Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
Certificate of Achievement
Program Details
The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Certificate Program is designed to prepare students for programming multi-axis CNC machines. This certificate program is designed for students wishing to further pursue a career in machining or manufacturing. This type of certificate program typically leads to entry to intermediate level careers as a machinist, toolmaker, CNC operator, CNC programmer, manufacturing engineer, process engineer, field service technician as well as a number of other manufacturing/service positions. This Certificate Program requires 33-36 units to be taken in required courses. An additional 10-14 units must be chosen from the restricted electives listed below. This certificate requires a total of 43-50 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.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) 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 Computer Numerical Control (CNC) (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.
- Demonstrate an understanding of computer numerical control programs for CNC turning and milling machines and prepare a program to machine piece parts per drawing specifications.
- Demonstrate the ability to evaluate machined parts per drawing specifications by selecting and utilizing the appropriate measuring tools.