Frequently Asked Questions

Once you enroll in a course, you will have access to the videos for 30 days. You can watch the videos whenever you’d like and as many times as you’d like during this time. Afterwards, if you pass the course with a 70% or above, you will be able to receive a complimentary 7-day access period, which can be activated any time after successfully completing the course.

If you are in a program, you will have access to all videos in past courses upon request during the time you are enrolled in your program. 

All our courses are 100% online and you are able to work through the material at your pace for the duration of your class. All of our classes are prerecorded videos with an industry expert available to answer questions and consult on the material in each course.

For more details on the modality, visit How does a VDCI online class work?

VDCI has two main types of courses: lecture and project-based courses. There may be different system requirements depending on which type of course you are taking. We have outlined the basics at our following page: What type of computer or device do I need?

Yes! There are no set class times or required login times. Lectures and course materials are prerecorded by our instructors and provided through the online Learning Hub on your first day of the course. Lectures can be accessed as many times as you would like during the course access. During course enrollment, students have 24/7 access to the online Learning Hub, making it easy to schedule and work on the courses when you have time.

All our courses are primarily taught in English. However, we recently launched a Spanish-language course: Blueprint Reading for Residential Construction. This course is designed to make foundational blueprint reading skills accessible to Spanish-speaking students. We’re excited to continue expanding our offerings to support a more diverse audience!

Learn more about our First Blueprint Reading Course in Spanish!

When you receive your "Welcome to Class" email, you will be provided specific instructions on how to access the software you will need for your class. We recommend downloading the most recent version of the software, which will be compatible with our course workflows.

There are no required textbooks for any VDCI courses; however, we have provided software-specific recommended textbooks as an additional resource to reference for all Autodesk and Adobe software courses. Additionally, there are no recommended textbooks for Blueprint Reading, Construction Fundamentals, Construction Estimating or for SketchUp.

Typically, we suggest 10 to 15 hours per week for each 30 clock hour course. Courses will have different clock hour totals, and this will impact the total time investment for each course.

Once you complete a course, your grade will be posted in the Learning Hub within 7 days of the course ending. Certificates of Completion will be provided to all students who complete the course with a grade of 70% or higher. Certificates of Completion are issued when official grades are posted by your instructor and can be accessed on your dashboard. 

For single courses and bundles, you can start whenever you're ready—they’re completely self-paced. 

For our certificate programs, the first class has a set start date every Monday. After completing the first class, the rest of the program follows a self-paced format, allowing you to progress at your own speed.

Yes! VDCI is a nationally accredited institution offering professional training in CAD, BIM, and other AEC-related fields. We are an Autodesk Authorized Training Center and Autodesk Certified Testing Center, ensuring our courses meet the highest industry standards.

Yes! At VDCI, our courses are designed with a project-based learning approach, ensuring you work on real-world projects that mirror the challenges and workflows of the AEC industry. You'll use industry-standard software like AutoCAD, Revit, and Civil 3D to complete assignments based on real construction drawings, architectural designs, and engineering documents.

Yes, all VDCI courses are 100% online, so there's no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures and assignments anytime, anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

When you purchase a course you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. We also offer free student software to students enrolled in a software course. Upon completing the course, your electronic certificate will be added on your dashboard under the Certificates section - from there, you can print your certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can choose to audit the course. However, please be aware that as an auditing student, you will not receive any grades, therefore you will also not receive the certificate of completion.

Yes! You can purchase any course individually. You can view all courses here: Course Catalog

To enroll in a course or training, you can purchase it directly from our site, or browse our catalog.

To enroll in a program, you will first need to submit an application for review. Once our team has reviewed your application, they will either approve or deny based on our policies. If approved, Student Services will contact you with your Enrollment Agreement Forms and student schedule.

Prior knowledge in Computer Aided Design (CAD) or Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is helpful but not required to complete a course.

Most of our programs will help you learn the specified software from the very beginning. While some prior knowledge can be helpful, it is not required. Additionally, any prerequisites will be listed on the course page.

Students' work must be completed within 2 years and then reviewed by the curriculum team. Please see our Transfer of Credit policy on page 12 of our School Catalog for more information.

If you take the course as a regular student, you receive credit for the clock hours. Choosing the audit option simply lets you view the course without earning the grade or credit. If you are interested in receiving a certificate of completion, you will need to select the regular option as you will not receive one if you audit the course.

