AutoCAD Certifications and Certificates

Are you looking for a way to demonstrate your current skills in AutoCAD or learn new ones? There is a seemingly endless amount of certificates and certifications available, and choosing the right one can seem overwhelming. Do you have to get certified to find a job? Is there a difference between a certificate and a certification? How do you prepare for these credentials? This article aims to answer these questions (and more) so you can confidently choose the right path toward an AutoCAD certification. Keep reading to find out more.

What is AutoCAD?

Developed by Autodesk, AutoCAD is the most widely used computer-aided design (CAD) software worldwide. It is used to create architectural, construction, and engineering blueprints, schematics, and models. Released by Autodesk in 1982, AutoCAD makes 2D and 3D designing more efficient by allowing you to draw and edit digital designs more quickly and easily than you could by hand. The files can also be easily saved and stored in the cloud, so they can be accessed anywhere at any time. 

Before the dawn of computers, a designer would have to revise designs manually. You would have to create an entirely new draft or edit the draft you had, which could be messy and difficult to interpret. With AutoCAD, you can easily change and manipulate designs, as well as create a reusable block library to replicate design parts. Saved files can be used and reused later, making the design process faster than if you did it by hand. Drawing by hand also limits how small of a design you can create, but AutoCAD allows you to design down to fractions. This allows for a more accurate design in all dimensions.

AutoCAD is available for download at Autodesk’s website, where you can purchase a subscription to keep up with the latest software versions. There are several ways to learn AutoCAD, as there are a variety of self-paced, virtual, and in-person classes and tutorials available. While there are other comparable CAD programs on the market, AutoCAD is known as the industry-standard, and it is a valuable skill to add to your resume.

If you want to know more about what AutoCAD is, what you can do with it, and why you should learn it, you can check out Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD page and read more below. 

What Can You Do with AutoCAD?

The industry-standard software for CAD and drafting, AutoCAD enables users to create, edit, and collaborate across desktop, web, and mobile devices. With AutoCAD, you can produce precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, electrical diagrams, construction drawings, interior designs, and more. 

AutoCAD is a versatile software featuring many industry-specific tools and features. It makes the design process more accessible through its many automation and customization tools. AutoCAD is a popular and vital tool for professionals in many industries, including interior design, project management, machining, manufacturing, architectural design, and engineering. The software allows team members to share and collaborate seamlessly on projects across their devices from anywhere. 

For example, an Architect can use AutoCAD to create a detailed floor plan for a client’s new house. They can measure and place doors and windows accurately. Plus, AutoCAD’s 3D tools can turn the 2D plan into a 3D model, allowing clients to virtually walk through the house before it’s even built.

Civil Engineers can utilize AutoCAD to design a bridge. They can draw the bridge’s support structures and calculate their load-bearing capacities to find out how much weight each part can handle. This ensures that the bridge is safe for cars and people.

A Product Designer can put AutoCAD to use when designing a new electronic device. 3D modeling features can visualize how the device will look from different angles, helping them to refine the design before production.

AutoCAD can be used in the entertainment industry, too, to design sets, stage layouts, and lighting. It helps set designers create detailed and functional sets for theaters, concerts, and film productions. Lighting designers can simulate and test out lighting effects to achieve the desired effects.

As you can see, the applications for AutoCAD are many, and its usefulness is only increasing as technologies and industries become more innovative. Becoming certified in AutoCAD can make you more marketable in a variety of fields and help you create a fulfilling and successful career. 

What Careers Can You Pursue with an AutoCAD Certification?

Often referred to as a CAD Drafter, an expert in AutoCAD could work in a variety of industries. Mechanical Engineers might use it to create manufacturing processes and design motor parts, robots, and other innovative objects. Electrical Engineers could use it to map out electrical systems, while Civil Engineers might use it to help design bridges and roads. Other jobs that utilize AutoCAD are Architects, Interior Designers, and Fine Artists. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the median salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $96,000, while an Electrical Engineer makes around $103,000 and a Civil Engineer makes $89,000. If you lack the education or experience for these higher-level roles, you could become an AutoCAD Designer and make approximately $66,000 starting out. Similarly, an AutoCAD Drafter can make around $61,000, with the potential to earn upwards of $85,000 with a few years of experience. 

