Credentialing Achievement Records
The process for testing and credentialing stamping press operators (Level II) and setup technicians (Level III) has been created and is ready for implementation. This two-step process includes hands-on skill checks followed by a written assessment. There are 11 separate credentialing areas: operation and setup for each of five types of stamping presses: single hit, compound, transfer, deep drawing, and progressive dies, and one covering quality control and inspection. For further information contact PMAEF or NIMS at 3251 Old Lee Hwy., Suite 205, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, phone: (703) 352-4971, fax: (703) 352-4991. 

All the Tools for Credentialing Your Employees to the Stamping Skill Standards
Learn how your employees can be credentialed as Level II Stamping Press Operators or Level III Stamping Press Setup Technicians. Credentials can be earned through the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) for any of the following 11 skills designated by the industry to be specific to the equipment in your facility: 

Level II-Stamping Press Operations Skills 

• Operate Equipment with Single-Hit Tooling 
• Operate Equipment with Compound Die Sets 
• Operate Equipment with Progressive Dies 
• Operate Equipment with Transfer Dies 
• Operate Equipment with Deep Drawing Dies 

Level III-Stamping Press Setup Skills

• Setup Equipment with Single Hit Tooling 
• Setup Equipment with Compound Die Sets 
• Setup Equipment with Progressive Dies 
• Setup Equipment with Transfer Dies 
• Setup Equipment with Deep Drawing Dies 

General Operations Skills 

• Parts Inspection and Quality Control 

How Are Credentials Earned?
The credentialing process includes a hands-on Performance Assessment and a Written Exam.

The Performance Assessment utilizes a Credentialing Achievement Record (CAR) -- essentially a skill check log book of tasks which press operators or setup technicians must perform successfully to carry out their duties. Each employee being credentialed has an individual log book which is signed by a supervisor, trainer, or mentor to indicate satisfactory performance on each skill required.

Once an employee has successfully completed a log book for a particular credentialing skill area, the CARs are submitted to NIMS and the Written Credentialing Exam for that skill area is scheduled through NIMS.

Both the CAR skill checks and the questions for the written exams were developed by the industry--training professionals, supervisors, press operators and setup technicians from PMA member companies like yours. 

What Resource Material is Available?
While the credentialing process is managed through NIMS, resource material and documentation tools are available through the PMA Educational Foundation. These include the following:

A Credentialing "Starter Kit" consisting of 5 key publications:

• Metal Stamping Reference Guide Level II and Level III includes one copy of all skill checks from each of the 11 credentialing skill areas. It provides a better understanding of the CAR concept and can be used as a "pre-assessment" to determine if your employees are ready to start their logbook skill checks.
• Metal Stamping CAR Guide explains in detail how to administer the skill checks.
• Procedures Manual for NIMS Credentialing Program discusses eligibility, registration, and evaluation procedures for the CAR and the written exam.
• Metal Stamping Level II and Level III skill standards book describing duties and skills needed to operate and setup a stamping press.
• Metalforming Level I skill standards book describing skills and knowledge basic to the industry.

Individual CARs to be used by employees working toward a credential. Each individual must have a personal copy of the CARs for each of the credentialing areas being applied for. 

How About the Written Tests?
By their nature, the written exams are secured documents, like any other standardized test. Since release of the exam questions to candidates for credentialing would destroy the integrity of the test, the actual questions are protected by NIMS. However, when application is made to NIMS to take the written exam candidates will receive guidelines for the exam including sample types of questions to expect.

Go to MarketPlace for information on ordering.