CNC Set-up/Operator Certificate

To learn more, visit: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/cnc-set-up-operator-certificate/

Program Number: 97-444-1
Certificate
Campus: West Bend
This program is not eligible for financial aid

Whether you’re looking for a career change or just graduated from high school, Moraine Park’s CNC Set-Up/Operator Certificate is designed to help people with little to no manufacturing experience gain entry-level employment as a CNC operator.

About the Program

Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) equipment operators work in metalworking and plastics manufacturing companies to set up and monitor multiple machines, clean and prepare machines for the next job, maintain quality control of the parts being machined and troubleshoot machines when necessary.

Moraine Park’s CNC set-up/operator training is designed for individuals with little to no manufacturing background and provides hands-on CNC machine training.

What You'll Learn

Moraine Park’s CNC Set-Up/Operator Certificate covers how to perform:

  • Operation of machine tools
  • Computer operations
  • Entry-level CNC programming
  • CNC setup
  • CNC operation
  • Industrial trades math
  • Blueprint reading
  • Use of precision measuring equipment

Transfer Opportunities

Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordableaccessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
 

Additional Information

Students must purchase tool kits for this program. 

Admission Process

Standard Admissions steps details

Credit for Prior Learning

Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process. 

  • Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
  • Earn college credit for your military training and experience
  • Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
  • Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences

Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.

Approximate Costs

Fees shown are 2023-2024 fees; 2024-2025 fees will be available as soon as they are approved.

Tuition

Occupational

  • $146.20 per credit (resident)
  • $219.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Associate of Arts/Associate of Science

  • $188.90 per credit (resident)
  • $283.35 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Student Fees

  • $4.50 minimum per course Material Fee
  • $12.50 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
  • $10 minimum per credit Online Course Fee (Fee suspended for 2023-2024)
  • $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee

Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.

Course Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
103-159 Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office 1
439-307 Basic Machining 3
439-308 Manual Manufacturing 3
439-399 2D CAD Mold and Die Print Reading 2
444-302 CNC Controls 2
444-350 Basic Programming 3
804-360 Occupational Mathematics 1 2
 Credits16
Semester 2
444-340 Beginning CAM - Mastercam 2
444-355 CNC Machining Center Programming 2
444-365 CNC Machining Center Operation 2
804-361 Occupational Mathematics 2 2
 Credits8
 Total Credits24

Pathways 

Earn a certificate and a technical diploma along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the CNC Set-Up/Operator Certificate are encouraged to continue their formal training; Moraine Park offers a two-year CNC/Tool and Die Technologies technical diploma program. All courses of the certificate are transferable into the technical diploma program. Graduates of the certificate can find employment in machine shops, metal fabrication, tool and die shops, furniture and wood product manufacturers, and plastics manufacturers.