A certification is an official credential that shows you have successfully completed a specific training program offered through a professional organization. Certification can give you access to more job options and may lead to a higher salary. Keep reading for more information about what certifications are, why they are beneficial, and some of the most common ones for Civil 3D Coordinators.
What is a Civil 3D Coordinator?
A Civil 3D Coordinator works with a Civil 3D design team to coordinate projects and ensure that they progress smoothly. This role includes a range of different tasks such as administration, communication, data management, research, and scheduling. More specifically, Civil 3D Coordinators provide training, implement standards, ensure compliance, set up workflows, offer technical support, and help protect company data. They work with a variety of different departments and help ensure that there is good communication between various team members. In addition, they communicate status changes with management.
Civil 3D Coordinators have experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, and are proficient in Civil 3D, which is an Autodesk software application used for civil engineering design and documentation. Civil 3D supports Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows for many different types of civil engineering projects including water, land development, roads, rail, and airports. Civil 3D Coordinators are also skilled in other applications used in civil engineering, such as AutoCAD, Navisworks, and Bluebeam. In addition, they have strong communication skills and can work well as part of a team.
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Do I Need a Degree to Become a Civil 3D Coordinator?
Historically, a degree has been the traditional way to get into many different occupations, however, in recent years an increasing number of employers have started to put more of a focus on finding candidates who have demonstrable skills. Many explain that they are not simply looking for a degree, but are more interested in employees who have the skills and experience to do the job well, whether they have a degree or not. Some people refer to this as skills-based hiring. This trend means that it is definitely possible to become a Civil 3D Coordinator without a degree.
However, while you may not need a degree to become a Civil 3D Coordinator, you will need job training. Professional training centers have become a popular option in recent years. These centers offer comprehensive, hands-on, accelerated courses designed to get you job-ready as soon as possible. You’ll focus on learning the skills that you’ll actually use in your job. Most of the certificate programs and bootcamps offered at these centers only take weeks or months to complete. Since these programs have a focus on getting you career-ready, they usually include career support too. This might include help building a portfolio and resume, mock interviews, and even access to internships and professional networks. Classes are typically conducted live, either in-person or in a live online format, which means that you’ll be able to get immediate answers to your questions, and feedback on your progress.
Do Certifications Matter for Civil 3D Coordinators?
Most people say that certification does matter. A certification proves that you have mastered a particular set of skills. In some cases, an employer might require certification, however, even if it’s not required, certification can be an asset. It proves that you have a certain level of competence. If you’re looking for a job, it can help you stand out from your competition. In some cases, it might also help you command a higher salary. Certification also shows that you are committed to performing at the best level that you can. In an article titled, “Top Ten Reasons for Autodesk Certification” Certiport explains, “Autodesk continually improves its software offerings. Having a certification shows academic institutions and employers that a student or employee is ahead of the curve by earning certification on the most recent release of the software.”
Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?
Certifications and certificates sound similar, however, they are two distinct types of qualifications. A certificate is something that you are awarded by a school after you complete a particular program of study there. For example, you can earn a certificate from the Virtual Design and Construction Institute by completing its Civil 3D Certificate Program. Each school has its own unique certificate programs, which will not be exactly the same as those offered by other schools. In contrast, a certification is a standardized qualification that is the same no matter where you earn it. In most cases, you need to complete a specific course of study and pass a standardized test at an approved testing center. You may also need to gain a certain number of hours of experience. Noble Desktop offers an AutoDesk Certification Program, which includes instruction and a proctored exam. In most cases, certificates are more accessible for beginners, while certifications require some experience. Both can be beneficial to your career.
How to Get Certified as a Civil 3D Coordinator
Civil 3D and AutoCAD are owned by Autodesk. To become an Autodesk Certified Professional in either of these applications, you’ll need to master the necessary skills and pass an exam. You can find more information about the specific skills and the test format on the Autodesk website. You’ll also need to pay a fee to take the exam. Exams are offered by Pearson VUE and can be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center. You can also take an online exam, however, there are requirements for creating a proctored environment.
Top Certifications & Certificates for Civil 3D Coordinator
- Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting: To earn this certification you’ll need to understand drafting concepts and standards. You’ll also need to know how to set up, organize, and manage drawings; create and edit content; use collaboration tools; link external references; and configure and manage design for output. Approximately 400 to 1,200 hours of AutoCAD experience is typically required. The exam is 120 minutes and costs $200. Certification is valid for 3 years.
- Autodesk Certified Professional in Civil 3D for Infrastructure Design: This certification requires approximately 400 to 1,200 hours of Civil 3D experience. You’ll need to master: surfaces and grading; alignments and profiles; points, parcels, and surveying; pipe networks; corridors and sections; and plan production and data management. The exam is 120 minutes and costs $200. Certification is valid for 3 years.
