Best 7 AutoCAD certification programs

The world of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) has evolved considerably over the years, and one of the most popular programs that professionals and enthusiasts alike turn to is AutoCAD. An industry-standard software, AutoCAD helps in creating precise 2D and 3D drawings for architecture, engineering, and construction.

If you’re interested in mastering this tool, getting certified can be a great step forward. Here, we have outlined the best 7 AutoCAD certification programs that will not only enhance your skills but also make your resume more appealing to potential employers.

What is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used by professionals in a variety of industries for 2D and 3D design and drafting. Developed and sold by Autodesk, AutoCAD is widely used by architects, engineers, project managers, and graphic designers to create precise blueprints and plans. It offers specialized tools and applications for specific industries, such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and architecture, enabling users to create detailed, accurate designs.

Why are AutoCAD Skills Important?

AutoCAD skills are important for several reasons:

1. Industry Standard: AutoCAD is a widely recognized industry standard software in many industries, including construction, architecture, and engineering. Proficiency in AutoCAD can increase job prospects and enhance your professional skill set.
2. Precision and Efficiency: AutoCAD allows for highly precise design and drafting, increasing accuracy and reducing the risk of costly errors in the real-world implementation of these designs. Furthermore, the software improves efficiency by automating tedious manual drafting tasks.
3. Collaboration: AutoCAD files can be easily shared and collaborated on, making it a crucial tool for team projects. Its ability to integrate with other software (such as BIM and GIS) and cloud-based collaboration features also facilitates more streamlined project management.

What is My Experience with AutoCAD?

As an AI developed by OpenAI, I don’t have personal experiences or emotions, so I don’t have personal experience with AutoCAD. However, I’m trained on a mixture of licensed data, data created by human trainers, and publicly available data in multiple languages. This corpus includes a wide range of sources, including textbooks, websites, and other educational material, and likely includes information about AutoCAD. Thus, I can provide information, answer questions, and offer support about AutoCAD based on this training.

TOP AutoCAD certification programs

1. AutoCAD Essentials Course – Autodesk

Autodesk, the creators of AutoCAD, offer the AutoCAD Essentials Course. This program introduces beginners to the software’s functionality and teaches them how to create, edit, and print AutoCAD drawings.

• Price: Varies based on the training center
• Pros: Official course from Autodesk, comprehensive material, certificate of completion
• Cons: Can be expensive, requires foundational knowledge of drafting

What You’ll Learn:

The AutoCAD Essentials Course by Autodesk is designed to equip you with the necessary skills to use AutoCAD software effectively. Here are some of the key learnings:

1. Understanding the AutoCAD workspace and user interface: This is the initial step that will help you navigate through the software with ease.
2. Basic drawing, editing, and viewing tools: You will learn how to create simple 2D drawings and how to manipulate them using the software’s editing tools.
3. Organizing drawing objects on layers: You’ll understand how to manage and organize your projects efficiently using layers.
4. Inserting reusable symbols (blocks): This will allow you to use pre-made objects, enhancing your productivity.
5. Preparing a layout to be plotted: You will be trained on how to prepare your designs for printing or digital sharing, ensuring they meet necessary standards and specifications.
6. Adding text, hatching, and dimensions: These essential features will help you annotate and detail your designs.

How You Will Learn:

The course typically adopts a blended learning approach, mixing various instructional techniques:

1. Instructor-Led Training: Expert trainers guide you through the software, explaining functions and features. They will also answer any queries you may have.
2. Hands-On Exercises: The course includes practical exercises that let you apply what you’ve learned, ensuring you get a grasp of the software’s functionality.
3. Course Materials: Comprehensive course materials are provided, allowing you to study and practice at your own pace, even outside of class.
4. Interactive Discussions: You will participate in interactive discussions with the instructors and peers, which will help deepen your understanding of the software.

2. LinkedIn Learning – AutoCAD 2023 Essential Training

LinkedIn Learning offers an AutoCAD 2023 Essential Training course that covers the basics of the software. It is ideal for beginners and those looking to refresh their knowledge.

