2025-2026 Credential Information
WARNING: This information is considered DRAFT until August 22, 2025.
NIMS Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout
Credential Name | NIMS Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout |
Credential Vendor Info | The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) 703.352.4971 https://www.nims-skills.org/contact-us |
Credential Auto Collect | No |
Diploma Endorsement | IM42 = Yes |
Validation Artifact | Copy of certificate |
Credential Lead Consultant | Jim Pressly james.pressly@dpi.nc.gov |
Course Number and Title | IM42 Metals Manufacturing Technology II |
Credential as POL | IM42 POL = Yes |
Cost of Instructor Training | N/A |
Instructor Training Requirements | None |
Exam Voucher Expiration | Test passes are valid for one year. https://www.nims-skills.org/news/2019-03-27/837 |
Credential Lifespan | Lifetime https://www.nims-skills.org/faqs?q=faqs&f%5B0%5D=faq_topic%3A2&keywords=&page=2 |
Renewal Options | N/A |
Articulation | No |
Sequencing | Yes NIMS has three levels: https://www.nims-skills.org/credentials |
Employer Transferability | Yes The credential stays with the individual. |
Delivery Format | On-line and Performance-based |
Proctored Environment Required | Yes |
Test Site Options and Requirements | https://testing.nims-skills.org/portal/public/register/org |
Testing Environment Requirements | Calculator, blank paper, pen or pencil, Machinery's Handbook (any edition), Shop Reference for Students and Apprentices (any edition) https://www.nims-skills.org/faq/213 Computer requirements for NIMS testing: recommended browsers - Chrome, Firefox. Popup blockers must be disabled. https://www.nims-skills.org/faq/446 |
Proctored Requirements | The proctor is any employee of integrity. The proctor cannot be the instructor or anyone with the ability to alter a student's grade. Proctors must be present during all online exams, regardless of whether the person testing is a student or an instructor. https://www.nims-skills.org/sites/default/files/media/document/Role%20%26%20Responsibility%20-%20Proctor.pdf |
Exam Time Allotment | Each theory assessment has a 90-minute time limit. The performance assessment has no time limit. |
Exam Passing Requirement | Passing scores vary by test and are set by technical work groups that establish and pilot NIMS theory assessments. Not all questions are weighted equally. Passing percentage is calculated by dividing the sum of the points for questions answered correctly by sum of total points possible. https://www.nims-skills.org/faqs?q=faqs&f%5B0%5D=faq_topic%3A2&keywords=&page=5 |
Retakes | Yes NIMS has two different fee structures: a one-year subscription and a test pass. Retakes are included with a subscription purchase for one year. The second retake may be taken immediately; however, the third and each following retake will have a 60-day waiting period between them. The 60-day waiting period to retest does not apply to the test pass because there is only one retake available, and it is available immediately. https://www.nims-skills.org/credentialing-fees |
Student Accommodations | Yes https://www.nims-skills.org/sites/default/files/media/document/Policy%20-%20Paper%20Tests%20%26%20Accommodations_0.pdf |
Multilingual Resources* | No |
Directory Notes | Per NIMS policy, students are allowed the Machinery's Handbook (any edition) and Shop Reference for Students and Apprentices (any edition) during online testing. https://www.nims-skills.org/credentials/job-planning-benchwork-layout |