AutoCAD Certificates Phoenix, AZ

AutoCAD stands for Autodesk (the company that developed the software) Computer-Aided Design, which facilitates Designers, Architects, and Engineers in creating 2D and 3D drawings. Several industries, including architecture, engineering, and construction, use AutoCAD in a variety of capacities. Drafters can apply skills with AutoCAD to design accurate and detailed drawings. AutoCAD allows professionals to design drawings and blueprints for creating structures, machines, or tools.

AutoCAD is commonly used in engineering, architecture, interior design, and 3D printing for creating models, blueprints, and schematics. Engineers, Interior Designers, and Architects, as well as industries that depend on using AutoCAD for projects in product management, architectural design, and engineering for 2D and 3D design, benefit from this tool. Mainly, AutoCAD helps increase productivity and efficiency by providing consistency, making it easier and more reliable to complete designs compared to pen-and-paper drawings. This means that Designers and design professionals can more readily demonstrate their work to clients who might be looking for design services.

Why Become Certified in AutoCAD?

For anyone looking for work in Phoenix’s vibrant tech sector, skill in AutoCAD can provide a powerful drafting tool for streamlining draft and design projects. AutoCAD provides in-demand skills for anyone considering a career in design or engineering. AutoCAD sets the industry standard for computer-aided design software used throughout the world by Designers, Engineers, and Architects in industries as diverse as Interior design, product management, and construction, as well as materials engineering, electrical engineering, and civil engineering. AutoCAD can be used for designing everything from drinking cups to military weapons in detail and to scale.

AutoCAD is considered the industry-standard design software for CAD and drafting, enabling Designers, Engineers, and Drafters to create, edit, or collaborate using desktop computers, the internet, the cloud, or other platforms for designing detailed 2D and 3D drawings and models, electrical diagrams, construction drawings, and interior designs. Certification in AutoCAD can help Engineers, Designers, or Architects stand out from competitors vying for the same positions. Skills with AutoCAD not only help with finding work but can be used for hobbies like designing furniture or for 3D printing, turning ideas into concrete objects. At the very least, having certificate training or certification in AutoCAD on a resume will impress any potential employers or clients.

AutoCAD provides professionals with skills applicable to a variety of industries. AutoCAD is a popular design tool for working in architecture, project management, manufacturing, construction, and engineering.

What You’ll Learn While Becoming AutoCAD Certified

AutoCAD is an essential tool for Designers, Engineers, Architects, and other design-related professionals seeking work in several industries in the Phoenix area. AutoCAD offers versatile design software that assists in designing, prototyping, and animating. AutoCAD is considered the industry-standard software for computer-aided design. Developing skills with AutoCAD can lead to careers in architecture, engineering, drafting, and design. Here are a few skills related to finding work with training in AutoCAD:

Drafting

Drafting with AutoCAD involves creating technical drawings and models for building designs, plans, and blueprints. Drafts can be used by construction teams, Architects, and Engineers as well as a variety of other professionals who design blueprints destined to be developed into buildings and other physical objects. AutoCAD can be used in drafting for converting designs used in architecture and engineering into technically sound drawings and blueprints. The drawings and blueprints developed with AutoCAD can be used to create concepts ranging from buildings to automobiles and tools.

Design

Designers use AutoCAD for creating 2D and 3D models that produce detailed images used in interior design, including color schemes, spacing, and furniture placement. AutoCAD helps Designers create accurate drawings and designs that are constructed or distributed. Industrial Designers use AutoCAD for designing products ranging from children’s toys to automobiles. AutoCAD helps Designers visualize how a product will look or function in the real-world and helps determine how the product can better attract customers.

Engineering

Engineers use AutoCAD in design and specification for a variety of projects, including motor engines, elevators, bridges, roads, and electrical grids. AutoCAD allows Engineers to prototype and test how a design might perform in real-world operations. 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 various capacities for developing, building, and testing designs.

Architecture

AutoCAD is a popular tool used in architecture. Architects use AutoCAD for creating floor plans and 3D designs with blueprints for office buildings, residential homes, and landscapes. AutoCAD facilitates the creation of realistic 3D models, helping Architects visualize design surfaces and shapes when creating structures. This helps in designing buildings, viewing a design from multiple angles, and calculating load levels for support structures.