Course Access Instructions

After you have purchased your training, you will receive an email with login instructions within 15 minutes of purchasing. Please check your spam inbox if you did not receive an email. See the example email below:

How to Activate Your Course

 See the video below on how to activate your course.

How to Activate a Series of Multiple Courses (Package of Courses)

If you purchased a series of courses, also referred to as a package of courses, you will have multiple courses to activate at your convenience. Below are instructions on how to locate and activate your courses.

When to Activate Your Course

You may start your course at any time! You can choose to activate your course immediately after purchasing it or you can wait to start your course at another time. You have 12 months from the date of purchase to activate your course (or courses). Once you activate the course, you will have 30 days to complete the course (access the course materials, quizzes, projects and videos).

You must complete all the topics in the "Welcome & Resources" section before moving on to the next section. When each section is complete, there will be a green checkmark next to the course titles. Please see the video below of how to move to your next lesson. 

You are entitled to a 90% refund (your payment less the nonrefundable 10% registration fee) within 30 days of purchase if you have not accessed the course materials.

You may choose when to activate the course (i.e. you can buy the course now and activate it within the next 12 months). Once you activate the course, you will have 30 to complete it (access the course materials, quizzes, projects and videos). You may request one extension of seven (7) days. Other extension requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Videos are not downloadable.

Anyone can enroll in courses at VDCI. Please be aware that majority of our training is only taught in English. The only non-English course is our Blueprint Reading for Residential Construction in Spanish. If you are interested in our programs, you must reside in the United States or Canada. 

Yes! All VDCI courses are fully self-paced, meaning you can start whenever it’s convenient for you. There are no fixed course cycles or start dates for individual courses or bundles. Simply enroll, and you’ll have immediate access to the materials to begin your training at your own pace. For certificate programs, the first course starts every Monday, but after that, the rest of the program is entirely self-paced.

When taking multiple courses, you can start your next course whenever you have received a passing grade (70% or higher) from your previous course. Since our courses are all self-paced, you can choose when you would like to start your next course and enroll yourself. If you finish early, you must reach out to the instructor directly (through the online learning hub messaging system) and ask to be graded early.

Yes, all VDCI courses are self-paced. You can buy a single course or multiple courses through our fundamentals or certification courses and start whenever you are ready.

Please note: If you are in a certificate program, you will work directly with your coordinator to set your course schedule.

If you are unsure if you purchased a single course or a package of courses, you can review your training details in your email receipt. You are welcome to upgrade to a course package. Contact our team at learn@vdci.edu, and we'll help you get the training that fits your needs! 

Multiple Courses

To identify which training is a package of courses, look for the information as shown in the example below. Single courses include 30 clock hours at most. A course package will typically have more than 30 clock hours. 

• Course Completion Certificate – Earned after completing an individual course at VDCI. This shows you have finished the course but is not an industry certification.
• Program Certificate – Awarded when you complete a full certificate program at VDCI, such as the BIM Technology Certificate Program. This demonstrates a broader skillset across multiple courses.
• Autodesk Certificate – A certificate of completion issued by Autodesk when you finish an Autodesk-approved course. This is proof of training but not an official certification.
• Autodesk Certification – An industry-recognized certification earned by passing an Autodesk Certified User (ACU) or Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) exam. This validates your software proficiency and is highly regarded by employers.

Autodesk learning and certifications offer a new way to learn and certify for today’s adaptive industry professionals and innovators. Whether you are looking to change careers or build skills in your current role, we don’t think you should have to do it alone. Autodesk will help you stay on the edge of industry convergence and changing roles through self-paced learning. Go to autodesk.com/certification to explore what they have to offer.

Yes, our courses are designed to prepare students for the Autodesk Certification Exams. See our blog post for more detailed information on the preparation we offer for Autodesk Certification Exams.

Students will receive a certificate of completion issued by VDCI for each course passed with a 70% or higher. Autodesk software courses will also include a certificate of completion that comes directly from Autodesk upon completion of a survey about the course. Additional certification exams can be purchased through testing organizations; VDCI does not issue or proctor industry certification exams.

