Civil engineering has come a long way since manual labor was responsible for building ancient structures, and the phrase civil engineering may not have been coined before the 18th century. Today, the term encompasses multiple disciplines, from land surveying and mapping to geology and related fields.
What is Civil 3D?
The rise of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) radically transformed modern civil engineering. High-level software expertise runs through every aspect of project design, completion, monitoring, and maintenance. This computer-aided approach works for everything from megamalls to highways, roads, and high-speed rail construction.
With the advent of these new advances in civil engineering has come a suite of software products designed to allow interaction among all stakeholders, including designers, operators, and engineers. Autodesk, best known for its AutoCAD software platform, has created Civil 3D for these challenges. Civil 3D is part of its AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction) package.
Autodesk products like Civil 3D are essential to the AECO field, which stands for architecture, engineering, construction, and operations. The AEC Collection, which includes Civil 3D, also includes BIM Collaborate Pro. BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is a popular collaborative process among civil engineers, engineers, architects, and other construction industry professionals.
Because AutoCAD is an integral part of the AECO field, classes that feature Autodesk Civil 3D or include it within a broader curriculum sometimes cover AutoCAD. AECO professionals can integrate Civil 3D with other Autodesk extensions, including:
- ArcGIS (geographic information system software)
- Geotechnical Modeler
- Grading Optimization
Many classes that cover Civil 3D in-depth tailor the curriculum to a specific field, like:
- Land Development
- Surveying & Mapping
- Transportation
Read on to learn more about Civil 3D certification and certificate programs.
Top Live Online Civil 3D Certification & Certificate Programs
Civil 3D is a specialized software platform, so many course providers offering Autodesk software training may not cover it. However, related AutoCAD classes are often just as essential. Check out the following Civil 3D and other related programs.
Noble Desktop: The AutoCAD Certification Program from Noble Desktop provides a solid foundation and includes the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting. While the course does not include Civil 3D training, the AutoCAD skills gained herein are essential for many roles that require both AutoCAD and Civil 3D proficiency.
ONLC Training Centers: Respected course provider ONLC Training Centers offers live online training in numerous subjects, with optional use of their computer labs for those in select locations who need it. Their AutoCAD Civil 3D Fundamentals course covers extensive training in this essential software in under 35 hours. Topics include parcels, survey figures, and pipe networks, to name a few. AutoCAD Civil 3D Fundamentals is also available as a pre-recorded, on-demand video bundle for those who need it.
Certstaffix Training: Like ONLC Training Centers, Certstaffix offers instructor-led online Autodesk classes with the option to use their local computer lab. However, their Civil 3D training is available only on-demand as part of their Autodesk, Drafting & Building Design eLearning Bundle Course. Check online listings for more detailed information.
CAD Training Online (CTO): CAD Training Online also offers instructor-led Civil 3D training. Their Civil 3D Essentials for General Civil Design is a beginner-friendly program featuring hands-on training from a certified instructor. Topics include creating, analyzing, and managing 2D and 3D civil engineering drawings. The program is also available on-demand for those who prefer training alone or have alternate schedules like the second or third shift. Graduates receive an Autodesk Certificate of Completion. Check course listings for AutoCAD prerequisite details.
Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI): Another respected provider is the Virtual Design and Construction Institute, or VDCI. Their Civil 3D Certificate Program is a nationally accredited available live online part-time. The course runs for 270 hours, spread out over around seven months. This program takes novices through beginner-level and intermediate AutoCAD, then through three levels of Civil 3Dtraining: surveying and mapping, transportation design, and land development. Attendees then take 60 to 80 hours of relevant electives from categories like blueprints, construction, or architecture. The Civil 3D Certificate Program finishes with a professional-level capstone project graduates can show recruiters and hiring managers.
VDCI also offers a Civil 3D Professional Bundle. This group of five courses helps participants develop their intermediate Civil 3D skills in preparation for the Autodesk Civil 3D Certified User Exam. Featured subjects include introductory and intermediate AutoCAD, land development, surveying and mapping, and transportation design. Check listings for more information on fast-track programs and course bundles.
ZenTek Consultants: ZenTek Consultants also hosts Autodesk Civil 3D training live online via teleconferencing. Their programs include beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses so applicants can enroll at their preferred level. The Introduction to AutoCAD Civil 3D is a beginner-friendly program for novices or those requiring occasional Civil 3D use. Topics include the Civil 3D Toolspace, annotation tools, and project management, to name a few.
Ledet Training: Ledet Training is another course provider that offers in-person or live online Civil 3D training. Their introductory program is called Autodesk Civil 3D 151. The three-day instructor-led class teaches numerous Civil 3D-related topics, beginning with AutoCAD fundamentals, then covering drawings, adding dimension styles, and working with layouts. Ledet also offers specialized Civil 3D training for surveyors and grading. See their website for more detailed information.
