MOS 2161 Machinist

MOS 2161 Machinist

MOS Description

Machinists perform various duties incident to fabrication, repair or modification of engineer, motor transport, weapons, and accessories. Duties include selection of proper stock and set up of work on lathes, shapes, milling machines, internal and external grinders, drill presses, saws and cylinder, or line-boring machines. Machinists work from sketches, diagrams, blueprints, written specifications, or oral instructions. The control of quality and accuracy is met by the machinists' use of precision measuring devices to include micrometers, Vernier gauges, and various other gauges and the subsequent adjustment of machine tool controls. Fabrication of metals is also followed by welding with all standard welding equipment. Maintenance of all shop equipment is performed to ensure that serviceability is sustained. Coordination with other repair shops, reporting of work completion, and the shop administrative functions are requirements to be effected by machinists.

National Certifications

You selected Early Career—this applies to Marines in paygrades E1-E3. To help you focus on the credentials most appropriate for early in your career, the National Certifications list below has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.

Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply.

You selected Mid-Career—this applies to Marines in paygrades E4-E5. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and helps prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.

Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.

You selected Late Career-- this applies to Marines in paygrades E6-E9. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.

Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.

You chose Transitioning-- this applies to Marines who are not reenlisting and are planning their next steps. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to only show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining a credential can help prepare you for civilian employment, and can demonstrate knowledge and skills in a way civilian employers understand. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly. If you are already within that six-month timeframe, you can still choose to pursue the credential yourself or explore other funding options to pay for credentials.

As a transitioning Marine, you may also want to visit the Marine Corps' Transition Readiness Program for other guidance regarding reentering the civilian workforce.

You chose Promotion-Seeking-- this applies to Marines who plan to stay in the Corps and who are actively working on advancement. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.

Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.

You chose Veteran-- veterans are any former Service member who has been discharged from active duty military service. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.

COOL does not pay for credentialing exams for veterans, but you may be able to get your credential funded through the GI Bill. Explore your funding options to see what funding may be available to you. Also, visit our page of Related Sites and expand the Resource Sites For Veterans section to see what other resources may be available to you

The following civilian credentials are related to MOS 2161 Machinist. These credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these credentials, click on the credential title below.

For more supervisory and managerial credentials, please refer to the LEADER summary page.
Compare Credential Agency Related As Attainability COOL$ GI Bill® Accreditation ID
Certified Welder (CW) In DemandIs In Demand American Welding Society (AWS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Control Systems Technician - Level I (CCST-I) In DemandIs In Demand International Society of Automation (ISA) someSome mediummedium COOL BucksCOOL Bucks    
Machining Level I - Measurement, Materials, and Safety Skills Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - Job Planning, Benchwork, & Layout Skills Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - Drill Press Skills I Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (CMRP) In DemandIs In Demand Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP) someSome highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) Is Not In Demand Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP) someSome highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks    
Metalforming Skills - Level I Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks    
Machining Level II - Manual Milling Skills II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level II - Drill Press Skills II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level II - Surface Grinding Skills Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level II - CNC Milling Skills II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level II - CNC Turning Skills II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks    
Machining Level I - Manual Milling Skills I Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - Turning Operations: Turning Chucking Skills Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - Turning Operations: Turning Between Centers Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - Grinding Skills I Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - CNC Lathe Programming Setup & Operations Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - CNC Milling: Programming Setup & Operations Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - CNC Lathe Operations Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Machining Level I - CNC Milling: Operations Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Vibration Analyst - Category I Is Not In Demand Vibration Institute someSome highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks   AccreditationAccreditation
Machining Level II - Turning II - Between Centers Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks    
Machining Level II - Cylindrical Grinding Skills Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) mostMost highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks    
Certified Control Systems Technician - Level II (CCST-II) Is Not In Demand International Society of Automation (ISA) otherOther        
Certified Control Systems Technician - Level III (CCST-III) Is Not In Demand International Society of Automation (ISA) otherOther        
Certified Vibration Analyst - Category II Is Not In Demand Vibration Institute someSome mediummedium COOL BucksCOOL Bucks   AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Balancing Specialist - Category I Is Not In Demand Vibration Institute someSome highhigh COOL BucksCOOL Bucks    

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor. For more supervisory and managerial occupations, please refer to the LEADER summary page.

Apprenticeship

The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is a formal military training program that provides active duty and Full Time Support (FTS) Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Service members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while they are on active duty. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides the nationally recognized "Certificate of Completion" upon program completion.

