---
title: "Basic G-Code and M-Code List for a TESDA CNC Exam"
description: "The core G-code and M-code a TESDA CNC exam expects you to know: motion, units, positioning, spindle, coolant, and program control. A focused study list."
url: https://gcodepractice.com/journal/basic-g-code-and-m-code-list-for-tesda-exam/
canonical: https://gcodepractice.com/journal/basic-g-code-and-m-code-list-for-tesda-exam/
author: "Lawrence Arya"
authorUrl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vibecoding/
published: 2026-06-02
updated: 2026-06-02
category: "Code reference"
tags: ["tesda", "code list", "exam", "reference"]
lang: en
---

# Basic G-Code and M-Code List for a TESDA CNC Exam

> **TL;DR** A TESDA CNC exam expects fluency with the universal core: motion codes G00 to G03, units G20/G21, positioning G90/G91, plus the spindle (M03, M04, M05), coolant (M08, M09), tool change (M06), and program control (M00, M30) M-codes. Lathe assessments add turning codes. Learn this finite list by recall both directions, and confirm the exact competency standards with TESDA.

A TESDA CNC exam does not test obscure codes. It expects you to read a program using the universal core, the same codes that appear in almost every program worldwide. Here is the focused list to study. Treat it as a study list and confirm the exact competency standards with TESDA or your training center, since they define the assessment.

## The core list

| Code | Meaning | Group |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `G00` / `G01` | Rapid positioning / linear feed | Motion |
| `G02` / `G03` | Clockwise / counterclockwise arc | Motion |
| `G20` / `G21` | Inch / millimeter units | Setup |
| `G90` / `G91` | Absolute / incremental | Setup |
| `M03` / `M04` / `M05` | Spindle on CW / on CCW / stop | Spindle |
| `M08` / `M09` | Coolant on / off | Coolant |
| `M06` | Tool change | Tool |
| `M00` / `M30` | Program stop / end and rewind | Program |

A lathe assessment adds turning-specific codes such as `G96`/`G97` for spindle speed mode, covered in [CNC turning center G-code](/journal/cnc-turning-center-g-code-practice-test/).

## How to learn it

This is a finite list, which is exactly why recall practice works so well on it. Reading it once is not enough; you memorize it by retrieving each entry from memory, both directions. Drill it with the method in [beginner CNC code practice](/journal/beginner-cnc-code-practice/), using the fuller [common G-codes](/journal/common-g-codes-for-cnc-beginners/) and [common M-codes](/journal/common-m-codes-for-cnc-beginners/) references. For the assessment itself, see [TESDA CNC lathe practice](/journal/tesda-cnc-lathe-practice-questions/). A free tool like [G-Code Sprint](/g-code-practice/) drills exactly this list until it is automatic.

## Bottom line

A TESDA CNC exam expects the universal core: motion, units, positioning, spindle, coolant, tool change, and program codes, plus turning codes on a lathe. Learn the finite list by recall both directions, and confirm the standards with TESDA.

## Sources

- [TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority)](https://www.tesda.gov.ph/)
- [LinuxCNC G-code reference](https://linuxcnc.org/docs/html/gcode/g-code.html)
- [CNCCookbook: G-code and M-code cheat sheet](https://www.cnccookbook.com/g-code-m-code-cnc-list-cheat-sheet/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What G-codes and M-codes are on a TESDA CNC exam?
The universal core: motion codes `G00` to `G03`, units `G20`/`G21`, positioning `G90`/`G91`, spindle `M03`/`M04`/`M05`, coolant `M08`/`M09`, tool change `M06`, and program control `M00`/`M30`. Lathe assessments add turning codes like `G96`/`G97`. Confirm the exact standards with TESDA.

### Do I need to memorize codes for the TESDA CNC exam?
You need fluent recall of this core, because reading a program under assessment is faster when the codes are automatic. The list is short and finite, which makes it realistic to know cold.

### What is the best way to memorize the TESDA code list?
Active recall both directions, code to meaning and meaning to code, with review of your misses. A free tool like G-Code Sprint drills exactly this list so it becomes automatic before the assessment.

*G-Code Sprint is a study and practice tool only. It is not affiliated with TESDA. Always follow your instructor, employer, machine manual, and shop safety procedures.*

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Source: https://gcodepractice.com/journal/basic-g-code-and-m-code-list-for-tesda-exam/
Author: Lawrence Arya — https://www.linkedin.com/in/vibecoding/