CAD Certificate Program

Self-paced online training with expert support Certificate with 8 courses

Learn 2D drafting skills with AutoCAD and enhance your design capabilities with specialized tools like Revit and SketchUp. This program prepares you for a successful career in construction design, with real-world applications and project-based learning.

$5,470 280 clock hours 8 Months

This Program Includes:

  • 280 hours of project-based training from experts
  • 8 course modules & 292 training videos
  • Access to AutoCAD 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

Gain the essential skills needed for a successful career in construction design. Computer-aided design (CAD) is the industry standard for drafting, and mastering it opens doors to opportunities in architecture, engineering, and construction.

The CAD Certificate Program is led by experienced professionals and provides hands-on training in AutoCAD, starting with fundamental tools and progressing to advanced techniques for creating construction documents. You’ll also have the opportunity to specialize in Revit Fundamentals or SketchUp to expand your skill set.

This program is ideal for drafters, designers, engineers, and construction professionals looking to enhance their technical expertise. By learning industry best practices, you’ll build the confidence to create, manage, and organize CAD drawings with accuracy.

VDCI promotes an interactive learning experience. Engage in discussion forums, collaborate with classmates, and receive guidance from instructors. Join our student community to network and develop the skills necessary for success in a CAD-driven industry.

By the end of this certificate program, you will be equipped to produce professional-grade technical drawings, navigate CAD software efficiently, and apply industry standards to real-world projects.

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

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.
Video Training Preview
Lesson 1: Residential Floorplan
Lesson 2: Titleblock & Paperspace Elements
Lesson 3: Dimensions & Updating Sheets
Lesson 4: Roof Plan
Lesson 5: Keynotes & Starting the Elevation
Lesson 6: Finishing the Elevation & Final Deliverables

Unit 4 30 Hours

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.
Video Training Preview
Lesson 1: Site Plan
Lesson 2: Elevation and Section Setup
Lesson 3: Developing the Sections
Lesson 4: Drawing Updates
Lesson 5: Detail Drawings, Keynotes and Callouts
Lesson 6: Title Sheet

Unit 5 20 Hours

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.
Video Training Preview
Lesson 1: Detail Sheet Elements
Lesson 2: Updating Sliding Door Section Detail - Part 1
Lesson 2: Updating Sliding Door Section Detail - Part 2
Lesson 2: Updating Sliding Door Section Detail - Part 3
Lesson 2: Updating Two Hour Rated Wall Detail - Part 1
Lesson 2: Updating Two Hour Rated Wall Detail - Part 2
Lesson 2: Updating Stringer Intersection Detail
Lesson 2: Updating Upper Entry Flashing Detail
Lesson 2: Updating Handrail Section Detail - Part 1
Lesson 2: Updating Handrail Section Detail - Part 2
Midterm Example Video
Lesson 3: Incorporating Manufacturer Information
Lesson 4: Building Sheets & Millwork Drawings

Unit 6 20 Hours

CAD and Project Management

Gain the skills needed to manage CAD projects and optimize office workflows. This course covers project management techniques, AutoCAD organization, and adapting inherited projects to meet industry standards.

  • 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 that supports the National CAD Standards and Office CAD Standards.
Video Training Preview
Lesson 1: CAD Manager Presentation
Lesson 2: Software Configuration
Lesson 4: XREF Management

Unit 7 80 Hours

CAD Certificate Elective Courses

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

Unit 8 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.

Highly Reviewed by Our Alumni

From our hands-on training style to world-class instructors and custom-crafted curriculum, we deliver results our alumni are proud of.

CAD Certificate Program is rated 5.0 stars

in the past 24 months

Awesome! I was very satisfied with my instructors and services provided. Keep up the great work.

