Quick skill test · 20 questions · 20 minutes · Free

CNC Machinist Test

Tests CNC machinist skills — reading blueprints and tolerances, precision measurement, G-code and M-code programming, tooling, speeds and feeds, machine setup with work and tool offsets, and shop safety and quality inspection. Pass to earn CNC Machining SOA-CNC.

What is the CNC Machinist Test?

The CNC Machinist Test is a free intermediate-level, 20-minute skill test from Science of Apps. It tests CNC machinist skills — reading blueprints and tolerances, precision measurement, G-code and M-code programming, tooling, speeds and feeds, machine setup with work and tool offsets, and shop safety and quality inspection. Score 70% or more on its 20 questions to earn a verifiable CNC Machining certificate (SOA-CNC). Every question is based on published standards and research — including NIMS machining skills standards (National Institute for Metalworking Skills), G-codes and M-codes reference (Haas Automation), ASME Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ASME) — and each answer is explained with its source.

Built for your job title

CNC machinist, CNC operator, Machining apprentice, Setup technician and Manufacturing technician — and anyone who wants quick, verifiable proof of CNC Machinist skills for a CV or LinkedIn.

  • CNC machinist
  • CNC operator
  • Machining apprentice
  • Setup technician
  • Manufacturing technician

What the test covers

Four skill areas with 5 questions each, drawn from a bank of 10 per area, so a retake brings questions you haven't seen.

  1. 01

    Blueprints and Measurement

    25%
    • Tolerances
    • Measuring tools
    • Drawing basics
  2. 02

    G-code and M-code

    25%
    • Motion codes
    • Modes
    • Machine functions
  3. 03

    Tooling, Speeds and Feeds

    25%
    • Cutting tools
    • Speeds
    • Feeds
  4. 04

    Setup, Safety and Quality

    25%
    • Setup and offsets
    • Safety
    • Inspection

Based on published standards

The questions are original scenarios, and each one names the public standard, official guide or research it draws on — shown under the question while you answer, and linked in your review. These are the sources behind this test:

Try a sample question

In standard CNC G-code, G01 commands

  1. a rapid move at maximum speed
  2. a clockwise circular arc
  3. a straight-line move at the programmed feed rate
  4. a spindle start in the forward direction
Show the answer

C. a straight-line move at the programmed feed rate — G00 is rapid; G02/G03 are arcs. The real test has 20 questions like this.

How the test works

  1. 20 minutes, 20 questions

    One question per screen, with a progress bar and a countdown. Your progress is saved on this device if you need to pause.

  2. Graded on our server

    Answers reach the page only after you submit, so the certificate can only be earned by passing.

  3. Every answer explained

    Pass or not, you see every question with the right answer, why, and the source behind it. Pass mark 70%, distinction 90%.

  4. Your certificate

    Founder-signed, with a QR code and credential ID. Download PDF or PNG, add to LinkedIn, and it's emailed to you.

What you earn

A Science of Apps certificate for Engineering, Architecture, Construction & Safety: ivory paper with a gold medal
LinkedIn-ready certificate

Pass, then add it to LinkedIn in one click

No typing. The Add to LinkedIn button opens your profile’s Licenses & certifications form already filled in: the certificate name, Science of Apps as the issuer, the issue date, your credential ID and a link recruiters can use to verify it.

  1. 1Take the 20-minute test
  2. 2Score 70% or more
  3. 3Click Add to LinkedIn
Free · no sign-up · also emailed to you as a PDF
How it shows on your LinkedIn profile

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Frequently asked questions

What is the CNC Machinist Test?

The CNC Machinist Test is a free intermediate-level, 20-minute skill test from Science of Apps. It tests CNC machinist skills — reading blueprints and tolerances, precision measurement, G-code and M-code programming, tooling, speeds and feeds, machine setup with work and tool offsets, and shop safety and quality inspection. Score 70% or more on its 20 questions to earn a verifiable CNC Machining certificate (SOA-CNC). Every question is based on published standards and research — including NIMS machining skills standards (National Institute for Metalworking Skills), G-codes and M-codes reference (Haas Automation), ASME Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ASME) — and each answer is explained with its source.

