Best AutoCAD Certificates Dallas, TX: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About Dallas AutoCAD Certificates

What is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design program (CAD) that is used to create 2D and 3D drawings and models. It was created by a software company called Autodesk and first released in 1982. Today, AutoCAD is one of the most widely-used CAD programs in the world, and essential in a number of different careers including drafting, engineering, construction, and many types of design. While AutoCAD is not the only CAD program, it is the most popular.

One thing that makes AutoCAD so popular is the many different tools and features that it has. For instance, it has industry-specific toolsets that make it much easier to do things like making architectural drawings and creating electrical designs. AutoCAD also makes collaboration easy, since users can view and share drawings through any type of mobile device or through an internet browser.

Why Become Certified in AutoCAD?

Research reveals that professions that often involve using AutoCAD are likely to experience steady job growth in the future, making an AutoCAD certificate or certification a smart career choice. For instance, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Architects are expected to see 5 percent job growth over the next ten years, which is faster than the average U.S. job growth rate of 3 percent. The agency explains that this growth will be driven by an increasing need for sustainable buildings and also by programs like AutoCAD, which allow architects to take on a wider range of responsibilities. It says, “Architects are expected to be needed to make plans and designs, particularly in sustainable design, for the construction and renovation of homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and other structures. Improved building information modeling (BIM) software and measuring technology are expected to allow architects to take on activities once performed by other workers, such as architectural and civil drafters, interior designers, and engineers.”

Another job field where future growth is predicted is engineering. BLS predicts that between 2022 and 2032, civil engineering jobs will increase by 5 percent, electrical and electronic engineering by 5 percent, and mechanical engineering by 10 percent. According to BLS, one thing driving growth in these fields is an ongoing need for engineers who know how to work with complex technology. For instance, for Mechanical Engineers, it explains, “As manufacturing processes incorporate more complex automation machinery, mechanical engineers are expected to be needed to help plan for and design this equipment.” For Electrical and Electronics Engineers it states, “These engineers are expected to have key roles in developing sophisticated consumer electronics, solar arrays, semiconductors, and communications technologies.”

What You’ll Learn While Becoming AutoCAD Certified

AutoCAD classes vary by school, however, most classes include many of the same fundamental AutoCAD skills. For instance, no matter what class you take, you’ll learn about how to draw and edit in this program. You’re also likely to learn how to use layers, how to create hatching, how to use blocks, and how to make annotations.

Drawing and Editing Techniques

When you work in AutoCAD, you’ll use some specific drawing and editing techniques, and most AutoCAD classes start by covering those techniques. For instance, you’ll learn how to draw lines, how to erase objects, how to define the boundaries of an object, and how to move objects.

Using Layers

Layers are a way to organize the objects in your AutoCAD drawing according to their function or purpose, and are a fundamental part of working in this program. When you use layers, the visual complexity of your drawing is reduced, making it easier to read.

Hatching

Designers who work in AutoCAD often use hatching, and this skill is covered in most AutoCAD courses. Hatching is when you use different types of patterns to fill in specific areas in your drawing, and it can help you differentiate parts of the drawing from one another. AutoCAD provides many different hatch patterns.

Using Blocks

Blocks are a fundamental AutoCAD tool, and when you get certified in this program, you will almost definitely learn how to use them. A block is a group of objects that has been joined together to form a single object. They can help you save a lot of time because they can be reused. In addition, when you modify one, all your other blocks change too, which also saves time. Another benefit of using blocks is that your work will be more consistent.

Annotations

Most AutoCAD drawings include annotations, and when you get certified in AutoCAD, you’ll learn how to add and modify annotations. Annotations are additions that provide more information about the drawing. For instance, designers often include text and dimensions.

AutoCAD Industries in Dallas

Dallas has a rapidly growing economy that generates billions of dollars a year. U.S. News & World Report describes the area's major industries. It says, “In the Dallas area, the top industries are technology, financial services and defense. In the Fort Worth area, the major industries include oil and gas, manufacturing, and aviation and aerospace. Unemployment in the area is slightly below the national average.” Many of these industries have opportunities for people who can use AutoCAD.

Construction–another industry where AutoCAD is often utilized–is also an important part of the Dallas economy. According to a recent r eport by the Dallas News, “[In 2024] D-FW [Dallas-Fort Worth] led the country in construction employment gains during the 12 months through the end of August, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. A total of 19,700 construction sector jobs were added in the year.” According to the report, the Dallas-Fort Worth area had the greatest construction employment gains of any U.S. metro area.