USMAP enhances your job skills and shows your motivation for more challenging military assignments. Having a DOL Certificate of Completion is an advantage in getting better civilian jobs since employers know the value of apprenticeships.

The following USMAP apprenticeship trades are related to MOS 2161 Machinist:

Completing an apprenticeship is a process with four major steps. Proceed to Step 1 on the USMAP website to select an apprenticeship trade that is related to your military occupation.

Related Civilian Occupations

The following civilian occupations are similar to the duties performed by MOS 2161 Machinist. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below. For more supervisory and managerial positions, please refer to the LEADER summary page. To search for related civilian job opportunities, go to the Veteran’s Employment Center.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators mostMost     find local salaryfind local salary
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Industrial Machinery Mechanics someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Machinists mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Maintenance Workers, Machinery mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Sheet Metal Workers someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Tool and Die Makers someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers someSome     find local salaryfind local salary

The following federal occupations are similar to MOS 2161 Machinist. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the federal occupation below.

A wide range of civilian job opportunities is available within the private and public sectors that align with MOS 2161 Machinist military training and experience. More information about these opportunities and other considerations concerning occupations related to MOS MOS 2161 Machinist can be found below.

Construction Team Opportunities

Bechtel, a world-wide employer in engineering, project management, and construction, has opportunities for veterans trained and experienced in skilled craft to join their construction team on their oil, gas, and chemicals; power generation; communications; and civil infrastructure projects across the United States. Bechtel values the strong qualities and attributes servicemembers have to offer. Bechtel recruits and retains top talent from all Service branches through a variety of programs like Bechtel Military Veterans' Employee Resource Group, Helmets to Hardhats, Military job fairs, and through other pipelines.

To learn more about Bechtel and the locations of their projects, or to complete a profile to indicate your interest, visit the Bechtel website.

In addition to obtaining certifications in your field, advanced education is another way to enhance job performance.

For help in making informed choices on schools and education programs when using tuition assistance, see:

This is an official U.S. Marine Corps websiteUpdated: December 01, 2020
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Click here to go to Certified Welder (CW) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 6 months

The American Welding Society (AWS), Certified Welder (CW) is a performance-based certification with no prerequisite courses or certifications required. The CW program tests welders on procedures used in the structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal and chemical refinery welding industries. There is a provision to test to a company-supplied or non-code welding specification. Tests for CW are performed at AWS Accredited Testing Facilities located throughout the world and are performance based. Final certification will provide candidates with a "transferrable" credential. 

Click here to go to Certified Control Systems Technician - Level I (CCST-I) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The International Society of Automation (ISA), Certified Control Systems Technician – Level I (CCST-I) credential offers third-party recognition of a technician's knowledge and skills in automation and control. CCSTs understand process control looks and process control systems, including computer systems. CCSTs calibrate, document, troubleshoot, and repair/replace instrumentation for systems that measure and control level, temperature, pressure, flow, and other process variables. CCST certifications are available at three levels, depending on the level of experience, training and education, with Level I being the most basic. Candidates must meet a combination of education and experience. Candidates must pass a written exam.
Click here to go to Machining Level I - Measurement, Materials, and Safety Skills COOL Snapshot page.

The Machining Level I - Measurement, Materials, and Safety Skills certification is an entry-level machinist credential. Applicants are not required to have any minimal education, experience or training, however passing the exam is required.
Click here to go to Machining Level I - Job Planning, Benchwork, & Layout Skills COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS), Machining Level I certification is an entry-level machinist credential. This certification validates that an individual has the skills and knowledge to successfully complete process planning, hand operations such as drilling, reaming, and sawing, layout, inspection techniques, and safety standards. To earn a credential, candidates must successfully complete both the performance and theory portion of the exams.
Click here to go to Machining Level I - Drill Press Skills I COOL Snapshot page.

