A method is disclosed for producing a PTC heating element comprising a PTC element and contact plates which are contacted to face side surfaces of the PTC element in an electrically conductive manner such that the PTC element is, at its face side surfaces, reliably electrically contacted to contact surfaces. The contact plates are connected to one another by way of electrically insulatable bridge elements while leaving a seat free for the PTC element. The method includes deforming the contact plates to shape or form a contact projection abutting against one of the face side surfaces.