Dallas also has a busy tech scene. CompTIA releases a yearly Tech Town Index, which rates the best places to live and work in tech in the United States, and Dallas was recently placed at the number 3 spot on that list. CompTIA says, “Opportunity is still the name of the game in Dallas. In 2021, the area advertised for more than 156,000 IT jobs. That figure rivals larger metro areas like New York City and Washington, DC.” It explains that two main reasons for tech growth in Dallas are the city’s diverse talent pool, and its low operating costs. It says, “The area is projected to grow by 10.5% over the next 5 years. Add to that the fact that the cost of living is slightly less than average; a median salary of $97,431 sounds pretty good.” Built In also maintains that Dallas is a leading tech hub, It states, “Prioritizing its local talent and tech community, Dallas has become a sought-after destination on a national and international level. Tech companies are moving their headquarters to Dallas, bringing fresh jobs and opportunities to the city.”

AutoCAD Careers in Dallas

AutoCAD is used in many different careers that involve 2D and 3D design, drafting, and modeling. It is a common tool for Drafters; professionals who create technical drawings and plans. Other names for people who use AutoCAD to create technical drawings and plans include CAD Drafter and CAD Designer. Drafters can be found working in many different fields, including architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Dallas is on the list of metropolitan areas with the highest employment level of Architectural and Civil Drafters, Electrical and Electronics Drafters, and Mechanical Drafters. Payscale finds that the average salary for a Dallas CAD Drafter is $37,000 to $69,000.

This program is also relied upon for creating and testing designs in a variety of different engineering positions. It is used by Mechanical, Civil, Industrial, Electrical, and Electronics Engineers. An example of AutoCAD in engineering is when a Mechanical Engineer uses it to design a car engine. Not only does AutoCAD speed up the design process, but after creating that design, the engineer can also use this program to create a simulation of the design so that they can find any mistakes or flaws. According to BLS, Dallas ranks in the top ten U.S. metropolitan areas for the highest employment levels of Electrical Engineers and Civil Engineers. Payscale finds that in Dallas, the average salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $56,000 to $105,000, for a Civil Engineer it is $55,000 to $103,000, and for an Electrical Engineer, $63,000 to $118,000.

Architects and Interior Designers also use AutoCAD to create and test designs. They can create detailed blueprints that include things like floor plans and elevations, as well as features like roofs and windows. They can then analyze their designs in order to find potential weaknesses or problems. For instance, with AutoCAD, an Architect can test the strength of a building before actually building it. This program also lets users generate realistic renderings of their designs, allowing them to see what those designs will look like in real life, and to share those visions with clients. BLA reports that the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area ranks in the top ten in the nation for the highest levels of Interior Designers and Architects. According to Payscale, a Dallas Design Architect earns an average salary of $49,000 to $105,000, and an Interior Designer earns $45,000 to $75,000.

Another career field where AutoCAD is used is product design. Product Designers use it to create and render designs, and also to test and manipulate those designs. AutoCAD has an extensive library that designers can use to help speed up their work process. Product Designers in Dallas earn $53,000 to $131,000 yearly, according to Payscale.

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification

If you’re looking to get certified in AutoCAD, you’ve probably noticed that you can get an AutoCAD certificate or an AutoCAD certification. It's important to understand the difference between these two qualifications. A certification is a standardized professional credential that proves that you have a certain amount of expertise in AutoCAD. To earn an AutoCAD certification, you generally need to pass a proctored exam, and in most cases will need to have completed a certain number of hours in AutoCAD. For instance, to become an Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting you need to have about 1,200 hours of experience and pass a 120-minute exam. Most students who pursue certification already have experience in their field and want certification in order to stand out from their competitors or qualify for a promotion.

On the other hand, most certificate programs are designed for beginners. Certificates are comprehensive courses that cover a wide range of skills and are generally intended to prepare students for an entry-level job. Every educational institution offers its own unique certificate programs. For example, Noble Desktop runs an AutoCAD Bootcamp, which takes 30 hours to complete and covers both beginner and intermediate skills. Many certificate programs also include career support, like help with your resume and portfolio. Some even connect students with internships.

Top AutoCAD Certificate Programs in Dallas

There are many different AutoCAD certificate program options for residents of Dallas. These include both in-person and online classes. By learning how to use AutoCAD, you’ll be gaining an in-demand skill that is sought after in many different industries.

If you want to gain a better understanding of your AutoCAD class options, you can use the Classes Near Me tool. This is a tool that allows you to compare all of the different AutoCAD classes in your area.