IFS Academy: IFS Academy offers multiple options for Autodesk classes, including online coursework. Their Autodesk Civil 3D Online Training Course is an immersive, 60-hour instructor-led program. As an authorized Autodesk trainer, IFS Academy prepares students for the appropriate certification exam, included with tuition. Autodesk Civil 3D Online Training Course graduates can take either the Autodesk Certified User (ACU) or Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) certification exam. Check course listings for more details, including any prerequisite information.
Hagerman & Company, Inc.: Another course provider that offers live online Civil 3D training is Hagerman & Company. Their AutoCAD Civil 3D New User Training Course is what it sounds like. Beginners can learn Civil 3D hands-on, including essentials like understanding the Civil 3D Toolspace, developing sites, and creating surfaces with the software. Applicants should have a working knowledge of AutoCAD before enrollment.
CADMasters: CAD Masters offers multiple options for learning advanced Autodesk software products, including Civil 3D. Their Civil 3D Introduction course is an immersive three-day instructor-led program that covers everything from surface creation to project management. It also features on-demand videos, printed or digital training books, and lifetime access to course materials.
MicroCAD Training & Consulting: Another alternative for online live Autodesk coursework is MicroCAD Training & Consulting, an Autodesk-authorized training center. They offer classes on Civil 3D, AutoCAD, Revit, and Inventor, among other topics. For more information and to sign up for a class, see the Training Request form on the MicroCAD Training & Consulting website.
On-Demand Civil 3D Certification Training Programs
On-demand training, or asynchronous learning, typically consists of pre-recorded instructional videos. Some on-demand training programs include supplementary materials, like workbooks or a student chat group. While on-demand videos can offer a lower price point and the ability to watch alone at any hour, they also have lower engagement levels than in-person or live online programs. Consider on-demand training as a backup plan if business or family obligations prevent you from attending live training, if you work the second or third shift, or if you prefer working alone. The following courses are among the most popular on-demand Autodesk Civil 3D training options.
Autodesk: Many new Civil 3D beginners are surprised they can get limited training directly from Autodesk. The company offers self-paced lessons on demand to help users prepare for certification exams. For example, Autodesk provides a 12-hour exam preparation course called Civil 3D for Infrastructure Design Professional Certification Prep. Check out the Autodesk website for more details.
LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning also provides online Autodesk training, including Civil 3D. Their highly-rated Autodesk Civil 3D 2022 Essential Training program is an on-demand course for about ten hours. Topics include everything from alignments to surfaces, especially emphasizing roads and pipe networks. LinkedIn Learning also hosts on-demand courses on subjects like pressure site and pipe design, plan production, and data management workflows, to name a few. Graduates receive a digital certificate of completion.
Udemy: Popular course provider Udemy also offers Autodesk training, including video-on-demand courses. One such program is their introductory AutoCAD Civil 3D Training: The Ultimate Course. It covers styles, surfaces, parcels, and other related topics. The course also includes a free reference training manual. Applicants can save by taking the AutoCAD Civil 3D Training course as part of an Udemy subscription plan.
San Diego State University (SDSU): College-bound secondary students and others may want to consider SDSU for their Autodesk education. The university offers a 150-hour Civil 3D Certification Training course. This immersive program is self-paced and provides AutoCAD fundamentals and Civil 3D training. While there are no prerequisites, applicants should check the SDSU website for software requirements before enrollment.
Pluralsight: Another course provider that offers on-demand Civil 3D training is Pluralsight. Their beginner-friendly Civil 3D Assemblies & Corridor Modeling Fundamentals course is a specialized program for those working with road, highway, or bridge design. Pluralsight hosts additional Civil 3D classes on Points, pressure networks, and label creation.
Why Become Certified in Civil 3D?
While many Civil Engineers learn Civil 3D through hands-on experience, like buying and experimenting with the software, certificate and certification programs offer several advantages. For example, a Civil 3D training certificate teaches students the necessary skills to master the software. Some people prefer to start with this training option to learn about Civil 3D’s unique interface and features.
Civil 3D has applications in multiple areas, mainly construction sites, highways, rail networks, roads, and transit station designs. AutoCAD experts in the AECO field can use the Civil 3D software for:
- Designing efficiently
- Exchanging data in the cloud across multidisciplinary teams
- Sharing International Foundation Class (IFC) formats
Some roles also expect Civil 3D certification as a baseline requirement for employment. Although this is not always the case, many working architects and civil engineers need a 3D certificate or certification designation to get their position of choice. Civil 3D certification can show a recruiter or hiring manager that you have the skills to improve design operations, streamline collaboration with colleagues and clients, and enhance the exchange of essential data.
