CNC Setup Technician Certificate

Career Certificate
Cost
$3,850* (estimated)

Set up your future

Step into a new role in a high-tech manufacturing environment. This certificate builds and stacks on top of the Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) operator certificate—or you can start from scratch to earn both in one year. Enter the high-skilled, high-demand field of metalworking and machining.

Learn setup procedures common to manual and CNC machines. Cover these machines in-depth in a machine shop setting:

  • mills
  • lathes
  • waterjets

What can you do with a CNC Setup Technician certificate in Precision Machining Technology?

This certificate prepares you for the next level of technical difficulty for your career in precision machining. After your first semester (a.k.a. the CNC Operator certificate), you can begin working in industry, even as you earn this CNC Setup certificate.

Start with the CNC Operator certificate, add the CNC Setup Technician Certificate and then earn the CNC Programming certificate or the full Precision Machining Technology associate degree. Each certificate builds on the one before it. Also, certain classes have industry credentials embedded within them. These credentials are very attractive to employers.

NIMS-accredited

The CNC program is accredited by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) and national credentialing is available.  

When you complete certain courses, you will be able to take credentialing exams for a fee. Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials. These prepare you for a job and advancement in the high-skilled, high-demand field of metalworking and machining.

See what students love about the precision machining technology program at CLC. Picture yourself here:

Highlights

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

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Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PMT 110

    PMT 110 Manufacturing Your Success

    Class Description

    This course will focus on core academic and trade skills to support students' transition during their first semester in the Precision Machining program. The student will be supported while they complete their first semester studying modern machining techniques and earning industry certifications. Emphasis will be placed on mentoring and supporting the students and this course will parallel that of the student's core classes during the first semester. Students will be supported in registering and preparing for credentials from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), learn the proper operation of the Machinist Calculator and how to locate and interpret technical information in the Machinist Handbook.
         		1
    PMT 112

    PMT 112 Blueprint Reading & Precision Measurement

    Class Description

    This course prepares students to understand technical information when reading manufacturing blueprints and how to use semi-precision and precision measuring tools. Attention is given to visualization and training in the interpretation of blueprints to determine what appropriate measuring tools are needed to perform accurate measurements. Students will study how to calibrate, maintain, and read dial, digital, and vernier measuring tools. They will also learn to use information located in the title block to calculate acceptable basic and GD&T tolerances for part features and complete inspection reports. Students will complete instructional activities designed to prepare them for obtaining their level one Materials Measurement and Safety credential and Job Planning, Benchwork and Layout credential from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
         		3
    PMT 114

    PMT 114 Machining Processes I

    Class Description

    This course is an introduction to machining and machine shop practices. Topics will include hand tools, measurement, cut off machines, drilling machines, benchwork, turning machines, milling machines, grinding machines and general safety. The content of this course will provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of the manual and CNC machining processes. Students will also engage in instructional activities to prepare them for obtaining their Job Planning, Bench work & Layout credential and their Measurement, Materials, and Safety credential from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
         		3
    EWE 120

    EWE 120 Job Readiness Skills

    Class Description

    This course focuses on job readiness skills to prepare students to apply for an internship/job, improve in a current internship/job, or successfully work towards a promotion. Topics covered include networking, resume writing, interviewing, social media tools, self-awareness, conflict resolution and time management.
         		1
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PMT 110
      Course Title

      PMT 110 Manufacturing Your Success

      Class Description

      This course will focus on core academic and trade skills to support students' transition during their first semester in the Precision Machining program. The student will be supported while they complete their first semester studying modern machining techniques and earning industry certifications. Emphasis will be placed on mentoring and supporting the students and this course will parallel that of the student's core classes during the first semester. Students will be supported in registering and preparing for credentials from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), learn the proper operation of the Machinist Calculator and how to locate and interpret technical information in the Machinist Handbook.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PMT 112
      Course Title

      PMT 112 Blueprint Reading & Precision Measurement

      Class Description

      This course prepares students to understand technical information when reading manufacturing blueprints and how to use semi-precision and precision measuring tools. Attention is given to visualization and training in the interpretation of blueprints to determine what appropriate measuring tools are needed to perform accurate measurements. Students will study how to calibrate, maintain, and read dial, digital, and vernier measuring tools. They will also learn to use information located in the title block to calculate acceptable basic and GD&T tolerances for part features and complete inspection reports. Students will complete instructional activities designed to prepare them for obtaining their level one Materials Measurement and Safety credential and Job Planning, Benchwork and Layout credential from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PMT 114
      Course Title

      PMT 114 Machining Processes I

      Class Description

      This course is an introduction to machining and machine shop practices. Topics will include hand tools, measurement, cut off machines, drilling machines, benchwork, turning machines, milling machines, grinding machines and general safety. The content of this course will provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of the manual and CNC machining processes. Students will also engage in instructional activities to prepare them for obtaining their Job Planning, Bench work & Layout credential and their Measurement, Materials, and Safety credential from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code EWE 120
      Course Title

      EWE 120 Job Readiness Skills

      Class Description

      This course focuses on job readiness skills to prepare students to apply for an internship/job, improve in a current internship/job, or successfully work towards a promotion. Topics covered include networking, resume writing, interviewing, social media tools, self-awareness, conflict resolution and time management.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    PMT 124

