laughed at me because some of the other Australian/New Zealand codes were a lot smaller but I was living in ASME IX everyday and that made it quite easy.
As explained to me you don't have to memorise the code, you only have to be able to navigate the code.
The test allowed no time for browsing, you had only enough time to read the question, go to the required section and then write the answer. If you had to search you were going to fail.
Regards,
Shane