AutoCAD is instrumental in designing products and projects in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, healthcare, and energy, so you could find fulfilling work in any of these fields with an AutoCAD certification. And, with companies varying like Disney, Hyundai Motor Group, and Blox leveraging AutoCAD, you could even end up working for a well-known and established employer.

Do I Need to be Certified to Have a Career?

The answer depends on what your plans entail. Many jobs won’t require certification but it may be worth it to earn this prestigious credential if you hope to pursue higher-level positions and set yourself apart from other candidates to future employers. And, as we discussed above, there are many benefits to learning AutoCAD even if you are established in your field. Mechanical Engineers, Architects, and many more roles won’t need an AutoCAD certification to get started but may require it down the line as your job responsibilities grow and change.

There’s no doubt there are many benefits to earning an AutoCAD certification. By passing the exam, you’ll have written proof for employers that you have the skills and experience necessary to fill a position. In addition, Autodesk allows certified professionals to list their names and credentials in a national AutoCAD database that employers use to find job candidates. Not only does the certification add credibility to your resume, but you also gain access to the Autodesk-Certified Professional logo and digital badge, which you can use to market yourself or your freelance business.

It’s important to remember that taking the exam will require some preparation and cost. Autodesk offers a variety of certification paths, so you’ll also want to make sure you choose the one that matches your experience level. Researching job listings in your chosen career path can help you discern what certifications and experience potential employers will require.

How to Get Certified in AutoCAD

There are a few ways to get certified in AutoCAD. First, you’ll need to get familiar with the software and build your confidence as an AutoCAD designer. You can do this directly through Autodesk or you could attend one of the many AutoCAD trainings available through various universities and training schools. Once you are knowledgeable, you can take the AutoCAD certification test of your choosing through Autodesk. Gaining an AutoCAD certification can help open up new and lucrative opportunities in your chosen career path. Below is a brief outline of the steps to take to get started on your certification:

• Choose the certification that works for you. Autodesk offers several paths to certification depending on your experience level and chosen design field. Explore your options and decide which exam you want to take. Your choice of exam will depend upon your career field and current level of expertise in AutoCAD. Each certification has its own training requirements and costs so it’s important to keep those in mind as well.
• Take a course to help prepare for the exam. Noble Desktop’s hands-on AutoCAD classes will give you the technical skills necessary to help you prepare for the exam. There are also other training courses available through various universities and training schools (like Udemy and Coursera). You can also explore YouTube tutorials and other online resources to familiarize yourself with the software, but these typically will not provide the depth of knowledge required for the certification exams. Remember, you will need at least 150 hours of AutoCAD software experience to take the first level of Autodesk’s AutoCAD certification, so a more in-depth training course is your best and most efficient route to becoming AutoCAD certified. 
• Research the exam and get prepared. Autodesk offers many resources on its website, including video tutorials, blogs, and practice tests to help get you comfortable with the exam questions. Some training courses will include free mock exams so you can get familiar with the test format as well. Practicing for the exam can help eliminate any test-taking nerves you may have when it comes time to take the actual certification exam. 
• Now you’re ready! You can register for the certification exam on the Autodesk website. The exam features 45-60 questions and will take about 120 minutes to complete. The fee is $200, and certifications are valid for three years. Once your results have been calculated, you’ll be sent a digital badge confirming that you passed the exam and are now a certified AutoCAD designer. 

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

If you’re considering learning more about AutoCAD to advance within your current career or to start a new job, you may consider pursuing a certification or certificate. Knowledge and experience in the field are essential whether you are a college student looking for your first professional gig or an experienced worker trying to switch careers.

AutoCAD certification courses can bridge the experience gap between graduating and getting hired and gaining certification in programming is a good way to show your prior work experience to hiring managers. Certifications typically involve a student signing up for an exam (administered by a third party), preparing for it, and then sitting for the test. Those who pass the exam earn certification in AutoCAD, which is a great way to demonstrate your mastery.

Certifications are often required by various employers to prove that you have continuing competency in ever-evolving tools and technology. They are a tried-and-tested method of proving one’s competence in a chosen field and, because of this, some employers will often cover the cost of these certifications and exams, eliminating the need for you to financially invest in this continuing education. 