The Machining Level 1 certification identifies and recognizes Machinists with skills applicable to the specific metalworking process and level of competency. Machining Level I certifications are offered in nine different machining skill cluster areas, each of which allows an individual to focus on skill sets that are most important to their job or career objectives. These skill cluster areas are Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout, Measurement, Materials, and Safety, Vertical Milling, Drill Press, Surface Grinding, Turning – Between Centers, Turning-Chucking, CNC Milling, and CNC Turning. Earning a NIMS certification requires the successful completion of both a performance assessment and written examination. The performance assessment will include the manufacturing of a part, the set-up and operation of a machine or the writing of a program that will manufacture a specific part.  There is only one project for the candidate to complete for each Machining Level I skill area.  Some skill areas encompass two or more performance requirements.  One written exam is available for both Turning skill cluster areas (each turning area has a separate performance assessment).
Click here to go to Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (CMRP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professional (SMRP), Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) is a certification for maintenance, reliability and physical asset management professionals. CMRP candidates should possess aptitude in the following areas: business and management, equipment reliability, manufacturing process reliability, organization and leadership, and work management. There are no experience or education eligibility requirements. Candidates must pass a written exam.
Click here to go to Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP), Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) is a certification for maintenance and reliability technicians who are responsible for preventative, predictive and corrective maintenance. CMRT candidates should possess aptitude in the following areas: maintenance practices, preventative and predictive maintenance, troubleshooting and analysis, and corrective maintenance. There are no experience or education eligibility requirements. Candidates must pass a written exam.
Click here to go to Metalforming Skills - Level I COOL Snapshot page.

The NIMS Metalforming Skills - Level I certification is an entry-level machinist certification. Achieving a NIMS credential is a means through which an individual involved or interested in metalforming can prove their abilities to themselves, to their instructors or employers and to the customer.
Click here to go to Machining Level II - Manual Milling Skills II COOL Snapshot page.

Machining Level II - Manual Milling Skills II. Level II machining skills are used by skilled tradespersons who have achieved proficiency in the core competencies of Machining Skills Level I and have advanced to higher levels of technical competency or have developed new competencies. The general areas of competency remain: bench skills, metal cutting skills, inspection and quality assurance skills. Level II machining skills apply to both single-part and multiple-part production. A person who has achieved Level II machining skills competency has no direct supervision responsibilities for other operators or production workers. However, people who have achieved Level II competence will occasionally provide training for beginning machining technicians. Candidates must complete a performance evaluation.
Click here to go to Machining Level II - Drill Press Skills II COOL Snapshot page.

Machining Level II - Drill Press Skills II. Level II machining skills are used by skilled tradespersons who have achieved proficiency in the core competencies of Machining Skills Level I and have advanced to higher levels of technical competency or have developed new competencies. The general areas of competency remain: bench skills, metal cutting skills, inspection and quality assurance skills. Level II machining skills apply to both single-part and multiple-part production. A person who has achieved Level II machining skills competency has no direct supervision responsibilities for other operators or production workers. However, people who have achieved Level II competence will occasionally provide training for beginning machining technicians. Candidates must complete a performance evaluation.
Click here to go to Machining Level II - Surface Grinding Skills COOL Snapshot page.

Machining Level II - Surface Grinding Skills. Level II machining skills are used by skilled tradespersons who have achieved proficiency in the core competencies of Machining Skills Level I and have advanced to higher levels of technical competency or have developed new competencies. The general areas of competency remain: bench skills, metal cutting skills, inspection and quality assurance skills. Level II machining skills apply to both single-part and multiple-part production. A person who has achieved Level II machining skills competency has no direct supervision responsibilities for other operators or production workers. However, people who have achieved Level II competence will occasionally provide training for beginning machining technicians. Candidates must complete a performance evaluation.
Click here to go to Machining Level II - CNC Milling Skills II COOL Snapshot page.

Machining Level II - CNC Milling Skills II. Level II machining skills are used by skilled tradespersons who have achieved proficiency in the core competencies of Machining Skills Level I and have advanced to higher levels of technical competency or have developed new competencies. The general areas of competency remain: bench skills, metal cutting skills, inspection and quality assurance skills. Level II machining skills apply to both single-part and multiple-part production. A person who has achieved Level II machining skills competency has no direct supervision responsibilities for other operators or production workers. However, people who have achieved Level II competence will occasionally provide training for beginning machining technicians. Candidates must operate CNC milling machinery during a performance evaluation, which consists of creating a qualified CNC program, seting up and operating the mill, changing tool values as necessary, and replacing and qualifying tooling as necessary.
Click here to go to Machining Level II - CNC Turning Skills II COOL Snapshot page.

