Invented 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 letting you 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 you can access them anywhere at any time.
Before the dawn of computers, designers 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 challenging to interpret. With AutoCAD, you can change and manipulate designs, as well as create a reusable block library to replicate design components. Saved files can be 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 can be downloaded from Autodesk’s website, where you can purchase a subscription to keep up with the latest software versions. There are many 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 Training?
With this industry-standard software for CAD and drafting, you can create, edit, and collaborate across desktop, web, and mobile devices. By using 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, making the design process more accessible through its many automation and customization tools. Because of this, it 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, you could leverage AutoCAD to create a detailed floor plan for a client’s new house, measuring and placing 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.
AutoCAD can also be used to design engineering projects such as bridges. The software allows you to draw the bridge’s support structures and calculate their load-bearing capacities to find out how much weight each part can handle, ensuring the bridge is safe for cars and people.
If you’re designing a new electronic device, AutoCAD can be quite helpful. The 3D modeling features can visualize how the device will look from different angles, helping refine the design before production.
AutoCAD can also be used in the entertainment industry to design sets, stage layouts, and lighting systems. 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 Will I Learn in an AutoCAD Class?
AutoCAD is a multifaceted tool, so it comes as no surprise that there's a lot you can learn in an AutoCAD course. Below is a brief list of the top general skills you’ll master as an AutoCAD student, including both hard and soft skills. All of these will serve you well when applying, interviewing, and working in an AutoCAD role.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Expert communication skills are a must-have for AutoCAD professionals. You will need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders to understand project requirements, manage expectations, and meet deadlines. Employers will prefer candidates who possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to ensure smooth and efficient project delivery as well as positive relationships with team members and stakeholders. Skills like active listening, professionalism, courtesy, flexibility and adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively with team members are all needed to succeed.
Ability to Interpret Technical Drawings & Specifications
Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, like floor plans, elevations, and sections will also be essential for AutoCAD professionals. Familiarity with industry-standard symbols, conventions, and abbreviations used in technical drawings, as well as a keen attention to detail are also helpful skills to have. Understanding of technical specifications, including materials, finishes, and dimensions falls under this umbrella of skills as well.
Advanced 3D Modeling & Drafting Skills
Advanced 3D modeling and drafting skills will help you draft detailed designs, minimizing the need for revisions. Proficiency in these skills while using AutoCAD or other relevant software, as well as knowledge of advanced modeling techniques like parametric modeling and surface modeling, will all be extremely useful. If you can create complex assemblies and parts in 3D and understand 3D printing and prototyping, you’ll be a highly desirable candidate at any company.
Analytical & Technical Problem Solving Skills
The below skills are vital to ensuring that designs are accurate, functional, and meet the client’s needs.
- Experience in troubleshooting and resolving technical problems
- Strong mathematical and spatial reasoning skills
- Proficiency in analysis tools and software
- Ability to identify and address potential design issues
- Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate designs
Attention to Detail & Time Management
Proven ability to work efficiently and effectively while paying close attention to detail will serve you well in any job, but especially as an AutoCAD professional. Having good time management techniques (like prioritization and delegation) and experience working with strict deadlines while producing accurate, high-quality work will be of great value. Of course, strong organizational skills will help you to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, allowing you to error-free deliver projects on time.
How Hard is It to Learn AutoCAD?
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.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning AutoCAD?
There are several things that can be challenging about learning AutoCAD, first and foremost being if you have any previous computer-aided design (CAD) experience. AutoCAD may seem complicated and unfamiliar if you don’t have experience with similar software like SketchUp and MicroStation.
Additionally, the multitude of commands and options can seem overwhelming and take some time to master. AutoCAD is an extremely detailed program that can be used in a variety of ways, so it is made up of many parts. The good news is that you don’t need to master it all at once; learn-as-you-go can easily be implemented with AutoCAD.
While learning a new software always comes with certain challenges, anyone can become an AutoCAD expert with the right determination, passion, and willingness to learn.
