This insurance program does not issue, verify, administer, or manage AWS certifications. Certification information is provided only to help members identify insurance considerations associated with their work.

CRI

Insurance Guide

Certified Radiographic Interpreter

CRI

Insurance considerations for Certified Radiographic Interpreter credential holders.

Who This Is For

Certified Radiographic Interpreters (CRIs) are AWS-certified professionals qualified to interpret radiographic images — both conventional film radiography and digital radiography — for weld quality evaluation as part of non-destructive testing (NDT) processes. CRIs apply code and standard requirements to radiographic images to identify, characterize, and disposition weld discontinuities. They work for NDT firms, fabrication shops, inspection organizations, and as independent contractors in industries where radiographic testing of welds is required, including pipeline, pressure vessels, structural, and aerospace applications.

Insurance Exposures

CRIs face professional liability as their central insurance exposure, because radiographic interpretation is a professional service in which the interpreter's judgment is the deliverable. An incorrect interpretation that passes a defective weld — particularly in a high-consequence application like a pipeline, pressure vessel, or structural connection — can result in catastrophic downstream failures and substantial professional liability claims traced directly to the interpretation report. The severity of potential claims reflects the consequence of the application: pipeline and pressure vessel radiography carries higher potential exposure than light manufacturing radiography. CRIs who perform field radiography add general liability and commercial auto exposure, and those with significant NDT equipment need tools coverage.

Coverage Considerations

Professional Liability (E&O)

Highly relevant and the most important coverage for independent CRIs and NDT firm interpreters. Radiographic interpretation is a professional service with direct quality-related liability — incorrect interpretation of radiographic images can lead to substantial claims if defects are missed, mischaracterized, or incorrectly accepted. CRIs whose interpretations are used as the basis for weld acceptance in structural, pipeline, or pressure vessel applications face the most significant professional exposure. Professional Liability (E&O) is the only coverage that protects this core professional risk.

General Liability

Relevant for CRIs who perform field radiography or work at client fabrication shops, construction sites, and industrial facilities as part of their inspection and interpretation work. Radiation source handling and field radiography create additional operational liability exposure beyond typical inspection activities.

Workers Compensation

Relevant for NDT firms employing CRIs and for CRI contractors with their own employees. CRIs who work with ionizing radiation have specific occupational health and workers compensation considerations.

Commercial Auto

Relevant for CRIs who travel to perform field radiography at multiple sites, particularly those transporting radiation sources or digital radiography equipment between locations.

Tools & Equipment / Inland Marine

Relevant for CRIs who own and transport radiographic inspection equipment — including digital detector arrays, computed radiography systems, and related interpretation tools — to multiple client and field locations.