Yes! You'll earn a certificate of completion from VDCI and Autodesk upon completing this course, by completing all graded assignments with a cumulative 70% or better. If you'd like to earn additional recognition from Autodesk, consider attempting an Autodesk certification exam. Sharing your VDCI and Autodesk completion certificates can signal to hiring managers that you have the right skills for the job and you are up on the latest industry trends.

Autodesk offers a range of certification exams to validate skills in their software. The most common ones include:

• Autodesk Certified User (ACU) – Entry-level certification for beginners.
• Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) – Intermediate certification for those with more experience.
• Autodesk Certified Expert (ACE) – Advanced certification for industry professionals (available in select software).

Learn more about the different Autodesk Certifications at our Autodesk Certifications and VDCI Training Blog.
Common software with certification exams:

• Revit - Check out our Revit Certification: Exam Preparation & Resources Blog for more information!
• AutoCAD - Check out our AutoCAD Certification: Exam Preparation & Resources Blog for more information!
• Civil 3D - Check out our Civil 3D Certification: Exam Preparation & Resources Blog for more information!
• Fusion 360

VDCI offers training programs specifically designed to prepare students for Autodesk certification exams. These include:

• Revit Fundamentals - prepares you for Autodesk Revit Certified User Exam
• Revit Professional - prepares you for Autodesk Revit Certified User Exam and Revit for Architectural Design Certified Professional Exam
• Revit MEP - prepares you for Autodesk Revit Certified User Exam and Revit for Mechanical Design Certified Professional Exam
• Revit Structure - prepares you for Autodesk Revit Certified User Exam and Revit for Structural Design Certified Professional Exam
• AutoCAD Fundamentals - prepares you for Autodesk AutoCAD Certified User Exam
• AutoCAD Professional - prepares you for Autodesk AutoCAD Certified User Exam and AutoCAD for Design and Drafting Certified Professional Exam
• Civil 3D Professional - prepares you for Autodesk AutoCAD Certified User Exam and Civil 3D for Infrastructure Design Certified Professional Exam
• Civil 3D Prev Exp - prepares you for Civil 3D for Infrastructure Design Certified Professional Exam

These courses cover essential workflows, best practices, and exam-focused exercises to ensure students are ready for certification.

You should take the exam when:

• You have completed an Autodesk-approved training course.
• You have hands-on experience using the software (recommended: 50+ hours for ACU, 150+ hours for ACP).
• You are comfortable with the exam format, which includes multiple-choice questions and hands-on tasks.

If you're unsure, taking practice exams or assessment tests can help determine your readiness.

No, Autodesk does not offer free retakes. If you do not pass the exam, you will need to pay to retake it. Some Autodesk Learning Partners or testing centers may offer bundled packages that include retakes, but this depends on the provider.

At VDCI, we do offer one free retake accompanied with your exam voucher.

To receive your Autodesk Certified User exam voucher, you’ll need to reach out to us. We will then confirm that you have completed all the necessary requirements.
Once verified, our team will purchase the voucher from Certiport and coordinate a time for you to take your exam.
Please note: The included exam voucher is for the Autodesk Certified User exams and not the Autodesk Professional exams. Additionally, Autodesk Certified User exam vouchers are not included in the Fundamentals courses.

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

Yes, the Autodesk certification exams are proctored. Our team will schedule your exam session with a certified proctor to ensure a secure and fair testing environment.

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.

For more information on the different types of Autodesk Certification Exams see our Autodesk Certifications and VDCI Training blog.

You can find the exam topics on Autodesk’s official website or in our certification blogs for AutoCAD, Revit, and Civil 3D. 

Students who passed the class will be sent an email from Autodesk at the end of the quarter. Students who would like a certificate sooner can submit a request in the Course Completion Survey and Certificate section at the end of their course, or reach out to Student Services at learn@vdci.edu.

The right certification exam depends on the software and training program you’ve completed. Each course or program is designed to prepare you for a specific Autodesk certification. Visit our Autodesk Certifications and VDCI Training blog for a breakdown of which exams align with your training.

Time management is crucial for success in online learning, as it requires self-discipline and organization to stay on track. Here are some effective time management tips for online learning:  Tips for Online Learning

In each class there will be an instructor available to answer any questions you may have, but our courses are not live. Our instructors are practicing professionals in the field so we allow up to 24 hours for instructors to respond to their students. Please see the gif below on how to message your instructor in the learning hub. 

