Civil 3D Certificate Program

Self-paced online training with expert support Certificate with 7 courses

Develop the skills to design and refurbish public infrastructure using AutoCAD Civil 3D. This hands-on program prepares you for a career in civil engineering, focusing on 3D modeling, data management, and real-world project applications.

$5,130 270 clock hours 7 months Start anytime

This Program Includes:

  • 270 hours of project-based training from experts
  • 7 course modules & 298 training videos
  • Access to AutoCAD & Civil 3D software (1 year)
  • Answers from real instructors
  • Final project graded by an industry expert
  • Additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class
  • Verified digital certificate of completion
  • Accredited program
  • Flexible payment plans
  • Quizzes to reinforce learning

Build the skills needed for civil engineering, site development, and infrastructure planning. AutoCAD Civil 3D is a powerful industry-standard tool that enables professionals to design, analyze, and document complex civil projects with accuracy.

The Civil 3D Certificate Program is designed and taught by industry experts, providing real-world training on managing 3D site models, working with GIS and survey data, and developing comprehensive project documentation. You’ll also learn how to collaborate on large-scale civil projects using FTP, MILCON, and government databases, gaining the technical knowledge needed to excel in the field.

This certificate program is ideal for civil engineers, surveyors, drafters, and professionals involved in land development and infrastructure projects. You’ll build expertise in creating digital terrain models, designing roadways and utility networks, and applying civil engineering principles to real-world scenarios.

VDCI fosters an interactive learning experience with instructor support, discussion forums, and peer collaboration. By the end of this program, you’ll have the confidence and skills to navigate Civil 3D’s advanced tools, manage complex project workflows, and produce professional-grade engineering documentation.

Courses & Videos in This Certificate Program

Download Syllabus PDF

Unit 1 30 Hours

Introduction to AutoCAD

We start at the very beginning, using AutoCAD to draw drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, and then create a floor plan. We assemble everything into one sheet file. Learn about Drawing on Layers, Adding Text, Dimensions & Plotting.

  • Create drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, a floor plan and integrate all information into one deliverable sheet file.
  • Distinguish the differences required to generate drawings for use as annotation and real-world model components.
  • Create and insert blocks and externally reference files and determine the appropriate times to apply those skill sets.
  • Master file management, drafting on layers, integrating drawing component files and plotting while creating on the class residential project.
Video Training Preview
Lesson 1: The Interface and Architectural Symbols
Lesson 2: Electrical Symbols
Lesson 3: Kitchen and Bath Fixtures
Lesson 4: Walls, Doors, and Windows
Lesson 5: Creating Sheets and Adding Fixtures
Lesson 6: The Dimensions and Plotting

Unit 2 30 Hours

Intermediate AutoCAD

Use AutoCAD to draw an abbreviated set of construction documents for a residential project: floor plan, roof plan, foundation plan, electrical plan & building elevations. Create, insert and link drawings. Learn the best workflow.

  • Create an abbreviated set of construction documents including floor plan, foundation plan, electrical plan and building elevations for a small residential project.
  • Create and insert blocks, externally reference files and determine the appropriate times to apply those skill sets to optimize project efficiency.
  • Demonstrate layer and file management, external file referencing, use of model/layout environments and user coordinate systems.
  • Apply intermediate-level skills including layer management, user coordinate system development, creating sheet layout environments and plotting.
Video Training Preview
Lesson 1: Create the Floorplan & Sheet Setup
Lesson 2: Finish Floorplan & Roof Plan
Lesson 3: Structural Foundation Plan & Electrical Plan
Lesson 4: Starting the Elevations
Lesson 5: Continuing the Elevations
Lesson 6: Finalizing, Checking & Plotting

Unit 3 30 Hours

Civil 3D Surveying & Mapping Course Online

In the Intermediate Civil 3D: Surveying and Mapping course, students create, label, and organize points, prepare key sets, and manage parcel and surface data within Civil 3D. The course walks through the process of performing survey imports, subdividing parcels, and modifying their display styles.

  • Create, Label, and Organize Points into Groups: Learn how to create and label points, then organize them into point groups for easier management in Civil 3D. This will help you streamline the process of dealing with large survey datasets.
  • Prepare Description Key Sets and Linework Code Sets: Develop Civil 3D description key sets, linework code sets, and figure prefix databases. These tools are essential for organizing and efficiently processing survey data.
  • Perform Survey Imports & Subdivide Parcels: Gain skills in importing survey data and creating parcels. Learn to subdivide parcels, modify display styles, and label parcel areas and segments for accurate land design.
  • Create TIN Surfaces and Edit Definitions: Learn how to create and edit TIN surfaces in Civil 3D, label surfaces, and make necessary modifications to surface definitions for accurate terrain modeling. 
Video Training Preview
Lesson 1: Points
Lesson 2: Survey Databases
Lesson 3: Parcels
Lesson 4: Creating Surfaces
Lesson 5: Additional Surfaces
Lesson 6: Labels and Tables

Unit 4 30 Hours

Intermediate Civil 3D: Transportation Design

In this course you will become familiar with alignments, surface profiles, design profiles and view windows, assemblies, corridors, intersections, sample lines, cross sections, and 3D visualization.

