What is the Best Course to Learn AutoCAD?

Each AutoCAD course is different. In addition, no two delivery methods are the same. Depending on your learning style, one course method may be better than the other. Most learn AutoCAD best through interactive classes guided by an expert in the software because it can come with a fairly high learning curve. Students can choose from asynchronous, in-person, and live online options that may suit them best depending on their schedule, experience, and learning style. The course you enroll in will directly influence your ability to use AutoCAD, so it is important to consider all these varying factors.

General Factors to Consider

If you want to enroll in an AutoCAD class, there are a few important factors to consider. Most notably, you should consider your current skill level and how comfortable you feel using the software. If you need supplemental instruction, you may choose a different class than if you need a thorough overview of every function on AutoCAD. In addition, your schedule may only allow for a short course as opposed to a demanding course. You should also check your budget and consider how much you are willing to spend. If you don't want to, or simply can’t, spend that money, it’ll change the trajectory of your learning journey. professional skills will take more time, money, and effort, education pays off in the long run. Consider your purpose for learning since the outcome will differ from class to class, if you need to learn AutoCAD for your field, it may be worthwhile to find a class that is relevant to that field. Once you figure out these factors, you will be able to compare the classes available to you and choose the best one.

On-Demand/Asynchronous Offerings

On-demand online classes are asynchronous and self-paced, which means the student follows a set of guidelines and course materials that guide them through the learning process. In this delivery method, students do not attend live classes either in-person or online. They follow along with the material at their own pace and can pick it up and put it down when they see fit. This method allows students to learn during times that make sense for them, whether it’s early in the morning or the middle of the night. This option gives students a low-stress way to study and practice, which may be necessary or just simply a preference. An on-demand course’s learning materials typically include pre-recorded lectures, video tutorials, and reading materials, which can be beneficial to review even after the course has ended. Some on-demand classes have schedules where students need to finish assignments by a certain time, but ultimately students in these classes have the flexibility and a hands-off approach.

While a hands-off may sound nice, it can be fairly detrimental depending on your reason for learning and your learning preferences. On-demand classes require participants to have strong motivation and dedication since no one will be there to help learn the software and the incentives to finish the course may be low. A lack of interaction isn’t suitable for beginners or those with zero experience. Some on-demand classes offer technical support for students, but they will still have to spend time outside the class researching questions or troubleshooting techniques. Additionally, these classes are not ideal for professional development but rather as refreshers or for those who don’t need as much knowledge.

Live Online Classes

Alternatively, live online classes are a good bridge between traditional in-person courses and on-demand options. This course method is offered in a live format, so students learn in real-time over a video conferencing program. These classes are similar to in-person, so the student can expect the instructor to review essential concepts, introduce new material, walk everyone through the design process, and guide students through realistic projects. In addition, the instructor has ample experience and can provide feedback, advice, and assist with troubleshooting. Although conducted virtually, students can still interact with one another, which still leaves room for friendships and networking opportunities. You may choose a live online course because it works best for your schedule, home life, or learning preferences. In addition, these are a great option for those who want to learn but live in remote areas and can’t make the commute to class.

Live online classes are convenient and accessible, but have some disadvantages, just as any class would. First, this delivery method requires participants to have a strong WiFi signal, which can be difficult depending on your provider or the weather. It requires students to have a quiet area to learn, which may be difficult to achieve if you have pets or kids, or if the class happens at an inopportune time. Losing time from internet issues or having to move from room to room can break up the learning process in a detrimental way. Some live online classes require students to provide their own course materials, but this differs from provider to provider. In addition, the course delivers students as much interaction as they can but still lacks some levels of immersion since it’s conducted over a screen. All in all, this is a great way to learn for those with specific situations and preferences.

In-Person Classes

In-person classes are the most traditional kind of class and are also considered the most effective. Students can learn alongside one another and the instructor can provide even more personalized and easy-to-understand feedback. Plus if the students have issues with the software, the instructor can physically help with the errors. This is the most hands-on and immersive way to learn. In-person classes facilitate the learning process and ultimately promote greater AutoCAD use in the future. Many in-person classes also provide students with all the necessary course materials, which can be life-changing for some students, particularly those who can’t afford to purchase a subscription service to expensive software like AutoCAD. Overall, in-person classes encourage socialization, networking, and connection, culminating in a fully immersive and effective learning experience.

However, before enrolling in an in-person class, it’s essential to remember what this requires. First, students will need access to reliable transportation for a commute. The commute could be challenging depending on where you live, but those in a big city would have more access to public transportation or may be able to walk. Traffic could be of concern, however, and can result in losing class time or missing class altogether. This is certainly not preferred, so it can be a high-stress way to take a course if the conditions aren’t right. However, generally speaking, in-person classes run smoothly and provide the most benefits since they are incredibly hands-on, immersive, and interactive.

Self-guided AutoCAD programs

Students who are looking to make a career out of using AutoCAD might also be interested in their options for career focused, self guided classes. These courses allow students to learn at their own pace (with guidance and assistance from a professional mentor) and they provide students with career-focused training and job placement support. While many students find it desirable to learn from a live instructor, these self-paced classes are the perfect fit for self-motivated students looking to make a career out of their AutoCAD training.

AutoCAD Certificate Program

The Visual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers an immersive AutoCAD certificate program that aims to help students become career ready within only a few weeks of training. This program provides students with hands-on, job-focused training in the use of AutoCAD and the course is designed with new students in mind, meaning that you’ll move from your first construction draft to a capstone project to add to your professional portfolio over the course of the certificate program. This program also offers students the opportunity to take up to 80 hours of electives to help them specialize in subjects including Revit, Sketchup and Civil 3D Pro. With this option for specialization and the focus on career development training, this certificate program is an ideal entry point for aspiring designers, architects and engineers looking to learn how to use AutoCAD in a professional capacity.

AutoCAD Fundamentals

Students looking for an accelerated introduction to AutoCAD and computer-aided design generally may be interested in taking this introductory course offered by VDCI. Students will learn the basics of using AutoCAD and practical skills that they can bring back to their current jobs or use as the baseline for future CAD training (including some of the other advanced classes offered through VDCI). In this class, students will get live, hands-on instruction in the use of AutoCAD, including exercises in which they create drafting symbols, kitchens and bath fixtures, a floor plan, and deliverable file sheets. While you’ll need more training if you want to make a career out of your AutoCAD skills, this course is an excellent introduction to the kinds of projects that AutoCAD professionals will need to utilize.

AutoCAD Professional

If you have already taken the AutoCAD fundamentals program or you have experience with AutoCAD from another source, you may be interested in moving towards professional level training in this advanced AutoCAD program. In this program, students will learn how to create 2D designs for construction documents that meet all of the necessary and legal standards that they are expected to follow. This course offers practical skills training and is designed to ensure that experienced AutoCAD users are able to get the accelerated training that they need in order to start using the application in more complex professional capacities. This course is built to help students learn at their own pace and class scheduling is incredibly flexible for professionals looking to develop new skills while still working.