Yes, you can work at your own pace during the 30 days of the course. There are no set deadlines but all of your assignments must be turned in on the last day of the course. You can login to the Learning Hub at any time at your convenience while enrolled in the course.

There are no set class times, so you do not need to log in at a specific time. You may log into the Learning Hub at any time to access your course materials, video lectures, and assignments while you are enrolled in the course. Please note, that once you start a course, you have 30 days to access and complete the material. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis; please reach out to your instructor with your extension request.

VDCI fosters strong online engagement between you, your instructor, and your classmates. You can take part in discussion forums, connect with your instructor, and message your peers. Additionally, you're invited to join the VDCI Student Lounge, where instructors, staff, current students, and alumni share information and support one another.

All VDCI project-based courses are taught on PC. This includes all AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, Interior Design, and SketchUp courses. While, our lecture courses can be taken on either a PC or a Mac. These include all Construction and Blueprint Reading courses.

Please note: Autodesk software programs, such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Civil 3D, were made to be used on a PC.

Yes! All VDCI courses are fully self-paced, meaning you can start whenever it’s convenient for you. There are no fixed course cycles or start dates for individual courses or bundles. Simply enroll, and you’ll have immediate access to the materials to begin your training at your own pace. For certificate programs, the first course starts every Monday, but after that, the rest of the program is entirely self-paced.

If you enroll in a program, you will receive a 1 year student license.

We currently only offer our services to the regions of the United States and Canada. 

Use the following link to view a guided video on enrolling in your BIM Certificate Program: BIM Certificate Path

Use the following link to view a guided video on enrolling in your CAD/BIM Certificate Program: CAD/BIM Certificate Path

Use the following link to view a guided video on enrolling in your CAD Certificate Program: CAD Certificate Path

While VDCI does not guarantee job placement, our certificate program students gain access to our career services. This includes:

• Resume/Cover Letter Workshops: Helping you create a professional resume
• Portfolio Preparation: Showcasing the real-world projects you’ve completed during your training
• Mock Interview Practice: Providing tips and mock interviews to build your confidence.

You will have 30 days to complete the assignments for each course, starting from your enrollment date. While there are no set due dates for individual assignments, all work must be submitted by the 30th day. If you need extra time, please message your instructor in the learning hub to request an extension.

For certificate students, the capstone course allows 40 days to complete the project. If you need additional access to course videos after completing a course, you may request it through your instructor.

Refunds will calculated based on the policies outlined in the Student Catalog. Please note, the program registration fee is non-refundable. Program student refunds will be the greater refund after comparing the ACCET and BPPE calculations. The ACCET refund calculation type will be determined by the student’s last day of attendance. The BPPE refund calculation type will be determined by the number of clock hours attended or scheduled to be attended.

Yes, VDCI helps companies in the AEC industry onboard employees by providing training in essential software and industry workflows so they can quickly get up to speed and begin helping with projects at hand. Our courses ensure team members quickly gain the skills needed to contribute effectively. We offer training in:

In-Demand AEC Software

• AutoCAD
• Civil 3D
• Revit
• Revit MEP
• Revit Structure
• SketchUp Pro

Construction Essentials

• Blueprint Reading for Residential & Commercial Projects
• Construction Cost Estimating
• Construction Fundamentals
• Construction Management
• AEC Professional Soft Skills

For more information, please visit our Corporate Training page.

Yes, VDCI offers live training options for corporate clients. To arrange live training, please email us at partnerships@vdci.edu and provide your training location (onsite or remote), topic of interest, class size, preferred date, and any other special requests.

One of our team members will contact you with any additional questions and provide a quote based on your requirements.

Yes, VDCI offers a wide range of courses beyond those listed on our website. We also provide the option for customized training tailored to specific needs. If you are interested in courses not listed on our site or would like to explore customized training options, please send an email to partnerships@vdci.edu with details about the subject matter you are interested in. Our team will be happy to assist you in creating a personalized training solution.

Yes, VDCI understands that plans change. We offer a flexible substitution policy for corporate customers who have registered multiple employees for courses. If you need to change the participants for any courses your company has registered for, please contact our Corporate Training team at partnerships@vdci.edu. Provide the names of the originally registered participants and the new participants you'd like to substitute. Our team will assist you in making the necessary changes.

