AutoCAD Certificates NJ

AutoCAD is one of the world's most popular computer-aided design (CAD) software platforms. First released in the 1980s as Interact CAD, the Autodesk program has become the go-to for 3D Modelers, Architects, Drafters, City Planners, Civil Engineers, and other high-tech professionals. AutoCAD is essential in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and AECO (architecture, engineering, construction, and operations).

CAD software was originally part of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Once separated from the manufacturing process, CAD software rapidly evolved into a tool applicable to nearly every industry and sector. Computer-graphics augmented design and manufacturing (CADAM) and computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) gave way to CAD as AutoCAD became the first software to run on PCs rather than large, centralized mainframe computers.

In the digital age, CAD has migrated to the cloud, and software like AutoCAD integrates with internal Autodesk programs like Navisworks, Inventor, and Revit and external programming languages like C# and.NET. Read on to learn more about AutoCAD training options for beginner-level students in New Jersey.

Why Become Certified in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD certification is a worthy pursuit for any career that demands daily usage of CAD-related software. Many professionals who use AutoCAD regularly can access the program from their mobile phones or tablets, thanks to the Autodesk 360 web service. Related Autodesk tools—including Inventor, Revit, and Navisworks—allow AutoCAD professionals and their clients to connect through the cloud and plan, revise, and annotate projects on the fly.

When CAD novices try to determine their best plan for training, certification arises as a fundamental question. Many beginners ask, Should I enroll in a certificate program? Do I need to sit for a certification exam? And what AutoCAD training do I need for my career of choice?

Few entry-level roles requiring AutoCAD skills demand AutoCAD certification. However, many certificate programs give beginners the real-world tools they need to qualify for entry-level work in their field. Jobs in architecture, drafting, or engineering typically require additional training, and AutoCAD is one of several essential pieces of the puzzle. Consider an AutoCAD certificate or certification program to help you stand out from other applicants in the high-tech job market.

What You’ll Learn While Becoming AutoCAD Certified

What you learn while becoming AutoCAD certified will likely depend on your current skill set, experience level, and what career you plan to pursue. Whereas a Civil Engineer may need a degree in engineering or a related field, an entry-level AutoCAD Drafter or Junior Interior Designer might be able to secure a job with little more than a solid working knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, and MS Office software. As the need for AutoCAD expertise grows, your ability to demonstrate drawing and editing proficiency can lead to better jobs. Consider the following tools that you may learn while you master AutoCAD:

Inventor

Of the many Autodesk products used in conjunction with AutoCAD, few are as universal as Inventor. The Autodesk Product Design and Manufacturing Collection includes Inventor for designing, communicating, and engineering (Inventor Nastran and Inventor Tolerance Analysis are unique to Autodesk design and engineering packages).

Inventor works with 3D mechanical design, documentation, and product simulation tools. Industries ranging from construction to machinery, higher education, and hardware use Inventor to reduce repetitive tasks, improve product performance, and boost collaboration among key stakeholders. Inventor integrates seamlessly with manufacturing workflows, and Autodesk offers multiple tutorials to help users make the most of its many features.

Fusion 360

Fusion 360 and its extensions offer multiple solutions for product design and manufacturing for AutoCAD workers. Autodesk touts Fusion 360 as the world's only "integrated cloud CAD, CAM, CAE (computer-aided engineering) platform of its kind." You can download Fusion 360 and its extensions for a free trial through one of Autodesk's flexible prescription plans.

CAD/CAM design with AutoCAD often works in conjunction with related tools like Fusion 360 and Inventor. While you might not learn Fusion 360 alongside AutoCAD in a certification process or certificate program, you can add Fusion 360 extensions for generative design, machining, or simulations during your free trial—whether you are in training or working through a company or startup.

Revit

Among available BIM software tools for architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO), Revit tops the list. You can design buildings and even infrastructure in 3D and integrate with popular CAD and BIM file formats like DGN, DWG, IFC, and DXF, to name a few. Of course, Revit also integrates with proprietary Autodesk formats like NWD, RVT, and RFA. Revit is available through the Autodesk AEC Collection.

3ds Max

Switching gears entirely from the manufacturing and AECO world, Autodesk offers content creation tools like Maya and 3ds Max for media, entertainment, and related fields, including animation and gaming. Animation, modeling, and rendering are the most common uses for the 3ds Max software. Engineering and manufacturing tech professionals may use it for visualization, whereas Lighting Artists, Animators, and Video Game Developers may prefer it over Autodesk Maya. It is part of the Media & Entertainment Collection, which features MotionBuilder, Mudbox, and ReCap Pro.

