Top 10 Tool Maker Certifications

Certifications for tool makers are important in the job market because they show employers that a tool maker has the necessary training and knowledge to perform their job. Certifications demonstrate that a tool maker is competent in their craft and is able to produce quality work. They also provide evidence of a tool maker’s commitment to their profession, as well as their dedication to staying up-to-date with new technologies and techniques. Employers will be more likely to hire candidates with certification because they know they are getting someone who is qualified and experienced in the field.

This article reviews the top certifications for Tool Makers and explains how they can help advance a tool maker's career.

What are Tool Maker Certifications?

Tool maker certification is a certification that recognizes the skills and knowledge of an individual who works in the tool making industry. Tool makers are responsible for creating, maintaining, and repairing tools and equipment used in various industries. This certification is evidence of a tool maker's expertise and abilities, verifying their ability to create quality products.

Having a tool maker certification can be beneficial to both employers and employees alike. Employers can use this certification as proof that they have hired qualified personnel to work in their shop, providing assurance that their products will be made with precision and accuracy. For employees, having this certification can help them stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs, as employers will know that they are qualified for the position. Additionally, having this type of certification can increase job opportunities and salaries within the industry.

Pro Tip: When pursuing tool maker certification, make sure you have a thorough understanding of the required skills and materials associated with the profession. Additionally, it is important to research the specific requirements for certification in your area, as they can vary from state to state. Finally, be sure to take advantage of any available resources such as online courses or apprenticeships that can help you gain the necessary knowledge and experience.

Related: What does a Tool Maker do?

Top 10 Tool Maker Certifications

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

1. Certified Tool and Die Maker (CTDM)

Certified Tool and Die Maker (CTDM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the design, fabrication, assembly, inspection, and maintenance of precision tools and dies. The program requires that individuals demonstrate their proficiency in various areas related to tool and die making such as blueprint reading, metallurgy, machining processes, materials selection, tool design, grinding processes, heat treating processes, surface finishing techniques, and quality control.

To become a Certified Tool and Die Maker (CTDM), an individual must pass an examination administered by NIMS. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics related to the design and manufacture of tools and dies. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam.

The cost of becoming a Certified Tool and Die Maker (CTDM) varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 to take the exam with additional fees for materials or other services associated with the certification process.

Once you have successfully passed the examination and received your certification card from NIMS, you will be able to use your credentials to demonstrate your expertise in tool and die making. This can help you gain employment opportunities or advance in your current career path.

2. Certified Tooling Professional (CTP)

Certified Tooling Professional (CTP) is a certification program offered by the American Tooling and Machining Association (ATMA) that validates an individual’s knowledge and experience in tooling, machining, and manufacturing processes. The CTP certification is designed to provide employers with assurance that the certified individual has the necessary skillset to work in a tooling or machining environment.

The CTP certification process involves passing a written exam which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as tool design, tool selection, cutting tools, and machining operations. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the industry or have completed an ATMA-approved training program.

The CTP certification is valid for three years from the date of successful completion of the exam. After three years, individuals must retake the exam in order to maintain their certification status.

The cost for taking the CTP exam depends on whether you are an ATMA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $200; for members, it is $150.

3. Certified Mold Making Technician (CMMT)

Certified Mold Making Technician (CMMT) is a certification program offered by the American Mold Builders Association (AMBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a certain level of proficiency in the field of mold making and design. The CMMT certification is based on an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of CAD/CAM software, mold design, mold construction and assembly, machining processes, mold maintenance, troubleshooting and repair.

The CMMT certification requires applicants to pass both a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as CAD/CAM software, mold design principles, machining processes, mold maintenance and troubleshooting. The practical exam consists of hands-on tasks that demonstrate an individual’s ability to use CAD/CAM software for designing molds and assembling molds from components.

In order to become certified as a CMMT, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of mold making or design. Applicants must also have completed at least 40 hours of approved training courses related to the field.

The cost for taking the CMMT certification exams varies depending on where they are taken. Generally speaking, it costs between $500 and $1,000 to take both exams.

4. Journeyman Tool and Die Maker (JTDM)

Journeyman Tool and Die Maker (JTDM) is a professional designation that recognizes the expertise of individuals who have achieved mastery in the design, construction, repair, and maintenance of tools and dies. These individuals are highly skilled in the use of machine tools, precision measuring instruments, and other equipment used to fabricate metal parts. They also possess knowledge of metallurgy, mathematics, blueprint reading, and other related subjects.

To become a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker requires at least four years of apprenticeship or equivalent experience in the field. Apprenticeships usually involve working with experienced toolmakers to learn the trade from them. Apprentices must complete a minimum number of hours of on-the-job training as well as classroom instruction before they can be certified as Journeyman Tool and Die Makers.

In order to become a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker, you must first pass an examination administered by either the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) or the American Society for Precision Engineering (ASPE). The exam consists of both theoretical questions about toolmaking principles as well as practical questions about specific tasks that must be performed in order to make a tool or die. After passing the exam, you will receive your certification from either NIMS or ASPE.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on which organization administers it; however, it typically ranges between $150-$200 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining your certification such as application fees or membership dues.

5. Certified Precision Machinist (CPM)

Certified Precision Machinist (CPM) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate proficiency in the operation of precision machining equipment. The certification is offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills in precision machining processes, safety practices, and quality control procedures.

The NIMS Certified Precision Machinist (CPM) exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as machine setup, tooling selection, cutting speeds and feeds, surface finish requirements, inspection techniques, and safety procedures.

To be eligible to take the CPM exam, applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience in precision machining or have completed a NIMS-accredited training program. Applicants must also submit proof of their work experience or training program completion as part of their application.

The cost for taking the CPM exam is $150. After passing the exam, applicants will receive a certificate from NIMS that recognizes them as a Certified Precision Machinist (CPM).