How do I take the CNC Machinist Test for free?

Read the four skill areas on this page, then take the 20-minute test online — no fee, course or sign-up. You see every answer explained when you finish. Score 70% or more and you get a CNC Machining certificate straight away, on screen, as a PDF and by email, with a credential ID anyone can verify.

Are the CNC Machinist Test questions based on real standards?

Yes. The questions are original scenarios written by Science of Apps, and each one is based on a public source you can read: NIMS machining skills standards (National Institute for Metalworking Skills); G-codes and M-codes reference (Haas Automation); ASME Y14.5 Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ASME); Machine Guarding (OSHA); Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) (OSHA); NIST/SEMATECH e-Handbook of Statistical Methods (NIST). The source is shown under each question and linked in the answer review. Science of Apps doesn't copy questions from other tests.

What does the CNC Machinist Test cover?

Four skill areas with five questions each, drawn from a bank of 10 per area so a retake brings new questions: Blueprints and Measurement (Tolerances, Measuring tools and Drawing basics); G-code and M-code (Motion codes, Modes and Machine functions); Tooling, Speeds and Feeds (Cutting tools, Speeds and Feeds); Setup, Safety and Quality (Setup and offsets, Safety and Inspection). Every question is an original scenario based on a published standard, official documentation or research, named under the question.

Who should take the CNC Machinist Test?

CNC machinist, CNC operator, Machining apprentice, Setup technician and Manufacturing technician. It suits anyone who wants a quick, verifiable way to show CNC Machinist skills, from students and career switchers to experienced professionals.

Can I use this for cnc machinist assessment, cnc operator test or cnc machining quiz?

Yes. The CNC Machinist Test is free and covers all of these: 20 scenario questions in 20 minutes, each answer explained with the source it comes from, so it works as interview and exam practice. It isn't a full course, so use the areas you miss as your study list. Scoring 70% or more earns a verifiable certificate.

Can I take the CNC Machinist Test from any country?

Yes. The test is online, in English and free everywhere — people take it from India, the US, the UK, Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Your certificate is dated with your own local date and can be verified from anywhere at scienceofapps.com/certification/verify/.

How long is the CNC Machinist Test?

20 questions — 5 from each of 4 skill areas — with a 20-minute limit. You need 70% (14 of 20) to pass and 90% for distinction.

How hard is the CNC Machinist Test?

We rate it Intermediate: assumes hands-on experience in the role. It has 20 scenario questions — 5 from each of 4 skill areas — and a 20-minute limit. You need 70% (14 of 20) to pass and 90% for distinction.

How much do Science of Apps certifications cost?

Nothing. There is no fee to take a test, to receive the certificate, to have it emailed or to verify it, and no sign-up.

How are the tests graded?

On our server, not in your browser. The answers never reach the page until you submit, so a certificate can only be earned by passing. Each certificate gets a unique credential ID stored by Science of Apps.

What happens if I don't pass?

You see your score for each area and every question with the correct answer and why, with the published source behind it. You can retake after 30 minutes, and the retake draws questions you haven't seen yet.

Do the certificates expire?

No. Every certificate is dated, so it always shows when you passed. Retake a test any time for a newer date or a higher score.

Can I add the certificate to LinkedIn?

Yes. After you pass, Add to LinkedIn opens the Licenses & certifications form with the certificate name, Science of Apps as the issuer, the issue date, your credential ID and the verification link filled in. You can also download it as a PDF or PNG, and it's emailed to you as a PDF.

How can an employer verify my certificate?

Every certificate has a credential ID and a QR code. Scanning it, or entering the ID at scienceofapps.com/certification/verify/, shows the holder's name, the certification, the score and the issue date from our records.

Are these accredited qualifications?

No. They are Science of Apps' own assessments of applied skill. They aren't issued by a university or standards body, and they work best alongside a portfolio that shows the skills in real work.

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