Create architectural and mechanical designs in AutoCAD while learning how to draft and annotate with precision.
Join our AutoCAD Bootcamp and learn the fundamentals of technical drawing and develop advanced skills in creating 2D drawings using AutoCAD. This program is open to beginners and covers everything from basic AutoCAD functionalities and skills to advanced drafting techniques.
Learn basic through advanced AutoCAD skills and become an Autodesk Certificated Professional in this program.
Build a solid foundation in AutoCAD and computer-aided design with this comprehensive training bundle. Learn to create precise drafting symbols, detailed floor plans, and professional construction documents while mastering essential AutoCAD tools used in professional design workflows.
Build a solid foundation in AutoCAD and master advanced techniques to design and create professional-grade construction documents. This comprehensive training prepares you for Autodesk CAD certification, covering the skills necessary for a successful career in design and drafting.
Learn 2D drafting skills with AutoCAD and enhance your design capabilities with specialized tools like Revit. This program prepares you for a successful career in construction design, with real-world applications and project-based learning.
Learn how to use AutoCAD to create drawings for real mechanical and architectural objects, starting with basic tools and moving on to more advanced skills. This course will cover topics such as creating and editing drawings, using object snaps and tracking, organizing drawings with layers, and inserting blocks.
AutoCAD stands for Autodesk’s computer-aided design software. Autodesk is the company that develops AutoCAD, a software that enables Designers, Architects, and Engineers to create 2D and 3D designs. Several industries—including architecture, engineering, and construction—use AutoCAD in a variety of capacities. This application facilitates design, drawings, and blueprints that can be used for creating structures, machines, and tools.
AutoCAD is commonly used in engineering, interior design, manufacturing, and architecture to create blueprints and schematics, as well as for 3D printing to construct physical three-dimensional objects. Engineers, Interior Designers, and Architects, as well as a variety of industries, depend on AutoCAD for project management, architectural designs, and engineering with 2D and 3D designs. Mainly, AutoCAD helps increase productivity and efficiency, allowing users to complete designs more easily and more reliably than with pen-and-paper drawings. This means that Designers and other design professionals can more readily demonstrate their work to clients who might be looking for design-related services.
AutoCAD is considered the industry-standard software for computer-aided design and drafting that enables users to create, edit, and collaborate with coworkers using desktops, the cloud, or smartphones. With AutoCAD, Drafters can design precise 2D and 3D drawings, models, electronic diagrams, construction blueprints, and interior designs.
Training in AutoCAD gives users the skills to create 2D and 3D designs, draft blueprints, and engineer simulations, which can open opportunities to work in a variety of professions, including engineering, architecture, and product development. AutoCAD offers a versatile tool for seeking careers in several industries, including interior design, project management, machining, manufacturing, and architectural design, as well as various areas of engineering.
AutoCAD is the most popular computer-aided design software worldwide. Professionals like Architects, Graphic Designers, Engineers, and Project Managers use it to create 2D and 3D drawings using the software’s various commands. AutoCAD facilitates designing geometric arrays for pattern replication to generate precise and detailed graphics.
Designers can use AutoCAD for developing 2D and 3D models by creating detailed images to use with creating interior designs, including color schemes, space planning, and furniture placement. AutoCAD helps Designers create precise drawings and designs that can be built or distributed. Industrial Designers use AutoCAD for designing products ranging from children’s toys to automobiles. AutoCAD helps Designers see how a product will look or function in the real world, along with helping companies figure out how that product can better attract customers, as well as developing prototypes for testing functionality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Drafting with AutoCAD involves creating drawings and technical models for working on designs for buildings, layouts, and blueprints. Drafts are used by construction teams, Architects, and Engineers, as well as several other design professionals whose job is to develop blueprints destined for development into buildings and other physical objects. AutoCAD can be used in drafting to convert designs created by Architects and Engineers into technically sound and accurate drawings and blueprints. Drawings and blueprints created using AutoCAD can be applied to developing concepts as varied as buildings, automobiles, and tools.
Engineers can use AutoCAD with design and specifications for a variety of projects, including designing motor engines, elevators, bridges, roads, and electrical grids. AutoCAD allows Engineers to create prototypes for testing how a design might perform in the real world. Aerospace Engineers and Aviation Designers, for example, use AutoCAD for designing aircraft parts as well as conducting simulations. Materials Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Civil Engineers, and Industrial Engineers use AutoCAD in a variety of capacities for developing, completing, and testing designs.
AutoCAD is a popular tool used in architecture. Architects use AutoCAD for designing floor plans and 3D designs for blueprints with office buildings, residential homes, and landscape architecture. AutoCAD facilitates creating realistic 3D models that can give Architects ideas about design surfaces and shapes when creating structures. This can help with designing buildings, gaining perspective on a design from several angles, and calculating load levels with regard to support structures.
Knowledge and experience with AutoCAD can also be used for working in additive manufacturing, which involves applying 3D printing technology to create physical three-dimensional objects based on computer designs. Additive manufacturing applies the principles of two-dimensional paper printing to 3D printing, constructing objects from polymer composites, metal, ceramics, food, or foam for various purposes. Additive manufacturing uses AutoCAD for designing and developing materials for several industries, including aerospace, military and defense, medical, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. Additive manufacturing can be used for designing prototypes, creating tools, replacing parts, and developing medical devices.
