Best Online CAD Classes

Find the Best Online CAD Classes

Find the right CAD classes to fit your needs

What is CAD?

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) a software program that allows users to create 2D drawings and 3D models of real-world objects. Commonly used by designers, engineers, and architects, CAD helps professionals create realistic models of products before they are physically manufactured. Popular types of CAD software companies use include SolidWorks, Inventor, Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, CATIA, Creo, and Siemens NX. 

The history of CAD can be traced back to 1957 when Dr. Patrick J. Hanratty developed PRONTO, the first commercial numerical-control programming system. The first CAD systems were used to replace drawing boards, but they increased the productivity of design engineers. These days, CAD has replaced manual drafting methods and allows users to visualize and optimize their designs.

Best Online CAD Classes

AutoCAD Fundamentals Course Bundle 

This two-course bundle from VDCI includes an introduction to AutoCAD which will get you acquainted with the interface and essential commands, drawing and plotting, and help you establish a strong foundation. You’ll then progress to drafting CAD construction documents for a Habitat for Humanity initiative, enhancing your skills in creating floor plans, roof plans, and more. You’ll also explore advanced functions like block creation and external file referencing to optimize workflow.

Learn CAD

  • Nationally accredited
  • Create your own portfolio
  • Free student software
  • Learn at your convenience
  • Authorized Autodesk training center

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The Intermediate AutoCAD course takes your knowledge further, teaching you to navigate complex applications and master file referencing, user coordinate systems, and dynamic viewing. You’ll also learn advanced AutoCAD commands and industry-standard drafting conventions to refine your expertise, preparing for intricate design projects.

AutoCAD Certification Training Bundle

Made up of five VDCI courses, this training bundle is designed to prepare you for the AutoCAD certification exam. You’ll enhance your AutoCAD proficiency, commencing from the fundamentals and explore the AutoCAD User Interface. Throughout this comprehensive AutoCAD learning experience, you will master the creation of construction documents—an invaluable skill set for professional workflows. These classes offer a hands-on, project-centric approach, guided by experienced instructors who are actively engaged in professional AutoCAD usage.

Revit Fundamentals Course Bundle

This bundle from VDCI is designed to help you learn the fundamentals of Revit, the world's leading Building Information Modeling (BIM) software program. Using the Revit Architecture tools, you learn how information is inter-related throughout the Revit (BIM) model. This course examines how Revit users design 3D models that simultaneously document the project and generate 2D architectural drawings containing floor plans, elevations, and 3D perspective views.

Each course instructor for VDCI is an Autodesk Certified Instructor and also an experienced architectural project manager who uses Revit on a daily basis, preparing construction documents for commercial, medical and biotech projects.

AutoCAD/Civil 3D Certification Training Bundle

This VDCI course bundle is geared towards students with no AutoCAD experience. You’ll learn the fundamentals of AutoCAD and then advance into Civil 3D which uses the backbone of AutoCAD to leverage the specific tools in Civil 3D. This series of classes will prepare you for the Autodesk Certified Professional in Civil 3D for Infrastructure Design. All classes are hands-on and use real-world projects. Every instructor is a practicing professional who uses AutoCAD and Civil 3D on a daily basis.

What Can You Do with CAD Training?

With this industry-standard software, you can create, edit, and collaborate across desktop, web, and mobile devices. By using CAD, you can produce precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, electrical diagrams, construction drawings, interior designs, and more. 

CAD is a versatile software featuring many industry-specific tools and features, making the design process more accessible through its many automation and customization tools. Because of this, it is a popular and vital tool for professionals in many industries, including interior design, project management, machining, manufacturing, architectural design, and engineering. The software allows team members to share and collaborate seamlessly on projects across their devices from anywhere. 

For example, you could leverage CAD to create a detailed floor plan for a client’s new house, measuring and placing doors and windows accurately. Plus, CAD’s 3D tools can turn the 2D plan into a 3D model, allowing clients to virtually walk through the house before it’s even built.

