CNC Machine Programmer
Certificate of Achievement Manufacturing Technology · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The CNC Machine Programmer certificate includes courses designed to upgrade the skills and knowledge of the machinist or the CNC machine operator to the level of the CNC machine programmer. If you are a machinist and have minimal experience with CNC machines or machine language programming, you will first want to complete the CNC Machine Operator Professional Upgrade Certificate. If you have both machining experience and CNC experience, the software used for the Machine Technology A133 and A134 courses provides excellent experiences in computer-assisted CNC programming. All of our programming courses require the use of a personal-type computer. If you have no computer experience, we strongly suggest you enroll in a basic computer use type course first (Computer & High Technology A100 or Computer Information Systems A100).
Program Outcome
Program Learning Outcomes
- Write part machine programs for controlling CNC lathes and milling machines.
Requirements
Review Certificate Requirements.
Required Prerequisites
Machinist Certificate of Achievement (24 Units)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MACH A100 | Introduction to Machine Shop | 3 |
| MACH A105 | Lathe | 5 |
| MACH A110 | Milling Machine | 5 |
| MACH A115 | Production Machining Techniques | 2 |
| MACH A120 | Measurement and Blueprint Reading | 3 |
| MACH A121 | Computations for Machinists | 3 |
| MACH A130 | Introduction to CNC and Manual Programming | 3 |
| Total Units | 24 | |
Required Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MACH A125 | CNC Machine Operation 1 | 3 |
| MACH A126 | CNC Machine Operation 2 | 2 |
| MACH A134 | CNC Programming-Mastercam 2 | 3 |
| MACH A141 | Mastercam Lathe | 1.5 |
| MACH A142 | Mastercam Solids | 2 |
| Total Units | 11.5 | |
Program Sequence
Program Sequence
These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.
Some courses in this program may be offered once per academic year.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| MACH A100 | Introduction to Machine Shop |
| MACH A105 | Lathe |
| MACH A120 | Measurement and Blueprint Reading |
| MACH A121 | Computations for Machinists |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| MACH A110 |
| MACH A130 |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| MACH A125 |
| MACH A115 |
| MACH A133 |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| MACH A126 |
| MACH A141 |
| MACH A142 |
| MACH A134 |