As with learning any area of technology, the time it may take to learn AutoCAD can vary greatly. For example, initial training in AutoCAD may take only a few hours, while more advanced training could take months. A person learning AutoCAD as part of a college degree might enroll in various classes over a few years. With ever-evolving changes in technology, even Designers and Engineers with years of experience in computer-aided design technology will likely have to seek out refresher courses.
In-person training for AutoCAD is an effective way to gain skills in computer-aided design. However, while many people in New Jersey considering learning AutoCAD might prefer face-to-face training inside a classroom with an instructor standing in front of them, others might want to avoid having to face traffic after working all day by opting to enroll in live online courses as an alternative for gaining knowledge with the design software. In-person classes allow for personal interactions and minimize distractions from the outside world. On the other hand, live online courses allow students to learn from home with the same level of training they would get from sitting in a classroom.
Anyone considering training in AutoCAD might want to think about enrolling in a certificate program or passing a certification exam to verify expertise with the design software. To be clear, certification programs and certifications are not the same thing. Certificate programs can provide hands-on training in AutoCAD that gives prospective Designers, Engineers, or Architects skills in computer-aided design. Education providers like Noble Desktop offer a variety of AutoCAD-related courses and certificate programs, such as the AutoCAD Bootcamp, that can train you in the fundamentals of technical drawing along with advanced skills for creating 2D drawings with the computer-design software.
Achieving certification requires passing an exam administered by an industry-recognized organization. Anyone considering certification in AutoCAD can do so through Autodesk, which offers several paths to certification contingent on a person’s career ambitions. Autodesk has four levels of certification, starting with Autodesk Certified User (ACU), which verifies that a person possesses entry-level skills for using AutoCAD software. The Autodesk Certified Associate (ACA) certifies that a candidate has a higher level of knowledge and skills with AutoCAD, along with being ready to go right to work. The Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) confirms an individual’s skills in AutoCAD, including capabilities for solving complex problems with workflow and design related to the software. Finally, Autodesk Certified Expert (ACE) represents the highest-level certification in AutoCAD, designed for experienced professionals who demonstrate in-depth knowledge and abilities for working with the software. While certificate programs and certifications are not the same, enrolling in certificate training can help with passing certification exams.
New Jersey offers a wide range of career opportunities across industries such as manufacturing, construction, market research, information technology, and publishing. The employment of Architects alone is projected to grow by nine percent between 2023 and 2033, reflecting the state’s upward economic trend. New Jersey’s job growth continues to outpace the national average, with strong demand in fields like biotech, construction, healthcare, transportation, and utilities, as well as roles within state and federal government agencies. Its proximity to major metropolitan centers—including New York City and Philadelphia—gives professionals access to world-class employers. Cities like Newark and Jersey City house major companies such as Prudential Financial, Panasonic North America, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, and PSEG, along with numerous firms specializing in design technology, engineering, and biotech. These industries frequently rely on AutoCAD for drafting, prototyping, architectural design, and product development.
In New Jersey’s robust manufacturing sector, companies use AutoCAD extensively for product design, prototyping, and quality assurance. Manufacturers such as Campbell Soup Company, Benjamin Moore, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), and Pfizer’s NJ facilities depend on AutoCAD to design and test product concepts before moving them into production. By allowing teams to refine models, analyze functions, and make adjustments early in the design process, AutoCAD helps companies reduce production errors and lower costs. It also supports the creation of machinery, tooling, and facility layouts, ensuring that each component is precisely engineered. Engineers in the manufacturing field rely on AutoCAD to prevent design complications, streamline workflows, and maintain accuracy from concept to final production.
AutoCAD is one of the most important tools in the architecture and construction industries, where firms use it to develop detailed blueprints and design plans. New Jersey-based architecture and engineering companies like AECOM, Gensler, Thornton Tomasetti, and Langan Engineering rely on AutoCAD to draft structural layouts, create 2D and 3D models, and design both interior and exterior components of buildings. The software helps Architects address complex design challenges, refine their creative ideas, and transition seamlessly from conceptual sketches to technical construction documents. AutoCAD’s features—including layering, scaling, mirroring, and rotation—enable architectural teams to produce precise drawings that guide builders during every stage of construction.
New Jersey’s aviation sector also uses AutoCAD to design and manufacture aircraft parts that require exceptional precision. Companies such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing’s NJ operations, and suppliers serving Newark Liberty International Airport rely on AutoCAD to develop complex 3D models, test design durability, and ensure that all aircraft components meet rigorous safety standards. With recent industry-wide concerns about small component failures, the ability to thoroughly test parts before production is more important than ever. AutoCAD also plays a crucial role in airport planning, helping engineers design runways, taxiways, gates, and terminal layouts for efficient and safe airport operations.