• Price: Free (with LinkedIn Learning subscription, starts at $19.99/month)
• Pros: Accessible online, certificate upon completion, access to other courses with subscription
• Cons: Subscription-based, not specifically tailored for certification

What You’ll Learn:

The AutoCAD 2023 Essential Training course from LinkedIn Learning will guide you through the basics and some advanced functionalities of the software. Some key topics covered include:

1. Navigating the Interface: Understand the layout of AutoCAD’s interface, including the ribbon, status bar, and drawing area.
2. Creating Basic Drawings: Learn to create simple drawings using commands for lines, circles, arcs, polygons, and more.
3. Using Precision Tools: Learn to utilize grid, snap, ortho, and other precision tools for accurate design work.
4. Modifying Objects: Develop skills to modify drawing objects using commands such as move, copy, rotate, and mirror.
5. Using Hatching and Gradients: Understand how to apply hatching and gradients to add more detail to your drawings.
6. Working with Text and Dimensions: Learn to use text, dimensions, and leaders to annotate your drawings effectively.
7. Understanding Layers: Discover how to organize your drawing by placing objects on different layers.

How You’ll Learn:

The course utilizes a blend of teaching methods to ensure comprehensive learning:

1. Video Tutorials: These are the main form of instruction, where each video focuses on a different aspect of AutoCAD. The instructors demonstrate and explain the functionalities in an easy-to-understand manner.
2. Hands-On Projects: You’ll get the chance to apply what you’ve learned through various practical projects that simulate real-world scenarios.
3. Quizzes: Regular quizzes help reinforce your learning and gauge your understanding of the course material.
4. Learning at Your Own Pace: As the course is online, you can progress at your own speed and revisit any lessons or tutorials as needed.

3. Coursera – AutoCAD for Engineers: Learn & Earn with AutoCAD Design Skill

This course on Coursera focuses on how engineers can best use AutoCAD. The lessons also include practical examples and projects to provide hands-on experience.

• Price: Free (Certificate can be added for $49)
• Pros: Specialized for engineers, hands-on projects, certificate available for purchase
• Cons: Certificate not included in the free version

What You’ll Learn:

The AutoCAD for Engineers: Learn & Earn with AutoCAD Design Skill course on Coursera is targeted at engineering professionals or students who want to leverage AutoCAD in their field. Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. Engineering-Specific AutoCAD Use: Understand how to use AutoCAD within an engineering context, catering to specific industry requirements and standards.
2. Creating Engineering Drawings: You’ll learn to produce detailed, accurate engineering drawings, including 2D and 3D models.
3. Practical Engineering Projects: Gain hands-on experience through practical projects that simulate real-world engineering problems and scenarios.
4. Advanced Drawing and Editing Tools: Delve deeper into AutoCAD’s toolset to execute complex modifications and enhance your designs.
5. Applying Design Principles: Learn to apply basic engineering design principles within the AutoCAD environment.

How You’ll Learn:

The course employs several teaching methods to ensure a comprehensive learning experience:

1. Video Lectures: The course offers video lectures where each topic is explained in depth.
2. Hands-On Projects: Throughout the course, you will work on real-world engineering projects using AutoCAD. This practical approach helps cement your understanding of the software’s capabilities and applications in engineering.
3. Quizzes and Assessments: Regular assessments will be provided to measure your understanding and reinforce your learning.
4. Peer Interaction: Coursera’s platform facilitates interaction with other students, allowing you to learn collaboratively and share insights.
5. Self-Paced Learning: The online nature of the course allows you to learn at your own pace and convenience. You can revisit lessons as needed and balance learning with your own schedule.

4. Udemy – The Complete AutoCAD 2018-21 Course

This Udemy course covers AutoCAD versions from 2018 to 2020 and is a comprehensive guide for both beginners and intermediate users.

