CNC Machine Operator Certificate

Your Path to Manufacturing Success

In the CNC Machine Operator Certificate program, you master applied math, basic machine theory, and CNC fundamentals. Delve into the art of CNC programming and machine operations, and decode trade blueprints to ignite your career in manufacturing and engineering.

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CNC Machine Operator Certificate at a Glance

Degree
Certificate
Length of Study
4 months
Course Format
Face-to-Face
Classes Meet
Daytime
Program Start
Fall

See all CNC options at Hawkeye

Your CNC Machining Career

Graduates find employment working in a variety of positions including:

  • Tool and die maker
  • CNC machinist
  • CNC machine operator
  • CNC set-up specialist
80%

Of Advanced Manufacturing Uses CNC

95%

Of Medical Device Parts Made by CNC

80%

Of Auto Parts Made by CNC

80%

Of Musical Instruments Made by CNC

Succeed at Hawkeye

Graduate Spotlight Ramail Hodzic

While at Hawkeye, Ramail Hodzic not only built up his CNC skills, but also his confidence. After graduation, he was prepared to continue his education and study manufacturing engineering.

YouTube Video Thumbnail
Play Finding the right path to a career in CNC Machining and Tool-Making. Featuring Ramail Hodzic

Graduate Spotlight Ethan Oltrogge

“I love running CNC machines and just watching the way things work from start to finish. Making something from nothing is pretty big.”

YouTube Video Thumbnail
Play Hitting the Ground Running with CNC Machining and Tool-Making Technology - Featuring Ethan Oltrogge

Program Overview

  • CNC Fundamentals
  • CNC Programming
  • Machine Operations
  • Machine Trade Print Reading

CNC Lab: Use the latest equipment in the industry as you learn and perfect your skills on various types of CNC and production manufacturing machines.

Virtual CNC: Practice and gain confidence in your programming skills of CNC machines, mills, and lathes of the most widely used brands.

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

You must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

This is a partial list of employers who hire CNC graduates:

  • Accurate Gear and Machine, Inc., Waterloo, IA
  • Blackhawk Engineering, Inc., Cedar Falls, IA
  • Criterion Manufacturing, Waterloo, IA
  • Geater Machining & Manufacturing, Co., Independence, IA
  • GMT Corporation, Waverly, IA
  • Iowa Laser Technology, Cedar Falls, IA
  • John Deere, Waterloo, IA
  • Viking Pump, Inc., Cedar Falls, IA

Explore Courses, Details, and Costs

" My instructors prepared me well to enter the workforce. I would definitely recommend Hawkeye. "
  • Ethan Oltrogge
  • CNC Machining & Tool-Making Technology '23

How to Get Started

It’s simple! Complete these steps:

  1. Apply for admission at Hawkeye.
  2. Send official transcripts to Admissions.
  3. Demonstrate college readiness.

Check the status of your application at any time by logging into your admissions account.

Program Admission Requirements

To enroll this program, you’ll need to meet the minimum score requirements.

  ALEKS ACCUPLACER Next Generation ACCUPLACER Classic COMPASS ACT GPA
Math 6 240 Arithmetic
241 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)		 40 Arithmetic 24 Pre-Algebra 14 2.00
Literacy   228 Reading or
229 Writing		 42 Reading or
42 Sentence Skills		 47 Reading or
20 Writing		 14 Reading or
14 English		 2.00

You can take the ALEKS Placement Assessment online. If you prefer, you can take the ACCUPLACER Next Generation or ACT at Hawkeye. While ACCUPLACER Classic and COMPASS aren’t offered anymore, you can still use your scores from those tests if you took them before for program admission.

If you don’t meet the minimum score requirements, you can take success courses instead. Talk to your academic advisor to help you find the right courses to get started.

If you meet the assessment score requirements, you can be accepted into the program.

If you don't meet these requirements, you’ll be accepted into a Pre-Program. As a pre-program student, you’ll start by taking general education and prerequisite classes. Your academic advisor will help you make a plan to meet the program requirements. After finishing your pre-program courses, contact Admissions to let them know.

Program Contacts

Admissions

Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 134
319-296-4000
Email Admissions

Regular Hours — Spring 2025

Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM

Academic Advisor

Natasha Ceaser
Main Campus
Bremer Hall 136C
319-296-4014 ext.1062
Email Natasha Ceaser

Faculty Advisor

Last Names A–M

Brent Blythe
Main Campus
Buchanan Hall 153D
319-296-2329 ext.1391
Email Brent Blythe

Last Names N–Z

Chad Smith
Main Campus
Buchanan Hall 153A
319-296-2329 ext.1728
Email Chad Smith