CNC Machine Operator Certificate

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CNC Machining and Tool-Making
CNC Machine Operator Certificate

Your Path to Manufacturing Success

In the CNC Machine Operator Certificate program, you master applied math, basic machine theory, and CNC fundamentals. Delve into the art of CNC programming and machine operations, and decode trade blueprints to ignite your career in manufacturing and engineering.

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CNC Machine Operator Certificate at a Glance

Award

Certificate

Length of Study

4 months

Course Format

Face-to-Face

Classes Meet

Daytime

Program Start

Fall

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Your CNC Machining Career

Graduates find employment working in a variety of positions including:

CNC machine operator
CNC lathe operator
CNC mill operator

80%

Of Advanced Manufacturing Uses CNC

95%

Of Medical Device Parts Made by CNC

80%

Of Auto Parts Made by CNC

80%

Of Musical Instruments Made by CNC

Succeed at Hawkeye

Graduate Spotlight Ramail Hodzic

While at Hawkeye, Ramail Hodzic not only built up his CNC skills, but also his confidence. After graduation, he was prepared to continue his education and study manufacturing engineering.

Play Finding the right path to a career in CNC Machining and Tool-Making. Featuring Ramail Hodzic

Graduate Spotlight Ethan Oltrogge

“I love running CNC machines and just watching the way things work from start to finish. Making something from nothing is pretty big.”

Play Hitting the Ground Running with CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology - Featuring Ethan Oltrogge

Program Overview

CNC Fundamentals
CNC Programming
Machine Operations
Machine Trade Print Reading

CNC Lab: Train on the latest industry equipment as you build and sharpen your skills on a wide range of CNC and production manufacturing machines.

You’ll start on manual machines to learn the fundamentals of machining. This hands-on experience helps you understand how the equipment feels and sounds, which is essential for catching problems early and developing strong troubleshooting skills. With this foundation, you’ll be better prepared and more confident as you advance to automated CNC machines.

Semester 1

Basic Machine Theory
CNC Fundamentals
Introduction to CNC Programming I
Introduction to CNC Programming II
Machine Operations I
Machine Trade Printreading I

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This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

You must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

This is a partial list of employers who hire CNC graduates:

Criterion Manufacturing, Waterloo, IA
Geater Machining & Manufacturing, Co., Independence, IA
GMT Corporation, Waverly, IA
John Deere, Waterloo, IA
PEM - Power Engineering & Manufacturing, Waterloo, IA
TDS Automation, Waverly, IA
Viking Pump, Inc., Cedar Falls, IA

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" My instructors prepared me well to enter the workforce. I would definitely recommend Hawkeye. "

Ethan Oltrogge
CNC Machining & Tool-Making Technology '23

How to Get Started

It’s simple! Complete these steps:

Check the status of your application at any time by logging into your admissions account.

Program Admission Requirements

To enroll in this program, you’ll need to meet the minimum score requirements.

	ALEKS	ACCUPLACER Next Generation	ACCUPLACER Classic	COMPASS	ACT	GPA
Math	6	240 Arithmetic 241 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)	40 Arithmetic	24 Pre-Algebra	14	2.00
Literacy		228 Reading or 229 Writing	42 Reading or 42 Sentence Skills	47 Reading or 20 Writing	14 Reading or 14 English	2.00

You can take the ALEKS Placement Assessment online. If you prefer, you can take the ACCUPLACER Next Generation or ACT at Hawkeye. While ACCUPLACER Classic and COMPASS aren’t offered anymore, you can still use your scores from those tests if you took them before for program admission.

If you don’t meet the minimum score requirements, you can take success courses instead. Talk to your academic advisor to help you find the right courses to get started.

If you meet the assessment score requirements, you can be accepted into the program.

If you don't meet these requirements, you’ll be accepted into a Pre-Program. As a pre-program student, you’ll start by taking general education and prerequisite classes. Your academic advisor will help you make a plan to meet the program requirements. After finishing your pre-program courses, contact Admissions to let them know.