Machinist: on-the-job training or apprenticeship, optional CNC certification
Machinists typically need a high school diploma and are trained on the job; some learn through an apprenticeship, a vocational school or a community college. BLS names no license; certification in CNC or CAD/CAM is optional.
For: Precise, patient students who like math, computers and making metal parts to exact measurements.
Route 1: Registered Apprenticeship Earn while you learn
Apprenticeship programs are typically sponsored by an employer; workers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter one.
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Start here
High school diploma or equivalent
Math, blueprint reading, metalworking and CAD/CAM classes are useful.
GED or HiSETBLS
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Find a program
A Registered Apprenticeship
Validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.
USDOL
What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program?U.S. Department of Labor (Apprenticeship.gov)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Several years
Machinist (RAPIDS 0296)
The DOL lists time-based programs of 8,000 hours (or 5,920 in a newer version) of on-the-job learning, plus related technical instruction, often with a community college.
USDOL
Approved occupations for Registered Apprenticeship (spreadsheet: RAPIDS code, type, minimum term)U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship (Apprenticeship.gov)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Linked from apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-occupations. Term lengths are hours of on-the-job learning; time-based programs list one figure, hybrid programs a range.
View source -
Goal
Machinist
Some machinists become tool and die makers.
BLS
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Certificate or 2-year degree, then on the job School first
Some community colleges and technical schools have 2-year degree programs or shorter certificate programs for machinists.
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Start here
High school diploma or equivalent
GED or HiSETBLS
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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School
Machining certificate or associate degree
Reading engineering drawings, welding and cutting tools, and programming CNC machines.
BLS
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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On the job
Start as a machine operator
Trainees often begin as machine operators and gradually take on harder work with CAD/CAM, CNC machine tools and computerized measuring machines.
BLS
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Machinist
BLS
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
National certifications and federal rules
Federal rules apply in every state; voluntary certifications are ones employers may ask for. State rules are in the matrix below.
- CNC operation, CAD/CAM and other credentials
Colleges and organizations · optional - Completing a certification program, though optional, shows competency and may help with advancement.
BLS
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
State rules
BLS names no license for machinists, only optional certifications. BLS
View source
Where to go next
Every trade on one matrix: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and the tools of the trade.