Motion Graphics

CAD Designers use motion graphics in a variety of functions. Motion graphics is a branch of graphic design that involves creating animated digital graphics for webpage layouts, web applications, movies, TV shows, and online content. Designers can use AutoCAD to create motion graphics for explainer videos, which are short visual narratives used to explain concepts to audiences, customers, or clients more effectively.

AutoCAD Industries in Phoenix

Phoenix provides opportunities for working as Designers, Engineers, or Architects in industries like aeronautics, construction, healthcare, transportation, utilities, and technology, as well as with government agencies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for Architects is projected to grow by five percent, which is the same for Materials Engineers, but around two percent for Industrial Designers between 2022 and 2032. Phoenix offers a wide range of options for job seekers in a city that offers an appealing quality of life with a spellbinding landscape and year-round pleasant climate.

Phoenix is a place that provides work opportunities for people who have skills in AutoCAD for careers with organizations such as aircraft engine and avionics company Honeywell Aerospace as well as working with a national chain like PetSmart, which are both headquartered in the city. Phoenix is among the most highly regarded cities in the United States for research and development related to computer technology, especially with Arizona State University in nearby Tempe, inside the metropolitan area. Phoenix also has several tech-related startups and other businesses for people who have skills and experience with AutoCAD for working at places like RevolutionParts, which specializes in streamlining access to OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts and accessories for major automotive brands through user-friendly ecommerce solutions.

Essentially, Phoenix offers options for AutoCAD-related careers through a variety of companies connected to technology. Skills with AutoCAD can lead to working in design with industries like construction and management for private companies or government agencies.

AutoCAD Careers in Phoenix

Due to the inherent versatility of technology, skills with AutoCAD can provide several career options in a city like Phoenix. AutoCAD can help guide anyone through a path to a new career, including becoming a CAD Designer, which can earn a person an annual income ranging from $67,000 to $100,000. Materials Engineers with a background in AutoCAD can make between $106,000 and $140,000 a year living in Phoenix, with plenty of options for working in the aviation/aeronautics industry.

AutoCAD skills can lead to working as an Interior Designer with yearly salaries ranging from about $59,000 to $76,000. Architects working in Phoenix can make between $108,000 and $178,000 a year.

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification

Anyone thinking about training in AutoCAD should consider enrolling in a certificate program or getting certification in the software. To be clear, certificate programs and certifications are not the same things. Certificate programs provide hands-on training in AutoCAD that give prospective Designers, Engineers, and Architects skills for using the application. Education providers like Noble Desktop offer a variety of AutoCAD-related courses and programs, including the AutoCAD Bootcamp that can train you in the fundamentals for technical drawing along with advanced skills for creating 2D drawings.

By contrast, 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, beginning 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 in AutoCAD along with being ready to get right to work using the application. The Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) confirms an individual’s skills in AutoCAD, including capabilities for solving complex issues with workflow and design related to the software. Finally, Autodesk Certified Expert (ACE) represents the highest level of certification with AutoCAD designed for experienced professionals who demonstrate in-depth knowledge and abilities with the software. While certificate programs and certifications are not the same, enrolling for certificate training may help with preparing for certification exams.

Top AutoCAD Certificate Programs in Phoenix

While many people living in Phoenix who are considering training in AutoCAD may prefer learning face-to-face inside a classroom with an instructor standing right in front of them, others might opt for enrolling in live online courses as an alternative for learning the design software. In-person classes allow for personal interaction as well as being shielded from the distractions of the outside world. On the other hand, live online courses allow students to learn from home with the same level of training that they would get from sitting inside a classroom. Learning AutoCAD can open up paths to several different careers. AutoCAD is an essential tool for finding work as Designers, Engineers, or Architects along with other professions. AutoCAD offers a versatile tool that helps with designing, prototyping, and animating material for a variety of industries. AutoCAD is considered the industry-standard software for computer-aided design. Developing skills with AutoCAD can lead to finding work in architecture, engineering, drafting, or design. Here are a few courses that can help with learning skills in AutoCAD:

University of Arizona Continuing and Professional Education: AutoCAD Fundamentals Certificate

This self-paced online certificate program offers comprehensive training for participants in areas of 2D computer-aided drafting and design using AutoCAD. Lessons introduce students to fundamental 3D modeling concepts for developing skills with 2D and 3D design for working with AutoCAD.

