NIMS launches industry’s first recognized CAM certification program

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) has launched the first-ever industry-recognized Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Credentials (CAM Milling Level 1 and CAM Turning Level 1) program.

The credentials are sponsored by Autodesk, encompassing 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, and based on the rigorous CAM standards developed over the course of a multi-year intensive nationwide validation process.

In 2015, more than 125 subject matter experts from companies such as Autodesk, Mastercam, Rosenberger North America, Barefoot CNC, and many others, came together to define the competencies and skills expected by industry for entry-level CAM positions.

Building on these standards, NIMS in partnership with Autodesk continued the advancement of CAM training programs by developing an industry credential for educating and training entry-level CAM programmers. Industry leaders in CAM/CNC participated in technical work groups to provide their expertise to write a comprehensive theoretical exam and create a performance-validating project. The development process concluded with a rigorous beta testing process before releasing the credential offering to the public.

CAM is the first set of NIMS credentials that use the organization’s new Performance Measure (PM) Development Requirements for the hands-on component of the credential. The new model will allow schools and employers to customize their credentialing experience by using their own projects to validate performance for NIMS credentials as long as they meet the minimum NIMS requirements.

To stay competitive, manufacturers must maintain high standards of production at efficient cost while meeting the ever-changing customer demands for their products. CAM allows manufacturers to efficiently adjust their processes to identify optimal production paths that decrease cycle times, reduce scrapped parts and materials, and improve the quality of finished parts. Skilled CAM programmers, designers and engineers with extensive education and training are in high demand to plan, manage and control these very sophisticated and costly machines.

These credentials and standards will enhance education and training programs to meet 21st-century demands for skilled CAM programmers, designers and engineers, which will account for almost 100,000 new jobs by 2024.

Established in 1995, the U.S.-based NIMS develops standards and credentials for workforce development and training frameworks for professionals and organizations across the globe.