10 CNC Training Courses

CNC Training Course #1 - Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining is a comprehensive CNC training course by EdApp that provides manufacturing workers with a basic understanding of computer numerical control machines and how they are used. The course begins by introducing the computerized system and providing learners with a quick recap of its evolution from the old numerical control machines to the current equipment. It then delves into the different types of CNC machines, which include CNC milling machines, CNC turret lathes, CNC drilling machines, CNC plasma cutters, and CNC grinding machines. The last lesson quickly touches on CNC drilling machine operations and safety protocols with a drill press. 

You can easily import this course for free directly from EdApp’s course library. And with their elearning authoring software and Canva integration features, you can even customize the entire course to provide a more engaging learning experience for your workers.

• Cost: Free
• Scope: CNC uses,  types of CNC machines, CNC machining process and elements, CNC history, CNC drilling machine safety

Created by EdApp

CNC Training Course #3 - Control Panel Functions for the CNC Lathe 251

Control Panel Functions for the CNC Lathe 251 is another lathe training course developed by Tooling University. It’s specifically designed for manufacturing employees, supervisors, and managers responsible for operating CNC lathes. The course delves into operator responsibilities, CNC control panels and control display, manual control modes, MDI and single block mode, and basic lathe controls. It also highlights other technical aspects of CNC lathe operation, including overrides, optional stop and block delete, turret indexing, chip conveyor, and proving out. All in all, the course is divided into 18 lessons, and workers who complete the training program are qualified to receive CNC Lathe Operations, CNC Turning Programming, Setup & Operation, CNC Turning: Programming, Setup, and Operations-FastTrack certifications.

• Cost: Request a session
• Scope: CNC control panels and control display, manual control modes, MDI and single block mode, and basic lathe controls, overrides, optional stop and block delete, turret indexing, chip conveyor, proving out

Created by Tooling University

CNC Training Course #5 - CNC Machining Short-Term Training Program

Offered by Hawkeye Community College, the CNC Machining Short-Term Training Program is a condensed CNC training course that’s perfect for entry-level CNC machine operators or general machinists. It focuses on all the basics of CNC machining, including machine setup, operation, parts inspection, and production runs. Through the course, workers will gain more knowledge and hands-on experience with blueprint reading as well as precision measurement and gauging. They’ll also learn more about turning, milling, and lathe programming processes. To earn a non-accredited certificate of completion, individuals must attend 80% of all scheduled classes and get a grade of 80% on all course materials.

• Cost: $2,859 USD
• Scope: CNC machine set up, operation, parts inspection, production runs, blueprint reading, precision measurement and gauging, turning and milling processes, mill and lathe programming and operation

Created by Hawkeye Community College

CNC Training Course #6 - CNC Manufacturing Training

Broward College’s CNC Manufacturing Training course can be taken through an Associates in Engineering Technology program or specialized technical certification. Mostly, it talks about how machinists can program CNC machines, like lathes, mills, routers, and grinders, to produce precise components used in a variety of products. This advanced CNC training course also helps learners gain a better understanding of the programming involved in directing an automated CNC machine. It also walks them through the multi-step processes needed to successfully address and fix problems beyond the capabilities of typical industrial machine operators. 

​Learners will have the benefits of online learning and in-person training. Once they pass their training, they’ll be able to receive nationally recognized industry certifications from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) and the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC).

• Cost: Request information
• Scope: Programming CNC machines like lathes, mills, routers, and grinders

Created by Broward College

CNC Training Course #8 - Computer Numerical Control (CNC)

Midlands Technical College offers a specialized CNC training course called Computer Numerical Control (CNC), which is tailored for aspiring CNC machine operators and programmers. Some of the topics covered in this course include blueprint reading, precision measuring tools, the functionality of CNC machine components, and CNC programming. Unlike other skill based training courses, this online program also provides workers with basic working knowledge of vertical mills and machining lathes. By the end of this training program, they will be able to enter instructions to program machinery, maintain equipment, and follow safety regulations. 

Upon completion, learners also have the opportunity to enter the engineering technology field as a Mechanical Technician or Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CAD) technician through Midland Technical College’s associate degree program in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

• Cost: Request a quote
• Scope: Blueprint reading, precision measuring tools, the functionality of CNC machine components, and CNC programming, knowledge of vertical mills and machining lathes

Created by Midlands Technical College

CNC Training Course #10 - CNC Machinist Training

Developed by Northwest Missouri State University, the CNC Machinist Training program covers basic CNC topics such as workholding, shop math, machining, and stamping. It’s a fully online CNC training course that aims to help students master the fundamentals of CNC controls and programming, practice proper inspection methods and workholding principles, as well as understand metallurgy, machining, and grinding processes. A huge advantage of this course is that it’s completely self-paced, allowing learners to go through the lessons at their own convenience. For anyone who gets stuck on certain lessons, you’ll still have the option of requesting additional training support through email and phone.

• Cost: Enroll in the course
• Scope: Workholding, inspection, shop math, machining and stamping, quality and manufacturing management, metal cutting, grinding, fundamentals of CNC controls and programming, inspection methods

Created by Northwest Missouri State University