AutoCAD Certificates Chicago, IL

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software program that was created by Autodesk. It is used by many different design professionals including architects and engineers to create and modify 2D and 3D drawings and models. This program was first released in 1982, and at that time, it was part of a revolution in the design industry, where computer-aided design became accessible on personal computers for the first time. With AutoCAD, designers could much more quickly complete drawings that had previously taken them hours to do by hand. AutoCAD also allowed more accuracy and precision.

The many different tools and features that this program offers are one reason for its popularity. For example, users have access to several industry-specific toolsets, like an Electrical toolset, a Mechanical toolset, and an Architecture toolset. According to Autodesk, these can increase productivity up to 63 percent. AutoCAD also makes it easy for teams to collaborate because it lets users create and edit drawings on any mobile device or in a web browser. In addition, AutoCAD is continually updated with new features. For instance, new features for 2024 include smart blocks and activity insights. AutoCAD remains an industry-standard software that has millions of users around the world.

Why Become Certified in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD certification is valuable because learning this program will give you the tools to create and edit designs quickly, easily, and accurately. Compared to drawing by hand, AutoCAD is faster. For instance, the program allows you to save and replicate elements. It is also more accurate to work in AutoCAD because the program lets you draw in tiny fractions. In addition, it's easy to revise designs that have been created in AutoCAD, compared to revisions done by hand, which can be messy and time-consuming. Another benefit of AutoCAD is that files can be saved in the cloud, making it easy to access them from anywhere and to collaborate with others.

Yet another reason to become certified in AutoCAD is that job statistics reveal that AutoCAD-related jobs are likely to remain relatively stable in the future. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS) provides job statistics and predictions for several different engineering jobs, which is a field that commonly involves using AutoCAD. In general, most of these jobs are expected to experience good job growth over the next ten years. For instance, the BLS finds that between 2022 and 2032, civil engineering jobs will increase by about 5 percent, which is faster than the average job growth rate of only 3 percent. For Mechanical Engineers, the rate of increase is expected to be 10 percent. Interior designers also use AutoCAD, and the BLS predicts that interior design jobs in the United States will grow about as fast as average over the next ten years. It says, “A greater focus on building codes, as well as the need to design spaces that meet accessibility standards, may also help to create jobs for these workers.” For Architects–another profession that relies on AutoCAD–job growth is projected at about 5 percent.

What You’ll Learn While Becoming AutoCAD Certified

When you get certified in AutoCAD, what you learn will depend on the class you enroll in; however, most classes cover drawing and editing techniques, using layers, hatching, using blocks, and annotations.

Drawing and Editing Techniques

One of the first things covered in most AutoCAD classes is the specific drawing and editing techniques that you’ll need to understand to use with this program. For example, you’ll learn how to draw lines, how to define the boundaries of an object, how to erase objects, and how to move objects.

Using Layers

Layers are a fundamental part of working in AutoCAD. They are a way to organize your objects by their function or purpose. By using layers, you can make your drawing look less complex and easier to read.

Hatching

Hatching is a useful AutoCAD feature that is covered in most AutoCAD classes. It is the use of different types of patterns to fill in areas. For example, you can make one area solid and another striped. AutoCAD has many different hatch patterns, and they can be used to differentiate parts of your drawing from one another.

Using Blocks

Blocks are a fundamental part of working in AutoCAD and are covered in most AutoCAD classes. A block is a group of objects that is joined together to create one single object. Blocks can be reused and are a great way to save time. When you modify one block, all other blocks automatically change too, which also helps you save time. In addition, using blocks can help you maintain consistency in your drawing.

Annotations

Annotations are another important part of AutoCAD, and when you get certified you are likely to learn about how to work with them. An annotation is anything you add to provide more information about your AutoCAD drawing. This includes things like text and dimensions.

AutoCAD Industries in Chicago

With a population of almost 3 million people, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. U.S. News & World Report explains that there are many important industries in this busy city. It says, “Chicago is a giant in several different industries, including the finance and business sectors…. Engineering, health care, government, pharmaceuticals and transportation are other significant employment sectors.” In addition, it says, “Airline titans Boeing and United Airlines are headquartered in Chicago, and the metro area is the hub for six of seven Class I railroads. Many residents also work for major corporations with facilities in the greater Chicago area, including Ford Motor Company and Nestle.”

