AutoCAD Certificates Washington, D.C.

Computer-aided design (CAD) refers to the design aspect of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Designers, Engineers, Architects, and other professionals use CAD software for 2D and 3D drawings and models. These skilled CAD users can create, modify, and review designs with this flexible software.

CAD/CAM software originated in the 1960s as an integrated process for design and manufacturing, then grew throughout virtually every industry and sector, from bridge construction to movie animation. Today’s design professionals using CAD software often pass their work along to a separate manufacturing department or entity on their end. Others work with the entire process, especially outside of manufacturing concerns.

The highly specialized, proprietary AutoCAD software from Autodesk is typically used for layout schematics, blueprints, and models. AutoCAD has become an industry standard for Designers and other professionals, including Architects, Drafters, Technicians, City Planners, and 3D Modelers. This versatile software will continue to be an essential piece of the design process for the foreseeable future, and the demand for employees with AutoCAD expertise continues to grow.

Why Become Certified in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD certification is well worth pursuing if you work in a position that requires regular AutoCAD use. If you have embarked on a career in any of the following disciplines, you may need AutoCAD expertise:

• Architecture
• Automotive Engineering
• City Planning
• Computer-aided Design (CAD)
• Computer-aided Manufacturing (CAM)
• Graphic Design
• Engineering (General)
• Interior Design
• Project Management

Most entry-level positions do not require certification, but you can benefit from a bootcamp or certificate program that features AutoCAD or includes it as part of a broader curriculum. These courses involve hands-on, interactive training in essential tools, including AutoCAD.

Certificate programs and certification credentialing classes give you experience working on projects comparable to real-world employment or freelancing situations. Some entry-level AutoCAD positions require only a high school diploma and AutoCAD experience or may even provide on-the-job training to the right individual.

What You’ll Learn While Becoming AutoCAD Certified

Gaining AutoCAD Knowledge and Experience Typically Involves Learning a Range of Complementary Skills and Tools. While a Senior Electrical CAD Engineer May Have Years of Experience and Expert-level AutoCAD Knowledge, an Entry-level AutoCAD Drafter or Technician May Need Only a High School Diploma and the Willingness to Learn. Demand for AutoCAD-trained Professionals is High, and Mastering Drawing and Editing Tools in AutoCAD Can Significantly Enhance Your Career Prospects. Consider Some of the Most Common Tools and Skills That AutoCAD Jobs Can Require:

Revit

If You Work in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction, You Will Likely Need to Learn Building Information Modeling (BIM). One of the Most Popular BIM Software Programs Also Comes from Autodesk—their Revit Package—for Planning, Designing, Constructing, and Managing Building Projects. You Can Count on Many AutoCAD Roles to Require Revit Alongside AutoCAD and Other Autodesk Programs.

Forma

Autodesk’s Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Collection Includes Multiple Programs That Often Complement AutoCAD Training. Forma is One of Them. Previously Called Spacemaker, This Early-stage Planning and Design Software is Bundled with AutoCAD and Revit in Some of the Most Popular Autodesk Packages. Architects, Real Estate Developers, Urban Planners, and Other Professionals May Use Forma for Early-stage Site Design and Planning.

Civil 3D

Another Popular Software Program Often Learned Alongside AutoCAD is Civil 3D, Also from Autodesk. This Software is Especially Popular with Civil Engineers, Who Use It for Design, Automation, Documentation, and Related Tasks. Roads, Highways, Construction Sites, and Rail Projects Can All Benefit from the Powerful Civil 3D Platform. Many Design Professionals Use Civil 3D, AutoCAD, and Revit As Part of the Autodesk AEC Collection.

Navisworks

Navisworks is an Essential Training Component for Many AutoCAD Professionals in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction. the Autodesk AEC Collection Includes Navisworks Manage for Advanced 3D Modeling Coordination. a Limited Version of the Software, Navisworks Simulate, Provides Some of the Same Features but Lacks Integration with Autodesk Construction Cloud and Revit. Visit Autodesk’s Website for More Information on Package Options and Pricing.