MicroStation

MicroStation from Bentley Systems is an AutoCAD competitor, and you might need to learn it for a specific CAD role. For example, some companies seek CAD Technicians with experience using AutoCAD, MicroStation, Open Roads, and other comparable tools. Stormwater Engineers, Traffic Engineers, and Road Safety Project Managers are among the professionals who may have to use MicroStation, AutoCAD, or related software for their daily tasks.

AutoCAD Industries in NJ

The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA Metro Area is one of the most populous and productive metropolitan areas in the United States. With a population exceeding 19 million, this massive area covers parts of four states: New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

To say that AutoCAD and other Autodesk programs get a great deal of mileage here would be an understatement. From New Brunswick to Newark, Structural Engineers, Drafters, and other AutoCAD professionals need the essential Autodesk software for everything from design to cloud collaboration. While New York gets most of the headlines, New Jersey is also one of the ten richest US States.

Industries relying on AutoCAD here range from telecom to tourism. Top NJ industries include pharmaceutical, life sciences, clean energy, and BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance). But these industries are hardly the only place for AutoCAD jobs in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA Metro Area. Look among landscapers, engineers, designers, and machine shops for examples of the many AutoCAD-specific roles here.

AutoCAD Careers in NJ

Careers like CAD design and drafting in the New Jersey area vary in salary, qualifications, and required experience. While a CAD Drafter typically makes an average annual salary of about $52,000 to $76,000, an experienced AutoCAD Engineer can expect to earn between $75,000 and $111,000 in annual compensation.

Architects average higher, with an annual salary range of around $90,000 to $150,000 in the New Jersey area, while a skilled Electrical Engineer commands a salary range of $96,000 to $153,000 here, comparable to the national average.

Compensation at this level typically comes with years of experience and proficiency in advanced CAD and sector-specific skills. To start in entry-level roles that can launch a successful AutoCAD career, check out beginner-friendly bootcamps or certificate programs.

Additional job titles for tech pros who know AutoCAD can include:

• Building Services Technician
• CAD/CAM Designer
• City Planner
• Design Technician
• Drafter
• Engineer (CAD)
• Industrial Designer
• Interior Designer
• Product Manager
• Senior Design Engineer

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification?

AutoCAD novices start their careers in varying ways. Some begin with a single class, while others enroll in colleges or universities. However, many seek a middle ground between a short seminar or workshop and a lengthy degree program. That's where bootcamps, certificate programs, and certification credentials come in.

The difference between a certificate program and a certification is easy to understand. While certificates are usually completion-based programs from private course providers, certification credentials require students to sit for an exam to qualify. A certificate program often consists of several bootcamp-style training modules, some of which may be available as separate courses. Once you graduate, you will typically receive a certificate of completion, and many providers allow you to retake the course for a fixed period at no additional charge.

AutoCAD certification credentials vary. Autodesk-authorized centers can provide certification training, and students must sit for an exam to qualify. Some course providers also offer Autodesk-authorized exams. However, some certification credentials are for intermediate-level or advanced-level users, not beginners. A certificate program will typically be the best course for novices, whereas experienced tech pros may want to advance their careers by obtaining certification credentials.

Top AutoCAD Certificate Programs in NJ

The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA Metro Area is home to many AutoCAD classes, some in-person but others available live online from anywhere. Many bootcamps and certificate programs are open to beginners, so consider these a first stop for learning the essential AutoCAD platform. If you live close enough to commute, you might want to check out in-person training options in New York City.

Noble Desktop—AutoCAD Bootcamp

Respected course provider Noble Desktop offers immersive coding, business, and design training, including numerous bootcamps and certificate programs. While they provide in-person training at their state-of-the-art New York City headquarters, they also host classes live online via teleconferencing. Noble emphasizes small class sizes, expert instructors, and hands-on training.

The AutoCAD Bootcamp combines the AutoCAD Level I beginner and AutoCAD Level II intermediate courses. Beginners learn the AutoCAD interface, editing, drawing, and advanced layer techniques. Additional topics include viewports, object types, blocks, and data tables, to name a few. Class sizes are small, and Noble Desktop provides remote setup assistance if needed.

Technical Institute of America—AutoCAD Level 1 (Virtual)

The Technical Institute of America offers another alternative for live online AutoCAD training. This respected training provider hosts courses for students and tech professionals, including training programs approved by Autodesk, Adobe, and Microsoft. They also provide certification programs for credentials like Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), or CompTIA.

