AutoCAD is one of the most popular CAD programs in the world and is an important skill for many different design careers. Self-paced AutoCAD training is a popular way to learn this application. It offers a high level of flexibility that allows you to successfully balance learning with the rest of your responsibilities and it also provides instructor guidance and feedback, ensuring that you stay on track. This article contains information about the benefits of self-paced learning, and unique aspects of this training to be aware of, and highlights groups of people who are likely to benefit the most from this format. It also lists some of the best self-paced AutoCAD classes.
What is AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is a computer-aided software design (CAD) program that is used to create and edit 2D and 3D models and drawings. It is a popular tool in many different design industries including architecture, engineering, product design, and interior design. AutoCAD’s automated features, specialized toolsets, and collaboration tools have made it extremely popular and it has millions of users worldwide. It can be utilized to create a wide variety of different types of designs, ranging from basic electrical plans to complete 3D skyscraper models. AutoCAD is owned by Autodesk and is available by subscription.
This application was first released in 1982 and was part of a revolution within the design industry. For the first time, computer-aided design was available on personal computers. This meant that designers no longer had to spend hours drawing everything by hand. Not only does AutoCAD save designers a lot of time, but it has increased accuracy and made revisions far easier. Today, AutoCAD is an industry-standard application in many fields. Autodesk continues to add new tools and features every year.
Why Learn AutoCAD?
AutoCAD knowledge is a foundational skill for many different types of design careers. It is not the only CAD program that professionals use, but it is one of the most popular. Designers use AutoCAD to create drawings that can be used to guide planning and construction, and they may also generate 3D models so that they can see what their designs will look like and analyze them for potential weaknesses. This application is used by Architects to create blueprints and models. It is also used by Engineers, to create plans of designs or parts of design, and by Industrial Designers, who design things like automobiles and machinery. Other professionals who use AutoCAD include Interior Designers and Fashion Designers.
Learn AutoCAD
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One reason AutoCAD is so popular is that it provides many different tools and features. For example, it has industry-specific toolsets like an Electrical toolset, an Architecture toolset, and a Mechanical toolset. Autodesk reports that these toolsets can increase productivity significantly. For example, it finds that the Architecture toolset is associated with a 61 percent increase in productivity, the Mechanical toolset with a 55 percent increase, and the Electrical toolset with a 95 percent increase. Overall, Autodesk says that according to seven different studies it conducted on AutoCAD toolsets, there was an average productivity increase of 63 percent when a toolset was used.
There are many other benefits associated with using AutoCAD. One is that you can see what your finished product will look like before you actually build it. This means that you can analyze it to make sure that it works as planned and to find any flaws or weaknesses. You can then make changes to your design before you invest a lot of time and money in making it. AutoCAD also makes collaboration easy for design teams. Users can create, edit, and share drawings on any mobile device or in a web browser. Finally, AutoCAD remains competitive because it is continually updated with new features. For example, new features for 2024 included something called floating windows, where drawing windows can be displayed side by side or on multiple monitors.
AutoCAD Careers
AutoCAD is a popular tool in many different design industries including architecture, engineering, product design, and interior design. Drafters work in all of these industries, where they create technical plans and drawings, and they frequently use AutoCAD. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the majority of drafting jobs are for Architectural and Civil Drafters, followed by Mechanical Drafters, then Electrical and Electronics Drafters. BLS reports that between 2023 and 2033, jobs in this field will grow by 4 percent, which is about average. It says that the median pay for a Drafter is about $62,000 per year.
Architects design buildings and often use AutoCAD to produce detailed blueprints and models of their designs. As reported by BLS, growth in this job field will be 8 percent over the next decade, which is faster than average. It states, “Architects are expected to be needed to make plans and designs, particularly in sustainable design, for the construction and renovation of homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and other structures.” The median salary for an Architect is $93,000 per year, according to BLS.
Engineers design, develop, and maintain a wide variety of different systems and structures. Common specializations include mechanical, civil, industrial, electrical, and electronics engineering. AutoCAD is commonly used in engineering for creating and testing designs. According to BLS, over the next ten years, electrical and electronics engineering jobs will grow by 9 percent and civil engineering jobs will grow by 6 percent. Civil Engineers have a median salary of $95,000 yearly, and Electrical and Electronics Engineers earn about $109,000.
Interior Designers also use AutoCAD. These professionals design indoor spaces, working to ensure that they are safe, functional, and visually appealing. BLS predicts that over the next ten years, interior design jobs will grow by about 4 percent, with 8,800 jobs being added each year, on average. It says, “Homeowners and companies are expected to need services provided by interior designers to help with renovation projects. A greater focus on building codes, as well as the need to design spaces that meet accessibility standards, may also help to create jobs for these workers.” The median pay for an Interior Designer is about $62,000 yearly.
