Certified Robotic Arc Welding (CRAW) Program
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 OPTIONS
Visit
my.aws.org
to enter information, submit required documentation
and a current photo, register for seminars and courses, and make payments.
AWS offers three different options for applications, depending on your current status.
CRAW Initial Application
- How It Works
- Documents & Resources
- Exam Information
- Training
- Pricing
CRAW Initial Application
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How It Works
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Documents & Resources
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Exam Information
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Training
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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.
- 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:
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:
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
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 Components - ID | 3 |
| Totals | 100% |
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 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
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.
CRAW Renewal
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How It Works
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Documents & Resources
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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 My AWS Portal.
Use the My AWS Portal to check your credential, application, or exam registration status.
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 Documents
QC19, Specification for AWS Certification of Robotic Arc Welding Personnel
D16.4, Specification for the Qualification of Robotic Arc Welding Personnel
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
CRAW Recertification
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How It Works
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Documents & Resources
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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).
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 Documents
QC19, Specification for AWS Certification of Robotic Arc Welding Personnel
D16.4, Specification for the Qualification of Robotic Arc Welding Personnel
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
CRAW Step-by-Step Pathway
Streamline your journey to mastering robotic arc welding with this
Step-by-Step Guide, building precision, efficiency, and confidence along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a Certified Robotic Arc Welder (CRAW)?
A Certified Robotic Arc Welder (CRAW) is an AWS credential for professionals who work with robotic arc welding systems. It verifies that an individual has demonstrated the knowledge and hands-on ability to set up, operate, program, and support robotic welding equipment in accordance with industry standards. The certification is designed for personnel involved in automated welding production environments.
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What is the difference between a CRAW-O (Operator) and CRAW-T (Technician)?
CRAW-T (Technician) is ultimately responsible for the weld quality in their plant or department. CRAW-T candidates must also already hold AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
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How do you become a Certified Robotic Arc Welder?
To become a CRAW, candidates must meet AWS eligibility requirements for education and work experience, submit an application, and pass the required written and performance-based examinations at a CRAW Approved Testing Center. This test is to consist of a series of tasks, which will include a GMA welding test plate made to a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS).
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What are the eligibility requirements for CRAW certification?
To qualify for CRAW certification, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, at least six months of manual or semiautomatic arc welding experience, and documented related occupational experience in welding or robotics. Operator and Technician levels have different experience thresholds, and CRAW-T candidates must also hold current AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.
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What is included in the CRAW exam?
The CRAW exam includes both a written and practical performance test. The written portion is a two-hour closed-book exam covering areas such as robot programming, welding processes, safety, weld inspection, terminology, and equipment setup. The practical exam evaluates hands-on ability to program robotic welding equipment and produce acceptable welds under testing conditions.
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Is there training available for Certified Robotic Arc Welders?
Yes. Training is available through CRAW Approved Testing Centers, technical schools, employers, and robotic welding equipment manufacturers. Many candidates prepare through hands-on robotic welding experience combined with coursework focused on programming, setup, maintenance, and weld quality evaluation.
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How long is CRAW certification valid?
CRAW certification remains valid for three year renewal cycles, with renewal requirements to maintain active status. Every three and six years after initial certification, certificants must demonstrate two years of relevant welding activity within your three-year certification period or retake the exam. Every nine years they will need to complete recertification either by retesting to the performance exam, or by documenting qualifying work activity and professional development hours under AWS QC19 requirements.
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Is CRAW certification worth it for robotic welding careers?
For professionals working in welding automation, CRAW certification can be a strong career asset. It demonstrates verified robotic welding skills to employers, helps distinguish candidates in advanced manufacturing environments, and may improve opportunities for roles involving robotic programming, troubleshooting, and automated production support.
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Can CRAW certification help manual welders move into automation roles?
Yes. CRAW certification can help experienced manual welders transition into robotic and automated welding positions by validating their ability to work with robotic arc welding systems. It bridges traditional welding knowledge with automation skills, making it a practical next step for welders looking to move into higher-tech manufacturing roles.
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What jobs can you get with a Certified Robotic Arc Welder certification?
CRAW certification can support careers such as robotic welding operator, robotic welding technician, automation welding specialist, welding cell technician, manufacturing robotics technician, and production welding programmer. These roles are common in industries that rely on automated, high-volume welding processes.
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Where can I find Certified Robotic Arc Welder jobs?
Positions are posted through AWS resources, such as JobsInWelding.com and other industry job boards. Industries relying on robotic welding—such as aerospace, automotive, heavy equipment, and advanced manufacturing—frequently hire CRAW-certified personnel.
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How much does a Certified Robotic Arc Welder make?
CRAW salaries can vary based on experience, industry, and location. Because Certified Robotic Arc Welders are specialized, they may have increased earning potential due to their targeted skill set. Many CRAWs see competitive pay, especially in energy, aerospace, automotive, and industrial manufacturing sectors.