Michigan CNC Programmer Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. What does CNC stand for in manufacturing technology?
A. Computer Numerical Control
B. Computer Network Configuration
C. Centralized Numeric Calibration
D. Controlled Numeric Circuit
The correct answer is Computer Numerical Control because CNC
refers to machines operated through programmed commands
executed by a computer.
2. Which code is typically used to start the spindle in G-code
programming?
A. G00
B. M03
C. M30
D. G90
The correct answer is M03 because this M-code instructs the machine
to start the spindle in a clockwise direction.
3. In G-code, what does G00 command instruct the machine to do?
A. Perform drilling cycle
B. Rapid positioning
C. Linear cutting at feed rate
D. Tool change
The correct answer is Rapid positioning because G00 moves the tool
quickly to the programmed coordinates without regard to cutting
feed rate.
,4. What is the purpose of the G01 command?
A. Call subroutine
B. Controlled linear interpolation
C. Cancel tool offset
D. Rapid return to home
The correct answer is Controlled linear interpolation because G01
moves the tool in a straight line at a specified feed rate.
5. Which coordinate system is typically the default on a CNC machine?
A. Work coordinate system (WCS)
B. Secondary coordinate system
C. Machine coordinate system (MCS)
D. Fixture coordinate system
The correct answer is Machine coordinate system (MCS) because all
positions are referenced from the machine’s fixed home position
unless otherwise specified.
6. What is the purpose of a tool offset in CNC programming?
A. Change spindle speed
B. Stop coolant
C. Adjust tool length compensation
D. Set work coordinate zero
The correct answer is Adjust tool length compensation because tool
offsets correct for differences in tool lengths and diameters.
7. In G-code, what does G02 command perform?
A. Linear move
B. Rapid move
C. Clockwise circular interpolation
D. Counter-clockwise circular interpolation
The correct answer is Clockwise circular interpolation because G02
instructs the machine to make a circular arc in a clockwise direction.
8. What type of cutter is commonly used for slotting operations?
A. Drill bit
B. Reamer
C. End mill
D. Tap
, The correct answer is End mill because end mills are suited for cutting
slots and contouring surfaces.
9. What does the term “feed rate” refer to in CNC operations?
A. Spindle speed
B. Return to home speed
C. Tool movement speed through material
D. Coolant flow rate
The correct answer is Tool movement speed through material
because feed rate defines how fast the tool travels relative to the
workpiece.
10. What does G20 code typically indicate?
A. Metric units
B. Inch units
C. High speed mode
D. Tool change
The correct answer is Inch units because G20 sets the machine to inch
measurement mode.
11. What is the primary safety consideration before running a CNC
program?
A. Selecting coolant
B. Verifying tool path for collisions
C. Painting the workpiece
D. Cleaning the chip tray
The correct answer is Verifying tool path for collisions because
ensuring the program won’t cause crashes is vital for safety and
machine integrity.
12. Which code is used to compensate for tool length?
A. G54
B. G00
C. G43
D. G97
The correct answer is G43 because this command activates positive
tool length compensation.
13. What is the function of a fixture in CNC machining?
A. Measure the part
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. What does CNC stand for in manufacturing technology?
A. Computer Numerical Control
B. Computer Network Configuration
C. Centralized Numeric Calibration
D. Controlled Numeric Circuit
The correct answer is Computer Numerical Control because CNC
refers to machines operated through programmed commands
executed by a computer.
2. Which code is typically used to start the spindle in G-code
programming?
A. G00
B. M03
C. M30
D. G90
The correct answer is M03 because this M-code instructs the machine
to start the spindle in a clockwise direction.
3. In G-code, what does G00 command instruct the machine to do?
A. Perform drilling cycle
B. Rapid positioning
C. Linear cutting at feed rate
D. Tool change
The correct answer is Rapid positioning because G00 moves the tool
quickly to the programmed coordinates without regard to cutting
feed rate.
,4. What is the purpose of the G01 command?
A. Call subroutine
B. Controlled linear interpolation
C. Cancel tool offset
D. Rapid return to home
The correct answer is Controlled linear interpolation because G01
moves the tool in a straight line at a specified feed rate.
5. Which coordinate system is typically the default on a CNC machine?
A. Work coordinate system (WCS)
B. Secondary coordinate system
C. Machine coordinate system (MCS)
D. Fixture coordinate system
The correct answer is Machine coordinate system (MCS) because all
positions are referenced from the machine’s fixed home position
unless otherwise specified.
6. What is the purpose of a tool offset in CNC programming?
A. Change spindle speed
B. Stop coolant
C. Adjust tool length compensation
D. Set work coordinate zero
The correct answer is Adjust tool length compensation because tool
offsets correct for differences in tool lengths and diameters.
7. In G-code, what does G02 command perform?
A. Linear move
B. Rapid move
C. Clockwise circular interpolation
D. Counter-clockwise circular interpolation
The correct answer is Clockwise circular interpolation because G02
instructs the machine to make a circular arc in a clockwise direction.
8. What type of cutter is commonly used for slotting operations?
A. Drill bit
B. Reamer
C. End mill
D. Tap
, The correct answer is End mill because end mills are suited for cutting
slots and contouring surfaces.
9. What does the term “feed rate” refer to in CNC operations?
A. Spindle speed
B. Return to home speed
C. Tool movement speed through material
D. Coolant flow rate
The correct answer is Tool movement speed through material
because feed rate defines how fast the tool travels relative to the
workpiece.
10. What does G20 code typically indicate?
A. Metric units
B. Inch units
C. High speed mode
D. Tool change
The correct answer is Inch units because G20 sets the machine to inch
measurement mode.
11. What is the primary safety consideration before running a CNC
program?
A. Selecting coolant
B. Verifying tool path for collisions
C. Painting the workpiece
D. Cleaning the chip tray
The correct answer is Verifying tool path for collisions because
ensuring the program won’t cause crashes is vital for safety and
machine integrity.
12. Which code is used to compensate for tool length?
A. G54
B. G00
C. G43
D. G97
The correct answer is G43 because this command activates positive
tool length compensation.
13. What is the function of a fixture in CNC machining?
A. Measure the part
