AutoCAD Certification Course Online

What You Will Learn

The AutoCAD Certification Course is a comprehensive training program designed to equip students with the drafting skills necessary for professional work in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. This program progresses from fundamental concepts to advanced techniques in creating detailed, industry-standard construction documents.

By completing this course, you will:

• Master AutoCAD's interface, core functionalities, and industry-standard workflows.
• Develop professional drafting techniques, including precision tools for creating floor plans, elevations, sections, and details.
• Learn best practices for creating and managing layers, blocks, and external references to optimize workflow.
• Understand title block setup, sheet layouts, and how to format documents for plotting and publishing.
• Work with dimensioning, annotation styles, and CAD standards used in professional construction documents.
• Gain hands-on experience applying AutoCAD to architectural, mechanical, electrical, and structural drawings.
• Prepare for the Autodesk Certified User (ACU) Exam, earning an industry-recognized credential.
• Develop the ability to interpret blueprints, integrate CAD drawings into larger projects, and collaborate with engineers and architects.

Benefits of the AutoCAD Certification Course

VDCI is a nationally accredited institution offering project-based learning tailored to industry standards. Our structured courses ensure students gain practical experience applicable to professional settings.

• Flexible Learning Options: Access courses 24/7, complete assignments on a structured timeline, and study at your own pace.
• National Accreditation: VDCI is accredited by ACCET and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Project-Based Learning: Work on real-world drafting projects, mirroring industry expectations.
• Certification Readiness: Prepare for the AutoCAD Certified User (ACU) Exam with course-integrated exam preparation.
• Industry-Recognized Credentials: Earn a verified digital certificate upon course completion.
• Expert-Led Training: Courses are instructed by Autodesk Certified Professionals with experience in AEC industries.
• Hands-on Application: Apply learned skills directly to projects, gaining confidence in professional drafting environments.

Course Lessons and Projects

Course 1: Introduction to AutoCAD

Establish a foundational understanding of AutoCAD, including drafting tools, layer management, and essential commands.

Skills Covered:

• Navigating the AutoCAD workspace, toolbars, and command line interface.
• Understanding drawing units, scales, and coordinate systems.
• Creating and modifying simple 2D drawings, including walls, windows, and symbols.
• Managing layers, applying object properties, and controlling visibility.
• Adding annotations, dimensions, and hatching to drawings.
• Configuring and plotting drawings for printing.

Project: Develop a fully annotated architectural floor plan, applying layers, dimensions, and a title block.

Course 2: Intermediate AutoCAD

Advance drafting capabilities by creating construction documents, refining drafting techniques, and integrating external references.

Skills Covered:

• Developing accurate and detailed floor plans, roof plans, and foundation layouts.
• Using blocks and external references (Xrefs) to manage complex drawings.
• Creating building elevations and refining presentation techniques.
• Setting up multi-scale drawings using viewports and layout tabs.
• Applying CAD standards, including layer naming conventions and file organization.
• Configuring annotation scales for consistent text, dimensions, and symbols.

Project: Complete a full construction document set, integrating multiple layers, annotations, and a structured layout.

Course 3: AutoCAD Construction Documents I

Focus on the creation of professional construction documents, title block development, and integrating multiple drawings.

Skills Covered:

• Developing title blocks and setting up drawing templates.
• Creating a detailed residential floor plan, including walls, doors, and windows.
• Utilizing Xrefs to maintain organization and manage project updates.
• Drawing enlarged floor plans, detailing construction components.
• Applying hatching for material representation.
• Organizing sheet sets to conform to National CAD Standards.

Project: Draft a construction-ready floor plan, roof plan, and multiple elevation views.

Course 4: AutoCAD Construction Documents II

Expand on construction documentation skills, focusing on sections, site plans, and multi-scale details.

Skills Covered:

• Creating detailed wall sections and foundation sections.
• Developing site plans, including property boundaries and topography.
• Refining annotation techniques for structural and architectural detailing.
• Integrating surveyor data and civil engineering information.
• Configuring layer states for different project phases.
• Utilizing keynotes for clarity in technical documentation.

Project: Produce a complete construction document set, including sections, site plans, and annotated detail sheets.

Course 5: CAD Detailing

Learn advanced CAD detailing techniques, emphasizing precision and adherence to industry standards.

Skills Covered:

• Drafting detailed architectural and structural drawings.
• Understanding and applying line weight differentiation for clarity.
• Utilizing standard detail libraries for efficiency.
• Integrating manufacturer-provided CAD data into technical drawings.
• Preparing drawings for construction review and permit approval.

Project: Produce a set of detailed construction drawings, demonstrating clarity and adherence to industry conventions.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for individuals in various professional and learning scenarios, including:

• Aspiring Architects and Engineers: Those looking to develop strong drafting skills and learn industry-standard CAD techniques to support architectural and engineering workflows
• Construction Professionals: Individuals in construction management or project coordination who need to read, interpret, and produce professional construction documents
• Interior Designers and Space Planners: Designers who want to integrate AutoCAD into their workflow to create detailed space plans, elevations, and construction documents
• Real Estate and Facility Managers: Professionals managing building documentation and space planning for commercial and residential properties
• Freelancers and Entrepreneurs: Independent designers or drafters seeking to offer CAD services for architectural or engineering projects
• Students and Career Changers: Individuals transitioning into a new career who need a structured, professional training program to gain practical drafting experience
• Manufacturing and Product Designers: Those involved in technical drafting and creating detailed component drawings for fabrication and assembly

Career Applications & Industry Relevance

• Architectural Drafting: Produce accurate residential and commercial drawings.
• Engineering Drafting: Develop technical schematics for electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering.
• Construction Management: Utilize CAD for site planning and project coordination.
• Facility Management: Maintain as-built documentation for infrastructure projects.
• CAD Technician: Work in 2D drafting and design support roles.