6. Certified CNC Programmer (CCP)

Certified CNC Programmer (CCP) is a certification program designed to recognize and reward the professional skills of experienced CNC programmers. It is offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). The certification is valid for five years, after which it must be renewed.

The CCP exam consists of two parts: a written test and a practical demonstration. The written test covers topics such as CNC programming principles, machine tool operations, CAD/CAM software, and safety. The practical demonstration requires candidates to successfully complete a series of programming tasks on a CNC machine.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of experience in CNC programming or related activities. They must also pass both parts of the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost to take the CCP exam varies depending on the location, but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

7. Certified Machine Shop Supervisor (CMSS)

Certified Machine Shop Supervisor (CMSS) is a certification program designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the operation and supervision of a machine shop. The CMSS certification is offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

It takes approximately three months to complete the requirements for the CMSS certification. To get certified, applicants must first pass an exam that covers topics such as safety, quality control, machining processes, and maintenance. After passing this exam, applicants must then complete a hands-on performance evaluation at an approved NIMS facility.

The cost of obtaining the CMSS certification varies depending on where you take the exam and how many evaluations you need to complete. Generally speaking, it costs between $500 and $1000 to get certified.

8. Master Tool and Die Maker (MTDM)

A Master Tool and Die Maker (MTDM) is a highly skilled professional who specializes in the design, fabrication, and maintenance of tools and dies used in manufacturing processes. The MTDM is responsible for ensuring that tools and dies are accurate and efficient, as well as safe to use.

It typically takes between five to seven years of experience in the field before an individual can become certified as a Master Tool and Die Maker. This includes completing apprenticeships or other training programs, gaining experience in the industry, and passing certification exams.

To become a Master Tool and Die Maker, you must first complete an apprenticeship program or other training program approved by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). After completing your training program, you will need to pass NIMS’s certification exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will be certified as a Master Tool and Die Maker.

The cost of becoming a Master Tool and Die Maker varies depending on the type of training program you choose. Apprenticeship programs may require payment of tuition fees or other costs associated with attending classes or workshops. Other programs may require payment for books or materials related to the coursework.

In addition to any fees associated with your training program, you may also need to pay an examination fee when taking NIMS’s certification exam. The fee for this exam is typically around $200 USD.

9. Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) is a professional certification program that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in quality inspection. The certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and it is designed to help individuals demonstrate their commitment to quality assurance principles and practices.

The CQI certification requires successful completion of an exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, calibration, measurement systems analysis, sampling plans, and more. In order to be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of full-time work experience in quality inspection or a related field.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $399 USD for ASQ members or $499 USD for non-members. After successfully completing the exam, applicants will receive their CQI certificate within 8 weeks.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet continuing education requirements every three years in order to maintain their certification status.

10. Certified Automation Technician (CAT)

Certified Automation Technician (CAT) is a professional certification program designed to provide an industry-recognized credential for automation technicians. The program is offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA). It is designed to help technicians demonstrate their knowledge and skills in industrial automation, including electrical controls, instrumentation, process control systems, robotics, and other related technologies.

To become a Certified Automation Technician, applicants must pass two exams: the Fundamentals of Industrial Automation exam and the Applied Industrial Automation exam. Both exams are administered by ISA and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center. The Fundamentals exam covers basic concepts in industrial automation while the Applied exam focuses on practical applications of these concepts.

The cost of the CAT program varies depending on your location and whether you are an ISA member or not. For non-members, the cost of both exams is $400 USD. For ISA members, the cost is reduced to $200 USD for both exams.

In total, it typically takes around 6-8 weeks to complete the CAT program from start to finish. This includes time for studying for both exams as well as taking them at a Pearson VUE testing center.

Do You Really Need a Tool Maker Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what type of career path you are pursuing. If you are looking for a job in the manufacturing or engineering field, then having a tool maker certificate can be beneficial. It shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to work with tools and machinery in order to create products or parts that meet high standards of quality.

Having a tool maker certificate can also help open doors to higher paying positions within the industry. Being certified as a tool maker shows employers that you are knowledgeable in the area, and they may be more likely to hire you for higher paying jobs because of it.

On the other hand, if your career aspirations do not include working with tools and machinery, then having a tool maker certificate may not be necessary. In some cases, employers may look for candidates who have gone through formal training programs in order to show their commitment to learning more about their field. But if your goal is simply to find employment in an unrelated industry, then a tool maker certification may not be needed.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a tool maker certificate will depend on your individual goals and ambitions. If you feel that having one would benefit your career prospects, then it is worth considering obtaining one. Otherwise, it might not be necessary for achieving success in your chosen field.

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FAQs About Tool Maker Certifications

1. What is a Tool Maker Certification?

Answer: A Tool Maker Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of tool making. It verifies that the individual has achieved a certain level of proficiency in the design, construction, and maintenance of tools used in various manufacturing processes.

2. How long does it take to obtain a Tool Maker Certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to obtain a Tool Maker Certification varies depending on the individual's experience and knowledge level. Generally speaking, it can take several months to complete all the necessary coursework and exams required for certification.

3. Is there an age requirement for obtaining a Tool Maker Certification?

Answer: No, there is no age requirement for obtaining a Tool Maker Certification. Anyone interested in pursuing this type of certification should be able to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in tool making regardless of age.

4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Tool Maker Certification?

Answer: Yes, individuals must have basic knowledge of math and science as well as experience with specific materials used in tool making such as metals, plastics, and ceramics before they can pursue certification.

5. How much does it cost to obtain a Tool Maker Certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a Tool Maker Certification varies depending on the type of program chosen and other associated fees such as exam fees or membership dues. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$10,000 depending on the level of certification sought after by the individual.