How Long Does It Take to Learn AutoCAD?
There are several factors to consider when estimating how much time it will take to get certified. The length of the course, your hours of first-hand experience, and the length of the certification exam will all impact how quickly you can become AutoCAD certified.
The length of AutoCAD courses can vary widely, but they typically last anywhere from a few months to a year. These in-depth courses let you work directly with AutoCAD software to earn the technical skills needed to work with it professionally. Additionally, you’ll be able to create a portfolio of work to prove your competency to potential 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. It can be taken 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.
Should I Learn AutoCAD in Person or Online?
There are many factors to consider when answering this question. The first factor is what learning environment is best suited for you. Do you excel in a collaborative environment where you can interact with your peers and receive instant feedback from your instructor? Or, do you prefer a more solitary learning environment, perhaps one where you can learn at your own speed?
You’ll also want to decide how much time you can commit to your education and what level of flexibility your schedule demands. Are you looking to immerse yourself in an intensive program? Do you work full-time and require your classes to be scheduled for evening and weekend hours?
In-person training offers face-to-face interaction with both your fellow students and your expert instructor. This collaborative environment is available for both full-time and part-time classes and provides structure and accountability, two things that can help you succeed. Online courses may lack this in-person interaction, but they make up for it with increased flexibility. Live virtual classes still offer instant feedback from your instructor and interactions with other students, while on-demand virtual courses allow for the most flexibility since you can decide where and when you learn.
The good news is that, no matter which version you attend, you can obtain a quality AutoCAD education with a top-notch curriculum and expert instructors.
Can I Learn AutoCAD Free Online?
Technically, it is possible to learn AutoCAD for free online. YouTube videos, blogs, and free short workshops can all be a great way to learn the basics without investing financially. (Don’t forget to watch the most recent uploads so you’re learning the latest versions of the software.)
Autodesk, the company that created AutoCAD, has free online tutorials and courses through Autodesk University. Topics cover everything from essential “tips and tricks” to industry-specific tasks and processes. Additionally, there are forums and blogs on the Autodesk website offering connection with peers, and the ability to ask questions and share information about AutoCAD.
Websites like Udemy, Coursera, myCADsite, and CADTutor cover 2D and 3D practice drawings, basic drafting techniques, and other fundamentals. You can also find hundreds of free AutoCAD tutorials on YouTube, covering various topics, including industry-specific videos.
But, when it comes to the more advanced skills, an in-depth training course is going to be your best option. These courses will contain a curriculum developed and taught by experts and offer you the chance to receive feedback or troubleshoot any issues with your instructor or a support team. Formal training can also provide the structure and accountability that some students need to stay focused, creating an environment where you’re more likely to succeed. So, if you’re looking to master more than just the basics, a formal course or class is a better choice than free online resources.
What Should I Learn Alongside AutoCAD?
Learning AutoCAD is a great step toward becoming the Architect or engineer of your dreams, but it’s also helpful to be knowledgeable in additional design software. Other design applications that could be beneficial are Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, and Adobe InDesign. Additionally, Adobe Substance 3D and AutoCAD work together, so mastering this Adobe program can also be beneficial.
Many jobs that require AutoCAD skills may also expect proficiency in additional design software. Plus, regardless of where your career will take you, gaining additional skills will always help you stand out.
Industries That Use AutoCAD
Known as the Queen City, Charlotte is a thriving city full of Southern charm. Home to nearly 900,000 residents (and growing), Charlotte has many robust industries that help to bolster the booming local economy, and many of these will have a continual need for AutoCAD experts. Below are a few of the top industries so you can get an idea for the fields in which you may find work.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing has been around for more than one hundred years. Today, the Charlotte region is home to more than 3,500 manufacturers employing more than 145,000 professionals with growth in sectors like automotive parts, plastics, advanced textiles, biomedical, and energy manufacturing. Its strategic location on the East Coast of the United States, equidistant between New York and Miami, allows the city to have the infrastructure to move goods and people efficiently regardless of mode of transportation.
