Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing training

CNC Machinist Training

Learn what CNC machinists do and how they do it: a semi-in-depth, practical course covering the role, vocabulary, common procedures, safety and career launch.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Enroll nowView syllabus
What you’ll learn in CNC Machinist training

A practical, general introduction to the CNC machinist job: what the role involves, 15+ key terms, how to perform common tasks such as set a work offset on a CNC mill and measure a part with an outside micrometer, safety essentials and how to launch your career. Online, self-paced, about 10 hours, $89.99.

  • Tuition
    $89.99
    Volume pricing from 2 seats
  • Length
    10 hours
    10 modules
  • Format
    Online
    Self-paced, any device
  • Access
    12 months
    LMS access
  • Level
    Beginner
    To intermediate
  • You receive
    Certificate
    Of completion

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  • Explain what a CNC machinist does day to day, where they work and how the role fits into the team
  • Use 15+ essential CNC machinist terms correctly
  • Walk through set a work offset on a CNC mill, measure a part with an outside micrometer, and calculate spindle speed (RPM) step by step
  • Identify the tools, equipment and technology used on the job
  • Apply core safety, compliance and professional standards
  • Map your path into the field, including credentials such as NIMS credentials

Course syllabus

10 modules, about 10 hours in total.

MODULE 01Introduction to the CNC Machinist Role50 min
  • What CNC machinists do and why the role matters
  • Where they work: settings, employers and teams
  • Pay, job outlook and the career ladder
  • Professional and ethical expectations
MODULE 02A Day on the Job35 min
  • A realistic shift, start to finish
  • Schedules, shifts and workload
  • Working with supervisors, coworkers and customers
  • The best and hardest parts of the job
MODULE 03Essential CNC Machinist Vocabulary1 hr
  • Key term: CNC
  • Key term: G-code
  • Key term: M-code
  • Key term: Work offset
  • Key term: Tool length offset
  • Plus 10 more terms with practice drills
MODULE 04Core Duties and Responsibilities1 hr
  • Read blueprints, GD&T and setup sheets
  • Set up CNC mills and lathes, including fixtures, tools and offsets
  • Load programs and run machines
  • Measure parts with precision instruments and adjust offsets
  • Perform first-article and in-process inspections
MODULE 05Common Tasks, Step by Step2 hr 10 min
  • How to set a work offset on a CNC mill
  • How to measure a part with an outside micrometer
  • How to calculate spindle speed (RPM)
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them
MODULE 06Tools, Equipment and Technology50 min
  • CNC mills and lathes
  • Micrometers, calipers and height gauges
  • Edge finders and probes
  • CAM software such as Mastercam or Fusion 360
  • Cutting tools and tool holders
MODULE 07Safety, Compliance and Professional Standards1 hr 10 min
  • Wear safety glasses and keep loose clothing
  • Never reach into a running machine or clear chips by hand
  • Keep machine doors and guards closed during operation
  • Handle sharp chips and parts with gloves only when the machine is stopped
MODULE 08Skills Employers Look For50 min
  • Blueprint reading and GD&T
  • CNC setup and operation
  • Precision measurement
  • Attention to detail
  • Patience
MODULE 09Launching Your CNC Machinist Career50 min
  • Education and training pathways
  • Credential overview: NIMS credentials
  • Credential overview: Machinist apprenticeship completion
  • Resume and interview preparation
  • Your first 90 days on the job
MODULE 10Final Knowledge Check50 min
  • Comprehensive practice exam with explanations
  • Certificate of completion on passing

Who this training is for

  • Students: find out what the CNC machinist job is really like before choosing a program or major.
  • Career changers: test-drive the field and build vocabulary and confidence before investing in formal training.
  • New hires and employers: shorten ramp-up time with a consistent foundation for every new CNC machinist.

Pricing

$89.99 per learner. Buying for a team? Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners.

SeatsDiscount
2 to 101% off
11 to 202% off
21 to 503% off
51 to 1005% off
101 to 2507% off
251 to 5008% off
501 to 1,00010% off

Free preview lessons

Sample the course material for free:

Why train for this career

CNC machinists set up and operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) mills, lathes and other machine tools to produce precision parts from metal and plastic, measuring their work to tight tolerances. BLS reports a median wage of $58,750 (May 2025) and about 26,100 openings per year. Read the full CNC machinist career profile or see salary details.

Enroll in CNC Machinist Training

Fill this out and press the button: your email app will open with a pre-filled message to our enrollment team (info@hazwoper-osha.com). We reply with a payment link or invoice and your learning-platform login. Nothing you type is stored on this website.

Course CNC Machinist Training · 10 hours · $89.99 per learner

We currently serve U.S. residents only.
Got a code from your school, college, employer or organization? Enter it to save 10%.

Prefer to call? 1-866-429-6742 · Email info@hazwoper-osha.com

Your email app should now be open with your request. Just press send. If nothing opened, copy the message below and email it to info@hazwoper-osha.com (cc hasan@hazwoper-osha.com).





CNC Machinist training FAQ
How long is the CNC Machinist training?
About 10 hours, online, self-paced. You get 12 months of LMS access, so you can learn around work or school.
How much does the CNC Machinist training cost?
$89.99 per learner. Volume pricing applies automatically from 2 learners, up to 10% off for large groups.
Is the course online?
Yes. The course runs on our online learning platform (LMS). After you enroll, we email your login details.
Will this course make me a licensed or certified CNC machinist?
No. This is a general career-preparation course. It does not by itself grant a state license, national certification or academic credit. It is designed to help you understand the job and prepare for the formal training, exams and interviews that follow.
Who is this course for?
Students exploring careers, adults changing careers, new hires who want a faster ramp-up, and employers onboarding CNC machinists.
How do I enroll?
Use the enrollment form on this page. It opens a pre-filled email to our team, and we reply with your payment link or invoice and your LMS access. You can also call 1-866-429-6742.
Do you offer group or employer pricing?
Volume pricing from 2 seats. Choose “My team or employees” on the form or visit our employer training page.
What do I receive when I finish?
Certificate of completion from Career Education Institute after you pass the final knowledge check.


Welder Training
Join and cut metal with MIG, TIG and stick welding for construction and manufacturing.
Enroll nowFree practice test