FDM 3D Printing Technician

Program Description

The FDM 3D Printing Certificate prepares students for entry‑level roles supporting 3D printing operations in makerspaces, educational labs, fabrication shops, and manufacturing environments. In these roles, individuals operate and maintain FDM 3D printers, prepare and process print jobs, troubleshoot common issues, and finish printed parts for functional use, prototyping, or low‑volume production.

This certificate program is an 18-hour course that combines online instruction with hands‑on lab experience to teach the complete fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing workflow. Students learn core 3D printing concepts and safety practices, prepare print files using slicing software, and operate FDM printers to produce accurate and repeatable parts. The program emphasizes practical, job‑ready skills, including material selection, printer setup and calibration, troubleshooting print defects, post‑processing, and basic assembly. Students also complete introductory 3D modeling exercises focused on designing parts specifically for FDM printing, with attention to fit and tolerances.

Students will be most successful in this program if they bring:

• Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow safety procedure,
• Basic computer skills and comfort working with software interfaces, 
• Problem‑solving skills and patience when troubleshooting mechanical or print issues, 
• Interest in hands‑on technical work and iterative learning, and 
• Ability to interpret basic part requirements and apply practical adjustments. 

The use of FDM 3D printing continues to grow in education, product development, and manufacturing as organizations adopt additive manufacturing for prototyping, tooling, and low‑volume production. Entry‑level technicians with hands‑on 3D printing skills are increasingly valuable in environments that support rapid iteration and on‑demand fabrication

Program Objectives/Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1. Apply the complete FDM 3D printing workflow—from core concepts and safety principles through slicing, printer operation, and post-processing—to prepare, print, and finish parts that meet basic quality and functional requirements; 
2. Demonstrate effective use of industry-standard tools and practices by creating printable 3D models, selecting appropriate materials and slicing settings, operating FDM printers safely, and troubleshooting common issues to improve print reliability and outcomes; and 
3. Design and fabricate functional FDM components by modeling original parts with basic fit and tolerance considerations, preparing optimized sliced files, and producing assembled or hardwareintegrated prints using standard operating and post-processing techniques.

CCBC Pathway & Track

Technology and Engineering Pathway: Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs. Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study. You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential: Students will earn a CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript).
 

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Length

Length of Training: 3 weeks

Total Program Hours: 18 hours 

Instructional Modality(ies): This program provides instruction over the weeks/hours in these formats–online asynchronous, in-person instruction at the Fab Lab on the Catonsville campus, and in a hybrid of online asynchronous and in-person.

Program Requirements

Program Requirements:

• GED/High School diploma.
• Minimum age of 18.
• These courses have some online curriculum content, so students should have access to a basic computer or mobile device with internet capability. 

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.

Program Course Sequence

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Program Coordinator: Niki Rogers | nrogers2@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4422 | Dundalk D.STAT 108

Program Assistant: Denise Bellamy | dbellamy@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4712 | Catonsville C.BESS 100

Technical Standards

Technical Standards for CCBC’s FDM 3D Printing Technician Program
The primary goal of The Community College of Baltimore County’s FDM 3D Printing Technician Certificate is to prepare individuals for entry-level roles as technicians in  manufacturing environments focusing in makerspaces. In this role, technicians typically work at the location where products are manufactured or services are provided and  collaborate closely with engineers to draw conclusions and implement improvements. Technicians must be able to move safely within a makerspace or manufacturing space, 
interact with 3D printing equipment independently or with assistance, handle light materials, follow established safety procedures, and clearly communicate safety-related information.

The following is a partial listing of the types of skills typically required for adequate job performance:
Physical Requirements:
A. Sufficient Strength and mobility to:

• Lift or carry items weighing up to 25 pounds independently (varies based on industry)
• Stand or sit in one area for long periods of time
• Work quickly to meet deadlines and/or production requirements

B. Fine motor coordination sufficient to perform precise tasks such as:

• Operate computers or printer controls
• Handle small tools or components
• Perform basic repairs to machinery

C. Adequate vision to:

• Read, interpret and see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)

D. Sufficient hearing to:

• Notice alarms, alerts, or staff instructions 
• Communicate concerns, hazards, or equipment issues 

Interpersonal Skills and Professionalism:
A. Have the ability to:

• Work in a professional manner
• Pay close attention to detail and recordkeeping
• Commitment to following approved standards, guidelines, policies, and procedures
• Interact in a professional manner with many personalities and attitudes and with people from many different backgrounds
• Willingness to train others

B. Sufficient communication skills to:

• Give and receive accurate written and verbal instructions
• Carry out all written and verbal instructions
• Follow proper channels of communication
• Communicate in a calm and professional manner

Intellectual Ability and Emotional Stability to:

• Follow step-by-step instructions and safety rules
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Exercise independent judgment to properly perform tasks at hand

Environmental Requirements

• Tolerate typical makerspace conditions such as moderate noise, lighting, and mild odors