The AutoCAD Level 1 (Virtual) class gives beginner-level participants ten lessons in this essential software, including the Hatch Ribbon, Object Snaps (OSNAP), and the Chamfer command. The Technical Institute of America is proud to ensure that its AutoCAD instructors are Autodesk-certified, with more than a decade of teaching experience.

Team D3—AutoCAD Electrical Reporting & Project Updates (ACE-202)

Team D3 is another course provider with a wide range of available training. They combine what they call a coalition of brands: D3 Technologies for manufacturing, ECAD for process and power, and MG for architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO).

Students with beginner-level AutoCAD experience or who have taken the ACE-101/ACE-102 classes from Team D3 can continue with AutoCAD Electrical Reporting & Project Updates. This course introduces participants to intermediate-level AutoCAD tools like Automatics Report Generator, Project Utilities, and other features of AutoCAD Electrical. Check the Events tab under the AutoCAD Electrical category on the Team D3 website to register.

E+i Studio—AutoCAD Workshop

Is a commute to The City in the cards for you? If so, consider the AutoCAD Workshop from e+i Studio. This in-person course introduces beginners to the AutoCAD interface and features training in drafting and editing commands. Topics include layers, viewports, and precision guides, to name a few.

Manhattan-based e+i Studio is an architecture and design practice that offers training in multiple software programs. Additional courses include training in Rhino, SketchUp, Grasshopper, and Vray. The studio emphasizes small class sizes and boasts a near-perfect 4.9 rating on Coursehorse.

NYC Career Centers—Beginner AutoCAD

NYC Career Centers has provided high-level business, coding, data, and design programs for individuals and corporate teams for over three decades. While they offer in-person coursework at their Manhattan office, many classes are hosted online via teleconferencing. Expert instructors deliver hands-on training in a dynamic, project-based environment.

Beginner AutoCAD is one of several CAD-centered courses available from NYC Career Centers. It features 2D drawing and editing, plus topics like layers, blocks, and parametric constraints. Please note that this introductory program is for PC users only.

Future Media Concepts—AutoCAD Level 1: Essentials

Future Media Concepts (FMC) offers Adobe, Apple, Avid, and Autodesk programs, including beginner-level courses and certification exams. Their training for IT professionals and content creators also includes tools like DaVinci Fusion, Maxon Cinema 4D, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), to name a few.

The AutoCAD Level 1 class from FMC provides essential AutoCAD fundamentals for those new to the software. The prerequisites are as follows:

• Familiarity with macOS X or Windows Vista
• Basic design and drafting procedures & terminology

Participants in the AutoCAD Essentials course learn how to use the AutoCAD interface and precision drafting tools and how to present visually impressive drawings.

ONLC Training Centers—AutoCAD for Novice Users

ONLC Training Centers is another reputable course provider with hundreds of locations across the US. ONLC classes are available live online, but students close to an ONLC Training Center can use their local computer lab if needed. New Jersey locations include Bridgewater, Cherry Hill, Paramus, Princeton, and Red Bank.

ONLC offers multiple options for AutoCAD beginners, including their AutoCAD for Novice Users course. This five-day immersive covers AutoCAD fundamentals like commands, drawing, and erasing, then moves on to more advanced tools like Object Snaps, arcs, and polylines, to name a few. Please note that the class is for PC users, not Mac.

If you know the position you want to pursue in your career or plan to level up from an existing role, you should be selective when perusing your many training options. For industries like architecture, civil engineering, or city planning, your AutoCAD training may need to be more sector-specific than other industries. Some course providers offer general AutoCAD training applicable to any sector, whereas others include AutoCAD as part of a broad design or drafting curriculum.

Novice students encountering CAD software for the first time might be better off with an AutoCAD bootcamp or certificate program. For example, the AutoCAD Bootcamp from Noble Desktop combines their AutoCAD Level I and Level II classes at a discount and offers a seamless transition from novice-level to intermediate-level skills. Noble also makes a shorter introductory course available for those with limited availability, the Introduction to AutoCAD workshop.

Training options for those with intermediate-level training behind them include the 3D Modeling in AutoCAD course and the AutoCAD Level III program available to AutoCAD Bootcamp graduates.

The job market demands more skilled AutoCAD users than ever before in fields ranging from engineering to construction, from design to drafting. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that even a high-level role like Architect will grow five percent over the next decade, faster than the average position. Many other tech roles will continue to grow, and AutoCAD expertise is essential to some of the best-paying senior roles. Evaluate the available training options before enrolling in a certificate program or sitting for a certification exam, and you can be sure your AutoCAD-centered career will be highly successful.

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 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.