What is the Fastest Way to Learn AutoCAD?

If you are ready to start your AutoCAD journey as soon as possible, there are ways to learn this software quickly and effectively. You may be learning with the hopes of entering a new field or making a lateral career move. Alternatively, maybe you have to learn AutoCAD for a specific upcoming project at work. Or, you work alongside AutoCAD experts and want to understand the very basics to make workplace discussions and operations go smoothly. Regardless of your reason for learning AutoCAD, you can do so quickly through a variety of different course options. This article will highlight some of the quickest ways to learn more about using AutoCAD.

Free and Low-Cost Resources

Free and low-cost learning resources can be found in myriad places, both in-person and online. For instance, many local libraries have books, pamphlets, and video material that patrons can borrow at their convenience. Among the digital options, users can find website blogs, social media accounts, and accounts dedicated to instruction in various topics and tools. Social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok enable users to make posts or entire accounts that cover AutoCAD for general use or specific career paths. Likewise, Noble Desktop’s free seminar page provides pre-recorded lectures on different subjects and tools, including AutoCAD. This is a quick way to learn relevant AutoCAD terminology and basic tools and functions. Additionally, many classes teach more developed concepts, such as design principles relevant to the field. With a wide variety of resources at little to no cost, these resources are highly desirable learning tools.

However, resources like these should be utilized properly. Although it would be nice, free resources provide an insufficient way to master AutoCAD. Professional development, especially for such hands-on software like AutoCAD, must be gained in a classroom or training setting. Although enticing to use, free resources and low-cost resources cannot be relied upon and are purely supplemental. A freely acquired article or video can be useful for novices and experts alike who need to find quick answers to questions and provide insight into troubleshooting ideas, but this type of resource won’t be able to provide a thorough education such as those in a professional class or bootcamp.

Introductory Classes

Introductory courses lay the foundation for students to build upon. These classes are preferable for anyone who has a tight schedule, strict project deadlines, or zero experience. If you are a total beginner, an introductory class is where you will want to start. In most cases, introductory-level courses can be foundational for students and allow them to gain proficiency and eventually gainful employment. Plus, because introductory classes are usually shorter in length, time spent in class focuses heavily on practical use, which can benefit those with project deadlines at work. Because most introductory courses mainly focus on practical application and allow participants ample practice with the software, they are the ideal starting place for aspiring professionals and some hobbyists, depending on their intended projects. Students often walk away from introductory classes feeling more comfortable navigating the interface and using essential drawing and editing commands in AutoCAD.

These classes start at the beginning and work through the most foundational AutoCAD tools and features in as little time as possible. These classes often take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, which is the perfect amount for anyone who needs to gain essential skills quickly. These classes can occur in-person or virtually, which is a bonus for anyone with varying needs and may determine how long the course lasts. Students often take a few beginner courses in related subjects after completing an introductory AutoCAD class because they are so convenient and thorough. Overall, introductory classes are the starting place for anyone who wants to advance their AutoCAD skills.

Certificate Classes

A certificate class is an immersive and in-depth experience that focuses heavily on career building. They are taught by skilled instructors who often have decades of experience. In an AutoCAD certificate class, a student is likely to complete hands-on projects that are based on a realistic, industry-specific scenario. In fact, students often find that they complete similar projects once they enter the workforce, so the practical experience is beneficial. These courses provide students with extended exposure to complex concepts which makes them well-equipped to handle future computer-aided design projects. Many students search for training centers that award certificates because they can be useful during the job search once added to resumes.

These are lengthier options than regular classes, usually lasting anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. This may depend on the type of course, the provider, and whether you choose a part-time or full-time option. Some short classes offer certificates, but they will vary from provider to provider. While certificate classes may take more time to complete, they are generally considered the best option for someone who wants to learn a wide range of AutoCAD skills in as little time as possible. In addition, students need to know before enrolling in a certificate class that there is a distinct difference between a certificate and a certification. While both are useful to obtain, they indicate different accomplishments. However, many certificate courses help students prepare to take an AutoCAD certification exam. Certificate classes, while lengthier than other options, are effective and provide students with as many skills as possible.

On-Demand Classes

If students are on an especially short time crunch, they can always opt for on-demand classes. This self-paced option allows students to learn at their convenience and is generally a shorter training method than traditional in-person or live online classes. Essentially, on-demand classes require less interaction from the students, which makes the course incredibly hands-off. Students don’t have to attend lectures or participate in discussions. Instead, they review course materials on their own and complete assignments when they are able to fit into their schedule. Due to their hands-off nature, these courses can be a little challenging for beginners and may be more suitable for those with previous or related experience in AutoCAD.

This delivery method differs entirely from one to the other, with some on-demand classes lasting a few days, but others lasting a few months. It will change depending on the course provider, topic, and level of depth. However, it is important to consider the ramifications that come with minimal guidance. Because on-demand classes lack an instructor, students must be highly motivated to complete the material. They will need to avoid procrastination and pace themselves accordingly. And, although many providers offer support for their students, on-demand classes may take up more time than anticipated as students will likely have to take time away from the material to research questions or reach out to the support team for clarification. On-demand classes are quick, but may not be effective depending on your reason for enrolling.

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.