Chicago is also home to many engineering, design, and architecture companies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the city has the third-highest employment level of Interior Designers in the United States, and ranks in the top ten for Commercial and Industrial Designers and Architects. Chicago also ranks in the top ten U.S. metropolitan areas for the highest employment levels of Mechanical Engineers and Civil Engineers. Finally, the BLS places Chicago on its list of metropolitan areas with the highest employment level of Architectural and Civil Drafters and Mechanical Drafters.

AutoCAD Careers in Chicago

AutoCAD is a tool for 2D and 3D design, drafting, and modeling, and is used in many different careers. Drafters are professionals who create technical drawings and plans, and they often do this with AutoCAD. A person who uses AutoCAD to create technical drawings and plans might also be referred to as a CAD Drafter or a CAD Designer. Drafters work in many different fields, including engineering, construction, architecture, and manufacturing. Payscale finds that a CAD Drafter in Chicago earns between $37,000 and $81,000 per year on average.

AutoCAD is also a common tool for a wide range of different engineering jobs. Mechanical, Civil, Industrial, Electrical, and Electronics Engineers all use it to create and test designs. For example, a Mechanical Engineer might use AutoCAD to design a car engine. After creating that design, they can also use this program to create a simulation of the engine so that they can find any mistakes or flaws in their design before they actually build the engine. According to Payscale, a Mechanical Engineer in Chicago earns $61,000 to $108,000 per year, a Civil Engineer earns $61,000 to $99,000, and an Electronics Engineer earns $71,000 to $134,000.

Architects and Interior Designers use AutoCAD in a similar way to Engineers, creating detailed blueprints that include things like floor plans and elevations, in addition to features like roofs and windows. They can then analyze their designs to look for potential problems. For example, AutoCAD can be used to test the strength of a building before it is built. This program also lets users generate realistic renderings of their designs, allowing them and their clients to see what those designs will look like. Payscale finds that a Chicago Architect earns approximately $51,000 to $114,000 yearly, and the average salary for an Interior Designer is $42,000 to $78,000.

Many different types of Product Designers also use AutoCAD. This program has an extensive library that can be used to help users create detailed models and renderings of their designs. They can also test their designs for functionality. Payscale finds that in Chicago, the average salary for a Product Designer is $62,000 to $111,000.

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification

If you’re learning AutoCAD, you can choose to pursue either a certificate or a certification. While these two terms sound very similar, they are actually two distinct qualifications. A certificate is something granted by an educational institution upon completion of one of its programs of study. Every institution has its own unique courses. An example of an AutoCAD certificate is the one granted by Noble Desktop after students complete its 30-hour AutoCAD Bootcamp. The most common reason to pursue an AutoCAD certificate is to gain the skills you need to work in an AutoCAD-related industry. This is because most certificate programs are designed for beginners, and are intended to prepare them for an entry-level job in their intended career. Many even include career support.

In contrast, AutoCAD certifications are usually more appropriate for people who already have experience with this program. They are often earned as a way to advance within an existing career. An example of an AutoCAD certification is the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting. To earn this, students need to have about 1,200 hours of experience in AutoCAD and pass a proctored 120-minute exam. Unlike a certificate, which is unique to the school offering it, a certification is a standardized qualification that is the same no matter where you earn it.

Top AutoCAD Certificate Programs in Chicago

AutoCAD is an industry-standard program used in many different design-related industries. Enrolling in a certificate program is a great way to start mastering this program, and can prepare you to find a job in one of these industries.

If you’re not sure what AutoCAD class you want to take, you can utilize the Classes Near Me tool to compare your options. This tool allows you to compare all the classes in your area, and can be a great way to find a class that fits your needs.

Autodesk AutoCAD 501 Bootcamp

This course is offered by Ledet Training, which is an Autodesk-authorized training center. Participants train for five days, and tuition is $2,599. Through hands-on practice, the course is designed to prepare students to create full designs in AutoCAD. No previous CAD experience is necessary. Experience with drafting, design, or engineering is helpful but not required. The bootcamp is a discounted combination of Ledet Training’s essentials and intermediate courses.

