Civil 3D is widely used within the field of civil engineering. If you need to learn this industry-standard application, a bootcamp can be an effective and cost-efficient learning option. Bootcamps are immersive, accelerated courses designed to help you learn the skills that you need without wasting time and money. Many bootcamps also include career support that will help you find a job after your training is complete. Keep reading for more information about why you might want to learn Civil 3D, a comparison of the different training options available, and some reasons to consider a bootcamp.
What Is Civil 3D?
Civil 3D is an Autodesk modeling application that is used to design and document civil engineering projects. It was first released in 2005 and is used for many different types of civil infrastructure projects including land development, rail projects, bridges, water systems, and roads and highways. Civil 3D uses a 3D model-based environment, and it supports Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows. It has specific tools for many different civil engineering features including tools for grading, parcel layout, surfaces, and corridor design. Its automated features let designers streamline many time-consuming tasks.
Civil 3D also facilitates collaboration among team members. This application integrates data from a variety of sources, such as survey data and GIS data. It can also exchange information with other Autodesk applications, like AutoCAD and Revit. In addition, it allows team members to work simultaneously on the same project and make real-time updates. With Civil 3D, team members can maintain consistency for data and processes, and respond more quickly to any project changes.
Why Learn Civil 3D?
Fluency in Civil 3D is a fundamental skill required for many professional roles in the field of civil engineering. Working in this field can be lucrative and civil engineering jobs are expected to experience strong growth over the next ten years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a federal agency that collects and analyzes U.S. labor market information. Between 2023 and 2033, it predicts that civil engineering jobs will grow by 6 percent, which is faster than the average U.S. job growth rate of 4 percent. The agency explains, “With continued investment in U.S. infrastructure, civil engineers will be needed to manage projects that meet society's need for upgrading bridges, roads, water systems, buildings, and other structures.” In addition, it says, “Civil engineers also will be needed to oversee renewable-energy projects, such as construction of wind farms and solar arrays, as these projects gain approval.” The median pay for a Civil Engineer is almost $96,000 per year, according to BLS.
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Civil engineering can also be a very fulfilling profession. Civil engineering projects take place within a wide range of different industries including transportation, construction, and energy. That means that when you work in civil engineering, you may get to work on many different types of projects such as roads, airports, dams, pipelines, water systems, tunnels, and bridges. For a blog post on the Institution of Civil Engineers website titled, “7 Top Reasons Why Civil Engineering Is the Best Career,” the author spoke to a number of people who work in this field and found that the diversity of projects they get to participate in is one of the things that many people enjoy about it. One person commented, “There’s so much variety,” and another said, “You get to work with a ton of new people on new tasks every day!”
What Careers Use Civil 3D?
Engineers, particularly civil engineers, often use Civil 3D. Civil Engineers design, construct, and maintain a variety of infrastructure projects like water systems, roads, and bridges. They work in both offices and construction sites. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over the next ten years jobs in this field will grow by 6 percent, which is faster than average, with almost 23,000 job openings projected each year on average. It says, “Civil engineers will be needed to manage projects that meet society's need for upgrading bridges, roads, water systems, buildings, and other structures.” In addition, it states, “Civil engineers also will be needed to oversee renewable-energy projects, such as construction of wind farms and solar arrays, as these projects gain approval.” The median pay for a Civil Engineer is $95,000 according to BLS.
Architects also use this application. Architects design buildings and other structures, and oversee their construction. BLS projects 8 percent job growth for this field between 2023 and 2033, with about 8,500 job openings each year. BLS says, “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.” In addition, it notes, “Improved building information modeling (BIM) software and measuring technology are expected to allow architects to take on activities once performed by other workers, such as architectural and civil drafters, interior designers, and engineers.” It reports that the median pay for an Architect is $93,000.
A Drafter may also use Civil 3D. Drafters use computer software such as Civil 3D to create technical drawings and plans. They may specialize in a specific field such as civil engineering, mechanical drafting, or architectural design. BLS reports that the majority of drafting jobs in the United States are for Architectural and Civil Drafters. The next most common type of drafting job is mechanical drafting, followed by electrical and electronics drafting. BLS predicts that jobs in this field may decrease in the next ten years as a result of applications like Civil 3D. It explains, “Expected employment decreases will be driven by the use of computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) technologies. These technologies increase drafter productivity and allow engineers and architects to perform many tasks that used to be done by drafters.” The median pay for a drafter is $62,000, according to BLS.
