If you’re serious about learning AutoCAD, you’ve probably realized that you need to take a class. However, you may be wondering where to find a class that meets your needs. There are a number of different types of AutoCAD class options out there. Keep reading to learn more about how these options differ and where to find them.
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.
How to Learn AutoCAD
If you want to learn AutoCAD, you’ll find a number of different class options. 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.
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.
Self-paced classes are another type of asynchronous learning option. These are similar to on-demand classes in that you have the freedom to log in whenever you want and work through the material at your own pace, however, they come with more instructor support. For instance, you’ll get regular advice and feedback on your work. In many cases, you’ll also interact with classmates in discussion forums. A downside to self-paced classes is that since you have so much control over your learning, you need to have a higher level of motivation and be good at working by yourself. Additionally, depending on where you learn from, you may face more distractions.
Where to Find In-Person AutoCAD Classes
In-person AutoCAD classes are offered at many different types of schools. Some colleges offer AutoCAD classes that can be taken individually, or run AutoCAD certificate courses that are made up of multiple classes. College courses typically run on a semester or quarter system, and have specific application deadlines. There are usually a number of admission requirements; for instance, you may need to submit transcripts and complete an orientation. Colleges typically charge per credit, with most single classes being between one and four credits. There may also be other fees such as student activity fees, lab fees, or parking.
Another popular choice for an AutoCAD class is a career training school. These types of schools offer shorter, more focused training programs, which can be a good option if you’re trying to learn a specific skill like AutoCAD. They may be cheaper than college courses, and typically charge by the class, not per credit. Many offer a variety of payment options. Since courses at these schools are often shorter than college programs, you generally won’t have to wait too long to find a class to join. Career training schools are offered in many different locations, but those with in-person classes are typically in more populated areas.
Where to Find Live Online AutoCAD Classes
Compared to in-person classes, live online AutoCAD classes are often easier to find because you won’t be limited to options that run in your geographic vicinity. You attend this type of class via a platform like Zoom, and you can attend from anywhere with internet access. An increasing number of colleges are offering courses in this format.
You’ll also find many different career training schools that provide live online classes and have extensive experience in this format. When you take a class at one of these schools you’re likely to have an experienced instructor who knows how to effectively lead a class in this format. Some schools even offer both in-person and live online classes. For example, Noble Desktop is based in New York City, where it offers in-person AutoCAD training in its state-of-the-art facility. In addition, it runs all of its programs in a live online format that can be accessed from anywhere.
Some websites provide lists of AutoCAD classes that you can use to find an option that sounds right for you. Noble Desktop offers a helpful tool called Classes Near Me, where you can search for classes by subject and location, including live online classes.
Where to Find Self-Paced AutoCAD Classes
Finding a self-paced class can be a similar process to finding a live online one, since many different schools offer this type of course. Self-paced classes do offer more flexibility than live online ones. For instance, when you’re comparing class options you won’t need to consider whether or not the schedule works for you, because you’ll be able to make your own schedule. As with a live online class, you’ll be learning online, so you won’t have to think about how to get to class either.
When you’re looking for a self-paced AutoCAD class, it’s a good idea to do some research and make sure you understand all of the features associated with each course, since not all courses will come with the same benefits. For example, on-demand classes are similar to self-paced courses in the way that they are asynchronous, however, they typically don’t have the same level of interaction and feedback that comes with self-paced classes.
Where to Find Free and Supplemental AutoCAD Classes
Some people learn AutoCAD by utilizing free resources. There are a variety of free AutoCAD resources online, and they can be valuable when you’re trying to learn this program. You can use free resources for an overview of how AutoCAD works, to pick up a few basic skills, or to troubleshoot a problem. Some places to find free resources include YouTube and the Autodesk website. Certain schools also offer free resources to help prospective students learn more about various topics before they commit to a paid class. For instance, Noble Desktop provides many free seminars, including seminars about design.
However, there are limits to free resources. Most are not comprehensive enough to get you to a professional level of AutoCAD mastery. In addition, not all online resources are accurate or up-to-date. If you’re serious about learning this application, you’ll probably end up deciding to take a formal class where you can learn from an expert and follow a curriculum that you can trust.
Learn AutoCAD With Self-Paced VDCI Courses
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 and include software access while you’re taking the course. 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.
If you want to get to cover the basics and get to an intermediate level of mastery, the AutoCAD Fundamentals Course Bundle is a great option. This is a multi-week course that starts with beginner skills like understanding 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. After that, you’ll learn 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. This bundle comes with a bonus live one-on-one training session.
Another option is the CAD Certificate Program. This program takes multiple months to complete. It includes six AutoCAD units which cover basic and intermediate Auto CAD 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. This program comes with six live one-on-one mentoring sessions and job placement assistance.
There is also a CAD/BIM Certificate Program which is designed to prepare you to use AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM in a career in the construction industry. You’ll take classes in AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM and will learn to utilize best practices, use industry-standard workflows, and create professional construction documents. You can also choose elective courses and you’ll work on a capstone project, where you can apply your skills in a real-work project. This course comes with eight live one-on-one mentoring sessions.
If you want to earn an AutoCAD certification, VDCI offers an AutoCAD Certification Training Bundle. In this course, you’ll learn the skills needed to use AutoCAD in the construction industry. In addition, you’ll prepare for the Autodesk CAD certification. The bundle includes a voucher for the exam, and a free exam retake. It also comes with a live one-on-one training session.
Finally, VDCI also offers shorter AutoCAD classes. For instance, 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.