Students who take this class learn to navigate AutoCAD, apply basic drawing skills, use drawing aids, edit, work with curves, and control visibility and appearance. Some of the specific topics covered include navigating the AutoCAD user interface, organizing drawing objects on layers, inserting and creating reusable symbols, preparing layers to be plotted, adding text and dimensions, and creating local and global blocks. Students also learn more advanced editing and construction techniques.

AutoCAD Bootcamp

Noble Desktop, a design and coding school founded in 1990, offers this AutoCAD Bootcamp, which is a combination of its beginner and intermediate AutoCAD classes, at a 10 percent discount. The bootcamp takes 30 hours to complete and costs $949. Students get a digital certificate of completion and also have the option of a free retake within one year. Noble Desktop is based in New York City and runs both in-person and live online classes.

In this bootcamp, students learn how to create 2D drawings and modify them in AutoCAD. Instructors cover basic drawing and editing commands, layer techniques, working with tracking points, advanced object types, creating tool palettes, and creating, editing, and exporting blocks. Students also learn how to customize layers, use advanced interface techniques, work with external references, and create data tables.

AutoCAD 3D Drawing and Modeling

ONLC Training Centers runs this course, which covers both fundamental and advanced AutoCAD techniques. There are three sessions, and tuition is $1,495. Students should have some prior experience with AutoCAD. For ONLC courses, instructors lecture live online, and students can choose to attend from either an ONLC training center or their own location.

In AutoCAD 3D Drawing and Modeling, students learn 3D modeling in AutoCAD. Covered topics include 3D viewing techniques, modifying objects in 3D space, working with simple and composite solids, working with cloud points, and creating sections, camera perspectives, and animations. They also learn how to convert 3D objects, set up a rendering with materials and lights, and work with the User Coordinate System. In addition, they learn to set a drawing up for 3D Prints.

AutoCAD Course Online

This online course is offered by the New York Institute of Art + Design. Tuition is $799 if paid in full or $1,089 on the school’s monthly bill pay plan. This course is based on the Windows version of AutoCAD. The New York Institute of Art + Design is an online school for creative professionals who was founded in 1985.

Students who take this course learn AutoCAD fundamentals, as well as more advanced skills. Instructors cover procedures for creating line drawings and objects, selecting and modifying objects, modifying object properties and drafting settings, and using dimensioning and text tools. Students also learn how to use layouts, plotting tools, and utility commands. This course also prepares students to take Autodesk’s AutoCAD Certified User Certification exam.

Computer-Aided Drafting Technology (CAD), Basic Certificate

This class runs through City Colleges of Chicago, which was founded in 1911 and serves more than 60,000 students in Chicago. Students need to complete 16 units to earn the certificate. Tuition at City Colleges of Chicago is $146 per credit for in-district students, $384 for out-of-district, and $481 for out-of-state.

Students take four required courses: CAD Technology I, CAD Technology II, CAD Technology III, and CAD Technology IV. These courses cover a variety of different CAD skills. Students also choose from either College Algebra or Engineering & Industrial Technologies CWE (Cooperative Work Experience).

AutoCAD–Essentials Course

The AutoCAD–Essentials Course is offered by Certstaffix Training and runs in a live online format. It takes three days to complete and costs $1,730. Students get a certificate of completion after finishing the course and can also do a free online course retake within six months. Certstaffix Training was founded in 2008 and offers computer and business skills training in the United States and Canada.

The course covers AutoCAD essentials, in addition to several advanced skills. Students learn about the workspace and user interface, organizing drawing objects on layers, using blocks, and working with basic drawing, editing, and viewing tools. They also learn how to add text, hatching, and dimensions, and how to prepare a layout to be plotted. Students who want to take this class should have a working knowledge of basic drafting procedures and terminology.

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, kitchen 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 toward 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 necessary and legal standards. This course offers practical skills training and is designed to ensure that experienced AutoCAD users get the accelerated training 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.