Top 10 Machinist Certifications

Certifications for a machinist are important in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job. Certified machinists are also more likely to be hired, as employers look for qualified professionals who can quickly and efficiently complete tasks with a high level of accuracy. Certifications also offer proof of an individual’s commitment to their trade, and can provide employers with additional confidence that they have chosen the right candidate. Lastly, certifications may provide access to better job opportunities, higher wages, and increased career advancement opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Machinists and explains how they can help to advance a machinist's career.

What are Machinist Certifications?

Machinist certification is a type of formal recognition that demonstrates a machinist’s knowledge and skill in the field. It typically involves completing a program or course of study, passing an exam, and/or demonstrating proficiency in certain areas of the trade. Machinist certification is important for professionals looking to become more marketable in their field and stand out from other job applicants. It can also help employers ensure that their machinists have the necessary qualifications to do the job effectively and efficiently.

In addition to providing potential employers with confidence in a machinist’s abilities, certifications can also provide other benefits such as increased wages, access to better job opportunities, and greater career stability. Certification programs often cover topics such as safety protocols, quality control standards, computer-aided design (CAD), welding techniques, tooling operations, and more. By taking part in a certification program or course, machinists are able to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices. This ensures that they remain competitive within the industry while also becoming better equipped to handle any potential challenges they may face on the job.

Pro Tip: Obtaining a machinist certification can open up a world of career possibilities. To get certified, you should research the requirements of your specific field and take the necessary courses to gain knowledge in the area. Additionally, you should look into apprenticeships or other hands-on experience opportunities to gain practical skills and experience.

Related: What does a Machinist do?

Top 10 Machinist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Machinists today.

1. National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certification

National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certification is a nationally recognized credential that verifies the knowledge, skills and abilities of metalworking professionals. It is designed to help employers identify qualified workers and to provide workers with a way to demonstrate their expertise.

The NIMS certification process includes testing in areas such as safety, quality control, machine operations, materials handling, and more. The tests are administered by independent third-party organizations, such as the American Welding Society (AWS). Each test has its own set of requirements and may take anywhere from one hour to several days to complete.

To get NIMS certification, you must first pass all required tests. You can find information about the tests and how to register for them on the NIMS website. Once you have passed all required tests, you will receive your certification card in the mail.

The cost of getting NIMS certification varies depending on which tests you need to take and how many of them you need to pass. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $100-$500 or more depending on the number of tests taken and the associated fees.

2. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Machinist

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Machinist is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of machining. This certification is designed to recognize those who are proficient in the use of machine tools, cutting tools, measuring instruments, and other related equipment.

To become an ASQ Certified Machinist, applicants must meet certain prerequisites including: a minimum of three years experience in machining; completion of an approved training program; and passing a written examination. The exam covers topics such as safety, tooling, materials selection, quality control, and troubleshooting.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on the location where it is taken. Generally, the cost ranges from $200-$400 USD. The exam typically takes four hours to complete and can be taken at any ASQ-approved testing center.

Once certified, individuals must recertify every three years by completing 24 hours of continuing education or retaking the exam.

3. American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder is a certification that recognizes welders who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to safely perform welding operations. The certification process includes passing written and practical tests administered by AWS-certified examiners.

It typically takes about four to six months to complete the certification process, depending on the individual's prior welding experience. To become certified, individuals must first complete a welding training program from an accredited institution or employer. After completing the program, applicants must pass both a written and practical exam administered by an AWS-certified examiner.

The cost of becoming an AWS Certified Welder varies depending on the training program chosen and other factors such as travel expenses for taking the exams. Generally, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more for the entire process.

In addition to passing the exams, applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least two years of documented welding experience in their chosen field and being 18 years of age or older. Applicants must also submit proof of completion of high school or equivalent education and provide documentation demonstrating they are legally authorized to work in the United States.

4. Tool and Die Maker Certification from the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA)

The National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) offers a Tool and Die Maker Certification program for individuals who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in the field. This certification is designed to help employers identify qualified tool and die makers, as well as provide recognition for those who have achieved a certain level of mastery in the field.