Another role in which Civil 3D may be used is that of Surveyor. Surveyors use specialized equipment to measure land and property boundaries. They create maps and reports that are used for construction, real estate transactions, or legal purposes. Fieldwork and travel are often required. Job growth in this field is expected to be 6 percent over the next ten years, according to BLS. It says, “Surveyors will continue to be needed to certify boundary lines and review sites for construction. Employment demand also will be tied to projects such as road repair and mining activities, although the use of drones and other technologies may limit growth somewhat by increasing worker productivity.” The median pay for a Surveyor is $68,000, as reported by BLS.
How to Learn Civil 3D
When it comes to learning Civil 3D, you’ll find four main types of classes: in-person, live online (virtual), on-demand, and self-paced. Each format has both advantages and disadvantages. An in-person class takes place face-to-face inside a classroom space that is dedicated to learning. An instructor teaches, answers questions, and provides feedback. You learn as part of a group of students and you’ll have the opportunity to interact and network with those students. Some students prefer in-person instruction because they find it more engaging and also feel like it’s an easier way to learn new skills. However, to learn in person you have to commute to a classroom. Depending on where you live, this can be stressful or time-consuming. In addition, you’re limited to classes that you can travel to.
Live online classes are a popular alternative to in-person ones. They are designed to be very similar to in-person learning, with real-time interaction, the ability to ask questions and get feedback, and frequent opportunities to interact with classmates. The big difference is that they take place remotely via Zoom or a similar platform. Students attend by simply logging in on their computers. Because this format allows you to attend from any location, you’re likely to find that you have access to more course options. You may also find a more diverse group of classmates. A downside is that you’ll need to supply your own equipment. In addition, this format sometimes comes with technical issues to solve such as internet connection problems or software setup issues.
If you don’t want to be forced to attend class at a specific time, you could try an asynchronous learning option. Asynchronous learning is not live. Instead, when you enroll you’ll be given access to a pre-recorded set of lessons and exercises which you can work through at your own pace. This format not only allows you to set your own learning schedule, but allows you to learn at a pace that works best for you. For instance, you can pause, rewind, or even fast-forward the content. An on-demand class is one asynchronous learning option and is typically the cheapest. With an on-demand class, you’ll get access to the material, but instructor feedback is usually minimal.
If you want the freedom of an asynchronous class, but you’d prefer more instructor involvement, another option is a self-paced class. Like on-demand classes, self-paced classes are pre-recorded and allow you to progress through the material at your own pace. However, many self-paced classes come with regular instructor advice and feedback on your work. In addition, you’ll interact with classmates, such as through online discussion forums. A downside to this learning format is that because you get so much control over your learning, you may need to make more of an effort to stay motivated and on track.
Advantages of Enrolling in a Civil 3D Class
Most people who learn Civil 3D do so by enrolling in a class. There are many advantages associated with taking a class. If you try to teach yourself this application, you’ll need to spend lots of time being a teacher in addition to being a student. For instance, you’ll need to figure out what to learn and how to learn it. You’ll also need to assess your own work and find answers to your questions. In contrast, when you sign up for a class you’ll gain access to a comprehensive and structured learning program. A skilled instructor will guide you through the learning process, answering your questions and assessing your work. You’ll be able to understand what you’re doing right and wrong, and where you need to improve, maximizing your learning time.
Civil 3D classes are taught by skilled instructors who typically have years of experience using this application in the civil engineering industry. They can share the many valuable insights that they have gained over that time such as best practices, mistakes to avoid, and time-saving tips and tricks. Learning all of these things by yourself is likely to take a lot longer. An instructor can also provide valuable industry insights and tips on looking for a job.
Another significant advantage of enrolling in a class is that you won’t learn alone. Instead of a solitary learning experience, you’ll get opportunities to interact with your instructor and a group of peers. This interaction can make learning more engaging, expose you to a variety of viewpoints, and give you access to social support and networking opportunities.
Training Format Comparison
College Degree Programs
A college degree program is one way to learn Civil 3D. This training route is very comprehensive. You won’t find a degree focused only on Civil 3D. Instead, you’ll earn a degree in a broader topic like civil engineering. You’ll complete general education courses and then move on to classes that cover a wide range of different topics and skills related to this field, including Civil 3D. In contrast, most online and self-paced training classes have a much more narrow focus. For instance, you’ll find many online and self-paced programs focused solely on learning Civil 3D.
College degrees usually take years to complete. For instance, a bachelor’s degree--one of the most common types of degrees to pursue--typically takes four years to earn. Most colleges are also expensive, with tuition ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars per year. In comparison, most online and self-paced classes can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, and may only cost a few thousand dollars.
