Machining Level I - Grinding Skills I
Credential: Machining Level I - Grinding Skills I
Credentialing Agency: National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS)
The Machining Level 1 certification identifies and recognizes Machinists with skills applicable to the specific metalworking process and level of competency. Machining Level I certifications are offered in nine different machining skill cluster areas, each of which allows an individual to focus on skill sets that are most important to their job or career objectives. These skill cluster areas are Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout, Measurement, Materials, and Safety, Vertical Milling, Drill Press, Surface Grinding, Turning – Between Centers, Turning-Chucking, CNC Milling, and CNC Turning. Earning a NIMS certification requires the successful completion of both a performance assessment and written examination. The performance assessment will include the manufacturing of a part, the set-up and operation of a machine or the writing of a program that will manufacture a specific part. There is only one project for the candidate to complete for each Machining Level I skill area. Some skill areas encompass two or more performance requirements. One written exam is available for both Turning skill cluster areas (each turning area has a separate performance assessment).
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Machining Level I - Grinding Skills I
The following DOD Civilian Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:
The following Federal Occupations provide training and/or experience that contribute to attaining this credential:
| Federal Occupation | Related As | |
|---|---|---|
| 3414 Machining |  Most |
|
| 3416 Toolmaking |  Other |
|
| 3806 Sheet Metal Mechanic | Other |
|
| 3808 Boilermaking |  Some |
|
| 3820 Shipfitting | Some |
|
| 4714 Model Making | Other |
|
| 5301 Misc Industrial Equipment Maintenance | Some |
|
| 5350 Production Machinery Mechanic | Some |
|
| 5352 Industrial Equipment Mechanic | Some |
|
| 5423 Sandblasting | Some |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS)
10565 Fairfax Boulevard
Suite 203
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: (703) 352-4971
Fax: (703) 352-4991
Email: NIMS@nims-skills.org
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Machining Level I - Grinding Skills I credential has the following other requirements:
- Individuals who register for the exam must be at least 18 years old (or at least 16 years old if enrolled in a NIMS-certified or state-authorized machining program in a public or private school).
Written Exam
- Wheel Characteristics and Grinding Wheel Codes (17%)
- Basic Grinding Setup and Operation (12.8%)
- Process Improvement (10.6%)
- Grinding Safety (8.5%)
- Measurement (8.5%)
- Dressing a Grinding Wheel (8.5%)
- Type of Abrasives (8.5%)
- Work Holding (8.5%)
- Pedestal Grinder (6.4%)
- Grinding Machine Components (6.4%)
- Grinding Carbide and Carbide Tooling (4.3%)
Performance Exam Requirements
Candidates must setup and operate manual surface grinders with an 8" and smaller diameter wheel. Perform routine surface grinding, location of surfaces, squaring of surfaces and wheel dressing. Additionally, candidates must perform the following:
- Given a block squared up on a mill, part print, hand and precision tools, and choice of a grinding wheels, as well as access to a surface grinder and its accessories, dress the wheel, produce a part matching the print specifications using appropriate trade techniques.
- The part specified will be in the semi-finished state having been squared up and milled. Finishing the part will require the precision finishing of the six faces of the block to tolerances common to precision grinding for squareness, size, and surface finish characteristics.
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Machining Level I - Grinding Skills I examination:
- Best Sources