AutoCAD & Civil 3D Certification Course Online

Self-paced online training with expert support Package of 5 courses

Master the AutoCAD and Civil 3D skills with hands-on, real-world training in construction document preparation and civil engineering design. Prepare for the Autodesk Civil 3D Certification exam. Voucher included.

$2,299 150 clock hours 15 weeks Start anytime

This course includes

  • 150 hours of project-based training from experts
  • 5 course modules & 298 training videos
  • Access to AutoCAD & Civil 3D software (6 months)
  • Civil 3D Certified Professional Exam with retake
  • Answers from real instructors
  • Final project graded by an industry expert
  • 1-on-1 bonus training
  • Verified digital certificate of completion
  • Learn at an accredited institution
  • Flexible payment plans

The AutoCAD & Civil 3D Certification course series is geared towards students with no AutoCAD experience. Build on basic AutoCAD knowledge through Civil 3D techniques and workflows. You'll gain the skills needed to create precise civil engineering designs, manage complex data, and develop accurate construction documents. Civil 3D uses the backbone of AutoCAD to leverage the specific tools in Civil 3D. This course series will help you develop intermediate-level Civil 3D skills and will prepare you for the Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD and the Autodesk Certified Professional in Civil 3D for Infrastructure Design. You can choose which exam you would like to take upon completing all courses in this Autodesk Certification series. 

  • Learn AutoCAD Fundamentals for Civil 3D: Start by mastering AutoCAD basics, including creating drafting symbols, floor plans, and kitchen/bath fixtures. You’ll learn to assemble these elements into cohesive deliverable sheets while developing proficiency in layer management and file integration.
  • Develop Intermediate-Level Skills for Documentation: Build on your foundational knowledge by learning how to create an abbreviated set of construction documents. From floor plans to building elevations, you’ll gain expertise in managing layers, coordinating files, and using advanced AutoCAD tools for optimized workflow.
  • Create Civil 3D Models for Surveying and Mapping: Learn how to work with survey and COGO points, surface labels, and parcel data. You’ll develop expertise in organizing data into point groups and performing surface analysis, setting the stage for detailed civil engineering design and documentation.
  • Design Roads, Land Developments, and Pipe Networks: Dive into the intricacies of transportation design, land development, and pipe networks in Civil 3D. Learn how to design alignments, profiles, and corridors, and gain hands-on experience with feature lines, grading groups, and network layouts for efficient project completion.
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Courses & Videos in This Package

Download Syllabus PDF

Unit 1 30 Hours

Intro to AutoCAD Course Online

Learn AutoCAD online from the very beginning, drawing drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, and then a floor plan. We assemble everything into one deliverable sheet file. In this Introduction to AutoCAD class, become familiar with the AutoCAD user interface and basic AutoCAD commands, including Drawing, Modifying, Layering Standards, Text, Dimensioning and Plotting. You will draw a floor plan for a small Habitat for Humanity residential project, starting at the very beginning. You will be provided source AutoCAD files, which you will use to start your project.

  • 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 Course Onlne

In this course, you will draft an abbreviated set of CAD construction documents for a Habitat for Humanity project, including floor plan, roof plan, foundation plan, electrical plan, and building elevations. Create and insert blocks, externally reference files, and determine the appropriate times to use these commands to optimize project workflow. Create, insert, and link drawings. You will learn the best workflow. This course reinforces basic understanding of AutoCAD and develops experience in more advanced applications. Topics include file referencing across the project data, user coordinate systems, dynamic viewing, and paper/model space conventions. Advanced AutoCAD commands and drafting conventions are heavily stressed in this online AutoCAD course. 