To obtain this certification, applicants must pass a three-part exam that covers topics such as mathematics, blueprint reading, metallurgy, machining processes, grinding operations, tool design, and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to take the exam, applicants must first submit an application form along with proof of education or experience in the field. They must also pay a fee of $200 for each part of the exam they plan on taking.

Once all parts of the exam have been completed successfully, applicants will receive their official NTMA Tool and Die Maker Certification. This certification is valid for five years from the date it was issued.

The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on how many parts of the exam are taken; however, it typically costs around $600-$800 USD in total.

5. Journeyman Machinist Certificate from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS)

The Journeyman Machinist Certificate from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) is a nationally recognized credential that certifies an individual's proficiency in machining operations. The certificate is designed to validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of machinists working in the metalworking industry.

To get the Journeyman Machinist Certificate, individuals must complete a series of assessments and demonstrate their ability to perform specific tasks related to machining operations. The assessments are based on NIMS standards and include both written exams and practical demonstrations.

The process typically takes between two and three months to complete, depending on how quickly an individual can master the material covered in the assessments. To get started, individuals must first register with NIMS and pay a registration fee of $50. After registering, they will receive access to study materials for each assessment.

Once all assessments have been completed, individuals must submit their scores along with a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their mastery of machining operations. If approved by NIMS, they will be awarded the Journeyman Machinist Certificate. The cost for taking all assessments is approximately $400-$500 (depending on location).

6. Master Machinist Certificate from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS)

The Master Machinist Certificate from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s mastery of machining skills. This certificate is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated a high level of competency in the areas of precision machining, CNC programming, and advanced manufacturing processes.

To obtain the Master Machinist Certificate, individuals must first complete the NIMS Machining Level I Certification, which requires passing a written exam and practical demonstration of skills. After completing this certification, applicants can then apply for the Master Machinist Certificate. To do so, they must submit evidence of their experience in machining and/or CNC programming as well as pass an additional written exam. The entire process typically takes around six months to complete.

The cost to obtain the Master Machinist Certificate varies depending on whether you are taking the certification exams through NIMS or through another provider. If taking the exams through NIMS, there is an initial application fee of $75 plus additional fees for each exam taken ($150 per exam). Additionally, there may be other costs associated with training courses or materials needed to prepare for the exams.

7. Certified CNC Operator from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS)

Certified CNC Operator from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) is a certification that demonstrates proficiency in the operation of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. It is designed to recognize individuals who have attained a high level of skill and knowledge in CNC operations.

To become certified, an individual must complete a NIMS-approved CNC Operator program and pass an exam. The program typically takes between 6-12 months to complete, depending on the institution offering it. Upon successful completion of the program, applicants must then pass the NIMS CNC Operator Exam which covers topics such as safety, setup, programming, machining processes, maintenance and troubleshooting.

The cost for certification varies depending on the institution offering it but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

8. Precision Measurement Technician Certification from the American Society for Quality (ASQ)

The Precision Measurement Technician Certification (PMT) from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who are proficient in precision measurement techniques. The PMT certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to accurately measure, analyze, and interpret complex data.

To become certified as a Precision Measurement Technician, you must first pass a two-hour exam consisting of multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as metrology, instrumentation, calibration, statistical process control, and quality assurance. You must also have at least two years of experience in precision measurement or related fields.

Once you have passed the exam and meet the experience requirements, you will be eligible for certification. To maintain your PMT certification, you must recertify every three years by passing an updated version of the exam.

The cost for taking the PMT exam varies depending on your ASQ membership status. For non-members, the fee is $250 USD; for members it is $200 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with recertification every three years.

9. Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator Certification from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)

Computer Numerical Control Machine Operator Certification from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) is a nationally recognized certification that verifies the knowledge and skills of CNC machine operators. This certification is designed to help employers identify qualified applicants for CNC machine operator positions and to provide a baseline of knowledge and skills for current CNC machine operators.

