Certified Robotic Arc Welding Program

certified robotic arc welding

Certified Robotic Arc Welding Program is one of the best initiatives of the American Welding Society for operators and technicians. Handling robotic welding requires special training, codes, and standards for desired results. The equipment for the robotic welding process is different. AWS offers certification in robotic arc welding to non-certified operators and technicians. In this article, read all about the certification procedure of AWS CRAW.


Post Highlights:

  • What is Certified Robotic Arc Welding Program
  • AWS CRAW Program Requirements
  • How to Apply for the CRAW Program?
  • AWS CRAW Program Prices
  • AWS CRAW Exam
  • AWS CRAW Certification Renewal
  • AWS CRAW Recertification
  • Benefits of CRAW Certification

Certified Robotic Arc Welding Program

AWS CRAW program is specially designed for the operators, technicians, and maintenance support personnel. Sometimes, it is also called Certified Robotic Arc Welding Operator or Technician. During the process, the AWS examines applicants’ general knowledge of robotic arc welding operation and related technical areas. AWS CRAW program has two levels of certification i.e. one for operators and another for technicians.

Technical Documents

QC19 – Standard for the AWS Certification of Robotic Arc Welding

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

Requirements for AWS CRAW Program

To be eligible for the AWS certified robotic arc welding program (level 1, 2, 3, and personnel), candidates require a combination of skills, education, and work experiences.

I. For Robotic Arc Welding Personnel (Level 1)

1. Education Level

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Good mechanical aptitude skills
  • Good written and oral communication skills

2. Work Experience

  • 1000 hours manual or semi-automatic arc welding experience

3. Required Skills

  • Working knowledge of the robotic peripheral equipment
  • Capable of servicing the robotic welding torch and wire feeding system
  • Possess a basic understanding of the robot and its control panel
  • General safety knowledge

II. Certified Robotic Arc Welding Operator (Level 2)

Applicants need to meet all the requirements of level 1 along with the following additional ones.

1. Education Level

  • Possess any combination of post-secondary education with three-year work experience.

2. Work Experience

  • Have at least 2000 hours or two years of arc welding experience

3. Required Skills

  • Ability to evaluate weld cross-sections
  • Able to document and express information on any robot-related problems
  • Ability to visually inspect the welds on the component

III. Certified Robotic Arc Welding Technician (Level 3)

Candidates should meet the following requirements including Level 1 and Level 2.

1. Education Level

2. Work Experience

  • They should have at least 3000 hours or 3 years of arc welding experience

3. Required Skills

  • Keeping up to date and accurate records
  • Able to perform weld cross-sectioning
  • Weld inspection ability and familiarity with tools
  • Showing expertise in the welding operations
  • Have file management task performing ability
  • Able to understand all aspects of the robotic work cell

How to Apply for AWS CRAW Program?

Aspiring applicants can apply for AWS certified robotic arc welding program (for technician, operator, personnel) by visiting the official website of the American Welding Society (www.aws.org) and follow the instructions given there.

Application Link for AWS CRAW

Prices for AWS CRAW Program

The CRAW program prices are as follows.

Products AWS Members Non-members
Technician/Operator Exam or Retest $395 $650
Operator to Technician Upgrade $110 $110
Technician/Operator Renewal $225 $480
Total $730 $1240

Note: The program prices are subjected to change without prior notice.

AWS Certified Robotic Arc Welding Exam

The syllabus and pattern of the exam are as follows.

A. AWS CRAW Exam Syllabus

Sr. No. Topics
1 Conversion and Calculations
2 Definitions and Terminology
3 Destructive Testing
4 Kinematic Concepts
5 Robot Arc Weld Cell Components ID
6 Robot Programming and Logic
7 Safety
8 Symbols – Welding and Robotics
9 Weld Equipment Setup
10 Weld Examination
11 Welding Procedures
12 Welding Processes

B. AWS CRAW Exam Pattern

The exam will be a closed-book type. It will consist of 136 multiple choice questions on the fundamental principles of welding.

Exam Topics No. of Questions Questions %
Conversion and Calculations 5 4
Definitions and Terminology 10 8
Destructive Testing 10 8
Kinematic Concepts 5 4
Robot Arc Weld Cell Components ID 5 4
Robot Programming and Logic 25 20
Safety 14 12
Symbols – Welding and Robotics 5 4
Weld Equipment Setup 10 8
Weld Examination 10 8
Welding Procedures 10 8
Welding Processes 20 15
Total 136 100%

C. Performance Test

In this test, applicants need to demonstrate their ability for practical applications and knowledge.

Test Topics Questions %
Robot Programming of Test Piece 20
Weld Quality Assessment 40
Welding of the test piece 40
Total 100%

 Imp: Applicants willing to pass the exam require at least 75% correct marks both in the written examination and the performance test.

Note: Applicants must pass both the performance test and written test within three months compulsorily.

Renewal of AWS CRAW Certification

CRAW technician or operator requires renewal after a period of three years by reexamination.

Recertification of Certified Robotic Arc Welding

After every nine years of certification, operators and technicians require recertification the same on the pattern of the first-time certification. It means a written examination and a performance test.

CRAW Certification Benefits

The welding certification will benefit applicants in the following ways.

  • CRAW certification gives many working welding personnel to check and measure themselves against the codes and standards of their professions.
  • Certification proves to employers that applicants have demonstrated their ability to perform and handle welding with certain codes and standards.
  • AWS CRAW certification enhances the overall profile and that leads to a higher salary.

Thus, the information on the procedure of AWS certified robotic arc welder certification is valuable for students, technicians, operators, and other non-certified personnel.

Related: Other Welding Certifications

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