Yes, VDCI offers the option for companies to white-label our courses. This allows your organization to present our training content under your own brand, providing a seamless integration with your existing training programs. If you are interested in white-labeling VDCI courses, please contact our Corporate Training team at partnerships@vdci.edu for more information and to discuss the details of this opportunity.

A Portal is a customized, white-label solution that allows VDCI courses to be presented under another company's branding. This means that when users access the Portal, they will see the courses as if they were part of the other company's offerings, complete with their branding and design elements. This seamless integration enables companies to offer VDCI's training content while maintaining their own brand identity. If you are interested in creating a Portal for your organization, please contact our Corporate Training team at partnerships@vdci.edu for more information.

Yes, VDCI is a nationally accredited institution! For more information on VDCI's accreditation status, please visit our Accreditation and Credentials page.

National accreditation is a type of institutional accreditation granted by a national accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It is typically focused on vocational and career-oriented education, as well as on distance learning programs. Accreditation by a national accrediting organization is a mark of quality that provides students with the assurance that they are receiving an education that is recognized by employers and other educational institutions.

The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) is a national accrediting organization that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Its mission is to promote and improve continuing education and training in the United States by ensuring that institutions meet high standards for quality and integrity. ACCET evaluates and accredits institutions based on a set of rigorous standards in areas such as curriculum, faculty qualifications, student services, and financial stability. Institutions that are accredited by ACCET are recognized as meeting the highest standards in continuing education and training.

VDCI provides on-demand access to professional video lectures, courses designed by working industry professionals, and project-based learning assignments. Every course includes the required software, and students benefit from progress tracking and built-in accountability to ensure they stay on track.

To explore the benefits of learning with VDCI, visit Why VDCI?

We’ve helped thousands of students advance their careers and gain in-demand skills over the past 20 years. Check out our student success stories and testimonials from graduates who’ve transformed their careers with VDCI’s flexible, expert-led programs.

VDCI has been empowering students for over 20 years and has been accredited since 2016, reflecting our commitment to providing high-quality, career-focused education.

Our training is designed to support everyone—from beginners starting their journey to proficient professionals looking to expand their skill set. Students can learn at their own pace while receiving the support they need to succeed.

All VDCI courses are taught by expert instructors who are actively working in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. This ensures that the knowledge and skills you learn are current and relevant to today’s job market.

Yes, VDCI is an Autodesk Learning Partner! An Autodesk Learning Partner (ALP) is a trusted organization authorized by Autodesk to deliver professional training and certification programs for Autodesk software. As an ALP, VDCI provides high-quality, industry-approved courses designed to help students and professionals develop job-ready skills using Autodesk tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and more. Our partnership ensures that our training aligns with the latest industry standards and best practices.

Yes, all of our courses can be purchased for someone else. There are two methods, depending on whether you purchase from our website or the VDCI Learning Hub.

To view the step-by-step process of how to do so, visit Can I Purchase A Course For Someone Else?

VDCI is not eligible to receive title IV funding like FAFSA and financial aid. However, we do have a private scholarship opportunity available. If awarded it can cover up to $2,000 of program tuition. 

Use the link to learn more: Scholarship Opportunity at VDCI

Yes, VDCI offers The Al Whitley Memorial Scholarship. For more information on this scholarship opportunity and how to apply, please visit the Al Whitley Memorial Scholarship page.

For select programs, payment plans are available. Each program page provides payment details. For more information of the payment plan breakdown, please visit our Installment Plans page.

You are entitled to a 90% refund (your payment less the nonrefundable 10% registration fee) within 30 days of purchase if you have not accessed the course materials. 

Refunds will be calculated based on the policies outlined in the Student Catalog. Please note, the program registration fee is non-refundable. Program student refunds will be the greater refund after comparing the ACCET and BPPE calculations. The ACCET refund calculation type will be determined by the student’s last day of attendance. The BPPE refund calculation type will be determined by the number of clock hours attended or scheduled to be attended. 

Please note this refund policy applies to the following programs:

CAD Certificate Program

CAD/BIM Certificate Program

BIM Certificate Program

AutoCAD Fundamentals Fast-Track

AutoCAD Professional Fast-Track

Revit Fundamentals Fast-Track

Revit Architecture Professional Fast-Track

Revit Structure Professional Fast-Track

Revit MEP Professional Fast-Track

Civil 3D Previous Experience Fast-Track

Civil 3D Professional Fast-Track