Program Specifications

Public curriculum specification

CNC Machining

CNC operators, machinists, manufacturing technicians and developing programmers

Connect engineering definition, machine setup, programming literacy, tooling, workholding, probing and measurement into one coherent machining curriculum.

Learning outcomes

What the program is structured to develop.

  • Interpret the engineering requirements controlling a machining task.
  • Understand CNC setup, work offsets and tool offsets.
  • Relate feeds, speeds, tooling and workholding to process performance.
  • Use measurement evidence to verify first-piece and ongoing results.

Technical curriculum

13 connected technical subjects

Technical Literacy · Foundational

Engineering Drawings and Blueprints

Learn how industrial drawings communicate geometry, dimensions, tolerances, materials, finishes, assembly relationships and revision-controlled requirements.

Open topic

Metrology & Quality · Foundational

Metrology: Calipers, Micrometers and Indicators

Develop correct measurement habits with common precision instruments and understand resolution, repeatability, calibration and measurement technique.

Open topic

Machining & CNC · Foundational

Manual Machining Fundamentals

Understand the basic operating principles of manual lathes, mills, drills and grinders, including workholding, cutting tools, speed/feed concepts and measurement.

Open topic

Machining & CNC · Intermediate

Turning Operations and Lathe Process Fundamentals

Study common turning operations, tool geometry, workholding and process variables used to produce cylindrical features.

Open topic

Machining & CNC · Intermediate

Milling Operations and Machining Strategy

Understand common milling operations, cutter selection, toolpath concepts and workholding relationships used to create prismatic features.

Open topic

Machining & CNC · Intermediate

CNC Machining Centers

Study the architecture and workflow of CNC milling and turning systems from program and setup through offsets, tool management, machining and inspection.

Open topic

Machining & CNC · Intermediate

G-Code, M-Code and CNC Program Structure

Understand common CNC program structure, motion commands, coordinate modes, spindle and coolant functions, offsets and safe program-reading practices.

Open topic

Machining & CNC · Intermediate

CNC Probing, Work Offsets and Tool Offsets

Study how machine probing, work coordinate systems and tool offsets support repeatable CNC setup, part location and process verification.

Open topic

Machining & CNC · Intermediate

Cutting Tools, Feeds and Speeds

Understand how tool material, geometry, cutting speed, feed, depth of cut and workpiece material interact to influence productivity, tool life and surface condition.

Open topic

Machining & CNC · Intermediate

Workholding, Fixtures and Jigs

Learn how vises, chucks, clamps, locators, fixtures and jigs establish part position and resist process forces while supporting repeatability.

Open topic

Machining & CNC · Intermediate

Precision Grinding Fundamentals

Understand grinding-wheel selection, dressing, workholding and process variables that control geometry, thermal damage and surface finish.

Open topic

Metrology & Quality · Intermediate

Surface Finish and Profilometry

Understand how surface texture is specified, measured and interpreted using roughness parameters and profilometry concepts.

Open topic

Technical Literacy · Intermediate

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Understand how GD&T communicates allowable geometric variation using datums, feature-control frames and standardized controls for form, orientation, location and runout.

Open topic

Assessment framework

Assessment is defined by the active program.

  • Technical knowledge assessment
  • Drawing and setup interpretation
  • Program/offset scenario exercises
  • Practical evidence only where an employer program explicitly defines it

Possible evidence

Evidence examples for governed delivery.

  • Setup verification record
  • First-piece inspection
  • Tool/offset review
  • Knowledge assessment

Connected role curriculum maps

CNC Machinist

A machining pathway connecting drawings and metrology to setup, offsets, G-code, cutting tools, workholding and first-piece verification.

Open role map

Choose the delivery relationship

Individual access or a scoped company program.

Current individual learning uses Professional Learning Access. Companies can scope role, equipment and workplace-evidence requirements separately.

Professional Learning AccessCorporate Training