Why Learn In a Self-Paced Class?
One of the biggest benefits of self-paced learning is the flexibility that it offers. You don’t have to commute to a classroom, and you don’t have to attend class at a set time every day. Instead, you can set a schedule that works for you, and you can even adjust that schedule as needed, for instance, to make time for other responsibilities like a job or family. In addition, with a self-paced class, you won’t be forced to spend a lot of time on concepts that you already understand, and you can take more time with concepts that are more difficult.
Some research has shown that the act of directing your own learning--as with a self-paced class--can help you learn more effectively. For example, in an article in the Journal of Memory and Language titled “On the Effectiveness of Self-Paced Learning,” researchers explain their observations of self-paced learning. They maintain that, “Being an effective student requires the ability to guide one's own learning activities effectively,” and observed that students who engaged in self-paced learning performed better than students who did not when it came to memory. Other ways that your learning can be improved through a self-paced class include better critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and improved time management.
There is also evidence that taking a self-paced class can help you feel more ownership over your learning and can give you more confidence in your abilities, both of which can improve both your learning experience and the outcome of learning. When you learn in a self-paced class, you need to learn to prioritize and to complete assignments on your own. Doing so can build your confidence and inspire you to keep learning. In addition, you won’t have the potential stress of having other people pushing you to learn in a specific way; instead, you’ll have more freedom to figure out what works for you, which can help make your learning experience more enjoyable and rewarding.
What Should I Know Before Enrolling in a Self-Paced Class?
Before you enroll in a self-paced class, you should know that when you take this type of class, you’ll have a lot of responsibility for directing your learning. While most self-paced classes do have structure and deadlines, they also place a lot more control in the hands of the student, so if you want to take this type of class, you may need to make more of an effort to stay accountable and motivated. The upside of this is that as you learn, you’ll become much better at maintaining motivation and accountability, and these skills will benefit you in many different ways throughout your career.
Another thing to consider is that a self-paced class does not have a live instructor. That means that you won’t be able to ask questions in real time or get immediate feedback. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t interact with your instructor. Many self-paced classes include regular instructor advice and feedback. Some students actually say that they prefer the self-paced learning environment because they feel like it is easier to communicate ideas and engage in discussion when they don’t have to compete with a class full of students in order to be heard.
With self-paced learning, you’ll also need to consider that you won’t be learning in a classroom, but in your home or another location of your choosing. While a classroom environment is dedicated to learning, your home environment may pose more distractions. For instance, you might get sidetracked by household tasks, children, or pets. On the other hand, some people find that a classroom environment can actually be more distracting because other students often make noise or disrupt the learning process by asking questions that don’t relate, or they take too much of the instructor’s attention.
Who Stands to Benefit the Most from a Self-Paced Class?
Students who need a flexible learning schedule are likely to benefit the most from a self-paced class. These types of classes allow the freedom to create a learning schedule that fits your lifestyle. You can study whenever it works best for you, for example early in the morning or late at night. You can also work through the course material at whatever pace you need to, as long as you turn in your assignments by their due date.
Self-paced learning is also beneficial for students who don’t have access to a lot of in-person class options. To learn in person, you need to be able to get to a classroom, and depending on where you live and the schools nearby, you may not have a lot of options. In contrast, there are many self-paced classes that can be accessed with the click of a button. In recent years there has been significant growth in the number of schools offering self-paced classes, and you’re likely to find a lot of self-paced AutoCAD training options.
Alternatives to Self-Paced Classes
Free Resources
Self-paced classes are not the only way to learn AutoCAD. Some people utilize free resources. For instance, YouTube has many short free tutorials that are focused on AutoCAD. The Autodesk website also provides free tutorials that cover a variety of different AutoCAD skills. For example, you can learn expert tips and tricks, or get an overview of new application features. Another place to find free resources is on school websites, some of which offer these resources to help prospective students learn more about subjects that interest them. Noble Desktop is a New York City-based coding and design school that provides many different free learning resources on its website, including material that is focused on design, project management, and construction. Other free resources that you can use to learn about AutoCAD include professional networks and publications, and online forums, where experts are often happy to share their knowledge and advice.
A downside to free resources is that they can be outdated and inaccurate, which means you’ll have to spend time verifying the accuracy of your sources. In addition, most free resources don’t cover everything you’ll need to know to master a complex application like AutoCAD. In most cases, students who are serious about learning AutoCAD end up investing in a formal class where they can follow a comprehensive program and be guided by an expert. In addition to self-paced courses, other class options include in-person, live online, and on-demand classes.