Machining Level II - CNC Turning Skills II. Level II machining skills are used by skilled tradespersons who have achieved proficiency in the core competencies of Machining Skills Level I and have advanced to higher levels of technical competency or have developed new competencies. The general areas of competency remain: bench skills, metal cutting skills, inspection and quality assurance skills. Level II machining skills apply to both single-part and multiple-part production. A person who has achieved Level II machining skills competency has no direct supervision responsibilities for other operators or production workers. However, people who have achieved Level II competence will occasionally provide training for beginning machining technicians. Given a CNC lathe, candidates must create a qualified CNC Program, setup and operate the lathe, change tool alues as necessary, replace and qualify tooling as necessary. More information about the performance evaluation can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Click here to go to Machining Level I - Manual Milling Skills I COOL Snapshot page.

The Machining Level 1 certification identifies and recognizes Machinists with skills applicable to the specific metalworking process and level of competency. Machining Level I certifications are offered in nine different machining skill cluster areas, each of which allows an individual to focus on skill sets that are most important to their job or career objectives. These skill cluster areas are Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout, Measurement, Materials, and Safety, Vertical Milling, Drill Press, Surface Grinding, Turning – Between Centers, Turning-Chucking, CNC Milling, and CNC Turning. Earning a NIMS certification requires the successful completion of both a performance assessment and written examination. The performance assessment will include the manufacturing of a part, the set-up and operation of a machine or the writing of a program that will manufacture a specific part.  There is only one project for the candidate to complete for each Machining Level I skill area.  Some skill areas encompass two or more performance requirements.  One written exam is available for both Turning skill cluster areas (each turning area has a separate performance assessment).
Click here to go to Machining Level I - Turning Operations: Turning Chucking Skills COOL Snapshot page.

The Machining Level 1 certification identifies and recognizes Machinists with skills applicable to the specific metalworking process and level of competency. Machining Level I certifications are offered in nine different machining skill cluster areas, each of which allows an individual to focus on skill sets that are most important to their job or career objectives. These skill cluster areas are Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout, Measurement, Materials, and Safety, Vertical Milling, Drill Press, Surface Grinding, Turning – Between Centers, Turning-Chucking, CNC Milling, and CNC Turning. Earning a NIMS certification requires the successful completion of both a performance assessment and written examination. The performance assessment will include the manufacturing of a part, the set-up and operation of a machine or the writing of a program that will manufacture a specific part.  There is only one project for the candidate to complete for each Machining Level I skill area.  Some skill areas encompass two or more performance requirements.  One written exam is available for both Turning skill cluster areas (each turning area has a separate performance assessment).
Click here to go to Machining Level I - Turning Operations: Turning Between Centers COOL Snapshot page.

The Machining Level I certification identifies and recognizes Machinists with skills applicable to the specific metalworking process and level of competency. Machining Level I certifications are offered in nine different machining skill cluster areas, each of which allows an individual to focus on skill sets that are most important to their job or career objectives. These skill cluster areas are Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout, Vertical Milling, Drill Press, Surface Grinding, Turning - Between Centers, Turning-Chucking, CNC Milling, and CNC Turning.  Earning a NIMS certification requires the successful completion of both a performance and written examination. The performance exam will be the manufacturing of a part, the set-up and operation of a machine or the writing of a program that will manufacture a specific part. There are performance assessment requirements for all skill cluster areas except Measurement, Materials, & Safety Skills. One written exam is available for both Turning skill cluster areas (each turning area has a separate performance assessment).

Click here to go to Machining Level I - Grinding Skills I COOL Snapshot page.

The Machining Level 1 certification identifies and recognizes Machinists with skills applicable to the specific metalworking process and level of competency. Machining Level I certifications are offered in nine different machining skill cluster areas, each of which allows an individual to focus on skill sets that are most important to their job or career objectives. These skill cluster areas are Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout, Measurement, Materials, and Safety, Vertical Milling, Drill Press, Surface Grinding, Turning – Between Centers, Turning-Chucking, CNC Milling, and CNC Turning. Earning a NIMS certification requires the successful completion of both a performance assessment and written examination. The performance assessment will include the manufacturing of a part, the set-up and operation of a machine or the writing of a program that will manufacture a specific part.  There is only one project for the candidate to complete for each Machining Level I skill area.  Some skill areas encompass two or more performance requirements.  One written exam is available for both Turning skill cluster areas (each turning area has a separate performance assessment).
Click here to go to Machining Level I - CNC Lathe Programming Setup & Operations COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: Lifetime

