Certified Robotic Arc Welding (CRAW) Program

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.

• Certified Robotic Arc Welder Application
• CRAW Examination Performance Test Candidate Information Booklet
• CRAW Retest Application
• CRAW Renewal Application

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

• Employment Verification Form
• Additional Qualifying Work Experience Form
• Photo ID Requirements

Application Process

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

• Certified Robotic Arc Welder Application
• CRAW Examination Performance Test Candidate Information Booklet
• CRAW Retest Application

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

• Employment Verification Form
• Additional Qualifying Work Experience Form
• Photo ID Requirements

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:

• ADA Disability Accommodations
• Change of Site/Cancellation Form
• Candidate Attestation Agreement
• Policies and Fees
• Certification Duplicate Order Form
• Training Hours Upload Requirement Waiver
• Photo Upload Requirement Waiver
• Visual Acuity Upload Requirement Waiver
• Education or Other Upload Requirement Waiver

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.

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

• AWS A3.0, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions
• AWS B1.10, Guide for Nondestructive Inspection of Welds
• AWS B1.11, Guide for Visual Welding Inspection
• AWS B5.1, Qualification Standard for AWS Welding Inspectors
• AWS QC1, Qualification Standard for AWS Welding Inspectors
• AWS WI, Welding Inspection
• AWS CM-00, Certification Manual for Welding Inspectors
• AWS B2.1, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification
• AWS D8.8, Specification for Automotive and Light Truck Weld Quality: Arc Welding
• AWS D16.2, Guide for Components of Robotic and Automatic Arc Welding Installations
• AWS D16.3, Risk Assessment Guide for Robotic Arc Welding
• AWS D16.4, Specification for the Qualification of Robotic Arc Welding Personnel
• ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes (published by the American Welding Society)
• NEMA EW-1, Electric Arc Welding Power Sources AWS Arc Welding with Robots, Do's and Don'ts
• Automating the Welding Process, Jim Berge, Industrial Press
• AWS Welding Handbook, Volume 1, 10th Edition
• AWS Welding Handbook Volume 2, 9th Edition, Welding Processes (published by robot manufacturer)
• AWS 058, Arc Welding Automation, Howard Car
• AWS A2.4, Standard Symbols for Welding Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination
• Jefferson's Welding Encyclopedia 8th Edition (published by the American Welding Society)
• RIA 15.06, American National Standard of Industrial Robots and Robot Systems – Safety Systems

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.

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