CAD can also be used to design engineering projects like a bridge. The software allows you to draw the bridge’s support structures and calculate their load-bearing capacities to find out how much weight each part can handle, ensuring the bridge is safe for cars and people.

If you’re designing a new electronic device, CAD can come in handy. The 3D modeling features can visualize how the device will look from different angles, helping to refine the design before production.

CAD can also be used in the entertainment industry to design sets, stage layouts, and lighting. It helps set designers create detailed and functional sets for theaters, concerts, and film productions. Lighting designers can simulate and test out lighting effects to achieve the desired effects.

As you can see, the applications of CAD are many, and its usefulness is only increasing as technologies and industries become more innovative. Becoming certified in CAD can make you more marketable in a variety of fields and help you create a fulfilling and successful career. 

What Will I Learn in a CAD Class?

CAD is a multifaceted tool, so it comes as no surprise that there's a lot you can learn in a CAD course. Below is a brief list of the top general skills you’ll master as a CAD student, including both hard and soft skills. All of these will serve you well when applying, interviewing, and working in a CAD role. 

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Expert communication skills are a must-have for CAD professionals. You will need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders to understand project requirements, manage expectations, and meet deadlines. Employers will prefer candidates who possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to ensure smooth and efficient project delivery as well as positive relationships with team members and stakeholders. Skills like active listening, professionalism, courtesy, flexibility and adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively with team members are all needed to succeed.

Ability to Interpret Technical Drawings & Specifications

Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, like floor plans, elevations, and sections will also be essential for CAD professionals. Familiarity with industry-standard symbols, conventions, and abbreviations used in technical drawings, as well as a keen attention to detail are also helpful skills to have. Understanding of technical specifications, including materials, finishes, and dimensions falls under this umbrella of skills as well. 

Advanced 3D Modeling & Drafting Skills

Advanced 3D modeling and drafting skills will help you draft detailed designs, minimizing the need for revisions. Proficiency in these skills while using CAD or other relevant software, as well as knowledge of advanced modeling techniques like parametric modeling and surface modeling, will all be extremely useful. If you can create complex assemblies and parts in 3D and understand 3D printing and prototyping, you’ll be a highly desirable candidate at any company. 

Analytical & Technical Problem Solving Skills

The below skills are vital to ensuring that designs are accurate, functional, and meet the client’s needs.

  • Experience in troubleshooting and resolving technical problems
  • Strong mathematical and spatial reasoning skills
  • Proficiency in analysis tools and software
  • Ability to identify and address potential design issues
  • Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate designs

Attention to Detail & Time Management

Proven ability to work efficiently and effectively while paying close attention to detail will serve you well in any job, but especially as a CAD professional. Having good time management techniques (like prioritization and delegation) and experience working with strict deadlines while producing accurate, high-quality work will be of great value. Of course, strong organizational skills will help you to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, allowing you to error-free deliver projects on time.

What Kinds of Training Options are Available to Learn CAD?

There are four main ways to learn CAD: live in-person classes, live online courses, on-demand classes, and free resources. Each one has been outlined below so that you can consider the pros and cons. 

In-Person Classes

In-person classes are held on location at scheduled times and offer face-to-face interaction with your fellow students and your expert instructor. If you encounter any challenging material, you can ask questions in real time instead of spending unnecessary time figuring it out on your own. You are also able to work with other students, allowing you to practice teamwork skills and build relationships. This collaborative environment is available for both full-time and part-time classes and provides structure and accountability, two things that can help you succeed.

Live Online Classes

Live virtual courses are considered the middle ground between on-demand and in-person classes. You’ll attend scheduled class times from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you choose) to learn from an expert instructor. Live online classes offer instant feedback from your teacher and interactions with other students, creating the opportunity for a deeper understanding of the coursework. These classes are ideal for students that thrive in a structured learning environment but perhaps don’t live near any in-person offerings. Or, if you simply prefer online learning, then a live virtual class could be for you. 