The Machining Level 1 certification identifies and recognizes Machinists with skills applicable to the specific metalworking process and level of competency. Machining Level I certifications are offered in nine different machining skill cluster areas, each of which allows an individual to focus on skill sets that are most important to their job or career objectives. These skill cluster areas are Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout, Measurement, Materials, and Safety, Vertical Milling, Drill Press, Surface Grinding, Turning – Between Centers, Turning-Chucking, CNC Milling, and CNC Turning. Earning a NIMS certification requires the successful completion of both a performance assessment and written examination. The performance assessment will include the manufacturing of a part, the set-up and operation of a machine or the writing of a program that will manufacture a specific part.  There is only one project for the candidate to complete for each Machining Level I skill area.  Some skill areas encompass two or more performance requirements.  One written exam is available for both Turning skill cluster areas (each turning area has a separate performance assessment).
Click here to go to Machining Level I - CNC Milling: Programming Setup & Operations COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: Lifetime

The NIMS Machining Level I - CNC Milling: Programming Setup & Operations certification is an entry-level machinist certification. Achieving a NIMS credential is a means through which an individual involved or interested in metalforming can prove their abilities to themselves, to their instructors or employers and to the customer.
Click here to go to Machining Level I - CNC Lathe Operations COOL Snapshot page.

The Machining Level 1 certification identifies and recognizes Machinists with skills applicable to the specific metalworking process and level of competency. Machining Level I certifications are offered in nine different machining skill cluster areas, each of which allows an individual to focus on skill sets that are most important to their job or career objectives. These skill cluster areas are Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout, Measurement, Materials, and Safety, Vertical Milling, Drill Press, Surface Grinding, Turning – Between Centers, Turning-Chucking, CNC Milling, and CNC Turning. Earning a NIMS certification requires the successful completion of both a performance assessment and written examination. The performance assessment will include the manufacturing of a part, the set-up and operation of a machine or the writing of a program that will manufacture a specific part.  There is only one project for the candidate to complete for each Machining Level I skill area.  Some skill areas encompass two or more performance requirements.  One written exam is available for both Turning skill cluster areas (each turning area has a separate performance assessment).
Click here to go to Machining Level I - CNC Milling: Operations COOL Snapshot page.

The NIMS Machining Level I - CNC Milling: Operations certification is an entry-level machinist certification. Achieving a NIMS credential is a means through which an individual involved or interested in CNC milling can prove their abilities to themselves, to their instructors or employers and to the customer.
Click here to go to Certified Vibration Analyst - Category I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Vibration Institute, Certified Vibration Analyst - Category I is an entry-level credential for professionals who specialize in machine and equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and engineering. Vibration Analysts certified at the first level perform a range of single channel machinery vibration condition monitoring and diagnostic activities. This activity may include acquiring data on predetermined routes, testing machinery for predefined procedures, and reading comparisons alert settings. Applicants for the Category I Certified Vibration Analyst certification must meet training and experience requirements and are also required to pass an exam.
Click here to go to Machining Level II - Turning II - Between Centers COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.
Click here to go to Machining Level II - Cylindrical Grinding Skills COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.
Click here to go to Certified Vibration Analyst - Category II COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Vibration Institute, Certified Vibration Analyst - Category II is an intermediate-level credential for professionals who specialize in machine and equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and engineering. Vibration Analysts certified at the second level perform basic vibration analysis using single-channel instruments according to established procedures, set-up instruments, and maintain a database of results. Applicants for the Category II Certified Vibration Analyst certification must meet training and experience requirements and are also required to pass an exam.
Click here to go to Certified Balancing Specialist - Category I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Vibration Institute, Certified Balancing Specialist - Category I is an entry-level credential for professionals who adjust machinery. The Certified Balancing Specialist credential validates an individual's knowledge of the basics of balancing, vibration testing and analysis, and balancing techniques. Individuals seeking certification as a Balancing Specialist are required to understand basic shop and field balancing concepts, and be able to perform vibration analysis, conduct single-plane balancing, calculate balance sensitivity and phase lag, and evaluate balance results against ISO balancing standards. Applicants are required to meet experience and training requirements and must pass an exam.

COOL Bucks

See your installation Education Service Officer for credential exam information and coordinating instructions.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.

Click for external link to CareerOneStop's Credentials Center.

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click to go to the external link for GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

High

Highly attainable: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Low

May be difficult to attain: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
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Registered Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.

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