MicroStation

MicroStation from Bentley Systems is Another Popular Software Program and a Competitor to AutoCAD. While Some CAD Roles Require One or the Other, Others Call for Familiarity with Both Platforms. Primarily Used for Infrastructure Design, MicroStation Offers 2D and 3D Modeling and Documentation and Integrates with a Wide Range of File Formats and Data Types. Other Bentley Systems Products Include LumenRT and OpenCities Map.

Fusion 360

Autodesk Products Are Organized into Three Primary Collections: the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Collection; the Product Design and Manufacturing Collection; and the Media and Entertainment Collection. While AutoCAD is Common in AEC and Product Design, Fusion 360 is Most Often Used in the Product Design and Manufacturing Collection. Autodesk Developed These Applications As Part of Its Inventor Software Toolset, and Fusion 360 is Geared Toward Design and Engineering Workflows. Design Teams, Electronics Engineers, Machinists, and Other Tech Professionals Use Fusion 360 to Manage Product Development from Inception to Completion.

3ds Max

The Media and Entertainment Collection from Autodesk Includes Multiple Software Packages for Video, Animation, Film, Television, and Game Development. Popular Among Animators, 3D Modelers, Lighting Artists, and Other Creatives, 3ds Max is a Powerful Modeling, Rendering, and Animation Software Tool. Engineers in the Design and Manufacturing Sectors May Also Use 3ds Max for Visualization, Which Means It May Be Included As Part of a Broader Design or CAD/CAM Training Program.

BIM Collaborate Pro

Autodesk Offers Numerous Products with Building Information Modeling (BIM) Capabilities, Including BIM Collaborate Pro. This Cloud-based Software Integrates with Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Other Autodesk Tools, Enabling Teams to Collaborate, Centralize Project Data, and Create Flexible Workflows in an Easy-to-use Cloud Environment. Many AutoCAD Professionals Learn the Program As Part of a BIM Software Suite.

AutoCAD Industries in Washington, D.C.

The greater Washington metropolitan area consists of Washington, D.C., and parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. This massive metro includes the federal government and related enterprises and entities, so aerospace and defense are among the leading industries in Washington, D.C. Multinational companies that use AutoCAD in the aerospace/defense sector include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Honeybee Robotics, a subsidiary of Blue Origin.

Another broad category that can include AutoCAD workers is professional and business services (PBS). PBS is the second-largest industry sector in Washington, D.C., according to Statista, and includes fields like architecture, computer systems design, and civil engineering, to name a few.

Healthcare is a lesser-known but growing sector for AutoCAD applications, especially in the biotech industry. Biomedical Engineers, Data Scientists, and even Primary Care Providers may use AutoCAD for everything from product lifecycle management to process simulations.

AutoCAD Careers in Washington, D.C.

Careers in the D.C. metro area that require AutoCAD include design professionals such as CAD Drafters, CAD Designers, Architects, and Structural Engineers. And with its heavy emphasis on federal government roles, Washington, D.C., also offers ample opportunities for those in public service. Among the many positions listed in online D.C. job postings requiring AutoCAD are roles such as:

• Arborist/Landscape Architect
• Architect
• AutoCAD Engineer
• BIM Modeler
• CAD Drafter
• Civil Project Engineer
• Commercial Solar Design Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Project Engineer
• Residential Architectural Drafter
• Senior CAD Designer

While a CAD Drafter in Washington, D.C., typically earns around $58,000 to $82,000 annually, an AutoCAD Engineer can earn between $73,000 and $104,000. Architects do even better, averaging approximately $96,000 to $157,000 in Washington, D.C.—higher than the national average for similar positions.

Careers at these levels require expertise in multiple skills and tools, along with industry-specific knowledge. Many roles also demand several years of experience. However, those new to AutoCAD may qualify for entry-level positions by completing a certificate program or earning a certification credential. Read on to learn more about AutoCAD certificates and certifications.

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification?