• Price: Starts at $19.99 (Prices vary based on sales and promotions)
• Pros: Affordable, lifetime access to materials, certificate of completion
• Cons: Not the latest version of AutoCAD

What You’ll Learn:

In The Complete AutoCAD 2018-21 Course on Udemy, you’ll learn the ins and outs of AutoCAD, from basic to intermediate levels. Here are some key learnings:

1. Understanding the Interface: Get a grip on the AutoCAD interface and learn how to navigate efficiently.
2. Basic and Intermediate Drawing Skills: Start with simple geometric forms and move on to more complex 2D and 3D drawings.
3. Object Manipulation: Learn how to modify and manage drawing objects using various tools and commands.
4. Working with Layers and Blocks: Understand how to use layers for efficient drawing management and blocks for repeated elements.
5. Dimensioning and Annotating: Learn to apply dimensions and annotations to make your drawings clear and comprehensive.
6. Working with Layouts and Plotting: Understand how to prepare your drawings for printing or digital sharing.

How You’ll Learn:

The Udemy platform provides an interactive, self-paced learning environment with the following features:

1. Video Lessons: The course content is delivered primarily through video lessons, where each aspect of AutoCAD is explained and demonstrated.
2. Hands-On Projects: You will apply what you’ve learned through a series of practical projects and exercises.
3. Discussion Boards: Engage with other learners in the course’s discussion boards, where you can ask questions, share insights, and get feedback.
4. Lifetime Access: Once you purchase the course, you can access the materials at any time, allowing for flexible, self-paced learning. You can also revisit the content as often as you need, even after you’ve completed the course.

5.AutoCAD 2023 Beyond the Basics – ASCENT

ASCENT provides an AutoCAD 2023 Beyond the Basics course, which is intended for intermediate to advanced users. This course builds on the basic concepts of the AutoCAD software.

• Price: Starts at $70
• Pros: Ideal for advanced learners, practical examples and exercises, affordable
• Cons: Not suitable for beginners, self-learning can be challenging

I hope this recommendation serves your purpose. Please make sure to check the updated course content and availability on the respective websites.

What You’ll Learn:

The AutoCAD 2023 Beyond the Basics course by ASCENT is designed to take your AutoCAD skills to the next level. Here’s what you can expect to learn:

1. Advanced Drawing Techniques: Discover more sophisticated techniques for creating and editing complex drawings.
2. Efficient Design Practices: Learn how to use features like blocks, attributes, and external references to speed up your design process and make it more efficient.
3. Advanced Annotation Techniques: Go beyond basic dimensioning and text to explore advanced annotation techniques and tools.
4. Customization: Learn how to customize your workspace, tailor your toolsets, and create personalized command shortcuts.
5. Layout and Printing Advanced Techniques: Gain a deep understanding of layouts, viewport configurations, and advanced printing and plotting options.

How You’ll Learn:

The course is designed with a combination of teaching methods to support your learning:

1. Comprehensive Course Materials: ASCENT provides in-depth course materials that you can work through at your own pace, revisiting any topics as needed.
2. Practical Exercises: Throughout the course, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned in practical exercises. These exercises are designed to resemble real-world scenarios, helping you see how the skills you’re learning apply in practice.
3. Self-Learning: This course is primarily self-taught, which means you’ll need to be proactive and disciplined in your studies. The benefit of this approach is that you can tailor the course to fit your schedule and learning style.
4. Online Support: While the course is self-taught, ASCENT provides online support to answer any questions or troubleshoot any problems you might encounter.

Remember to check the course content and availability on the ASCENT’s official website to get the most updated information.

6. AutoCAD 2023 Essential Training – Pluralsight

Pluralsight’s AutoCAD 2023 Essential Training covers all the essential topics and is updated for the 2023 version of AutoCAD.