The MSSC CNC Machine Operator Certification consists of two components: a written assessment and a hands-on performance evaluation. The written assessment tests the candidate’s knowledge of basic manufacturing principles, safety, quality control, and CNC operations. The hands-on performance evaluation requires the candidate to operate a CNC machine in order to demonstrate their proficiency in setting up and running the equipment.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete both components of the MSSC CNC Machine Operator Certification. Candidates can take the written assessment online or at an approved testing center, while the hands-on performance evaluation must be completed at an approved training facility or onsite with an employer who has been certified by MSSC as an instructor.

The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 USD for both components combined.

10. Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certification from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)

The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certification is a nationally recognized certification that validates the skills of industrial maintenance mechanics. The certification is designed to help employers identify and hire qualified industrial maintenance mechanics and help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in this field.

The MSSC Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certification consists of two parts: the Certified Production Technician (CPT) exam and the Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CM&RT) exam. The CPT exam covers topics such as safety, quality control, basic manufacturing processes, measurement systems, mechanical systems, fluid power systems, electrical systems, and programmable logic controllers. The CM&RT exam covers topics such as preventive/predictive maintenance principles, root cause analysis, lubrication principles, problem solving techniques, troubleshooting procedures, electrical/electronic components/circuits/systems, hydraulics/pneumatics components/circuits/systems, and welding principles.

It typically takes about six months to complete both exams for the MSSC Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Certification. To get certified you must first register with MSSC and then take the CPT or CM&RT exams at an approved testing center. You can find more information on registering for the exams on the MSSC website.

The cost of getting certified depends on which exams you take and how many times you need to retake them if necessary. The cost of taking each exam is around $150-$200 depending on your location. There may also be additional fees associated with retaking an exam or registering for multiple exams at once.

Do You Really Need a Machinist Certificate?

Yes, a machinist certificate is an important credential to have if you want to become a successful machinist. A certificate in machining demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and effectively in this field. With a machinist certificate, employers can be confident that you are qualified to perform the job duties and responsibilities associated with being a machinist.

In today's competitive job market, having a machinist certificate can give you an edge over other applicants for the same position. It shows potential employers that you are serious about your career and willing to invest in your own education and training. Furthermore, having a certification from an accredited institution will let employers know that you have been properly trained and educated on the latest techniques used in the industry.

In addition, having a machinist certificate could open up opportunities for advancement within the industry. You may find yourself eligible for promotions or transfers to higher-level positions within your organization or even at other companies. Having this credential may also allow you to command higher salaries than those without such credentials due to your knowledge of the industry and its processes.

Finally, having a machinist certificate will provide you with greater job security since it demonstrates that you possess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required of successful machinists. This will help ensure that your skills remain relevant in today's ever-evolving workplace environment so that you can continue working as a professional machinist for years to come.

In conclusion, obtaining a machinist certificate is essential for anyone interested in pursuing this profession as it provides numerous benefits such as increased job security, better salary prospects, more opportunities for advancement, and assurance of quality workmanship.

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FAQs About Machinist Certifications

1. What is a Machinist Certification?

Answer: A Machinist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates the knowledge and skills of an individual in the machining industry. It typically includes topics such as safety, machine operation and maintenance, tooling, materials and processes.

2. How do I obtain a Machinist Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Machinist Certification, you must pass an examination administered by a qualified organization such as the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) or the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

3. What are the benefits of having a Machinist Certification?

Answer: Having a Machinist Certification can increase your job prospects and salary potential, as employers recognize the value of certified technicians who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the machining industry. It can also open up opportunities for advancement within your current position.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The time needed to become certified depends on what type of certification you are seeking and which organization is administering it. Generally speaking, most certifications can be obtained within six months or less if you follow all of the requirements set forth by the certifying body.

5. Is there an age limit for obtaining a Machinist Certification?

Answer: No, there is no age limit for obtaining a Machinist Certification; however, some organizations may require applicants to meet certain age-related criteria before they can take their examinations.