Anonymous

I graduated from VDCI in 2011. Now, I'm a licensed architect working in California without having an industry-related degree. I initially worked in the construction industry as a laborer in the field. I had some experience working with plans but knew nothing about drafting or blueprint creation. I decided to enroll in VDCI’s CAD/BIM Certificate Program to learn about AutoCAD and construction documents. To this day, I utilize the skills I learned at VDCI and train my staff through them.

John O'Malley

So my training, I still use it every day. I actually train staff using autocad on a daily basis and I used the tools that I learned in my training here to train my own staff. My education at VDCI helped me get a job immediately actually drafting in AutoCAD and Revit and I've been using AutoCAD on a daily basis since I took the program.

John O'Malley

O’Malley is awesome, he takes his time and never rushes through. Great instructors and great support staff.

Ernesto E Rico

Awesome! I was very satisfied with my instructors and services provided. Keep up the great work.

Anonymous

I graduated from VDCI in 2011. Now, I'm a licensed architect working in California without having an industry-related degree. I initially worked in the construction industry as a laborer in the field. I had some experience working with plans but knew nothing about drafting or blueprint creation. I decided to enroll in VDCI’s CAD/BIM Certificate Program to learn about AutoCAD and construction documents. To this day, I utilize the skills I learned at VDCI and train my staff through them.

John O'Malley

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

Compare CAD Certificate Program to Similar Courses

Select up to two courses and tap Compare selected courses to view a side-by-side comparison of CAD Certificate Program with your selected courses.

  • CAD/BIM Certificate Program
    400 hours $7,750

    Build expertise in both AutoCAD and Revit to excel in drafting and building information modeling (BIM)....

  • AutoCAD Course Online
    60 hours $1,058

    Gain a solid foundation in AutoCAD and computer-aided design with this comprehensive bundle. Learn to...

  • Introduction to AutoCAD
    30 hours $579

    Learn the basics of AutoCAD, from creating drafting symbols and floor plans to integrating components...

  • CAD and Project Management
    20 hours $579

    Gain the skills needed to manage CAD projects and optimize office workflows. This course covers project...

CAD Certificate Program Overview

What You Will Learn

The CAD Certificate Program is a structured, self-paced training designed to provide students with comprehensive skills in 2D drafting, technical design, and construction documentation using AutoCAD. This program is ideal for professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction, as well as those looking to break into the field. With a focus on real-world applications, students will develop proficiency in drafting techniques, software navigation, and industry-standard documentation workflows.

By completing this program, you will:

  • Master the fundamentals of AutoCAD, including drawing tools, layers, and annotation techniques.
  • Develop expertise in creating, modifying, and organizing technical drawings.
  • Gain hands-on experience in producing professional construction documents.
  • Understand how to apply CAD standards, templates, and best practices to projects.
  • Learn efficient file management techniques, including external references (XREFs) and layer control.
  • Explore advanced drafting techniques, such as dynamic blocks and parametric constraints.
  • Apply AutoCAD skills to real-world scenarios, including site plans, elevations, and sections.
  • Integrate CAD with other design tools like Revit or SketchUp for expanded skill development.

Benefits of the CAD Certificate Program

VDCI’s CAD Certificate Program offers a hands-on, industry-focused learning experience that prepares students for success in professional drafting and design roles.

  • Flexible Learning Structure: Learn at your own pace while following a structured curriculum.
  • Real-World Projects: Apply learned skills to practical, industry-relevant drafting projects.
  • Expert Instructor Support: Receive guidance from experienced CAD professionals.
  • Comprehensive Construction Documentation: Learn to generate detailed, professional-grade drawings.
  • Industry-Recognized Certificate: Earn a digital credential upon successful completion.
  • Access to AutoCAD Software: Work with professional tools to develop practical skills.
  • Project-Based Learning: Gain experience through structured assignments, graded projects, and instructor feedback.
  • Integration with Other CAD Software: Expand knowledge by incorporating Revit or SketchUp electives.

Course Lessons and Projects

Course 1: Introduction to AutoCAD

Build foundational skills in 2D drafting, covering AutoCAD basics, drawing tools, and best practices.