  • Create multiple types of alignments
  • Develop surface and design profiles
  • Adjust profile view windows
  • Label both alignments and profiles
  • Build corridors with the required sub-elements and create a cul-de-sac
  • Create an intersection corridor and create sample lines along a corridor
  • Display cross sections
  • Visualize a roadway in a 3-dimensional drive through
Video Training Preview
Lesson 1: Alignments
Lesson 2: Profiles
Lesson 3: Profile & Alignment Labeling
Lesson 4: Corridors
Lesson 5: Sections
Lesson 6: Drive Analysis

Unit 5 30 Hours

Intermediate Civil 3D: Land Development

In this course you will build drawing template files, utilize data shortcuts, work with feature lines, learn about site interactions, create grading groups, lay out pipe networks, and draft pressure networks.

  • Create multiple Civil 3D object and label styles
  • Develop a custom drawing template file
  • Manage data shortcuts
  • Create and edit feature lines and grading groups
  • Learn about pipe and pressure parts catalogs
  • Layout pipe and pressure networks
  • Annotate pipe and pressure networks
  • Create a custom drawing sheet
Video Training Preview
Lesson 1: Drawing Setup
Lesson 2: Basic Grading
Lesson 3: Advanced Grading
Lesson 4: Pipe Networks
Lesson 5: Pressure Networks
Lesson 6: Plan Finishing

Unit 6 80 Hours

Civil 3D Certificate Elective Courses

Select 60-80 clock hours of elective courses to complement your Civil 3D Certificate Program training. You can specialize in AutoCAD, Revit Architecture, or SketchUp Pro.

Unit 7 60 Hours

Capstone Project

The VDCI Capstone Project course empowers students to apply their acquired skills in a real-world, project-based environment. Participants will complete a comprehensive design or construction project from concept to execution, showcasing their expertise in software like AutoCAD, Revit, or other industry-standard tools. This hands-on experience prepares students to excel in professional roles by demonstrating their ability to manage and deliver complex, detail-oriented projects.

set of printed construction documents
student learning civil 3d on computer
male student at computer workstation taking revit course
female student with phone

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Civil 3D Certificate Program Overview

What You Will Learn

The Civil 3D Certificate Program is a structured, self-paced training designed to develop expertise in civil engineering design, land development, and infrastructure planning using AutoCAD Civil 3D. Through hands-on, project-based learning, students will master 3D modeling, site grading, survey data management, and roadway design workflows to prepare for careers in civil engineering, surveying, and infrastructure development.

By completing this program, you will:

  • Gain proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D for civil engineering and land development projects.
  • Master the use of survey data, terrain modeling, and surface analysis for site planning.
  • Develop skills in roadway and transportation design, including alignments, corridors, and cross-sections.
  • Create parcel subdivisions, grading plans, and pipe networks for civil infrastructure.
  • Utilize GIS and external survey data for real-world project integration.
  • Generate construction documents, profiles, and sheets using Civil 3D.
  • Explore site planning, hydrology, and drainage applications in infrastructure design.
  • Complete a capstone project to showcase your expertise in a real-world scenario.

Benefits of the Civil 3D Certificate Program

The Civil 3D Certificate Program provides structured, industry-relevant training designed for civil engineers, surveyors, drafters, and infrastructure professionals.

  • Flexible Learning Structure – Learn at your own pace while following a structured curriculum.
  • Industry-Standard Training – Develop skills with AutoCAD Civil 3D, a leading tool in civil engineering.
  • Real-World Projects – Apply skills in land development, surveying, and transportation design projects.
  • Expert Instructor Support – Receive guidance from civil engineering and CAD professionals.
  • Professional Documentation – Learn to produce grading plans, site layouts, and roadway designs.
  • Accredited Certificate – Earn a verified digital credential upon successful completion.
  • Specialization Options – Tailor your program with elective courses in AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp.
  • Capstone Project – Demonstrate your technical mastery through a real-world infrastructure project.

Course Lessons and Projects

Course 1: Introduction to AutoCAD

Develop a foundation in 2D drafting, precision drawing, and construction documentation using AutoCAD.

