3D CMM

These are very vague questions. Who manufactured the CMM, what software and version is it running? For probe types, your best bet is to use Renishaw.

VERY VAGUE.

If your serious then you need to research and read everything you can get your hands on. You or someone on your team must have dimensional experience to have any chance of gathering accurate data.

Like any CNC a CMM only does what you tell it. Assuming you are fortunate enough to be using software that is less than 10 years old (I'm not) then learning to program should only take you 6 months or so. Knowing WHAT to program takes many years. Modern software and CAD models helps by doing many many many of the calculations for you. You still need accurate drawings of you part and any fixturing if one is to be used.

Theres this little thing call BALL ERROR that is your enemy and must be dealt with. Additionally you must calculate and adjust your hits/points/probes...what ever you want to call them......... to compensate for radial and/or angular rise and drop. Some styli suppliers have printed guides but as stated earlier start with Renishaw as they dominate the market hands down.