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Earn a program certificate and multiple verified digital credentials from Accredible by completing this program.
CAD Certificate Program
CAD Certificate Program
Develop the necessary skills and technical knowledge in 2D drafting design utilizing Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to excel in a construction design career.
During the CAD Certificate Program, you’ll learn AutoCAD from the very beginning to create construction documents and implement problem-solving strategies. Supplement your CAD knowledge by specializing in Revit Fundamentals or SketchUp.
- Nationally accredited program
- Free student software
- Learn at your convenience
- Scheduled due dates to help you stay on track
Job Ready in Just 8 Months
All VDCI nationally accredited Certificate Programs are accelerated, condensing material into shorter, comprehensive programs. This means you’ll be able to earn a credential and enter the workforce fully trained in a fraction of the time of traditional degrees.
Training Path
Your Certificate Program training path will consist of required courses and electives. Our training paths are designed to provide a comprehensive education to help you hit the ground running as soon as you enter the workforce.
CAD 101 – 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.
CAD 201 – 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.
CAD 301 – AutoCAD Construction Documents I
Develop titleblock drawings from scratch. Then we draw a floor plan, multi-scale enlarged plans, roof plan and building elevations for a large one-story residence which will be continued in CAD 302.
- Create titleblock and titleblock/drawing label components for a professional office to facilitate development of deliverable sheet files.
- Create floor plan, enlarged plan, roof plan and building elevation of a moderately complex residential project. Includes the development of floor plan, roof plan and elevation notes.
- Successfully integrate referenced files to create construction documents. Demonstrate layer and file management, use of model/layout environments and multi-scale drawing presentation.
- Organize deliverable sheet set to conform to the National CAD Standards.
- Apply intermediate-level skills to create sheet layout environments and plotting.
CAD 302 – AutoCAD Construction Documents II
Develop titleblock drawings from scratch. Then we draw a floor plan, multi-scale enlarged plans, roof plan and building elevations for a large one-story residence which will be continued in CAD 302.
- Create building elevations, building sections, wall sections; modify detail drawings; create metes and bounds (Civil) drawing; create relevant deliverable sheet files for a moderately complex residential project. Includes the development of title sheet and appropriate general and keynote legends.
- Successfully integrate referenced files to create construction documents. Demonstrate layer and file management, use of model/layout environments and multi-scale drawing presentations.
- Apply intermediate/advanced-level skills to create sheet layout environments and plotting.
- Organize deliverable sheet set to conform to the National CAD Standards.
CAD 304 – CAD Detailing
Create detail drawings. Learn the two dominant CAD standards AEC firms use – making detail drawings from scratch and by referencing and clipping information from other drawings. Learn drawing standards and about organizing your details.
- Create detail drawings pertinent to the course project.
- Create relevant deliverable sheet files.
- Integrate referenced files to create details for construction documents.
- Demonstrate layer and file management, use of model/layout environments and multi-scale drawing presentations.
- Apply intermediate/advanced-level skills to create sheet layout environments and plotting.
CAD 311 – CAD & Project Management
This course shares many of the skills you need as a CAD and Project Manager. Learn best-practice Project Management skills. Learn to manage and organize office/project drawings.
- Demonstrate understanding of the technical and managerial skills required to succeed as a CAD and Project Manager.
- Organize the AutoCAD User Interface to optimize productivity and standards for an office.
- Use office standard file naming and file organization.
- Master an understanding of the National CAD Standards.
- Convert “an inherited CAD project” into a format which supports the National CAD Standards and Office CAD Standards.
Elective Courses
Select 60-80 clock hours of elective courses to complement your Certificate Program training. Refer to the Catalog for elective information.
Capstone Project
Many VDCI alumni have found success in their careers after completing their training, achieving goals they might not have found attainable at first. Their stories inspire us to keep providing the highest quality of education and serve as a reminder to students of what is possible.
Specializations
Certificate Programs allow students to specialize in areas of knowledge through their chosen electives. Learn more about your chosen field of study or branch out to learn a new software or skill set. Specializations make you more marketable in a job hunt and valuable in the workplace.
Revit Fundamentals Digital Credential
Revit is a market-dominant software used in architecture, engineering, and is collaboratively used in civil engineering.
Civil 3D Professional Digital Credential
If Civil engineering is your current or desired field, this specialization will help you perfect the skills you need.
SketchUp Pro Fundamentals Digital Credential
SketchUp is often used as a conceptual software in the design process. Learn the fundamentals to become a more valuable member of your organization.
CAD Certificate Program Tuition & Fees
VDCI Certificate Programs are an affordable alternative to traditional degrees. Please note that final tuition costs may vary. Refer to the Catalog for more information.
Price
Description
Registration Fee
$150
Nonrefundable. Not included in the Tuition. Billed separately from Tuition.
Student Tuition Recovery Fund Fee
$0.00
Nonrefundable ($0.00 for every $1,000 rounded to the nearest $1,000). Applies to California residents only.
Estimated Due for the Entire Program
$5,470.00
The estimated amount due to complete the Certificate Program.