Skills Covered:

  • Navigating the AutoCAD interface and drafting environment.
  • Creating fundamental 2D drawings, symbols, and layouts.
  • Managing layers, annotations, and dimensioning styles.
  • Setting up plotting and sheet layouts for professional documentation.
  • Applying CAD best practices for construction and engineering drawings.

Project: Create an architectural floor plan incorporating layers, annotations, and dimensions.

Course 2: Intermediate AutoCAD

Enhance your AutoCAD skills by creating detailed construction documentation for civil projects.

Skills Covered:

  • Developing floor plans, roof plans, and foundation plans.
  • Integrating external references (XREFs) and linked files.
  • Creating multi-sheet construction document sets.
  • Organizing drawings with sheet layouts and layer management.
  • Refining dimensioning, annotation standards, and print settings.

Project: Create a multi-sheet construction document set including foundation and elevation drawings.

Course 3: Intermediate Civil 3D – Surveying and Mapping

Learn to manage and analyze survey data, parcel subdivisions, and surface models.

Skills Covered:

  • Importing and organizing survey data and point groups.
  • Creating and labeling parcels and subdivisions.
  • Developing TIN surfaces and modifying terrain models.
  • Setting up survey imports, key sets, and linework code sets.
  • Managing GIS data integration and terrain analysis.

Project: Develop a site model with survey data, parcel layouts, and surface modifications.

Course 4: Intermediate Civil 3D – Transportation Design

Master roadway and transportation corridor design using Civil 3D.

Skills Covered:

  • Creating and managing alignments, surface profiles, and design profiles.
  • Developing corridors, intersections, and cul-de-sacs.
  • Generating sample lines, cross-sections, and labeling profiles.
  • Using 3D visualization for roadway modeling and analysis.
  • Designing highway and road networks for real-world applications.

Project: Design a roadway corridor with alignments, intersections, and a 3D visualization walkthrough.

Course 5: Intermediate Civil 3D – Land Development

Explore grading techniques, pipe networks, and infrastructure planning.

Skills Covered:

  • Creating grading groups, feature lines, and site interactions.
  • Developing custom drawing templates for civil projects.
  • Managing data shortcuts for efficient project workflows.
  • Designing and annotating pipe and pressure networks.
  • Producing detailed site grading and utility layouts.

Project: Develop a grading and drainage plan with pipe networks and site improvements.

Course 6: Civil 3D Certificate Elective Courses

Choose from specialized electives to enhance your expertise in AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp.

Elective Topics May Include:

  • AutoCAD 
  • BIM 
  • SketchUp Pro 

Course 7: Capstone Project

Demonstrate your Civil 3D expertise through a real-world, project-based final assignment.

Skills Covered:

  • Managing site planning and infrastructure development workflows.
  • Integrating survey data, roadway design, and grading plans.
  • Producing detailed construction documentation for an engineering project.
  • Refining project coordination and collaboration techniques.
  • Preparing final deliverables for professional review and presentation.

Project: Complete a comprehensive civil engineering project, showcasing technical mastery in Civil 3D and AutoCAD.

Who Should Take This Course?

  • You want to transition into civil engineering or land development but need foundational CAD and BIM training to get started
  • You work in construction, surveying, or urban planning and need to enhance your technical skills in site modeling and infrastructure design
  • You’ve used AutoCAD for drafting but want to expand into 3D modeling and learn how to manage grading, roadways, and utility networks
  • You are looking for formal training in Civil 3D to improve your efficiency in managing real-world civil projects
  • You want to strengthen your resume with industry-relevant software skills that are increasingly required for large-scale infrastructure projects
  • You have some experience with Civil 3D but struggle with advanced workflows like alignments, corridors, and parcel subdivision
  • You need hands-on project experience to build a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to work on real-world civil engineering tasks
  • You’re a self-taught user who wants structured, expert-led guidance to ensure you're following best practices

Industry Demand & Career Outlook

With growing demand for digital infrastructure design, professionals with Civil 3D expertise are highly sought after in industries such as civil engineering, transportation, land surveying, and construction.

Potential Career Paths:

  • Civil Engineering Designer: Develops digital models for site planning, roadways, and utilities.
  • Survey CAD Technician: Processes survey data and generates accurate topographic maps.
  • Transportation Planner: Designs alignments, profiles, and corridors for roadway projects.
  • Land Development Specialist: Creates grading plans, parcel layouts, and drainage systems.
  • Infrastructure BIM Coordinator: Manages CAD/BIM workflows for public works projects.

By mastering Civil 3D, students gain a competitive edge in site development, civil engineering, and infrastructure design, ensuring job readiness in this rapidly evolving industry.

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