Whether You Should Pursue an AutoCAD Certification Exam or Enroll in a Certificate Program Depends on Multiple Factors. a Certificate Program is Often Ideal for Beginners, Whereas Sitting for a Certification Exam is Typically Suited for Experienced Professionals. Many Entry-level Employees Start Their Education with a Certificate Program Covering Skills and Tools Like AutoCAD, MicroStation, or 3ds Max. on the Other Hand, an Experienced AutoCAD Engineer or Landscape Architect May Choose to Sit for a Certification Exam to Advance into a Higher-level Role.

Enrolling in a Certificate Program That Includes AutoCAD (or Features It As Part of a Broader Curriculum) Can Also Help You Prepare for a Certification Exam. Your Decision Should Be Based on Your Current Level of Knowledge and Expertise, the Industry or Sector You're Targeting, and Factors Such As Prior Education and Experience. Check Certification Exam Details Thoroughly Before You Apply.

Top AutoCAD Certificate Programs in Washington, D.C.

The Washington, D.C., Metro Area Includes Baltimore and Parts of Virginia and West Virginia, Covering a Broad Geographic and Population Area. Salaries Here Often Exceed National Averages, and Industries Like Aerospace/defense and Construction Provide Jobs for Many AutoCAD-centric Roles. Unfortunately, In-person Classes Have Declined Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, but Many Beginners and Experienced AutoCAD Professionals Benefit from Live Online Training Instead. Consider Programs from the Following Course Providers, Many of Which Offer Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced AutoCAD Coursework.

Future Media Concepts—AutoCAD Level 1: Essentials

Future Media Concepts Hosts Training Facilities in Seven Major U.S. Cities, Including Washington, D.C. Their Courses Include Subjects Like Video Production and motion Graphics, Design and Development, Animation, and Architectural and Mechanical Design, Including AutoCAD. Future Media Concepts is an Approved Vendor for Training in Autodesk, Adobe, Apple, and Other Software Products.

AutoCAD Level 1: Essentials Provides Beginner-level Students Ages 18 and Older with AutoCAD 3D Modeling Fundamentals for Multiple Uses. the Course Curriculum Comprises 20 Lessons, from Basic Drawing and Editing Tools to Intermediate Topics Such As Layers, Object Types, Blocks, and Other AutoCAD Features. Attendees Further Learn About Tools Like Hatching, Adding Dimensions, and Annotation. Check Course Listings for More Information.

Noble Desktop—AutoCAD Level I

Noble Desktop is One of America's Premier Private Course Providers, Offering Bootcamps and Certificate Programs in Coding, Business, Design, and Development. Their State-of-the-art New York City Headquarters Hosts In-person Classes in Subjects Ranging from AutoCAD to Illustrator, Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Many of Noble Desktop’s Most Popular Classes Are Also Available Live Online Via Teleconferencing.

The AutoCAD Level I Class from Noble Desktop Introduces Beginners to This Powerful Software Platform. Participants Master Fundamental Tools and Techniques in an Interactive, Hands-on Environment. Topics Include Drawing, Editing, Layers, and Blocks, Among Other Key AutoCAD Features. Applicants Can Also Save by Taking AutoCAD Level I As Part of Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD Bootcamp. Mac Users Can Attend the Online Version of the Program, While the In-person Class Features PC-based Training. Contact Noble Desktop for Assistance with Screen Sharing from the Instructor If You're Using AutoCAD on a Mac Interface.

Technical Institute of America—AutoCAD Level 1 (Virtual)

Another Alternative for Live Online AutoCAD Training is the AutoCAD Level 1 (Virtual) Course from the Technical Institute of America. This Respected Technology Training Provider Offers Numerous Software Programs from Companies Like Microsoft, Adobe, and Cisco, Plus Certification Programs for Credentials Like CompTIA and PMI.

AutoCAD Level 1 (Virtual) Provides Beginner-level Students with AutoCAD Fundamentals Like the Applications Browser, Object Snaps (OSNAP), and the Chamfer Command. the Course Continues with Topics Like Annotation, Applying Hatch Patterns, Layers, Plotting, and Paperspace and Modelspace. Instructors for This Course Are Autodesk-certified and Bring over a Decade of Teaching Experience.