On the other hand, a certificate in AutoCAD is a completion-based program. Often offered by continuing education programs at colleges and universities, participants in certificate programs learn to use AutoCAD for careers in engineering, design, architecture, and more. You can also find certificate programs held by educational providers like Coursera, Udemy, and various others. These intensive programs are designed to make you well-versed in using AutoCAD for a variety of real-world tasks and often result in a portfolio of work that you can present to potential employers. 

How long will it take to become AutoCAD certified?

There are several factors to consider when estimating how much time it will take to get certified. Course length, hours of first-hand experience, and the certification exam’s length all impact how quickly you can become AutoCAD certified.

The length of AutoCAD courses can vary widely, but you can expect them to last anywhere from a few months to a year. These in-depth courses will allow you to work directly with AutoCAD software to gain the technical skills necessary to work with it professionally. Additionally, you’ll be able to create a portfolio of work to prove your competency to future employers. 

According to Autodesk, it’s recommended that you have 1200 hours of real-world AutoCAD software experience, but the minimum required is 400. They also recommend you have a general understanding of the following topics:

• Drawing and organizing objects
• Drawing with accuracy
• Advanced editing functions
• Advanced layouts, printing, and alternative outputs
• Annotation techniques
• Reusable content and drawing management

Finally, it’s important to consider the time it will take to study and then take the test. The AutoCAD exam consists of 45-60 questions and typically takes around 120 minutes to complete. You can take the exam online or in person at a Pearson VUE Testing Center near you. Once your exam results have been calculated and you have passed, you will be emailed a digital badge that showcases your skills and validates your abilities with potential employers in your resume and on professional networking sites.

How hard is it to become AutoCAD certified?

According to the Home Design Institute of Paris, the AutoCAD exam is considered quite difficult by prospective test-takers. A comprehensive certification exam, it covers a wide range of topics related to computer-aided design, drafting, and engineering topics. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and is intended to measure the applicant's ability to understand and apply AutoCAD principles.

To pass the AutoCAD certification exam, you’ll need a good understanding of the software and its functions. It’s best if you’ve mastered the basic commands such as zoom, pan, rotate, scale, and edit. Additionally, applicants should be familiar with plotting and plotting operations; be able to create and modify objects; know how to create dimensioning, annotations, and labels; and understand the principles of AutoCAD layer management.

While the exam may be challenging and learning the software can take substantial time, becoming certified in AutoCAD is an achievable goal. The key to success is understanding the fundamentals of AutoCAD, being willing to practice with the software, studying text material extensively, and taking part in AutoCAD coursework or tutorials.

Is it worth it to become AutoCAD certified?

An Autodesk certification can help you succeed in your career by providing benefits to both you and your employer. A reliable validation of your skills and knowledge, Autodesk Certification can lead to accelerated professional development, improved productivity, and enhanced credibility in your field. It’s a great way to gauge your overall software knowledge, challenge yourself to become better, and assure yourself that all your time and effort is well spent. 

Used by more than 10 million professionals in 185 countries, AutoCAD is a widely adopted software program. An Autodesk Certified User certification validates the entry-level skills needed to effectively use AutoCAD software, like creating or plotting drawings, editing objects, working with layouts, etc. Certification also proves that you won’t require your employer to train you on this widely-used software, saving them time and money and showing your versatility. 

Overall, an AutoCAD certification is worth the time, effort, and financial investment. If you’re ready to dive into learning, read below to investigate some of the top certifications and certificates available in AutoCAD. 

Top Certifications & Certificates for AutoCAD

You can prepare for the latest AutoCAD certification exams by taking comprehensive courses taught by Noble Desktop’s industry experts. Noble offers hands-on AutoCAD classes for learners at all levels (you can read more about them in the next section of this article). You can also learn AutoCAD through Autodesk or a variety of universities and training schools. Autodesk will be discussed first, so keep reading below to learn more.