Self-Directed 

Self-directed courses are a flexible online option for those with complicated schedules. You can attend from anywhere you choose and complete each lesson on your own time, so you can speed through easy sections and spend more time on challenging ones. But, like a live online class, you’ll still have additional support and guidance from instructors or mentors, albeit with slightly more of a delay.

On-Demand Classes

On-demand classes offer the most flexibility of any class option but don’t win any awards for speed. They do have quite a few benefits for busy professionals, though. Not only can you learn from wherever you want, you can also learn whenever you want. There are no due dates or scheduled class times, so you can take your time on challenging topics or skip over ones you’ve already mastered. 

These classes are ideal for learners with complicated schedules who need to squeeze their studying in around their work and other obligations. You’ll need to be an independent and self-motivated student to succeed in an on-demand class.

Choosing the Right Training Method for You

While each of these training options have positive attributes, they also all have disadvantages. If you rely on the accountability of live online or in-person class schedules, you may struggle to stay focused in a self-directed or on-demand course. 

When it comes to online classes, these can vary widely in cost, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the length and depth of the program. Financial assistance is sometimes available for these courses, and you can typically set up a payment plan to help make these courses more accessible, but you’ll want to seriously consider cost when making your decision. Finally, it’s very easy to lose momentum or fall behind in a self-directed or on-demand class since you won’t have any outside accountability, so these courses tend to take longer than a structured live course.

How Hard is it to Learn CAD?

According to the Home Design Institute of Paris, the AutoCAD exam is considered quite difficult by prospective test-takers. A comprehensive certification exam, it covers a wide range of topics related to computer-aided design, drafting, and engineering topics. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and is intended to measure the applicant's ability to understand and apply AutoCAD principles.

Regardless of which CAD software you learn or if you take a certification exam, you’ll need a good understanding of your chosen software and its functions. These software programs can have a pretty intense learning curve, especially for those without experience in similar programs. Additionally, different CAD programs (like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360) have varying levels of complexity, so the difficulty can depend on which software you choose to learn.

The good news is that, with the right amount of practice and commitment, CAD software can be learned by anyone. 

What are the most challenging parts of learning CAD?

Oftentimes, the most difficult part of learning CAD is grasping the complex user interface and navigating its many tools and functions, especially when transitioning from 2D to 3D design. Understanding the underlying design principles and technical drawing standards can also be challenging for beginners due to the steep learning curve and the need to develop spatial awareness for 3D modeling.

How Long Does it Take to Learn CAD?

Learning the basics of CAD software, like AutoCAD, can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, but to truly master the software and become proficient, it can take several months to a year, depending on your prior knowledge, commitment, and practice time. 

How long it takes you to learn can also depend on the specific CAD software you choose. For instance, experts estimate that it can take anywhere from one month to one year to master AutoCAD, depending on factors such as existing computer knowledge, budget, schedule, and level of commitment. Revit can take around a year for most learners, and SOLIDWORKS take months or years, depending on your level of experience.

Can I Learn CAD Free Online?

Technically, it is possible to learn CAD for free online. YouTube videos, blogs, and free short workshops can all be a great way to learn the basics without investing financially. (Don’t forget to watch the most recent uploads so you’re learning the latest versions of the software.) 

AutoDesk, the company that created AutoCAD, has free online tutorials and courses through AutoDesk University. Topics cover everything from essential “tips and tricks” to industry-specific tasks and processes. Additionally, there are forums and blogs on the AutoDesk website offering connection with peers, and the ability to ask questions and share information about AutoCAD.

Websites like Udemy, Coursera, myCADsite, and CADTutor cover 2D and 3D practice drawings, basic drafting techniques, and other fundamentals. You can also find hundreds of free CAD tutorials on YouTube, covering various topics, including industry-specific videos. 