  • 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 environment,s 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

Surveying & Mapping Civil 3D 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 modify points, then organize points into point groups
  • Prepare Civil 3D description key sets, linework code sets, and figure prefix databases
  • Perform a survey import, create, and subdivide parcels
  • Modify parcel display styles and label parcels areas and segments
  • Create parcel tables and a TIN surface
  • Label a surface and edit surface definitions
  • Perform a surface analysis
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

Transportation Design Civil 3D Course Online

This Civil 3D course is intended for professional designers, engineers, contractors, and others seeking professional advancement or to improve their employment opportunities. This course emphasizes intermediate civil engineering tools within Civil 3D. You will become familiar with the transportation design elements and commands in the Civil 3D environment. You will also learn about 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

Land Development Civil 3D Course Online

In this Civil 3D course, you will become familiar with the land development design elements and commands in the Civil 3D environment. You will learn about drawing template files, data shortcuts, feature lines, grading groups, pipe networks, pressure networks, and paper space. This Civil 3D course is intended for professional designers, engineers, contractors and others seeking professional advancement and job transition through acquiring CAD skills. 

  • 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
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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AutoCAD & Civil 3D Certification Course Overview

The AutoCAD & Civil 3D Certification Course provides a comprehensive pathway to mastering both AutoCAD and Civil 3D, essential tools in the engineering and construction industries. The training begins with a solid foundation in AutoCAD, where you'll learn its core functionalities and drafting techniques. Once proficient in AutoCAD, the course progresses to Civil 3D, focusing on advanced tools and workflows tailored to civil engineering projects. This structured approach ensures you build a deep understanding of each software, enabling you to create precise designs, manage detailed plans, and produce professional deliverables. By combining AutoCAD fundamentals with Civil 3D expertise, this program equips you with the technical skills and confidence to excel in your civil engineering career.

Autodesk Certification Exam Overview

There are two levels of Certification Exams: the Autodesk Certified User (ACU) and the Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP). Both certifications validate your expertise but cater to different levels of experience and skill sets. Autodesk offers an Autodesk Certified User (ACU) exam and an Autodesk Certified Professional exam for AutoCAD. However, Autodesk only offers a Certified Professional Exam for Civil 3D.

VDCI's AutoCAD & Civil 3D Certification Course prepares you for both the AutoCAD Certified User (ACU) exam and the Civil 3D for Infrastructure Design. The certification course includes a free exam voucher with online proctoring, so you can choose which exam you would like to take. 

AutoCAD Certified User (ACU) Exam Overview

The Autodesk Certified User (ACU) for AutoCAD certification exam is designed for individuals who want to demonstrate foundational skills and proficiency in AutoCAD software. This certification is ideal for students and professionals beginning their careers in design and drafting. The exam focuses on key competencies such as creating and editing drawings, working with layouts, and utilizing annotations effectively. This exam typically takes 50 minutes to complete, including a combination of multiple-choice and performance-based questions. By earning the ACU certification, candidates validate their knowledge and set themselves apart in the competitive design and drafting industries.

Civil 3D Certified Professional (ACP) Exam Overview

The Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) for Civil 3D certification exam is designed for advanced Civil 3D users who have significant hands-on experience with the software (estimated at 400–1,200 hours). This certification demonstrates a strong capability in workflows, processes, and project objectives centered on infrastructure design. Gaining this credential showcases your skills in infrastructure design and positions you as a reliable professional in the competitive AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. 

Key competencies assessed include:

  • Surveying & Points (managing and editing points and parcels)

  • Site Design (surfaces, alignments, grading, and profiles)

  • Corridors (modeling roads and intersections)

  • Pipe and Pressure Networks (creating and managing utility infrastructure)

  • Plan Production (generating plan sets and handling data management)

The certification aligns closely with real-world applications, making it highly relevant to professionals handling civil engineering projects.

Exam Format and Details

Duration: 120 minutes (proctored online through VDCI)

Questions: 45–60, focusing on performance-based scenarios reflective of practical Civil 3D usage.

Question Types:

  • Multiple choice

  • Drag-and-drop

  • Hot area (selecting “active” areas of graphics)

  • Graphic interpretation

  • Active screen (interactive images of the software UI)

Cost: $200 (exam is included in VDCI's certification course)

  • Language: English

  • Validity: 3 years (with a retest required for renewal)

How VDCI Prepares You for the Certification Exam

As an Autodesk Learning Partner and Training Center, VDCI provides high-quality, industry-approved courses to help students and professionals develop job-ready skills using Autodesk tools like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, and more. Our partnership with Autodesk ensures that our training aligns with the latest industry standards and best practices.

