CNC Operator
Certificate of Achievement
Program Details
The CNC Operator Skills Certificate is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tool operators and to enhance the skills of machinists who are currently employed in the trade. This type of certificate program can also lead to entry level careers as a machinist, toolmaker, CNC programmer, manufacturing engineer, process engineer, field service technician as well as a number of other manufacturing/service positions. This certificate requires a total of 14 units. At least one half of the units toward the certificate must be completed at Fullerton College. A minimum grade of C is required for each course taken.
CNC Operator Pathways
Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2025-2026.
Featured Careers
Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Master's degree, Doctoral degree
- Job growth: Stable
- Low salary: 47,040
- High salary: 194,530
- Average salary: 80190
Automotive Engineering Technicians
Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree
- Job growth: Declining
- Low salary: 46,940
- High salary: 100,890
- Average salary: 68730
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Certificate after high school, High school diploma/GED
- Job growth: Stable
- Low salary: 33,660
- High salary: 80,850
- Average salary: 49670
All Careers in CNC Operator (13)
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | Master's degree, Doctoral degree | Stable | 80,190 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial and Industrial Designers | Bachelor's degree, Some college | Stable | 79,450 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | High school diploma/GED | Stable | 77,390 |
| Photonics Technicians | Associate's degree, High school diploma/GED | Stable | 77,390 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree | Stable | 73,720 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | Certificate after high school, Associate's degree | Declining | 70,760 |
| Robotics Technicians | Associate's degree, Certificate after high school | Declining | 70,760 |
| Automotive Engineering Technicians | Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree | Declining | 68,730 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Bachelor's degree, Certificate after high school | Declining | 68,730 |
| Mechanical Drafters | Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree | Declining | 68,510 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Some college, Associate's degree | Stable | 64,790 |
| Graphic Designers | Bachelor's degree, High school diploma/GED | Stable | 61,300 |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Certificate after high school, High school diploma/GED | Stable | 49,670 |
Program Pathways Mapper incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.
- Analyze and solve mathematical calculations necessary to determine part feature locations of machined parts to fabricate piece parts to drawings specifications.
- Identify and analyze different types of computer numerical machinery, their axis systems, control features, positioning systems, tooling and cutting tools which can produce piece parts to drawing specifications.