But, when it comes to the more advanced skills, an in-depth training course is going to be your best option. These courses will contain a curriculum developed and taught by experts and offer you the chance to receive feedback or troubleshoot any issues with your instructor or a support team. Formal training can also provide the structure and accountability that some students need to stay focused, creating an environment where you’re more likely to succeed. So, if you’re looking to master more than just the basics, a formal course or class is a better choice than free online resources. 

What Should I Learn Alongside CAD?

Learning CAD is a great step towards becoming the architect or engineer of your dreams, but it’s also helpful to be knowledgeable in additional design software. Other design applications that could be beneficial are Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, and Adobe InDesign. Additionally, Adobe Substance 3D and CAD softwares work together, so mastering this Adobe program can be beneficial as well. Many jobs that require AutoCAD skills may also expect proficiency in additional design software. Plus, regardless of where your career will take you, gaining additional skills will always help you stand out. 

Industries that Use CAD

CAD is crucial in many industries including construction, manufacturing, and engineering. The construction industry in the United States is a major contributor to the economy and was valued at around $2.1 trillion in 2024. Employing millions of professionals across a variety of trades and specialties, the construction industry relies on CAD programs to create detailed 2D and 3D drawings of building designs, allowing architects, engineers, and contractors to visualize the project accurately, identify potential issues before construction begins, and communicate design details clearly to all stakeholders involved.

The U.S. manufacturing industry is one of the largest in the world, second only to China. In 2023, manufacturing contributed $2.3 trillion to the U.S. GDP. The industry employs 8.41% of the nation’s workforce, too, with 15.6 million employees nationwide. In the manufacturing industry, CAD software is primarily used to create precise 2D and 3D designs of products. With CAD, engineers can visualize and refine their designs before production, which helps identify potential issues early on, optimize functionality, and ensure components fit together seamlessly.

The engineering field also relies heavily on CAD.The U.S. engineering services market generated $387,235.9 million in revenue in 2023. And, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in architecture and engineering will grow faster than average from 2023 to 2033. CAD is used to create and model designs in 2D and 3D for many engineering fields, including aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering.

CAD Job Titles and Salaries

There are many jobs you could pursue as a CAD expert. You could become a Mechanical Engineer and design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices. AutoCAD is often used by Mechanical Engineers to create manufacturing processes and design motor parts, robots, and other innovative objects. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the median salary for a Mechanical Engineer is $96,000. With job opportunities projected to grow 10 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a Mechanical Engineering role.

Electrical Engineers also use CAD. Like all areas of engineering, this academic discipline is a hands-on field that involves making and improving practical objects. An Electrical Engineer makes around $102,000 per year.

Civil Engineers use CAD to help design bridges and roads, streamlining these developments for both the private and public sectors. On average, a Civil Engineer makes $89,000, with the potential to earn much more in a senior role. 

Finally, If you lack the education or experience for these higher-level roles, you could become a CAD Designer or Drafter and make approximately $80,000 starting out. Similarly, an CAD Drafter can make around $61,000, with the potential to earn upwards of $85,000 with a few years of experience. 

CAD Corporate Training

If you’re looking to offer in-person or online training to your office or team, VDCI can help. They offer a variety of corporate training programs, including in CAD. You can order vouchers in bulk at a discount, choose which courses are available to employees, and even let your employees choose their own schedule. Plus, you can choose to have your training hosted at a location of your choosing, live online, or at VDCI’s Manhattan office. 

With a top-notch customizable curriculum and instructors who are experts in their industries, VDCI’s corporate training is designed to cater to your business or organization’s needs. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, you can reach out to VDCI at partnerships@vdci.edu.

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VDCI Editorial Team

The VDCI Editorial Team is a collaborative group of professionals from the Virtual Design & Construction Institute, bringing together expertise from Student Services, Academics, and Marketing. Dedicated to providing valuable insights for the AEC community, our team combines industry knowledge with a passion for education to deliver engaging and informative content.

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