Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT) Program

Resistance welding is a welding process that joins metal by applying mechanical pressure and passing an electrical current through the workpieces. The electrical resistance at the joint generates heat, causing the metal to fuse without the use of filler metal.

Resistance welding processes are widely used in high-volume manufacturing and production welding environments. Common types include resistance spot welding, seam welding, projection welding, and flash welding. These processes are frequently used in automotive manufacturing, aerospace fabrication, appliance production, and tube and pipe manufacturing.

In electric resistance welding, weld quality depends on precise control of welding current, weld time, electrode force, and material properties. Proper setup, monitoring, and maintenance are critical to achieving consistent weld strength and performance.

In practice, no. The terms “resistance welding” and “electric resistance welding” are used interchangeably throughout the welding industry.

All resistance welding processes rely on electrical current flowing through metal parts to generate heat through resistance. Because electricity is fundamental to the process, the word “electric” is often implied. In technical documentation, training materials, and certification programs, you will see both terms used to describe the same group of welding processes.

A resistance welder can refer to either:

• A resistance welding machine or system used to perform spot, seam, projection, or flash welding, or

• A technician or operator who performs resistance welding operations.

In manufacturing environments, a resistance welder (the professional) may be responsible for machine setup, welding parameter selection, electrode alignment, weld schedule development, quality control checks, and routine maintenance of resistance welding equipment.

Skilled resistance welding personnel understand welding current, squeeze time, hold time, electrode force, material thickness, and how these variables affect weld nugget formation and weld integrity.

Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT) is a credentialed professional certified by the American Welding Society who has demonstrated knowledge of resistance welding processes, theory, equipment, and quality control principles.

The CRWT certification validates expertise in:

• Resistance welding fundamentals and heat generation

• Equipment setup, controls, and calibration

• Weld quality evaluation and destructive/non-destructive testing methods

• Welding symbols, documentation, and applicable standards

• Troubleshooting weld defects and production issues

• Safety practices in resistance welding operations

The Certified Resistance Welding Technician credential signals that the holder understands both the theory and the practical application of resistance welding in real-world production environments.

To become a Certified Resistance Welding Technician, you must apply through the American Welding Society and meet established eligibility requirements for education and work experience in resistance welding.

The certification process includes:

1. Submitting a completed CRWT application

2. Verifying qualifying work experience and education

3. Passing the Certified Resistance Welding Technician examination

The CRWT exam evaluates knowledge of resistance welding theory, welding variables, equipment operation, weld quality standards, safety requirements, and troubleshooting techniques. Certification demonstrates professional competency in resistance welding technology and production applications.

Eligibility for the Certified Resistance Welding Technician certification is based on a combination of formal education and documented work experience in resistance welding.

Qualifying experience may include:

• Operating or setting up resistance welding equipment

• Developing or adjusting welding parameters

• Supervising resistance welding production

• Performing weld inspection and quality control

• Maintaining or troubleshooting resistance welding systems

Higher levels of formal education in welding technology, manufacturing, engineering, or related technical fields may reduce the required years of experience. Specific eligibility pathways, including required years of documented resistance welding experience and acceptable educational credentials, are defined by the American Welding Society in the CRWT certification program requirements. If your role involves controlling weld variables, ensuring weld quality, or supporting resistance welding operations, you may already meet part of the eligibility criteria.