Skills in the metalworking industry are certified through the earning of NIMS credentials.
The credentials are awarded on satisfactory completion of both performance tests and related theory exams.

Standards-based Assessments

The assessments are standards based; i.e., they are drawn from the industry validated metalworking standards. Both performance and theory assessments are developed by the industry and piloted in the industry.

Multiple Credentials

The national NIMS standards are modular, thus permitting credentials based on specific metalworking competencies. For example, there are eight distinct credentials in Machining Level I. There are seven distinct credentials in Metal Stamping Level II.  These competency specific credentials enable the employer to assess candidates in those skills most applicable the firm's needs and enable training institutions to measure program performance tailored to industry's needs.

Advantages to Companies

Metalworking companies use the credentials as a basis for recruiting, hiring, placement and promotion. The guesswork is removed from the human resource process.

In recruiting and hiring, companies advertise for specific NIMS credentialed skills, either preferring or requiring certain credentials or overall certification at a particular level.  Companies also use the credentials as a basis for entry level employment or for promotion in apprenticeship and pay-for skills programs. For example, a North Carolina company requires two NIMS Level I machining programs form all candidate wanting to enter production with that company. A Pennsylvania company pays premium wages for entrants carrying NIMS credentials. An Ohio company bases pay-raises on earned credentials.

Basis for Apprenticeship Training

The NIMS credentials serve as the performance assessments in the industry's exciting, new National Competency-Bases Apprenticeship System. The credentials demonstrate the earned competencies being required in the new system.

Advantages to Education and Training Programs

Educational institutions use the NIMS credentials as performance measures and as the basis for articulation. For example, Pennsylvania requires all machining program completers to test for the Level I credentials.  U.S. Army machinist trainees earn NIMS credentials. The Robert C. Byrd Institute requires NIMS credential for the earning of the Associate Degree in Manufacturing Technology. An ever-growing number of colleges and universities award credits to high school students and to industry trainees for NIMS credentials.

Advantages to the Workers, Trainees and Students

With NIMS performance measures, the candidates know clearly what is expected of them whether it is for graduation, hiring or advancement. The NIMS credential clearly demonstrates that the credential holder met the industry benchmark for that competency.