The American Welding Society’s Certification Program for Robotic Arc Welding (CRAW) – Operators (O) or Technicians (T) allows many welding personnel employed in various welding sectors to measure themselves against standards for their occupation. It also signifies that the CRAW Operator or Technician has demonstrated the capability of working with various codes, standards, and specifications. Since proof of active practice or re-examination is required every three years, certification also signifies that the CRAW Operator or Technician is current with the welding industry.

Peter Howe, Managing Director of the AWS Certification Department indicates that Hobart Institute graduates may provide, “applicable documentation that details the coursework time spent welding [at the Hobart Institute] and AWS will credit this time to the experience requirements of AWS D16.4 [Specification for Qualification of Robotic Arc Welding Personnel]  and QC 19 [Standard for AWS Certification of Robotic Welding - Operators and Technicians].”

This announcement is good news for Hobart graduates, providing them with one more avenue to pursue toward higher technology and greater earning power. 

For the CRAW-O certification, one must have a minimum of 2 years of welding experience plus a one-year diploma in welding or robotic instruction.  For the CRAW-T certification, one must have a minimum of five (5) years of welding experience with all relevant processes and have a two-year associates degree in welding / robotics / electrical or equivalent and hold a current Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification.

Additional information regarding the CRAW – O or T certification may be found at www.aws.org   The related documents, available from www.aws.org/standards include:

• QC19, Standard for AWS Certification of Robotic Welding - Operators and Technicians

This standard defines the certification program for the American Welding Society for use in the Certification of Automated Process Operators and Technicians. These certifications require documentation of experience, satisfactory completion of both written and practical examinations. The examination tests the CRAW's knowledge of welding processes, welding procedures, destructive and non-destructive tests, welding terms, definitions, symbols, reports, safety, quality assurance and responsibilities, robot programming and robot arc welding, and other related subjects. Successful completion of all requirements constitutes the basis for awarding a certification as a Robotic Arc Welding Technician or Robotic Arc Welding Operator.
23 pages, Published in 2002. ANSI Approved.

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

Employers should use these standards to facilitate promotions, new hires or self-evaluations. Explains what the function is and does and describes minimum education and experience. Establishes the qualification requirements from which a central certification agency or an employer may develop a certification program.
14 pages, Published in 1999. ANSI Approved.