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Best machinist certifications
The best certifications for a machinist are Master Engine Machinist, Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE), and EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA).
Machinist certifications demonstrate your competency as a machinist to employers. However, not all machinist certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best machinist certifications. Obtaining a machinist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
6 best certifications for machinists
| Rank | Machinist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Master Engine Machinist | ASE |
| 2 | Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE) | AMTDA |
| 3 | EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) | EPA |
| 4 | Machining Level I - Milling | NIMS |
| 5 | HVAC Master Specialist | ESCO |
| 6 | Quality Control Inspector | BPI |
6 best machinist certifications
1. Master Engine Machinist
The Engine Machinist Series includes three tests: Cylinder Head Specialist, Cylinder Block Specialist, and Assembly Specialist. Candidates will be tested on the tasks associated with the teardown, cleaning, inspection, repair, machining, and reassembly of both gasoline and diesel engines.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
2. Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE)
The Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE) Program is the only nationally recognized program that acknowledges individuals who possess the skills and knowledge needed to perform effectively as machine tool sales engineers.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
3. EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA)
A comprehensive, equipment specific safety program designed to provide operators and their employees with a thorough understanding of best risk management practices. Industry accidents, which serve to put a spotlight on potential issues, can often be avoided through the utilization of proper risk management techniques.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
4. Machining Level I - Milling
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. HVAC Master Specialist
A written exam indicates whether a technician has retained the knowledge to be competent, but not whether they are competent. Just as new drivers take a written exam and a road test to demonstrate their knowledge and skill, Master Specialists are required to go beyond a written test and demonstrate their skill and workmanship. The analogy would be knowing which solder to use and then demonstrating that you can solder tubing that is structurally sound and leak free. The Master Specialist program requires a technician to demonstrate retained knowledge and prove that they can apply that knowledge through skill verification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
6. Quality Control Inspector
By earning the HEP Quality Control Inspector certification, you prove that you can verify the compliance of retrofit work performed based on work plans and standards, conduct audits and inspections using diagnostic equipment, and can develop reports that specify corrective actions to achieve whole house performance.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for a machinist?
The best machinist certification is Master Engine Machinist. The Master Engine Machinist is awarded by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this machinist certification:
- To become a certified Master Engine Machinist, you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 5 year.
What certifications can impact a machinist career and salary?
The Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer certification will help you to secure a computer numerical controller machinist position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A computer numerical controller machinist's average salary is $37,969 whereas machinists make an average salary of $42,147.
The most common combination of machinist certifications include: Master Engine Machinist, Certified Machine Tool Sales Engineer (CMTSE), and EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA).
Online courses for machinists to earn certifications
1. Fusion 360 tutorial for CNC machinists
CAD CAM training for CNC machinists using fusion 360...
2. CNC Milling machine programming using G-Code
Learning to read and write CNC programs with FANUC G Code has never been so easy...
3. Introduction to CNC Programming
Learn to program CNC Routers and CNC Milling machines that use the GCODE language...
4. Fire Safety and Prevention Planning
Become an expert in understanding Fire Safety and Prevention Planning for your workplaces and organizations...
5. Basic G-code Programming for CNC Mills.
Learn to Read, Edit and Write G-code programs for 3-axis CNC mills...
6. Aerospace Engineering: Aircraft Systems and Avionics
Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering: Master the Systems of Airplanes - Hydraulics, Avionics, Electric, Propulsion...
7. Fusion 360 CAD/CAM for CNC routers
Make any part using your CNC router with Fusion 360...
8. Aerospace Engineering: Aircraft Fundamentals and Advanced
Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering: Master the Mechanics of Airplanes - Aerodynamics, Flight Maneuvers, JET Engines...
9. Press Coverage, Publicity & Public Relations For Branding
Public relations to reach 100,000+ people with influencer marketing, publicity, and press coverage for personal branding...
10. Modern PR - How To Get Press Coverage For Your Business
A proven public relations / PR system to get press coverage for your company or product, from a journalist's perspective...
11. Aerospace Engineering: Airplanes, Airlines and Airports
Understand how Airplanes generate Lift, how Airlines and Airports operate and what is Aerospace Engineering today...
12. Fire Safety: Become A Fire Safety Expert
Become an expert in Fire Safety, Fire Hazards Control, Fire Evacuation Plans, and Fire Risk Assessment...
13. Basic Certificate in Health Safety & Environment-HSE Level 2
A comprehensive course for Safety Officers, Supervisors, Managers and Aspiring Safety Professionals...
14. Maintenance Planning Basics
Understanding maintenance planning basics of successful maintenance department...
15. Maintenance Management Basics
Crucial knowledge and practices for successful maintenance department...
16. NEBOSH FIRE SAFETY
Managing Fire Safety in Workplace...
17. Functional Safety for Safety Instrumented Systems
The most complete course available on Functional Safety. 2+ hours of videos, case studies, assignments, & more...
18. Basic Fire Safety Awareness
Basic Fire Safety Awareness - Your Gateway towards Career in Fire Safety...
19. The Complete EDM Production Course - Produce, Mix & Master
Learn EDM Production, mixing, mastering, sound design, arrangement, plugins, techniques & more using any software or DAW...
20. OSHA Safety Pro: Deadly Concrete Dust. Crystalline Silica.
OSHA's General, Construction, and Maritime Industries Hazard Prevention and Safety Standard...