What You’ll Learn While Becoming Civil 3D Certified
What you learn while mastering Civil 3D depends on multiple factors. For example, a civil engineer needs to learn skills that are different from those of an architect or construction planner. Before starting Civil 3D training, most professionals must learn AutoCAD, 2D geometry, and other essential skills. Read on to learn more about what you will learn on the road to Civil 3D certification.
AutoCAD
Most experts agree that while they have some similarities, AutoCAD and Civil 3D also have significant differences. Your approach to Civil 3D will likely come by way of AutoCAD. However, you can learn AutoCAD in more ways than one. For example, you might choose a course like the AutoCAD Certification Program from Noble Desktop. This immersive course features 48 hours of intensive AutoCAD group training, followed by six hours of private tutoring to prepare for the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting certification exam.
On the other hand, while you can save by taking AutoCAD Levels I, II, and III within the AutoCAD Certification program, you might prefer to take AutoCAD Level I individually first. If you learn Civil 3D through a subscription platform, be aware that these software programs can get updated frequently. You will want to be sure your knowledge and skills base is up-to-date, and the best way to do this is often to take a longer course like a bootcamp or certificate. These immersive programs typically condense a large quantity of training and knowledge within a concise timeframe.
Revit
If you work in architecture, engineering, construction, or operations (AECO), you might learn Civil 3D within the AEC Collection from Autodesk. This comprehensive package includes software programs appropriate for civil, structural, or MEP engineers, architects, and other construction professionals. Revit assists with modeling 3D structures, streamlining workflow, and collaborating among multidisciplinary teams or stakeholders.
Navisworks Manage
Navisworks is the proprietary review and coordination software from Autodesk. The AEC Collection features Navisworks Manage, which helps teams plan projects and coordinate disciplines. A comparable program, Navisworks Simulate, does not include the Clash Detection feature available with Navisworks Manage.
Autodesk Docs
Autodesk Docs is a cloud-based document management system for building information modeling (BIM). While Docs is available as a standalone, it is also included in the AEC Collection. Civil 3D beginners often use Autodesk Docs to schedule projects, reduce errors, and automate the document review process.
Infrastructure Design
If you learn Civil 3D, you may need a certification credential for a desired role. One of the more popular certifications is called Autodesk Certified Professional in Civil 3D for Infrastructure Design. Preparation for this exam typically includes advanced 3D skills and two or more years of experience with infrastructure design. Although you can only get the proper experience on the job, learning about infrastructure design while mastering the Civil 3D software is essential.
Civil 3D Industries
Civil engineering might be the only industry that comes to mind when considering applications for the Civil 3D software program. Autodesk advertises it that way, listing Civil 3D within the AEC Collection only under the Civil Engineering header. However, a deeper dive reveals that Civil 3D has numerous applications, and users in multiple industries can benefit from its integration with other Autodesk products. Consider the following among the top Civil 3D industries:
- Architecture: Because Civil 3D is part of the AEC collection, it makes sense to consider it within the context of architectural projects. Architects can use Civil 3D when integrated with other BIM tools from the collection, including AutoCAD for drawing, Revit for building, and Navisworks Manage for review. Other options for architects include 3ds Max, Recap Pro, and BIM 360.
- Civil Engineering: Civil 3D is the mainstay of civil engineering platforms. Additional software programs for civil engineers include Autodesk Docs, Infraworks, Revit, Recap Pro, and Navisworks Manage. Civil engineers can use the AEC Collection for:
- Civil structures like bridges
- Site design, including layouts and grading plans
- Transportation, such as roadway and highway design
- Water-related design and modeling, including storm and sewer systems, watersheds, culverts, and water or wastewater treatment plants
- Construction: Architects and construction crews often work together on building information modeling (BIM) workflows, and for many, Civil 3D is their preferred design and documentation solution. Among the many additional tools in the AEC Collection that construction professionals can use are Navisworks, Advance Steel, Revit, Fabrication CADmep, and ReCap Pro, to name a few.
- Government Administration: Government administration is another potential Civil 3D beneficiary. Because Civil 3D and the AEC Collection are the top choices for many civil and infrastructure projects, it only made sense for Autodesk to create additional options for governmental agencies, whether federal, state, or local. Docs for Government and BIM Collaborate Pro for Government are available through Autodesk for Government, a FedRAMP Moderate authorized environment. Contact Autodesk for more information about eligibility certification.
- Land Development: As part of the preferred software platform among civil engineering professionals, Civil 3D also applies to land development and management. Key stakeholders benefit from data about surveying, piping and drainage design, and surface analysis, to name a few. Additional Autodesk tools for land development pros include Autodesk Docs, InfoWater Pro, InfoDrainage, and Navisworks.