Interior Designers across New Jersey use AutoCAD to conceptualize and visualize layouts for homes, offices, and commercial spaces. Firms like Clive Christian New Jersey, Decor Aid, Interior Motives Design, and numerous boutique design studios rely on AutoCAD to create floor plans, elevations, and 3D renderings that allow clients to preview design concepts before implementation. The software helps designers calculate accurate measurements, explore color schemes and materials, and refine layouts to ensure both aesthetics and functionality. By providing a realistic preview of the finished space, AutoCAD enables Interior Designers to collaborate more effectively with clients and make smart design decisions early in the process.
A CAD Designer must possess skills in AutoCAD for creating 2D and 3D models for working on a variety of projects. This profession requires technical skills and expertise in designing and drafting. People with skills in AutoCAD can work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, engineering, and product development. Throughout New Jersey, a CAD Designer can earn an annual income ranging from $48,000 to $125,000.
Materials Engineers are responsible for developing, processing, and testing materials used in creating everything from auto parts to computer chips to medical devices. Materials Engineers must have knowledge of metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, and nanomaterials, along with other types of materials, for work involving mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering. Materials Engineers with a background in AutoCAD can earn between $60,000 and $138,000 a year working in New Jersey.
Architects develop construction plans based on client specifications, which include creating designs for structural systems, central air, heating, and ventilation systems, electrical systems, and plumbing. Architects can use skills with AutoCAD for designing and building structures as part of their job including creating construction drawings and blueprints. Working as an Architect includes hand-drawing plans as well as designing blueprints during the conceptual stages of project development. Architects working in New Jersey can make from $78,000 to $132,000 a year.
Interior Designers focus on designing indoor spaces by creating functional designs that include decorative concepts with color, lighting, and furniture. Interior Designers can use AutoCAD for drawing, designing, and editing interior blueprints. In New Jersey, Interior Designers can make an annual salary between $44,000 and $109,000.
If you’re looking for training in AutoCAD, Noble Desktop offers the AutoCAD Bootcamp that will teach you about the fundamentals of technical drawing to gain skills to create 2D drawings using the computer-aided design tool. Training covers basic AutoCAD functions as well as learning advanced drafting techniques. Lessons start with beginner-level AutoCAD training, where you will learn about basic drawing and modification techniques for drafting and technical drawing, along with how to use AutoCAD for creating designs for building real-world objects for mechanical and architectural projects. The intermediate portion of this bootcamp focuses on creating a basic 2D drawing using AutoCAD software, starting with the basic tools for creating and editing simple drawings. This bootcamp will introduce you to basic functions throughout the course. People living in New Jersey have the choice of enrolling for training inside Manhattan classrooms or taking advantage of the option with virtual learning. This course has been designed for PC users, so while Mac users may enroll, they should be aware that the Mac AutoCAD interface differs from the PC interface. This course offers additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class as well as an opportunity to retake the course for free within one year.
People living in New Jersey have the choice of enrolling in in-person or live online courses at NYIM Training, that include the Beginner AutoCAD course. This course introduces new learnersw to AutoCAD. Lessons focus on learning basic drawing and modifying techniques for drafting and technical drawing using AutoCAD for creating designs for constructing physical and architectural objects. This is a PC-only course and may not be appropriate for Mac users. This course offers additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class as well as an opportunity to retake the course for free within one year.
NYC Career Centers runs an AutoCAD in a Day workshop. This course introduces participants to AutoCAD. Lessons cover basic drawing and modifying techniques for drafting and technical drawing with AutoCAD for creating designs that can be used for building actual objects for mechanical or architectural purposes. This is a beginner-friendly course geared toward people who have no prior experience with computer-aided design. This is also a PC-only course that may not be appropriate for Mac users. This workshop offers additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class as well as an opportunity to retake the course for free within one year.
Noble Desktop also offers the AutoCAD Certification Program. This comprehensive certificate program will provide you with training ranging from beginner-level to advanced-level in AutoCAD with the goal of taking and passing the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting exam. This program includes a free retake. Your training will begin with learning basic drawing and editing commands before building on that knowledge by moving on to learning higher-level techniques for using collaboration tools, customizing, and macros. Upon completing this course, you will have gained advanced skills with AutoCAD for being able to attempt the Autodesk Certificate Professional exam. And while this course has been designed for PC users, Mac users may also enroll with the understanding that the Mac AutoCAD interface differs from the PC interface, which will be the version used for training. This 54-hour comprehensive training program includes six hours of private tutoring. People living in New Jersey have the option of participating in New York classrooms or opting for live online training. This course offers additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class as well as an opportunity to retake the course for free within one year.
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 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.
If you want to make sure that your employees stay on top of cutting-edge technology, Noble Desktop offers corporate training through onsite and live online programs. Because AutoCAD is currently the leading computer-aided design software, it would be worthwhile to train your staff in skills for enhancing abilities with drafting, blueprints, and using 2D and 3D design tools, especially if your operations involve manufacturing, engineering, or architecture. Noble Desktop can help you upskill your workforce through corporate AutoCAD Training. This means that you can either have training conducted at your location or live online through a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. Your company also has the option to purchase vouchers for Noble Desktop’s public enrollment AutoCAD courses. You can get more information by contacting corporate@nobledesktop.com for a free consultation.