The American Welding Society has designated College of the Canyons as an Accredited Testing Center for Certified Robotic Arc Welding, making the college one of seven programs in the nation, and the only one in California, to have this prestigious status.

CRAW certification demonstrates that an individual possesses the technical knowledge required to perform robotic arc welding in an efficient, economical, and safe manner.

Individuals seeking CRAW certification can choose to become a Certified Technician (CRAW-T) or a Certified Operator (CRAW-O).

“We are definitely ahead of the curve,” said Tim Baber, department chair of welding technology at the college, who became CRAW-T certified in 2017. “As automation and robotics become more prevalent, the need for highly skilled and trained robotic welding technicians will increase.”

Individuals seeking CRAW certification must pass a closed-book written exam based on various welding codes, welding processes, specifications, and robotic kinematics, in addition to performing a robotics programming and operation performance exam.

In order to become an ATC, a facility must prove that it has the necessary facilities, equipment and support personnel. A certified CRAW-T is required to administer the CRAW test and conduct the necessary destructive testing of the hands-on test sample.

The college’s first CRAW certification test administration is expected to take place in fall 2018.

For more information about the college’s welding technology program, please visit the program’s web page.