What is AutoCAD? This computer-aided design (CAD) software program developed by Autodesk is widely used in a number of industries, and it is considered the industry standard by architects, engineers, drafters, designers, and other professionals to create 2D and 3D drawings and models. AutoCAD is used in various industries such as architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and product design, so the demand for cad classes is huge as more and more people seek to build their skills and become more attractive to clients or employers.
How Is AutoCAD Used
This software is known across the world for being the gold standard for technical and digital drawings. Taking an AutoCAD course can help people to get to grips with the basics and use the software to its full potential, and it is a very good thing to put on a resume.
AutoCAD offers a comprehensive set of tools and features for creating, editing, and annotating drawings with precision and accuracy. It is a bit like the Photoshop of technical and 3D drawings. Users can generate detailed technical drawings, architectural plans, mechanical designs, electrical schematics, and other graphical representations of objects and structures.
Basic AutoCAD Skills
When it comes to learning AutoCAD, people tend to focus on the basics first, and these make up many of the AutoCAD courses, whether you are learning online or within a university. Some of the skills you will learn include:
- Drawing tools: AutoCAD provides a variety of drawing tools for creating lines, shapes, arcs, circles, polygons, and other geometric elements. Users can specify precise dimensions, angles, and coordinates for accurate drafting.
- Editing tools: Users can easily edit and modify drawings using a range of editing tools such as move, copy, rotate, scale, mirror, and trim. Additionally, AutoCAD offers advanced editing features like chamfer, offset, and array for more complex edits and tweaks.
- Layers: Like many photo editing and graphic design tools, AutoCAD uses layers, each containing specific objects or elements. Layer management tools enable users to control visibility, color, linetype, and other properties of individual layers, making it easier to manage complex drawings.
- 2D and 3D tools: AutoCAD is used for 2D drafting and 3D modeling, allowing users to create three-dimensional models of objects, buildings, and mechanical components. Users can extrude, revolve, loft, sweep, and manipulate 3D solids and surfaces to visualize designs in three dimensions.
- Sharing and collaboration: AutoCAD enables collaboration among multiple users by allowing them to work on the same drawing simultaneously using cloud-based collaboration tools.
Learning AutoCAD
Learning how to use AutoCAD is something that is a little bit confusing. Knowing the best way to learn AutoCAD is especially challenging due to the fact that there are many different ways to get to grips with it.
Some people learn AutoCAD on the job, for instance. Someone may be talented and able to use AutoCAD to a high standard without any form of AutoCAD certification.
Autodesk provides specific AutoCAD certification courses Through their own website, they provide a way to learn AutoCAD, often based on the specific industry and uses.
The examinations are either taken online or at one of the many Pearson VUE Testing Centers throughout the US. Certification is valid for three years, and may be used as part of the job application criteria for those who want to learn AutoCAD.
The specifical AutoCAD certification courses include:
- Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting
- Autodesk 3ds Max
- Autodesk Maya
There are four different categories of certification that fall under the official AutoCAD courses. Whether this is the best way to learn AutoCAD is up for debate, but there is definitely value in being able to share the certification. The four levels of their courses are listed below, along with the manufacturer’s descriptions:
Autodesk Certified User
Developed for high school students and non-English speakers in all industries, this certification validates and highlights foundational Autodesk software skills and knowledge.
Autodesk Certified Associate
Designed for students in higher education and others with essential knowledge and skills in Autodesk software who are ready to enter the job market or pursue a new career path.
Autodesk Certified Professional
For candidates with advanced skills and can solve complex challenges, this certification helps candidates stand out and succeed in a competitive job market.
Autodesk Certified Expert
For candidates to showcase their in-depth knowledge, the expert-level certification signals leadership and commitment to mastering skills in leading-edge workflows.
Where Else Can You Learn AutoCAD
Autodesk’s online cad courses are only one of the methods of learning the software, and the basics such as AutoCAD commands and basic tools.
Some of the other options for AutoCAD courses are explored below. Many of the courses out there are ways to learn AutoCAD online rather than in-person. This is the kind of software that can be learned through tutorials and AutoCAD web resources and webinars, so this means that AutoCAD students can be located all over the US.
Technical Institute of America
The Technical Institute of America offers AutoCAD courses that allow even absolute beginners to learn the basics. AutoCAD Level 1 Training Course is an example of one of the courses they offer.
The institute also offers level 2 and 3 training courses. They are taught with a real instructor, and an Autodesk Certified Instructor walks you through the basics. Unlike some of the other courses, this can be completed on AutoCAD for Mac as well as Windows. Unfortunately, you don’t get the certification for taking this course, but can potentially arrange to separately take certification exams.
Contact Information
- 📞 Phone: (800) 490-7341
- 📩 Email: info@tiaedu.com
The University of Arizona
Another organization offering online courses in AutoCAD is the University of Arizona. You don’t have to be physically located in Arizona to take the course.
People who take the beginner course also get an AutoCAD student license from Autodesk at the time of enrollment, which can help with the AutoCAD costs (it isn’t cheap).
Those who complete the course don’t get a specific certification from Autodesk, but do get a Certificate of Completion from University of Arizona Continuing & Professional Education to show that they have studied AutoCAD with the university.
Students can register for the course and then have access to loads of learning resources as well as discussion forums to ask questions. They have 3 months to complete the training program but it is self-led, so there are not weekly lessons or structured course times.
Contact Information
- 📞 Phone: +1 520-621-2211
- 📩 Email: uace-info@arizona.edu
UC San Diego Extended Studies
For those who really want to learn quickly, the UC San Diego Extended Studies course could be ideal. Some of their courses are relatively short, but they take place with a tutor, who connects with the students online. There are four different enrollments through the year, in spring, summer, fall, and winter, and this allows people to choose a convenient time for them. It takes 2.5 weeks to complete, but not all of this is contact time with the tutor. Some of it is simply time spent on individual learning and using the specific resources that UC San Diego makes available for students.
Contact Information
- 📞 Phone: +1 858-534-3400
- 📩 Email: unex-reg@ucsd.edu.
Ledet Training
Ledet training is another option for those who want to take courses in AutoCAD, with options for beginners as well as more advanced learners.
Ledet Training operates authorized training centers for Autodesk as well as many other companies, and they operate from locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, San Diego, and Washington DC, meaning there may be a Ledet center nearby. The company consistently gets good reviews and works with some very talented trainers and experienced professionals.
Contact Information
- 📞 Phone: 770-414-5007
- 📩 Email: webmaster@ledet.com
AutoCAD as Part of Your Degree
AutoCAD students may learn the software as part of their degree. If you are attending a college, then there are certain mechanical, design, and engineering courses that include AutoCAD classes. This can help people to gain the skills they need in order to get a career that uses the software.
Degree courses can assist with applied use of AutoCAD, and allow you to learn in a way that is relevant to the industry you might want to work in. We’ve already seen that AutoCAD is useful in a variety of industries, so people may need to take on specific knowledge.
AutoCAD Lessons with Superprof
AutoCAD doesn’t have one simple route to training, there are numerous methods to learn the software and even multiple routes to AutoCAD accreditation. Superprof boasts a number of autocad classes near me who can help students to learn how to use AutoCAD, whether it is a case of picking up the very basics or you are looking to work on your AutoCAD skills for your career.
Reach out to a tutor today to get started!
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