An apparatus for operating a laser materials processing and measurement device with a controllable laser for generating a laser beam and beam control means for adjusting the focus zone of a controlled portion of the laser beam in three spatial directions comprises an interface for operating a bidirectional data transfer link with the laser and the beam control means, and user control means for inputting and displaying control commands or control command sequences and for monitoring and/or controlling operation and/or the operating state of the device. So that all the components of the apparatus may also be tested with regard to all functionalities, if the laser materials processing and measurement device is not operationally ready and/or not connected to the interface, according to the invention the apparatus comprises simulation means for simulating operation of the device and/or of the user control means.