Civil 3D Careers & Salaries
While many professionals can use Civil 3D and related programs, some are more common than others. There is no such thing as a Civil 3D career, some job postings include the software name in the title. For practical purposes, consider the following positions that may require Civil 3D expertise:
CAD Designer
CAD Designers are among the most sought-after professionals in their field. They typically use a program like Civil 3D to prepare and coordinate civil site engineering deliverables for commercial or residential projects. Alternate titles include CAD Mechanical Designer, 3D CAD Designer, and CAD Layout Designer. A CAD Designer with Civil 3D experience can expect to make an average of about $58,000 in annual salary.
Civil Engineer
Because Civil 3D is so well-known among Civil Engineers, this position is what people think of first when contemplating the so-called Civil 3D career path. This highly skilled engineering position earns an average annual salary of around $92,000 and typically works with a multidisciplinary team of architects, contractors, other engineers, and surveyors. Alternate titles include Civil Project Engineer, Civil Engineer-CAD Designer, and Civil Engineer-Project Engineer.
Piping Designer
A Piping Designer develops design and piping drawings and plans, including 3D models, layouts, and specifications. Many work with Civil 3D. While most companies advertising for positions in this role list the title as Piping Designer, look for variants like Mechanical Piping Designer, Piping Designer/Checker, and Plant 3D Piping Designer. These skilled tech pros typically earn about $93,000 in base annual salary.
Rail Designer
Rail Designers are among the most diverse design professionals, often not limited to rail-related projects. An online search for Rail Designer job postings can deliver not only results like Railroad Designer or Rail Design/Project Manager but also for other seemingly unrelated listings like Substation Physical Designer, Draftsman, or Designer II. A better approach is to look for CAD or AutoCAD when seeking rail-related jobs. Nationally, Rail Designers can expect to earn an average annual salary of around $76,000.
Structural Engineer
Structural Engineers work in nearly every industry and sector, and a job search shows it. Alternate titles for these skilled pros include Retaining Wall Structural Engineer, Junior Ship Structural Engineer, Structural Analysis Engineer, and Structural Design Engineer, to name a few. They are among the highest-paid Civil 3D engineering professionals, with an average annual salary of $101,000.
Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification?
When you begin to research Civil 3D training options, you may wonder whether to pursue a certification instead of a certificate. First, it is essential to understand the difference between these terms in the industry. While certificate and certification might sound like two similar ways of saying the same thing, this is not the case.
Many in-depth training programs end with each graduate receiving a certificate of completion. These classes are completion-based programs typically available from course providers who offer a wide range of subjects. Most certificate programs consist of multiple bootcamps or training modules, some of which may be available as separate courses.
A certification credential is much different. Certification credentials require students to sit for an exam to qualify. A certification training program may be for beginners, intermediate-level, or advanced-level students. Many require years of experience before a student may obtain such a certification. It is a designation you can only earn after passing an exam.
Whether you should enroll in a certificate program or sit for a certification exam depends on multiple factors. These include your current experience level, skill set, and the industry in which you work or plan to work. Other considerations like budget, availability, and family or other obligations can also be factors. Few entry-level roles require a Civil 3D certification, but beginners enrolled in certificate programs can benefit from gaining new knowledge and skills. A certificate program can also provide the added benefit of partial or complete preparation for a certification exam. Your best bet is to research certifications and certificate programs appropriate to your industry, experience, and the position you seek.
Finally, the most obvious difference between certificate programs and certification credentials is the experience level needed and the scope of your course. A certificate program may be open to beginners, but a Civil 3D certification typically requires months or even years of experience.
Why Learn Civil 3D Online?
One compelling alternative to in-person learning is virtual instruction that makes the world your campus by studying in your home, office, or anywhere with an internet connection. The advantages of online training are considerable and include convenience, comfort, and the elimination of time commuting to and from a provider campus. Online education was once a niche market, but even before the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more students signed up for virtual courses. It has become an increasingly popular way to learn.
Many students prefer the advantages of live online training, especially the flexibility it offers those looking to train at specific times or learn from a particular course provider. Some feel that the greatest advantage to learning online is that there are many more options since students can learn from providers nationwide. Online learning gives students the flexibility to find a course that covers the skills they need on the schedule that best fits their needs.
The need to gain extensive knowledge of and experience with tools like Civil 3D and AutoCAD continues to rise. With the advent of online certifications and certificate programs, Civil 3D novices can gain meaningful training in a concise timeframe. This trend benefits students and the organizations that will ultimately employ them, and the future of online learning thus looks brighter than ever. If you need training in one of these essential platforms, check out the many virtual training options alongside any in-person programs you might consider.