In-Person Classes
In-person courses are the traditional way to learn a new skill, and they remain popular. When you take an in-person class, you learn while inside a classroom, as part of a group of students. You have a live instructor and you can easily interact with both the instructor and other students. Many people find this to be the most engaging format, and they like that it provides opportunities for networking. In addition, some instructors say that with in-person learning, it can be easier to see when students need additional help. Another advantage of in-person learning is that you’re in a space dedicated to learning, with minimal distractions. However, there are also downsides to this format. One of the biggest is that you have to commute to class, which can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and expensive. Additionally, you’re limited to classes that run in your immediate vicinity.
Live Online Classes
In recent years, live online classes have become increasingly popular as an alternative to in-person learning. These are similar to in-person classes, with real-time instruction and the opportunity to interact with your instructor and classmates. However, rather than commuting to class, you attend a live online class by logging in on your computer. Live online classes allow more learning flexibility and they also give you access to a greater number of class options. Additionally, since people can attend from all over the country, you may find that your class group is more diverse. A downside is that you have to supply your own equipment and software. You’ll also have to solve any technical difficulties that may arise.
Another learning option is an on-demand class. Unlike in-person and live online classes, on-demand classes are asynchronous, meaning that there is no live instructor. Instead, the material is pre-recorded and you work through it at your own pace. On-demand learning offers the most flexibility; you can stop and start whenever you need to, and you can even rewind or fast-forward the content as necessary. However, one of its biggest downsides is the lack of live instruction, which means you can’t get immediate feedback or answers to your questions. Since there is no live instructor, on-demand classes are usually the cheapest class format.
Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, and Cost to Learn AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a technical application, and it can be challenging to master its unique interface and the many different features and tools it offers. With time and practice though, almost anyone can master this application. For most people, it's possible to pick up some basic skills within a matter of days or weeks. However, to master AutoCAD, you’ll probably need to spend close to a year. You’re likely to learn AutoCAD more easily if you have some experience with architecture, engineering, or design. Drawing skills can also be helpful. A formal class can also make the learning experience easier since you’ll have access to expert advice and feedback.
There are no prerequisites to learning AutoCAD, and if you take a beginner class, you won’t be expected to have any existing experience. However, if you have some related experience--such as in design--the learning process is likely to be quicker and easier. One aspect of using this application that some people find particularly challenging is the concept of 3D modeling, which can be difficult even if you already have some drawing experience. Experts advise that it’s important to start with the basics and make sure you have a good understanding of those before you add more complex skills. For instance, don’t jump right into 3D drawing. Instead, start by mastering 2D drawing.
The cost of learning AutoCAD varies. Autodesk offers a free trial, and some classes provide software access, but after that--or if you want to have access at home--you’ll need to sign up for a subscription. Autodesk offers both monthly and yearly subscription options. Students and educators can get free educational access to AutoCAD. Another part of the cost of learning AutoCAD is the price of a class. It is possible to teach yourself this application, however, many people find that enrolling in a paid class is the fastest and most effective way to learn. Class prices vary widely, however, a basic class may cost several hundred dollars, while tuition for a comprehensive certificate program is likely to be in the thousands.
Learn AutoCAD with Hands-on Training at VDCI
The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers a variety of AutoCAD training options. This school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Its online, self-paced classes allow you to create your own learning schedule. You’ll also be able to get advice and feedback on your submissions and projects, and interact with peers in discussion forums. VDCI classes are approved by Autodesk.
In Introduction to AutoCAD, you can learn the basics of this application. You’ll learn about the user interface and basic commands, including drawing, modifying, layering standards, text, dimensioning, and plotting. You’ll create drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, and a floor plan, and will integrate all of the information. Another option is Intermediate AutoCAD, which covers more advanced topics, including file referencing across the project data, user coordinate systems, dynamic viewing, and paper/model space conventions. You’ll create a set of CAD construction documents for a Habitat for Humanity project, including the floor plan, roof plan, foundation plan, electrical plan, and building elevations.
VDCI also offers specialized AutoCAD classes. In AutoCAD Construction Documents I and AutoCAD Construction Documents II, you’ll develop a complete set of construction documents for a residential project. You’ll draft a floor plan, multi-scale enlarged plans, roof plan, and elevations. You’ll also create a titleblock from scratch, modify details, create a metes and bounds site plan drawing, work on a cover sheet, and import images and notes. Another specialized option is CAD Detailing, where you can learn to create detailed drawings using the two dominant CAD standards. VDCI also runs a class called CAD & Project Management, which covers both AutoCAD and project management skills.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive program, VDCI offers a CAD Certificate Program. This program takes eight months to complete. It includes six AutoCAD classes, which cover basic and intermediate AutoCAD skills as well as detailing, project management, and construction document skills. In addition, you’ll take elective courses and can choose to add a specialization in Revit, Civil 3D, or SketchUp Pro. Finally, there is a capstone project.