    PMT 124 Machining Processes II

    Class Description

    The content of this course is a continuation of Machining Processes I and will provide students with the ability to improve their skills in manual milling and turning processes. Students will hone their skills in precision manual machining procedures utilizing processes such as boring, threading, grooving, dovetail cutting, slot milling, and key seat cutting. Students will also be able to improve their ability to perform job planning and reinforce their measurement and blueprint reading skills by producing precision parts on manual metalworking machines. Students will use precision and semi-precision measuring instruments to complete their projects and engage in instructional activities to prepare them for obtaining their level one Manual Milling Skills I and Turning Operations: Turning between Centers credential from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
         		3
    PMT 126

    PMT 126 CNC Machining

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the skills of CNC Mill and Turning Center setup. Through lecture and lab assignments, the student will learn how to setup 2-1/2 axis CNC mills and 2-axis lathes. Students will learn G and M codes, basic programming format, speeds and feeds, tool and machine offsets, workholding methods and the basic features of CNC control panels. Students will manufacture simple parts using CNC milling and turning equipment and will gain the experience of performing quality control inspections before, during, and after CNC operations. Students will complete instructional activities to prepare them for obtaining two credentials from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) in CNC Milling: Operations and CNC Turning: Operations.
         		3
    PMT 128

    PMT 128 Precision Grinding

    Class Description

    The course is designed to provide the student with learning experiences in the theoretical and the practical skills development in precision grinding operations. The students will machine parts and use a surface grinder to apply various surface and form grinding techniques to make metal parts to blueprint specifications. The fundamental theory of centerless grinding and ID/OD grinding will also be covered in this course. Students will complete instructional activities to prepare them for obtaining a credential from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) in Grinding.
         		3
    PMT 129

    PMT 129 EDM & Waterjet Technology

    Class Description

    This course teaches the general concepts of Wire Electrical Discharge Machining, a method involving electrical discharges between a wire and a conductive workpiece to remove material in a non-conventional manner. Through lecture and lab assignments, the student will learn multiple EDM skills, beginning with an overview of Wire EDM technology, followed by wire selection, spark gap theory, and the principles of rough cuts and skim passes. Terminology used in the field of Wire EDM will be emphasized, accompanied by demonstrations, student programming, and EDM setup and operation. Students will also learn abrasive machining theory and concepts while setting up, operating and programming an OMAX waterjet.
         		3
    • Course Code PMT 124
      Course Title

      PMT 124 Machining Processes II

      Class Description

      The content of this course is a continuation of Machining Processes I and will provide students with the ability to improve their skills in manual milling and turning processes. Students will hone their skills in precision manual machining procedures utilizing processes such as boring, threading, grooving, dovetail cutting, slot milling, and key seat cutting. Students will also be able to improve their ability to perform job planning and reinforce their measurement and blueprint reading skills by producing precision parts on manual metalworking machines. Students will use precision and semi-precision measuring instruments to complete their projects and engage in instructional activities to prepare them for obtaining their level one Manual Milling Skills I and Turning Operations: Turning between Centers credential from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PMT 126
      Course Title

      PMT 126 CNC Machining

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the skills of CNC Mill and Turning Center setup. Through lecture and lab assignments, the student will learn how to setup 2-1/2 axis CNC mills and 2-axis lathes. Students will learn G and M codes, basic programming format, speeds and feeds, tool and machine offsets, workholding methods and the basic features of CNC control panels. Students will manufacture simple parts using CNC milling and turning equipment and will gain the experience of performing quality control inspections before, during, and after CNC operations. Students will complete instructional activities to prepare them for obtaining two credentials from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) in CNC Milling: Operations and CNC Turning: Operations.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PMT 128
      Course Title

      PMT 128 Precision Grinding

      Class Description

      The course is designed to provide the student with learning experiences in the theoretical and the practical skills development in precision grinding operations. The students will machine parts and use a surface grinder to apply various surface and form grinding techniques to make metal parts to blueprint specifications. The fundamental theory of centerless grinding and ID/OD grinding will also be covered in this course. Students will complete instructional activities to prepare them for obtaining a credential from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) in Grinding.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PMT 129
      Course Title

      PMT 129 EDM & Waterjet Technology

      Class Description

      This course teaches the general concepts of Wire Electrical Discharge Machining, a method involving electrical discharges between a wire and a conductive workpiece to remove material in a non-conventional manner. Through lecture and lab assignments, the student will learn multiple EDM skills, beginning with an overview of Wire EDM technology, followed by wire selection, spark gap theory, and the principles of rough cuts and skim passes. Terminology used in the field of Wire EDM will be emphasized, accompanied by demonstrations, student programming, and EDM setup and operation. Students will also learn abrasive machining theory and concepts while setting up, operating and programming an OMAX waterjet.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Students can choose EWE 220 instead of PMT 129.

Total Credit Hours

22


Female student taking notes in class

Precision Machining Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

A CNC Setup Technician certificate is just one possible way to study Precision Machining. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Precision Machining Technology program overview


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