AutoCAD is a software commonly used by Engineers and Designers to create and test the designs of products, construction projects, and vehicles, among others.Once you’ve decided to learn AutoCAD, the next important question is deciding how you plan to learn these skills. Most students find that they learn better when they receive guided training, and there is no shortage of available options for students to receive guidance in their AutoCAD training. To learn more about the different AutoCAD training options and what advantages and disadvantages they carry with them, read on.

What is AutoCAD?

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. As a result, millions of professionals across several industries rely daily on this powerful, collaborative software.

Read more about what AutoCAD is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with AutoCAD Skills?

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 easier 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.

Why Training Format Matters

Training can come in a variety of formats, and no singular one is specific to AutoCAD. Each form has its advantages and drawbacks, and ultimately, which training format is best depends on individual preference. Schedule, learning style, and training goals are key factors that commonly influence the type of training individuals choose. 

Types of Training Formats

The main types of training include in-person, online, and on-demand. Online classes are popular due to their accessibility, and on-demand works well for individuals with busy schedules. However, in-person classes are argued to be the most interactive. 

Live In-Person Classes

In-person training is the most personable training format. Students and instructions can interact directly with one another. For some students, this environment eliminates possible distractions and improves cognitive focus. Unlike a virtual environment, this personability may allow some instructors to identify struggling students more quickly. Some students may feel more inclined to ask for assistance. 

In-person AutoCAD classes only last a day or two. Options are available for both beginner and intermediate learners. Noble Desktop offers a variety of AutoCAD courses. Introduction to AutoCAD covers how to draw and modify objects within the program. Individuals wanting to learn more can attend AutoCAD Level 1, where they will learn drawing techniques as well as how to insert advanced objects, add dimensions, and set up projects for printing. AutoCAD Level 2 is intended for intermediate learners and teaches advanced techniques for working with blocks, layouts, styles, and using references. Advanced learners may attend AutoCAD Level 3, where they’ll discover how to work with dynamic blocks, sheet sets, and customization tools. An additional 3D Modeling in AutoCAD course is also available.

Live Online Classes

Availability is the primary draw of online classes. Unlike in-person classes, they don’t require a commute. And while students are limited to whatever in-person courses are available nearest them, students can attend online courses available anywhere in the world. Students may also choose to learn in any environment preferable to them, whether it be their home office, favorite coffee shop, or another study area. Online courses also tend to have flexible schedules, making them more accessible for students with busy schedules. Regarding interactivity, live online courses seek to replicate the collaborative environment of in-person classes by allowing students and instructors to interact in real-time.

There are several live online AutoCAD classes available. All of Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD classes are available online from anywhere and feature live instructors and hands-on projects. Noble Dekstop’s AutoCAD bootcamp offers all of the content of their AutoCAD Level 1 and Level 2 courses combined at a discount. 

On-Demand Classes

For students with demanding responsibilities and schedules, in-person and live online classes may prove too challenging to keep up with. The main advantage of on-demand courses is that students can control their own learning schedules. However, students also take control of their curriculum and go without instructors or peers, which can aid in providing a collaborative or structured learning experience. While on-demand classes may provide students with the materials they need to learn a topic, it’s up to the individual how much they gain from these tools. 

Students interested in on-demand classes on AutoCAD can review Noble Desktop’s Get Started in Design seminar. The free course provides an overview of different types of digital design, including graphic design, web design, UX design, UI design, and motion design. While AutoCAD isn’t explicitly covered in this seminar, students will gain an understanding of digital design concepts that are related and can apply to the use of AutoCAD.

Free Courses

Students can, if they choose, pursue learning AutoCAD for free online. Such courses often cover overviews of a topic and how to perform specific tasks. Free lessons on AutoCAD are available through skill-sharing websites such as YouTube, Coursera, and Udemy. However, these courses are often less than ideal. Instruction is usually given on older versions of AutoCAD, and instruction doesn’t cover more advanced techniques. Because of this, free courses are best suited to beginning learners who seek to learn the basics or students who want to learn more about a topic before committing to paid learning. Free courses are not recommended for students wishing to advance their skills to boost their careers. 

Depth of Training Formats

When choosing the right training format for you, you’ll want to consider your overall training goals. For students wishing to advance their careers, certificate programs are ideal. Students who desire to deep-dive into a topic, regardless of career growth, may be best served by bootcamp programs. Lastly, students who aren’t sure about their commitment to a subject would be best suited to introductory courses. 

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are usually the longest training formats, lasting from several weeks to a few months. These courses provide in-depth training on a topic and teach industry concepts and techniques necessary for students wanting to enter the field. They also offer career assistance, such as portfolio and resume workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and job search preparation. The cost of certificate programs generally ranges around a few thousand dollars. 

Noble Desktop does not currently offer a certificate program that includes training in AutoCAD. However, the Graphic Design Certificate is an adjacent program that teaches design theory and concepts that every professional Designer should know. Students will learn Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, computer-aided design programs that provide similar benefits to AutoCAD in improving productivity and accuracy. Some Graphic Designers even prefer to use AutoCAD over other programs for creating 2D or 3D models related to their work. Students interested in AutoCAD can gain an understanding of design theory and computer-aided design programs as well as support for advancing their career through attending the Graphic Design Certificate.

Training Bootcamps

Training bootcamps are similar to certificate programs in that they cover a topic in depth. However, they do not provide career assistance or industry insights. The curriculum offered in training bootcamps may also differ slightly from certificate programs. Since they focus on deep-diving into a topic, they may teach additional techniques not considered essential for career seekers. Bootcamps are usually shorter and cheaper than certificate programs. 

Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD Bootcamp walks students through beginner to intermediate techniques. Students learn how to draw and edit designs, work with layers, insert blocks, and format projects for printing. Advanced concepts are built upon in each area. Students will leave the course feeling confident in their abilities with the program.

Introductory Courses

Introductory courses cover the basics of a topic and are often the shortest and cheapest course options available. They are best suited to students who wish to test their interest in a topic or only wish to learn the fundamentals. Otherwise, a bootcamp or certificate program is more beneficial and cost-effective in the long run. Introductory courses usually only last around a day or two and cost around a few hundred dollars. 

Noble Desktop provides two options for students seeking introductory instruction in AutoCAD. Introduction to AutoCAD is a brief course that focuses exclusively on drawing and editing designs based on real-life objects. Students interested in learning beyond these essentials may take AutoCAD Level 1 instead. This course covers all the previous introduction course's drawing techniques and how to insert advanced objects, add dimensions, and set up projects for printing. 

Learn AutoCAD Skills with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers a variety of AutoCAD classes for learners at all levels. Whether you attend online or in-person, you’ll get 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 provides an overview of the basics. AutoCAD Level 2 builds upon the fundamentals and teaches you to create more technical and advanced projects. Noble’s AutoCAD Bootcamp combines all topics from Levels 1 and 2 for a comprehensive overview of everything you’ll need to master the software.

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.