CRAW: Robotic Arc Welding: Your Path to Mastery in Automation

CRAW: Robotic Arc Welding: Your Path to Mastery in Automation

The CRAW program from AWS (American Welding Society) provides a unique opportunity for welding professionals measure their skills against industry standards. By obtaining the CRAW certification, you not only demonstrate your ability to program a robot to deliver an acceptable weld, but also your commitment to staying current in the ever-evolving welding industry. Required re-examination or proof of active practice every three years ensures that CRAW-certified Operators and Technicians remain at the current in their field.

Application, Renewal, Recertification 

Application, Renewal, Recertification 

Visit my.aws.org to enter information, submit required documentation and a current photo, register for seminars and courses, and make payments.

A CRAW can renew through any of the following non-exam and exam options.

Non-Exam Option for Certification Renewal

  • The CRAW Technician or Operator must demonstrate two years of relevant welding activity within your three-year certification period.

Retake the CRAW exam

Select from the options below
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CRAW Initial Application

  • Overview
  • Documents
  • Testing Information
  • Training
  • Pricing
Register Now
Register Now

CRAW Renewal

 

  • Overview
  • Documents
  • Pricing
Register Now
Register Now

CRAW Recertification

 

  • Overview
  • Documents
  • Pricing
Register Now

CRAW Initial Application

  • Overview
  • Documents
  • Exam Information
  • Training
  • Pricing

Requirements and Process

Education: High school diploma or military approved high school equivalent (e.g., GED) is required for both Operator and Technician roles.

Welding Experience: A minimum of six months' experience in manual or semiautomatic arc welding processes is necessary for both Operator and Technician. This includes 12 months of experience as a welder (including robotic and automatic operation) for Operators and 18 months (about 1 and a half years) for Technicians.

Related Occupational Experience: Operators require at least three years of welding experience in an occupation related to welding or robotics, such as inspection or quality control, while Technicians require five years.

Post-secondary Education: Degrees in welding, technical, robotic, technology, electrical, or engineering disciplines may substitute for up to two years of experience, but not for the required six months of manual or semiautomatic arc welding.

CWI Certification: CRAW Technicians must hold a current Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification. Without it, only the CRAW-O certification can be attained.

Training: For Operators, completion of an original equipment manufacturer or equivalent Robotic Programming Course from an AWS Approved Testing Center (ATC). Technicians should have training in using quality measuring tools, including software for measuring weld cross-sections, and familiarity with personal computers. AWS currently does not offer this training.

If you are a veteran with G.I. Bill Benefits, and you are looking for an excellent job, want to change jobs, or if you want to move ahead in your present job, licensing or certification may hold the key for you!

Application Process

Visit the online portal to provide the required documentation, make payment and register for seminars and courses.

Make sure to have the following documents ready before starting the application process:

Application Process

Visit the online portal to provide the required documentation, make payment and register for seminars and courses.

Make sure to have the following documents ready before starting the application process:

 

Technical and Specification Documents, and Reference Materials

Review the AWS Certification and Qualification Standards for more detail:

QC19, Specification for AWS Certification of Robotic Arc Welding Personnel

D16.4, Specification for the Qualification of Robotic Arc Welding Personnel

The CRAW Examination User Guide is a comprehensive resource that provides crucial information on the rules, policies, procedures, and exam content for individuals planning to take the CRAW exams. This guide is an essential tool to help you prepare for the exam and ensure that you are fully aware of the requirements and expectations before you begin. Download the guide today to equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence you need to succeed in your CRAW exam.

CRAW Examination User Guide

 

Other forms and documents:

Seminar and Exam Schedule

Find upcoming in-person seminars and exam dates on AWS by visiting the Seminar and Exam Schedule.

A closed book exam, that lasts two hours and covers subjects listed in AWS QC19. Use the CRAW Performance Test- Candidate Information Booklet for practical exam preparation. Please note that the same two exams are given to CRAW-certified Operators and Technicians.

REGISTRATION: To apply for training and exams, contact an ATC representative at any AWS CRAW Approved Testing Center.

RE-EXAMINATION: If you fail any part of the CRAW exam, schedule a retest with your ATC representative.

The written exam covers the following subject areas. There is no body of knowledge for the practical exam, however the CRAW Performance Test - Candidate Information Booklet provides the tasks that test candidates are expected to complete.

Subject Approximate %
Weld Equipment Setup 8
Welding Processes 15
Weld Examination 8
Definitions and Terminology 8
Symbols - Welding & Robotics 4
Safety 12
Destructive Testing 8
Conversion and Calculations 3
Robot Programming and Logic 20
Welding Procedures 8
Kinematic Concepts 3
Robot Arc Weld Cell Compenents - ID 3
Totals 100%

The CRAW exams (written and practical) are taken from the following references:

 

Exam Preparation Training and Seminar

Training for your CRAW certification is conveniently available at various AWS Approved Testing Centers (ATCs). Simply reach out to an ATC representative to get your application process started and schedule a time that suits you for your training and examination.

Training for your CRAW certification is conveniently available at various AWS Approved Testing Centers (ATCs). Simply reach out to an ATC representative to get your application process started and schedule a time that suits you for your training and examination.

Learn more

CRAW Renewal

  • Overview
  • Documents
  • Pricing

Renewal Requirements

To keep your CRAW credential active, you must demonstrate two years of relevant welding activity within your three-year certification period or retake the exam. This requirement can be met through documented completion or instruction of a minimum of 40 contact hours in training courses related to welding skills, applications, control, materials, and processes, as outlined in QC19, Specification for AWS Certification of Robotic Arc Welding Personnel. One of the two years can be fulfilled through this educational option.

Renewal applications can be accessed through the Certification Application Portal, and the status of credentials, applications, or exam registrations can be checked via the MyAWS Portal.

Use the MyAWS Portal to check your credential, application, or exam registration status.

CRAW Recertification

  • Overview
  • Documents
  • Pricing

Recertification Requirements

Every nine years after initial certification, you will need to recertify. You have two options for this:

  • Retake the current CRAW Operator or Technician performance exam, which is based on the test version in use when you apply for recertification.
  • Prove that you have been active in related fields like inspection, welding, design, production, construction, or repair for at least two years within your last three certified years. Plus, show evidence of participation in activities listed in QC19 for at least 80 contact hours. These hours can be documented as 8 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or 80 Professional Development Hours (PDHs).

All Initial Applications, Renewal and Recertifications are available via my.aws.org

APPLICATION, RENEWAL & RECERTIFICATION

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