VDCI is committed to equipping students with practical, industry-standard skills that provide a solid foundation for success in the AutoCAD Certification Exam & Civil 3D Certification Exam. Our teaching approach combines real-world project-based learning with proven instructional methods to ensure students grasp the core functionalities and advanced techniques for Civil 3D.

VDCI provides comprehensive training to prepare you for theAutoCAD & Civil 3D certification exams by offering industry-relevant courses tailored to your learning needs. The AutoCAD & Civil 3D Certification Course focuses on equipping you with practical, hands-on experience through real-world project simulations, ensuring you grasp essential workflows and tools within AutoCAD & Civil 3D. VDCI’s expert-led courses emphasize critical concepts such as site design, grading, parcel creation, and corridor modeling, aligning their curriculum closely with the exam objectives. By combining technical guidance with flexible learning options, VDCI allows students to build confidence and readiness to succeed in achieving certification. 

Some key features of VDCI's AutoCAD & Civil 3D training include:

  • Hands-On Learning: Courses are designed with hands-on exercises that simulate real-world challenges

  • Experienced Instructors: Learn from industry-expert instructors who have years of AEC experience

  • Flexible Learning Options: Participate in online courses that fit your schedule

  • Dedicated Support: Dedicated instructor and support staff to guide you 1-on-1

  • Certified Training: Autodesk-approved training by Autodesk Certified Instructors

What You Get:

  • Autodesk Software: Free access to the AutoCAD & Civil 3D software ($2,030/year for each software)

  • Certification Exams: Free exam voucher with 1 retake ($200 retail)

  • Flexible Learning: Self-paced online learning options

  • VDCI Certificates: AutoCAD & Civil 3D Course Completion Certificates

  • Autodesk Certificates: Autodesk Course Completion Certificates

VDCI also offers certification training for other AEC-related Autodesk certification exams, including Revit Architectural Design, Revit Mechanical Design, Revit Electrical Design, and Revit Structural Design. Below are the courses that will prepare you for these certifications: 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are VDCI courses aligned with Autodesk certification exams?

Yes, VDCI courses are designed to prepare students for the Autodesk Certification Exams. VDCI is an Autodesk Learning Partner and Approved Autodesk Training Center. All of our instructors and course developers are Autodesk Certified Instructors.

Does VDCI offer Autodesk Certification Exams?

Yes, VDCI offers a free certification exam for each certification course completed. 

Does VDCI facilitate the proctoring of the Autodesk Certification Exams?

Yes, VDCI facilitates the proctoring of Autodesk Certification exams. VDCI coordinates with Certiport and Pearson VUE to provide exam vouchers and schedule online proctored exams via Zoom. VDCI will coordinate all of these steps with the student directly.

How and when do I get the exam voucher? 

To receive your exam voucher, you’ll need to reach out to us. We will then confirm that you have completed all the requirements. Once verified, our team will purchase the voucher from Certiport and coordinate a time for you to take your exam. 

How can I take the certification exam? Is it remote or in person?

Once you receive your exam voucher, you’ll take the exam online with a live remote proctor via Zoom. We will coordinate and schedule your exam session to ensure a smooth testing process.

Who should take the Civil 3D Certification Exam?

This Civil 3D exam is perfect for professionals and students in the fields of civil engineering, land development, and infrastructure design who are looking to validate their proficiency with the software. It is ideal for individuals aiming to enhance their credentials, improve their design workflows, or advance their careers by demonstrating a solid understanding of critical Civil 3D.

How many hours of software practice do I need to be prepared to take the exam?

The recommended practice hours vary depending on the certification level:

  • Entry-level certifications (Autodesk Certified User): Typically require 100-200 hours of hands-on experience with the software

  • Advanced certifications (Autodesk Certified Professional): Usually require 400-1200 hours of practical experience due to the increased complexity of the exam

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