Team D3—AutoCAD Annotation (ACD-103)

Team D3 Provides Numerous Classes in AutoCAD and Other Autodesk Topics, Including Inventor, Revit, Civil 3D, Fusion 360, and 3ds Max. They Also Host Multiple Tech Skills Courses in Subjects Like Injection Molding and Parametric Part Design. Team D3 Also Offers Consulting and Training Services in Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO).

The AutoCAD Annotation (ACD-103) Course from Team D3 Features Labeling, Annotative Scaling, and Dimensions and Tables in AutoCAD. Prerequisites for This Class Include the Team D3 AutoCAD Essential Tools, User Interface and Basic Drawing, and Layouts and Printing. Classes Are Hosted Live Online Via Teleconferencing.

NYC Career Centers—Beginner AutoCAD

Despite the Name, NYC Career Centers Serves Students Nationwide. This Respected Education Provider Hosts Tech Courses You Can Take at Its New York City Headquarters or Live Online from Anywhere with an Internet Connection. Topics Include Coding, data Science, web Development, and Design Tools, Including AutoCAD. NYC Career Centers Instructors Bring Business and Technology Expertise, Offering Mentoring Both in and Outside the Classroom.

Among the Courses Featuring AutoCAD and 3D Modeling, the Beginner AutoCAD Course Offers an Accessible Entry Point for Those New to the Software. Participants Begin by Learning to Navigate the AutoCAD Interface, Then Progress to 2D Drawings and Editing. Additional Topics Include Object Types, Local and Global Blocks, and Plotting and Publishing Options. Note: This Course is Designed for PC Users Only and is Not Compatible with Mac Systems.

Ledet Training—Autodesk AutoCAD 101—Beginner

Ledet Training is an Adobe-certified Training Center That Also Provides Authorized Training for Google, Autodesk, Microsoft, and Quark. Autodesk Courses Include AutoCAD Training for Architects, Surveyors, Civil Engineers, and Other Professionals. the Autodesk AutoCAD 101—Beginner Course Requires No Prerequisites, Allowing CAD Novices to Learn Through Hands-on Instruction. AutoCAD Beginner-level Classes Are Designed for Windows-based Users.

Autodesk AutoCAD 101 Includes Viewing, Drawing, and Editing Fundamentals; Layers, Blocks, Layouts; and Dimensions and Hatching. Ledet Training Recommends New Users Start Here, Including Those Who Plan to Pursue AutoCAD Certification in the Future.

AutoCAD Beginners Who May Use the Software in One of Many Fields Should Choose Their Training Program Carefully. If You Know the Career Path You Wish to Pursue—or If You’re Looking to Level up in Your Current Role—your AutoCAD Education May Need to Be More Specialized Than That of Your Peers. While Some Classes Focus on AutoCAD Exclusively, Others Include It As Part of a Broader Design or Drafting Curriculum.

If You Are Beginning Your AutoCAD Training with No CAD Knowledge or Experience, a Course Like the AutoCAD Bootcamp from Noble Desktop May Be Ideal. Combining Their AutoCAD Level I and Level II Courses Provides Training That Offers a Smooth Transition from Beginner to Intermediate-level Skills. Noble Desktop Also Offers an AutoCAD Level III Course for Advanced Users, and Bootcamp Graduates May Also Consider the Advanced 3D Modeling in AutoCAD Course. These Classes Often Fill Quickly, so Check Listings for Availability.

AutoCAD Users in Professional Settings Range from Business Owners to Senior AutoCAD Designers and Drafters. the Popularity and Flexibility of Autodesk’s Powerful Platform Have Made AutoCAD and Its Related Tools Industry Standards. with Its Widespread Application in AECO Fields—architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations—AutoCAD Remains an Essential Tool. Enrolling in the Right Training Program Can Launch a New Career or Help Elevate Your Current Role to the Next Level.

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 Virtual 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 in general 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 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 industry and legal standards. 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 seeking to develop new skills while still working.