In addition to basic and advanced AutoCAD training, Noble Desktop also offers an AutoCAD certification program that includes all of the training that even an AutoCAD novice would need to become familiar with the program and the opportunity to sit for the AutoCAD certification exam at the end of the course. All of the lessons are built around preparing students to complete the exam and you’ll get all of the hands-on experience you need to feel comfortable taking the exam. In addition, students will be able to schedule up to six hours of private tutoring sessions with their instructors to help them get personalized support and feedback in preparation for the exam. As a part of the course registration, students will be signed up to take the AutoCAD certification exam and they will have the opportunity for a free retake (of both the class and the exam). If you aren’t interested in sitting for the exam, you can also receive an additional three-hour private tutoring session.

AutoDesk Certification Paths

The Autodesk AutoCAD certification is considered the industry-standard across all design fields. Autodesk offers several certification paths depending on which career path you are pursuing. The following are the four levels of certification: 

• Autodesk Certified User (ACU): Developed for secondary students, non-English speakers in all industries, and those using Maya & 3ds Max, this certification validates and highlights foundational Autodesk software skills and knowledge. This course requires 150 hours of relevant Autodesk software experience. The exam will be taken through Certiport, a third-party certification and testing company. 
• Autodesk Certified Associate (ACA): For beginners and intermediate users hoping to increase their skills and pursue an AutoCAD career. At least 150 hours of AutoCAD experience are required to complete this certification.

• Autodesk Certified Professional: Developed for those with advanced skills who can solve complex challenges in workflow and design. Geared toward advanced-level users looking to stand out in the competitive job market, this program requires 400 to 1,200 hours of AutoCAD software experience. 

• Autodesk Certified Expert: This top-level certification program is designed for experienced users hoping to pursue leadership positions or boost their current advanced skills. Users must have 400 to 1,200 hours of AutoCAD experience to complete this certification.

Autodesk also offers advanced AutoCAD certifications for specific fields of design like civil 3D or drafting design. However, before taking any certification exams, Autodesk recommends a general understanding of CAD topics, including drawing and organizing objects, advanced editing functions, layouts and printing, and annotation techniques. 

Other AutoCAD Trainings 

Several other universities and organizations also offer AutoCAD certification courses. Penn Foster offers a course called Online AutoCAD Career Diploma that is both regionally and nationally accredited. This course is designed to help you build the drafting and software skills that can help you take the next steps toward a new career. You will be able to download a student version of the software and learn essential skills such as the basic application of AutoCAD®, some advanced AutoCAD ® techniques, and more. This program is self-paced, allowing you to decide how long you want your training to take and when you will access on-demand lessons.

Certstaffix offers three various training paths: AutoCAD Essentials, AutoCAD Advanced, and AutoCAD Combo (Essentials and Advanced). These trainings are offered online and can be live and instructor-led or self-paced. Each of these classes is task-based and focuses on real-world scenarios and challenges that students face in their daily environments. You can quickly build the necessary skills so you can understand and use the program to its full capabilities. Included in the price of these courses is a six-month retake, certificate of completion and digital badge, and access to Certstaffix software labs for the duration of your course. 

The New York Institute of Art and Design offers a course called Online AutoCAD Certificate that’s intended for experienced designers who want to learn a new skill or complete beginners, too. Created to teach the skills necessary to become a professional AutoCAD user, this course prepares students to take the AutoCAD certification exam through Autodesk. You’ll learn to describe the fundamental elements of the AutoCAD environment, master the different commands used to view drawings, and create line drawings and objects using commands, layers, and macros. 

You’ll also master selecting and modifying objects, modifying object properties and drafting settings, performing object snaps in AutoCAD, and using AutoCAD’s dimensioning tools. Additionally, you’ll become familiar with templates, blocks, external references, and so much more. Course registration includes 24/7 access to course materials, one-on-one feedback from a professional designer, access to a team of advisors, and 14 days to review the course risk-free.

ONLC has an on-demand virtual training called AutoCAD Complete which consists of their Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 courses. You’ll have 12 months of access to the video lessons featuring demonstrations of key features and concepts, step-by-step procedures that establish workflows for end-users, and hands-on practice exercises, including provided datasets. You’ll need the AutoCAD software, a high-speed internet connection, and Windows OS. An understanding of basic design or drafting procedures and terminology is also recommended. If you’d prefer live online classes, you can sign each of the individual courses that make up this series one at a time.

