Student Testing/ NIMS
National Institute of Metalworking Skills/ NIMS
The NIMS assessments are drawn from industry-validated metalworking standards. Both performance and theory (written) assessments are developed and piloted by the industry.
The PDE and NIMS have partnered to provide NIMS testing in eleven Level I metalworking credential areas. This includes both performance and theory exams. These certification areas include: (1) Measurement, Materials and Safety; (2) Job Planning, Benchwork and Layout; (3) Manual Milling; (4) Manual Turning Between Centers; (5) Manual Turning with Chucking; (6) Manual Surface Grinding; (7) Manual Drill Press Operations; (8) CNC Turning: Programming Setup and Operations; (9) CNC Milling: Setup and Operations; (10) CNC Turning: Operator and (11) CNC Milling: Operator.
Performance Level Determination
| Test Portion-written |
Test Portion -performance |
Pennsylvania Certificate Level Achieved |
Certificate Earned |
|
A student must pass FOUR or more credentialing tests before graduation, with at least THREE Numbers 3-11 from above. |
A student must pass FOUR or more credentialing tests before graduation, with at least THREE Numbers 3-11 from above. |
Advanced Level |
PA Skills Certificate |
|
A student must pass THREE or more credentialing tests before graduation, with at least TWO from Numbers 3-11 from above. |
A student must pass THREE or more credentialing tests before graduation, with at least TWO from Numbers 3-11 from above. |
Competent Level |
Competent Certificate |
|
A student must pass TWO or more credentialing tests before graduation, with at least ONE from Numbers 3-11 from above. |
A student must pass TWO or more credentialing tests before graduation, with at least ONE from Numbers 3-11 from above. |
Basic Level |
No Certificate |
Performance tests will be administered locally by each school in accordance with the NIMS policies and procedures as contained in the Procedures Manual for NIMS Credentialing Program Machining Level I & II. The performance portion requires the machining of a part in accordance with the NIMS specifications for that respective credential area. The performance will be evaluated locally using the above procedures. Costs of materials and supplies required for the performance portion of the test are the responsibility of the school. For more information regarding NIMS, please click https://www.nims-skills.org/web/nims/home
