How Much is an AutoCAD Course?

AutoCAD courses vary in cost just as they do other factors. Mainly, the cost of any course will vary depending on its length, the level of advancement, and the course provider. Additionally, the delivery method may play a role in the cost as well, as some on-demand courses are less expensive because they offer less interaction. Although some may imagine the most expensive option is the best, that isn’t necessarily the case. While it’s true that many expensive courses offer a thorough education, their usefulness could ultimately depend on whether you need to learn only the basics, advance to the next level of expertise, or gain professional-level knowledge. Lastly, you should consider your budget and how much you would be willing to spend. Some courses are more expensive but offer payment plans and flexible pricing options.

However, any time and money spent on professional training is well-spent and pays off exponentially in the long run. The cost can often indicate what the student will learn as well. If it is a cheaper course option, it’s likely shorter which likely means it only covers beginner, intermediate, or advanced level skills as opposed to all at once. In addition, more costly options also indicate the student will have additional benefits such as additional mentoring sessions, job interview practice, portfolio feedback, and occasionally the ability to retake the course at no extra cost within a determined period. University programs, of course, are the most expensive option out there and therefore not ideal for everyone. Likewise, there are free and low-cost options, but these mainly consist of supplemental resources that can help with the occasional question but do not provide an expert-level understanding of AutoCAD.

University and College Classes

Although universities do not offer degrees in AutoCAD specifically, majoring in a field (such as engineering, interior design, and architecture, to name a few) will require students to learn AutoCAD. Enrolling in a degree program is notoriously expensive, with many spending tens of thousands of dollars, sometimes into the hundreds of thousands, to earn a degree. Many community colleges and even some larger universities offer certificate classes through their continuing education program, but these are not degree-based. These certificate classes can be costly but are all in all far less expensive. If you have ample funds, time, and resources, university programs may be a viable and worthwhile option; however, for many, this path is not realistic, preferred, or even necessary. Some just need to gain skills in AutoCAD alone rather than knowledge in all the other topics and subjects within the university programs. If this applies to you, a bootcamp, certificate course, or other professional training class will be more worthwhile and far less costly.

Professional Development Bootcamps

One way to receive a thorough education while providing a balance of expense for the material gained is to enroll in a professional development class, such as a bootcamp. These courses are still somewhat costly, usually ranging in the high hundreds to thousands; however, this is far less costly than university options while being far more in-depth and immersive than a stand-alone class. Bootcamps focus on career development, professional training, and industry-standard techniques. They also prepare students for job search and interview by providing mock interviews, industry insight, and job position expectations. In addition, bootcamps aid in portfolio development through projects rooted in real-life work scenarios and assignments. Many also help students prepare for certification exams, which may be necessary to pass depending on the individual’s intended career. Plus, many training centers provide flexible payment plans and financing options. Although still somewhat costly, bootcamps are an investment that pays off in the long run.

Live Training Classes

Live training classes are a less costly option because they are shorter and cover less information than a bootcamp. However, many training centers offer courses in varying levels of advancement, so students can typically take more than a few classes in succession or spread out over time. Much like a bootcamp, however, these live training classes still foster an interactive space and allow students to complete hands-on projects and experience realistically using AutoCAD in real-world scenarios. In addition, live training classes can be delivered in person or a live online setting, so students have options that work best for them depending on their schedule and preferences. Students can also take multiple live training classes to prepare for a bootcamp or even a certification exam. These classes are great for students who want to lay a foundation for their AutoCAD skills while not spending an egregious amount of money.

On-Demand Classes

An asynchronous option also exists for particular students who don’t require such intense instruction or those who can’t dedicate much time or effort to learning. These are called on-demand classes, which are self-paced options. Instead of attending traditional classes, the student will study on their own. In particular, they will gloss through reading materials, watch pre-recorded lectures, and complete assignments with the help of different tutorials. This delivery method is often a far less costly option for students for several reasons. First, students will have an entirely hands-off experience or guidance. While many on-demand course providers offer students support, the student learns without the expert help of an instructor. As a result, this method is generally considered ill-fit for a beginner who will more likely have extensive questions and encounter moments of confusion. On the other hand, an expert who needs a refresher or update on industry-relevant standards could benefit from an on-demand course. These classes are incredibly cost-effective, with some ranging from 15 dollars to somewhere over 100 dollars. Overall, on-demand classes are useful for some but not all. It generally depends on your specific goals and current skill level.

Free Resources and Their Purpose

Anyone can access free learning materials online. With the click of a button, you can find websites, social media pages, blogs, discussion boards, and other free resources. For instance, YouTube likely has users who focus their efforts entirely on teaching tips and tricks for AutoCAD. Additionally, Noble Desktop’s free seminar page offers pre-recorded lectures on various subjects, including AutoCAD and related design software. Sometimes, articles and other online texts can provide more knowledge about the theory and purpose behind computer-aided design. It’s good to know that such resources exist whether you’re a professional or just starting your AutoCAD learning journey. However, these resources aren’t effective in providing students with a thorough understanding of AutoCAD and all its uses, features, and tools. Still, these resources have their time and place and are effective for answering quick questions or gaining a little more clarification.

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.