Oklahoma State University offers AutoCAD Certification Training that provides a curriculum focused on AutoCAD software, starting with the basics and progressing to the creation of construction documents. You’ll also have access to hands-on, real-world optional projects to help you obtain the skills needed to develop high-quality construction documents using state-of-the-art professional workflows. Upon completion of this course, you will receive a voucher for the Autodesk AutoCAD User certification exam. You’ll need a PC with Windows 7 or later, the latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. Adobe Acrobat Reader, and Microsoft Word Online. (AutoCAD software is provided to you for the duration of the course upon enrollment.).

If you’re looking for something quick, you could try out Udemy’sAutoCad prep course which includes a free mock exam. This course is made up of 15.5 hours of on-demand videos and can be accessed on both mobile and TV. There are 244 lectures in total that cover topics like specific and technical details for the certification exam; drawing, modifying, and drawing tools; organizing objects and adding annotations; and layout and printing. No prior knowledge of AutoCAD is required but you will need a Windows operating system to attend. You’ll receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course and can then confidently take the Autodesk certification exam. 

Imaginit Technologies has a training called AutoCAD: Fundamentals designed to enable students to create a basic 2D drawing in the AutoCAD software. You’ll explore the tools used to annotate drawings by adding text, hatching, dimensions, and tables. You’ll also gain experience with more advanced tools by working with blocks and setting up layouts. The second half of the course will focus on using more advanced editing and construction techniques, adding parametric constraints to objects, creating local and global blocks, setting up layers, styles, and templates, and attaching external references. A working knowledge of basic design and drafting procedures and terminology, as well as I general understanding of your operating system, are required for this course. 

AutoCAD Fundamentals Certificate at The University of Arizona is a self-paced online program that covers all aspects of 2D Computer Aided Drafting and Design. You’ll master the basic 3D modeling concepts, ensuring you will have a sound fundamental understanding of both 2D and 3D skills for working with AutoCAD. Included in this course are 144 hours of self-paced online training, a free AutoCAD license from Autodesk, and a certificate of completion from the University of Arizona Continuing & Professional Education upon successful completion of the program. By the end of this course, you’ll be prepared to take the Autodesk Certified User Exam.

Learn AutoCAD with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers a variety of AutoCAD classes for learners at all levels. Whether you take an online course from home or attend an in-person class at Noble’s Manhattan campus, you’ll get up-to-the-minute hands-on training from leading industry experts. In addition, Noble’s courses are taught in small groups and include an optional free retake for students within a year.

Noble’s AutoCAD Level 1 course for beginners provides an overview of all the basics, like printing and plotting layouts and sheets, working between model and paper space, and scaling drawings through viewports. You’ll also learn how to insert blocks, make text, create dimensional drawings, and work with layers and templates. Because this is an introductory course that provides you with a strong foundation of basic AutoCAD skills, there are no required prerequisites.

AutoCAD Level 2 builds upon the fundamentals and teaches you how to create more technical and advanced projects. You’ll master creating templates with defined layouts by setting units, drawing limits, and using scales. You’ll also learn how to use the interface to complete advanced layer and block techniques. Consisting of 12 hours of hands-on instruction and live project-based training from industry experts, you’ll be a confident AutoCAD designer by the end of Level 2. 

Noble’s AutoCAD Bootcamp combines all the topics from Levels 1 and 2 for a comprehensive overview of everything you’ll need to master the software. In addition, you’ll learn how to create drawings that you can use to build real-world objects and get valuable feedback from instructors in real time, whether you participate virtually or in person. Composed of 30 hours of hands-on instruction, you also get one free retake within a year and a verified digital certificate of completion.

Note for Level 1, Level 2, and the Bootcamp: Each of these courses is designed for PC users and Noble Desktop’s in-person classes are PC-only. Mac users may attend online but the Mac AutoCAD graphic interface is different from the PC version, which is what the instructor will use and what the class will focus on.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in design, drafting, or engineering, consider earning an AutoCAD Professional Certification. This certification is industry-recognized and can help accelerate your career opportunities. Autodesk offers specialized AutoCAD certifications in architecture, engineering, construction, product design, and manufacturing. Noble’s AutoCAD courses are a great way to prepare for these prestigious certifications.