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Program facts 
Develop the skills needed to begin a career in the manufacturing/precision machining industry with this 19-credit-hour certificate program. The Computer Numerical Control Operator I certificate focuses on skills used in a modern machine shop. You’ll learn about blueprint reading, get an introduction to conventional machine tool theory and receive an introduction to general CNC operations.
Take classes in machining processes, introduction to CNC machining, CNC lathe operation and programming, prints and schematics, basic technical mathematics and more. All courses are taught by skilled instructors who are experts in their respective fields.
Credit earned for this program can be applied to the Advanced Manufacturing Technology AAS Degree.
This 19 credit-hour certificate program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to gain entry-level employment in the manufacturing/precision machining industry. The certificate focuses on skills used in a modern machine shop-blueprint reading, conventional machine tool theory and lab, and an introduction to CNC operations.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| MFT 105 | Machining Processes I | 3 |
Description: Covers fundamentals of machine shop theory and safe practices. Provides familiarization with tools, equipment, and practices of the precision metal working industry. Includes introduction to mills, drill press, and lathes. Students are provided classroom and laboratory learning experiences. Students may earn NIMS credentials. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MFT 120 | Machining Processes II | 3 |
Description: Covers machine shop theory with emphasis on safe practices and applications. Includes lathes, surface grinders, and milling machines. Projects in this class will be machined using high speed (HSS) tools. Students are responsible for calculating all feeds and speeds. Students may earn NIMS credentials. NOTE: The prerequisite will be waived for Fall 2020. Prerequisite: MFT 105 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MFT 121 | Machining Processes III | 3 |
Description: Covers advanced machine shop theory and applications. Includes lathes, surface grinders, and milling machines. Studies production machining, feed and speed applications, and quality control techniques applied to precision machining. Introduces modern indexable tooling. Students may earn NIMS credentials. NOTE: The prerequisite will be waived for Fall 2020. Prerequisite: MFT 120 with a grade of C or better. Lecture Hours: 1 Lab Hours: 4 Contact Hours: 5 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MFT 123 | Introduction to CNC Machining | 4 |
Description: Introduces setup and operation of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining and turning centers. Teaches CNC machine tool controls through laboratory experiences and the manufacture of preprogrammed parts including part holding techniques, alignment, process planning, tooling for CNC machine tools and inspection of machined products. Students may earn NIMS credentials. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 3 Contact Hours: 6 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MFT 134 | Print Reading for Industry | 3 |
Description: Provides students in the machine trades the basic skills required for visualizing and interpreting industrial prints. Emphasizes orthographic projection techniques of top, front, side, and section views, tolerancing, geometric dimensioning and the impact of computer drafting as related to the machine trades. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 1 Contact Hours: 4 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| MTH 100 | Applied Math for Technical Careers 1 | 3 |
Description: Reviews arithmetic, introduces basic algebraic and right triangle trigonometric techniques. Includes arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, ratio and proportions, measurements, right triangle trigonometry and their application to solve a variety of career and technical problems. Draws practical problems from the student’s career area, including emergency services, graphic communications, building trades, culinary arts and information technology. Intended for students pursuing Harper degrees and certificates in career program fields. This mathematics course is intended for AAS degree students only. Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Contact Hours: 3 Class Schedule: Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | Fall 2025 | ||
| Total Hours | 19 | |
Students may take MTH 100, MTH 101, MTH 103 or higher.
Students interested in manufacturing technology may also be interested in:
For more information about manufacturing training, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.