Skills Covered:

  • Navigating the AutoCAD interface and workspace.
  • Creating and modifying fundamental drawing elements.
  • Managing layers, line types, and annotation tools.
  • Setting up drawing templates and organizing project files.
  • Applying best practices for precision drafting and efficiency.

Project: Develop a simple floor plan with annotation, dimensions, and layer organization.

Course 2: Intermediate AutoCAD

Enhance your AutoCAD skills by working on detailed construction drawings and multi-sheet projects.

Skills Covered:

  • Creating detailed technical drawings with multiple views.
  • Utilizing external references (XREFs) for multi-user collaboration.
  • Developing structured title blocks and sheet layouts.
  • Generating advanced annotations, dimensions, and symbols.
  • Refining layer management and file organization for large projects.

Project: Produce a complete construction document set with multiple sheets.

Course 3: CAD Construction Documents I

Learn the essential techniques for generating professional construction documents.

Skills Covered:

  • Setting up title blocks and construction document templates.
  • Creating detailed floor plans, roof plans, and foundation plans.
  • Applying standard CAD conventions for sheet setup and printing.
  • Managing keynotes, schedules, and annotations.
  • Understanding layer standards and best practices for large-scale projects.

Project: Create a complete construction document set for a residential project.

Course 4: CAD Construction Documents II

Advance your documentation skills with site plans, elevations, and sections.

Skills Covered:

  • Developing detailed site plans, including topography and utilities.
  • Drafting and annotating building elevations and sections.
  • Configuring plotting settings and batch printing for professional presentation.
  • Refining annotation and dimensioning standards for consistency.
  • Integrating CAD data with other software tools for expanded capabilities.

Project: Produce an advanced construction document set with site plans, elevations, and details.

Who Should Take This Course?

This program is designed for individuals at various stages of their career who want to gain or refine their skills in CAD drafting and technical documentation.

  • Career Changers: Looking to transition into a CAD drafting role from another field.
  • Students & Recent Graduates: Seeking to build real-world drafting skills to enhance employability.
  • Professionals in Construction & Design: Wanting to develop or refine AutoCAD skills for industry applications.
  • Self-Taught CAD Users: Looking to gain structured, formal training to improve efficiency and technical accuracy.
  • Small Business Owners: Seeking CAD skills to support in-house design or documentation needs.
  • Freelancers & Consultants: Enhancing skill sets for independent drafting and design projects.

Industry Demand & Career Outlook

As the construction and design industry continues to shift towards digital workflows, CAD expertise is a critical skill in drafting, design, and project coordination. AutoCAD remains the industry standard for 2D drafting, making proficiency in the software a highly valuable asset.

Industry demand for CAD professionals spans various sectors, including architecture, engineering, manufacturing, and construction. The ability to create, modify, and organize technical drawings is essential for ensuring accurate documentation and efficient communication between project stakeholders. Some common career include:

  • Architectural Drafter: Uses AutoCAD to create precise floor plans, elevations, and sections for residential and commercial projects.
  • Structural CAD Technician: Develops technical drawings for steel, concrete, and timber structures, ensuring alignment with engineering calculations.
  • Mechanical Designer: Drafts and refines mechanical parts, assemblies, and schematics using advanced CAD tools.
  • Electrical Drafter: Creates circuit diagrams, wiring layouts, and lighting plans for buildings and industrial projects.
  • Construction Project Coordinator: Utilizes AutoCAD to manage site layouts, as-built documentation, and project scheduling.
  • Facility Manager: Maintains updated CAD drawings of building layouts for renovations, space planning, and asset management.

Additionally, as BIM adoption increases, professionals with a strong CAD foundation can more easily transition to 3D modeling and collaborative design processes. By completing this certificate program, students will gain the confidence to produce professional-grade technical drawings, organize CAD projects effectively, and apply industry best practices to real-world projects.

Read more
Yelp Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Instagram