• Price: Part of Pluralsight subscription ($29/month or $299/year)
• Pros: Up-to-date, access to other courses with subscription, expert-led course
• Cons: Subscription-based

What You’ll Learn:

In Pluralsight’s AutoCAD 2023 Essential Training, you will be provided with a comprehensive overview of AutoCAD’s core functionalities. Here’s what the course entails:

1. AutoCAD Interface: A detailed walkthrough of AutoCAD’s user interface, including how to navigate and customize it.
2. Drawing and Modifying Objects: Learn to create and modify basic drawing objects such as lines, arcs, circles, etc.
3. Precision Tools: Understand how to use AutoCAD’s precision drawing tools for accuracy in your designs.
4. Layers and Properties: Discover how to manage layers and properties for better control over your designs.
5. Annotation: Learn to use dimensions, text, hatches, and tables to annotate your drawings effectively.
6. Layout and Plotting: Understand how to manage layouts, create viewports, and plot your drawings.

How You’ll Learn:

Pluralsight offers a blend of methods to ensure a thorough learning experience:

1. Video Lessons: Detailed video tutorials provide step-by-step instructions on each topic, with experts demonstrating the use of AutoCAD.
2. Hands-On Exercises: Apply what you’ve learned through practical exercises that help reinforce your understanding.
3. Self-Paced Learning: With access to all course materials at once, you can learn at your own pace and revisit any content as needed.
4. Interactive Community: You can engage with other learners in the course’s community forums, ask questions, and share insights.

Do keep in mind that the availability and contents of the course can change, so be sure to check on Pluralsight’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

7. CAD Training Online – AutoCAD Certification

CAD Training Online offers an AutoCAD Certification program that is self-paced, allowing you to learn at your convenience. It includes one-on-one instruction from certified trainers.

• Price: Starts at $795
• Pros: Self-paced, one-on-one instruction, Autodesk-approved curriculum
• Cons: Expensive, less suitable for casual learners

What You’ll Learn:

The AutoCAD Certification program by CAD Training Online is an intensive, comprehensive program that prepares you for professional use of AutoCAD. The curriculum encompasses:

1. Fundamentals of AutoCAD: Gain a firm understanding of the basic concepts and tools in AutoCAD.
2. Intermediate Skills: Learn more advanced techniques, such as complex object manipulation, layer management, and the use of blocks.
3. Advanced Techniques: Delve into sophisticated functions like 3D modeling, customization, and programming with AutoLISP.
4. Real-World Applications: Apply your knowledge in a series of practical exercises that mimic real-world drafting and design challenges.
5. Exam Preparation: The course also includes materials and tips to help you prepare for the Autodesk AutoCAD certification exam.

How You’ll Learn:

The learning experience in this program is designed to be flexible and personalized:

1. One-on-One Instruction: Unique to this program is the offer of one-on-one instruction from certified trainers. This gives you personalized feedback and guidance.
2. Self-Paced Learning: The program is designed to allow you to progress at your own speed, fitting study around your existing commitments.
3. Practical Assignments: Each module includes practical assignments that give you hands-on experience with the software.
4. Live Classes: Even though the course is self-paced, CAD Training Online offers live classes that you can choose to attend for more in-depth learning and interaction.
5. Online Support: You will have access to online support to help answer any questions and provide assistance throughout your learning journey.

Remember to check for the most updated information on the official website of CAD Training Online, as course availability and content can change.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of AutoCAD certification?

An AutoCAD certification verifies your skills to potential employers and can make your resume stand out. It also enhances your understanding and efficiency with the software.

How long does it take to get AutoCAD certified?

The duration varies based on the course and your previous knowledge of the software. Some courses can be completed in a few days, while others might take several weeks.

Is the AutoCAD certification exam difficult?

The exam’s difficulty can depend on your familiarity with the software. With sufficient practice and study, most users can pass the exam.

Can I get AutoCAD certified online?

Yes, many institutions offer online courses and exams for AutoCAD certification.

Does AutoCAD certification expire?

Autodesk’s AutoCAD certification does not expire. However, as the software updates regularly, it’s beneficial to keep up with new features and versions.