Bootcamps and Certificate Courses
A bootcamp or certificate course can be an excellent training option for students who want a comprehensive Civil 3D education, but don’t have the time or money required to pursue a college degree These types of classes are immersive programs designed to get you career-ready in a relatively short amount of time. They cover everything you need to know to start using Civil 3D in the real world, and they typically include lots of hands-on practice so that you’ll be ready to use your new skills right after you graduate.
Since most bootcamps and certificate courses are designed to help you get a job, many include a variety of career-support offerings. For instance, when you enroll in a Civil 3D Certificate Program with the Virtual Design and Construction Institute you get one-on-one career mentoring sessions with an expert, where you can get personalized advice and help with your resume, LinkedIn profile, or portfolio.
Free Training Programs
If you only need to learn a few basic skills, then you could try learning Civil 3D by using free training programs. For instance, the Autodesk website contains a number of short, free Civil 3D tutorials. Some schools also offer free courses, and YouTube is another source of free information. Other places to find free information about Civil 3D or to look for answers to specific questions include professional networks and publications, and also online forums.
If you’re serious about mastering this application, however, you may quickly discover that these free resources are not comprehensive enough. Instead, you’ll probably decide to enroll in a formal class. With a class, you’ll not only be able to follow a structured and comprehensive curriculum, but you’ll receive guidance and regular feedback from an expert, which will help you learn more quickly. Many classes also come with a certificate or other proof of completion that you can add to your resume.
Learn Civil 3D With Self-Paced VDCI Courses
The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers a variety of Civil 3D 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 a personalized learning schedule that fits your needs. 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, Adobe, Trimble, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for eLearning.
One VDCI option is the Civil 3D Certificate Program, a comprehensive course that takes seven months to complete. This program will equip you with skills in civil engineering, site development, and infrastructure planning. Covered topics include working on digital terrain models, designing roadways and utility networks, and applying civil engineering principles to real-world scenarios. You’ll also learn how to collaborate on large-scale civil projects using FTP, MILCON, and government databases. The program includes courses in both Civil 3D and AutoCAD. In addition, you’ll take elective courses in AutoCAD, Revit, or SketchUp Pro, and work on a capstone project. The Civil 3D Certificate Program comes with six live one-on-one mentoring sessions.
VDCI also offers a Civil 3D Certification Training Bundle which will help you prepare for the Autodesk Civil 3D certification exam. This multi-week course covers beginner through intermediate concepts. You’ll take three Civil 3D classes where you’ll learn to use this application for surveying and mapping, transportation design, and land development. You’ll also get a voucher for the Civil 3D exam, and you’ll get a free exam retake if you need it. To take this class you should have intermediate-level AutoCAD experience.
Another option is the AutoCAD & Civil 3D Certification Training Bundle. This course is also designed to prepare you for the Civil 3D certification exam. It is designed for beginners. You’ll start by taking two AutoCAD classes, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of this application. Next, you’ll take three Civil 3D courses which are focused on using the application for surveying and mapping, transportation design, and land development. This class comes with a voucher for the Civil 3D exam and a free exam retake. You’ll also get a live one-on-one bonus training session.
VDCI also runs shorter Civil 3D classes that take a few weeks to complete. In Intermediate Civil 3D: Surveying and Mapping, you’ll learn about the surveying and mapping elements and commands in Civil 3D. Covered topics include survey and COGO points, point marker and label styles, point groups, linework code sets, figure prefix databases, survey imports, parcels, sites, parcel labels, TIN surfaces, surface labels, and surface analysis. Intermediate Civil 3D: Transportation Design is focused on the transportation design elements and commands in Civil 3D. Instructors cover alignments, surface profiles, design profiles, and view windows, assemblies, corridors, intersections, sample lines, cross sections, and 3D visualization. The third VDCI option is Intermediate Civil 3D: Land Development. This course covers land development design elements and commands such as drawing template files, data shortcuts, feature lines, and grading groups.
Another VDCI offering, which is likely to be useful in any Civil 3D role, is the Essential Skills Course. This bundle is a great way to improve your communication, teamwork, collaboration, and self-management skills, all of which are essential in the field of civil engineering. Three classes are included. In Communication and Connection, you’ll learn a variety of communication skills including negotiation and conflict management. You’ll also work on your emotional intelligence and learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Self-Management Skills covers skills such as prioritizing, improving efficiency, focusing on ethics and integrity, and setting goals. Finally, in Teamwork, Collaboration & Leadership, you’ll learn to build collaboration, conduct meetings effectively, inspire other people, and make decisions as a group.