- Civil 3D Certificate Program: Offered by the Virtual Design and Construction Institute, this nationally accredited program takes seven months to complete and will equip you with the skills to develop and refurbish public sites and infrastructure systems with Civil 3D. It includes courses in both Civil 3D and AutoCAD. You’ll also take a number of elective courses and work on a capstone project. You’ll be exposed to real-world databases and will learn about file sharing and data management.
- AutoCAD Masterclass: This certificate program is offered by Noble Desktop. It takes you from a beginner to an advanced level in this application. The class begins by covering basic skills such as understanding the interface, creating drawings, using object snap tracking, and using editing commands. After that, you’ll learn more complex skills like working with templates and layouts, creating and organizing blocks, and using external references. The course also covers advanced AutoCAD skills, including tables, text objects, attributes, and dynamic blocks. In addition, you’ll work on a variety of projects.
Learn the Skills to Become a Civil 3D Coordinator at Noble Desktop
The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers a variety of training options for individuals looking to gain the skills needed to become a Civil 3D Coordinator. This school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Its online, self-paced classes allow you to create your own learning schedule. You’ll also be able to get advice and feedback on your submissions and projects, and interact with peers in discussion forums. VDCI classes are approved by Autodesk, Adobe, Trimble, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for elearning.
- VDCI offers three different Civil 3D classes. For each class, the instructor is a licensed Civil Engineer and also an Autodesk Certified Instructor. In Intermediate Civil 3D: Surveying and Mapping, you’ll learn about the surveying and mapping elements and commands in Civil 3D. Covered topics include survey and COGO points, point marker and label styles, point groups, linework code sets, figure prefix databases, survey imports, parcels, sites, parcel labels, TIN surfaces, surface labels, and surface analysis. Intermediate Civil 3D: Transportation Design is focused on the transportation design elements and commands in Civil 3D. Instructors cover alignments, surface profiles, design profiles, and view windows, assemblies, corridors, intersections, sample lines, cross sections, and 3D visualization. The third VDCI option is Intermediate Civil 3D: Land Development. This course covers land development design elements and commands such as drawing template files, data shortcuts, feature lines, grading groups, pipe networks, pressure networks, and paper space.
- VDCI also offers a variety of AutoCAD classes. In Introduction to AutoCAD, you can learn the basics of this application. You’ll learn about the user interface and basic commands, including drawing, modifying, layering standards, text, dimensioning, and plotting. You’ll create drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, and a floor plan, and will integrate all of the information. Another option is Intermediate AutoCAD, which covers more advanced topics, including file referencing across the project data, user coordinate systems, dynamic viewing, and paper/model space conventions. You’ll create a set of CAD construction documents for a Habitat for Humanity project, including the floor plan, roof plan, foundation plan, electrical plan, and building elevations.
- Another VDCI option is the Essential Skills Bundle. This bundle is a great way to improve your communication, teamwork, collaboration, and self-management skills, all of which are essential if you want to work as a Civil 3D Coordinator. Three classes are included. In Communication and Connection, you’ll learn a variety of communication skills including negotiation and conflict management. You’ll also work on your emotional intelligence and learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Self-Management Skills covers skills such as prioritizing, improving efficiency, focusing on ethics and integrity, and setting goals. Finally, in Teamwork, Collaboration & Leadership, you’ll learn to build collaboration, conduct meetings effectively, inspire other people, and make decisions as a group.
Noble Desktop is another place to learn AutoCAD. This coding and design school is based in New York City and offers live AutoCAD classes either in person or online. This school is licensed by the New York State Education Department and all of its classes come with a certificate of completion and the option of a free retake within one year.
- If you’re looking for a shorter course, Noble runs a multi-day class called AutoCAD Level 1, where you can learn to use AutoCAD’s basic drawing and editing tools to create drawings for architectural and mechanical objects. AutoCAD Level 2, is another short option. In this intermediate class, you’ll work on more advanced and technical projects. You’ll also learn how to create templates by setting units, drawing limits, and scales, and how to use the interface to complete advanced layer and block techniques. Noble also offers AutoCAD Level 3, an advanced course where you’ll learn about annotation, dynamic blocks and attributes, collaboration and publishing, and customization. In this class, you’ll learn to execute advanced AutoCAD projects from start to finish as well as how to use the program’s tools to increase efficiency. If you’d like a longer class, Noble also offers the AutoCAD Bootcamp, which is a combination of its beginner and intermediate classes, at a 10 percent discount.
- Another Noble Desktop option is the AutoCAD Certification Program. This is designed for students who want to earn the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting. This program starts with three AutoCAD classes, which are intended to take you from beginner to advanced level. You’ll also receive six hours of private tutoring, where you can work on any difficult skills and make sure you are fully prepared for the exam. After that, you’ll take the Autodesk AutoCAD exam. The exam, proctoring, and a free retake are included in the course fee. If you don’t want to take the exam, you can opt for an extra hour of private tutoring instead.