Financial Services
Home to the second-largest banking center in the U.S., Charlotte has the fastest-growing employment rate in financial services among major metropolitan areas in the past five years. The industry employs 105,000 residents, contributes more than $28 billion to the region’s economy, and is the home to the operations of global financial institutions like Bank of America, Truist, and Wells Fargo.
Life Sciences
Another top contender is the life sciences industry, employing 22,000 employees with 22% growth in the last five years. More than 20 higher education institutions provide training programs specific to life sciences, ensuring a strong talent pool for future growth. And, with more than 60 innovation and research centers located in the region, there are plenty of career opportunities available for those fresh out of college and those established in the field.
Tech Industry
With over 67,000 employees and counting in the tech industry, Charlotte is continuing to attract interest from major tech-focused companies across the US and the globe. Large and small companies alike can benefit greatly from the experienced IT consulting services offered in Charlotte. Solutions like cloud computing support, automation support, network augmentation and monitoring, and data center management can all be provided by the robust local tech industry.
AutoCAD Job Titles and Salaries
Often referred to as a CAD Drafter, an expert in AutoCAD could work in a variety of industries under numerous job titles. 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.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices. AutoCAD is often used by Mechanical Engineers to create manufacturing processes and design motor parts, robots, and other innovative objects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the median salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $96,000, and Charlotte lands just above that at $98,000. With job opportunities projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a Mechanical Engineering role.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers are inventors, designers, and builders who understand how to manipulate currents and voltages in creative ways that advance technology. Like all areas of engineering, this academic discipline is a hands-on field that involves making and improving practical objects. An Electrical Engineer makes around $101,000 in Charlotte, well above the national average.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers might use AutoCAD to help design bridges and roads, streamlining these developments for both the private and public sectors. On average, a Civil Engineer makes $89,000, with the potential to earn much more in a senior role. In Charlotte, you can make anywhere from $88,000 to $103,000 as a Civil Engineer.
AutoCAD Designer or Drafter
If you lack the education or experience for these higher-level roles, you could become an AutoCAD Designer and make approximately $80,000 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 Classes Near Me
There are a few AutoCAD classes available in the Charlotte area, and several additional options are offered virtually.
ONLC’s AutoCAD Level 1: Essentials is designed for those using AutoCAD® or AutoCAD LT® with a Windows operating system. You’ll start with a few basic tools that enable the student to create and edit a simple drawing, and then continue to develop those tools. Throughout the course, you’ll develop an understanding of the AutoCAD workspace and user interface and master basic drawing, editing, and viewing tools. You’ll also learn to organize drawing objects on layers, insert reusable symbols (blocks), prepare a layout to be plotted, and add text, hatching, and dimensions. A working knowledge of basic design or drafting procedures and terminology and being familiar with the Windows operating system are needed for this course.
Ledet Training offers an Autodesk AutoCAD 301 Advanced can be taken online or at Ledet’s Washington D.C. location. Focusing on real-world best practices, increasing efficiency by automating aspects of your workflow, and improving processes using Autodesk’s top recommendations for experienced users, this course starts with the basic AutoCAD tools and techniques that enable you to create and edit simple drawings. You will then develop more advanced skills through more powerful and specialized drawing tools. All topics, including features and commands, relate to both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT unless specifically noted otherwise.
Noble Desktop’sAutoCAD 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 Desktop’sAutoCAD 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
AutoCAD Corporate Training
If you’re looking to offer in-person or online training to your office or team, Noble Desktop can help. They offer a variety of corporate training programs, including in AutoCAD. You can order vouchers in bulk at a discount, choose which courses are available to employees, and even let your employees choose their own schedule. Plus, you can choose to have your training hosted at a location of your choosing, live online, or at Noble Desktop’s Manhattan office.
With a top-notch customizable curriculum and instructors who are experts in their industries, Noble Desktop’s corporate training is designed to cater to your business or organization’s needs. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, you can reach out to Noble Desktop at corporate@nobledesktop.com.