Need desperate advice on 6g pipe test stick root fc fill/cap

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Okay new to the forums but have been reading it for a long time.  I'll try to keep this as short as possible.     I am in welding school currently and have yet to take any pipe welding courses (they are my last 2)  I have done a 6gr on 6" pipe before messing around, but I would hardly call that practice and didn't turn out what anyone would call quality.    A friend of mine asked me for a ride to Panama City so that he could take a weld test at the ship yard and unbeknownst to me, set me up to take the test as well.  He has been out of weld school for about half a year and has been working around the country on really short jobs and can pass a 6g test no problem.      On Friday he brought me to his old school to let me practice the 6g test for the first time and show me how to do it.  On Monday when I go back to class I plan to work my butt off for the 15 hours the school is open to try to get better, while badgering my teacher for any tricks he may have picked up in 37 years of welding.  My attempt on Friday did not turn out badly, the root was great but the FCAW had a good bit to be desired mostly because of my angle but once I correct that I should be able to straighten out a good bit because I've never had an issue with Fluxcore and have done it on structural plate in all positions.      The test is Tuesday, so my question is:  Is there a chance in hell that I will be able to pass it?  SMAW 6010 root, FCAW fill/ cap in the 6g position on 6" pipe and I believe with 90/10 argon/cd. That is all I know about the test.  It's a really great opportunity that I don't want to miss and I will be out there anyways driving him and a couple other guys, while they pay for gas out there and back(if I don't make the cut).  Any advice on taking the test? Is it a good idea to take the test and  get the job if I pass or should I stay in school and get the certificate then find a job?  Am I fooling myself even trying because I have no hope of passing?  Your opinions would be greatly appreciated
Reply:I personally wouldn't take it if I wasn't able slam it in the class or at home.  The test is more stressful than just practicing, and I am a firm believer in first impressions.  You don't want your first impression welding for your future employer to be a snot job.
Reply:guys fail welding tests all the time, it's not a big deal. Give it a shot and see what happens, you might get lucky, and you really can't beat on the job training.They might even offer you a tacking position if you don't pass, then you can practice at work.
Reply:Yeah see that is my dilemma.  Two sides to the coin.  That is what I'm hoping for Timmy, if I can't get on as a welder maybe they would let me stay on as a helper/ship fitter and retake the test in a couple months after I get some practice in, even if I have to purchase my own pipe for it.  I know a lot of what if's but I am a road warrior by nature and thrive best working my butt off and living out of hotels/cars and on ramen.  If I could get on the job it would be a huge step into a life long career in welding because if I understand it right, the first steady job is the hardest one to get in welding.
Reply:timmy, I agree with ya on everything, but it was my understanding that it was more just a weld that would fail a test, it would fail the look over.  It is one thing to walk up with a good looking weld and some minor issues that bust the test.  it is another for a weld to fail the eye test.I'll second the rest of what you said.
Reply:If you bust the pipe test they may give you a plate test. shipyards need plate welders, too.Scott,it's not a big deal, it happens all the time. If he shows any potential at all they will probably work him in somewhere.
Reply:I overheard a conversation about pipe tests... the number was one in seven welders pass their pipe test first time ... even though they might have done many tests in practice.  If you fail you are not alone and you have increased the odds that next time you will nail it.
Reply:Thanks guys, I feel a lot more confident about trying it.  I am not terrible at it I just have a bit of trouble keeping my fc gun pointing straight down at the pipe rather than angling it and shooting stuff all over the side.      I think with a little luck, a lot of practice on Monday and a little quality instruction from the very old hand I'm being taught by, I might be able to squeeze out a pass.  Also I believe many places like this one let you try multiple times, they are setting us up in a hotel for a week so might be I can keep on trying if it isn't perfect first time.  I really appreciate the comments, this is my first weld test for a job ever so I'm pretty nervous but I'm determined to make a good showing of myself.
Reply:don't be nervous, there's always another test to take down the road.
Reply:Good luck man! Dave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.