Free practice test

CNC Programmer Practice Test

Check what you know about the CNC programmer job with 15 free questions and instant explanations.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
About this practice test

15 multiple-choice questions on CNC programmer knowledge, safety and vocabulary. Submit to see your score and explanations, or open any question’s answer as you go. Nothing is saved or shared.

Question 1 of 15G-code controls:
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Answer: Machine movement. G-code commands motion.

Question 2 of 15A post processor:
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Answer: Converts CAM toolpaths into machine code. It translates toolpaths for each machine.

Question 3 of 15Roughing passes are used to:
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Answer: Remove most material quickly. Roughing removes bulk material.

Question 4 of 15Single block mode runs:
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Answer: One line at a time. Single block runs one block per cycle start.

Question 5 of 15A work offset tells the machine:
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Answer: Where the part is. Work offsets locate the part zero.

Question 6 of 15Which term matches this definition: “Running a new program carefully to confirm it works.”
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Answer: Prove-out. Prove-out: Running a new program carefully to confirm it works.

Question 7 of 15What does “Feeds and speeds” mean?
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Answer: Cutting rate and spindle speed.. Feeds and speeds: Cutting rate and spindle speed.

Question 8 of 15Which term matches this definition: “Compensates for each tool’s length.”
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Answer: Tool length offset. Tool length offset: Compensates for each tool’s length.

Question 9 of 15What does “Post processor” mean?
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Answer: Software that converts CAM toolpaths into machine-specific code.. Post processor: Software that converts CAM toolpaths into machine-specific code.

Question 10 of 15Which term matches this definition: “Removing most of the material quickly.”
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Answer: Roughing. Roughing: Removing most of the material quickly.

Question 11 of 15What does “Toolpath” mean?
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Answer: The route the cutting tool follows.. Toolpath: The route the cutting tool follows.

Question 12 of 15Which term matches this definition: “Computer-aided manufacturing software that creates toolpaths.”
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Answer: CAM. CAM: Computer-aided manufacturing software that creates toolpaths.

Question 13 of 15What does “Work offset” mean?
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Answer: Tells the machine where the part is located.. Work offset: Tells the machine where the part is located.

Question 14 of 15Which term matches this definition: “A device that holds the part during machining.”
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Answer: Fixture. Fixture: A device that holds the part during machining.

Question 15 of 15What does “M-code” mean?
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Answer: Codes that control machine functions such as coolant and spindle.. M-code: Codes that control machine functions such as coolant and spindle.

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