Upon completing this program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Arizona Continuing and Professional Education along with being better prepared to take on the Autodesk Certified User (ACU) exam.

This 144-hour on-demand (asynchronous) certificate program costs $2,809 for self-paced online training.

Ledet Training: Autodesk AutoCAD 501 Bootcamp

160 W. Catalina Drive, Phoenix, Arizona 85013

This bootcamp provides participants with in-depth training in AutoCAD for careers as Engineers, Drafters, and Architects as well as other professions. Training begins with learning how to use the design application for working in user interface, architecture, engineering, and construction. Lessons provide students with in-depth hands-on practice exercises that get Designers ready for getting right to work with skills for using the design software.

Upon completing this course, students will know how to create and edit professional-level AutoCAD drawings, navigate toolbars and menus, use the command prompt, apply basic drawing skills, edit entities, work with curves, control object visibility and appearance, and use drawing aids like Object Snap, Ortho Mode and Polar Tracking, and grids.

This five-day AutoCAD bootcamp costs $2,599.

Certstaffix Training: AutoCAD—Advanced Course

2942 N. 24th S., Phoenix, Arizona 85016

This training course introduces students to advanced techniques for using AutoCAD. Training focuses on creating 3D models, output and publishing, and CAD standards. Lessons include completing a solid model design as well as converting 2D objects into 3D objects.

Upon completing this course, students will possess a thorough understanding of AutoCAD standards and procedures that can be combined with work experience using the software in attempting to pass an Autodesk certification exam.

This live online three-day course costs $1,730.

NobleProg: Advanced AutoCAD Training Course

1. Camelback Road and N. 24th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85016

This course provides training in AutoCAD, which is an application used for computer-aided design and drafting. Training provides students with skills for creating precise 2D models in architecture, manufacturing, and engineering. Lessons focus on applying fundamental techniques to enhance drawing performance as well as handling regenerations efficiently.

Upon completing this course, students will be able to create large drawings as well as implement strategies for efficient file organization.

This four-day course costs $2,342 for in-person classes or $1,707 for live online training.

ONLC Training Centers: AutoCAD Certification Bundles

7301 N. 16th Street, Suite 102, The Peak, Phoenix, Arizona 85020

Professionals interested in pursuing certification in AutoCAD for improving career options in today’s competitive tech job market can enroll with ONLC Training Centers, which offers three levels of Certification Bundles: ACU Novice, ACU Standard, And ACP (Advanced Level). Specifically, the Advanced Level Bundle provides training for the Autodesk Certified Professional (APC) exam. The ACP Bundle covers ONLC Training’s AutoCAD Level 1: Essentials, AutoCAD Level 2: Intermediate, and AutoCAD Level 3: Advanced courses that prepare students with professional training for attempting to pass the Autodesk authorized AutoCAD certification exam.

These bundles can be taken as Instructor-Led Training (ILT) (synchronous) courses or as On-Demand (asynchronous) courses.

It should be noted that ONLC courses are taught using remote instructors who are not in the same room as their students during the class but teach these courses live online with participants having the option of using ONLC’s up-to-date computer labs.

The ACP Bundle can be taken as an ILT-only program for $3,195, an On-Demand-only program for $1,195, or an ILT and On-Demand combo for $3,995.

Noble Desktop: AutoCAD Bootcamp

This live online course can be taken by anyone from anywhere in the world.

This bootcamp will teach you the fundamentals of technical drawing to develop skills for creating 2D drawings using AutoCAD. Training covers basic AutoCAD functions as well as advanced drafting techniques. Lessons start with the beginner-level AutoCAD class where you will learn about basic drawing and modifying techniques for drafting and technical drawing along with how to use AutoCAD for creating drawings for building real objects for mechanical and architectural projects.

The intermediate portion of the class will teach you how to create a basic 2D drawing using AutoCAD software, starting with the basic tools used for creating and editing simple drawings. Training introduces students to advanced tools throughout the course.

This course has been designed for PC users. Mac users may enroll online but must be aware that the Mac AutoCAD interface differs from the PC interface, which will be the version used for training in this course.

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.

This 30-hour program costs $949.

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 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.