AutoCAD Certificate

This certificate program is offered by the University of Texas Arlington’s Extension and Extended Campus Division for Enterprise Development, and takes place in an online format. Tuition is $2,225, which includes a $50 certificate fee. The University of Arlington Texas was founded in 1895 and serves more than 40,000 students.

The course is designed to help students develop a number of different skills that are needed for AutoCAD, including freehand sketching, computer-aided drafting, abstract and mechanical reasoning, graphic design and layout, proper line of work, and spatial relations. There are four required courses: AutoCAD Introduction, AutoCAD ADvanced, Revit Level 1, and Revit Level 2. Students also complete a capstone project.

AutoCAD for Novice Users

ONLC Training Centers offers hands-on, instructor-led training at hundreds of U.S. locations, including in Dallas. AutoCAD for Novice Users is designed for students who don’t have any prior experience with AutoCAD. The five-day class takes users from novice to expert level, and costs $2,495. For ONLC courses, instructors lecture live online and students can choose to attend from either an ONLC training center or their own location.

In this class, students start with basic basic drawing and editing commands and learn to create a simple drawing. After that, they learn about drawing precision, making changes, organizing drawings with layers, analyzing model and object properties, and inserting blocks. The class also covers advanced editing, more complex projects, hatching, dimensions, and annotation.

AutoCAD Bootcamp

The AutoCAD bootcamp is offered by Noble Desktop, a coding and design school that was founded in 1990 and is based in New York City. Noble runs both in-person and live online classes. The bootcamp takes 30 hours to complete, and tuition is $949. Upon completion, students receive a certificate of completion. They also have the option for a free retake within one year of taking the class. The bootcamp is a combination of Noble’s beginner and intermediate classes, and is offered at a 10 percent discount.

Students who take this course will learn how to create and modify 2D drawings in AutoCAD. Some of the skills covered are advanced object types, layer techniques, basic drawing and editing commands, working with tracking points, creating tool palettes, and creating, editing, and exporting blocks. Students also learn how to use advanced interface techniques, customize layers, work with external references, and create data tables.

AutoCAD–Combo (Essentials and Advanced Course

Certstaffix Training was founded in 2008 and offers computer and business skills training in the United States and Canada. The AutoCAD combo course takes six days to complete and costs $3,150. Students receive a certificate of completion after finishing the course, and also have the option of a free online course retake within six months. Students should have a working knowledge of design and drafting procedures and terminology.

In the first portion of the class, students learn basic skills such as drawing and editing, precision, making changes, organizing a drawing with layers, using advanced object types, using blocks, setting up a layout, adding dimensions, hatching, and annotations. After they have mastered the basics, they learn a number of advanced skills including tables, attributes, dynamic blocks, sheet sets, macros, and customization.

AutoCAD Level 1: Essentials

This course is offered by Future Media Concepts, a digital media training company that was founded in 1994, and offers both in-person and online training. The Essentials class is made up of three sessions, and costs $1,495. There is an average class size of eight people. Students need to have AutoCAD installed on their computers. They should also have a basic knowledge of drafting procedures and terminology.

The class starts with basic drawing and editing commands, and students learn to create a basic drawing. They also learn about drawing precision and making changes. Other skills covered in this class include using layers, analyzing model and object properties, inserting blocks, setting up a layout, and annotating your drawing.

AutoCAD Level 1

The Technical Institute of America is a technology training company that is licensed by the New York State Education Department and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. It is based in New York City, but also offers online classes. Tuition is $749, and there are three class sessions. Upon completion of the course, students receive a certificate. They also get a textbook, which they can keep, and they have the option of a free course retake within one year.

The course covers a number of different skills including basic drawing commands and tools, basic copying commands, and modifying objects. Instructors also cover annotating, defining settings for layouts, and working with layers. In addition, students get an intro to Paperspace and Modelspace.

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Learn More About Dallas AutoCAD Certificates

What is AutoCAD?

Why Become Certified in AutoCAD?

What You’ll Learn While Becoming AutoCAD Certified

Drawing and Editing Techniques

Using Layers

Hatching

Using Blocks

Annotations

AutoCAD Industries in Dallas

AutoCAD Careers in Dallas

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification

Top AutoCAD Certificate Programs in Dallas

AutoCAD for Novice Users

AutoCAD Bootcamp

AutoCAD–Combo (Essentials and Advanced Course

AutoCAD Level 1: Essentials

AutoCAD Level 1

Dallas AutoCAD
Corporate & Onsite Training