If you plan to work in the field of civil engineering, then Civil 3D classes will probably be worth it. Classes can be an effective and time-saving way to master this application, which is widely used for many different civil engineering tasks. Classes come with access to a host of benefits that you won’t get if you try to teach yourself, including a structured and comprehensive curriculum, guidance, and feedback from an expert instructor, and interaction with a group of peers who are going through the same learning process as you. This article contains information about the different Civil 3D class options, with a comparison of the pros and cons of each type of class. It also lists some popular Civil 3D classes that can help you gain proficiency in this application.
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 (the 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 the BLS.
Learn Civil 3D
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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 (the 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 the BLS.
Architects also use this application. Architects design buildings and other structures and oversee their construction. The BLS projects 8 percent job growth for this field between 2023 and 2033, with about 8,500 job openings each year. The 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. The 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. The 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 the 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 the 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 the 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
A Civil 3D class provides a structured learning format, with clear guidelines about what to learn and how to learn it. You’ll be guided through a comprehensive curriculum by a skilled instructor who can assess your progress and answer your questions. The ability to get help and feedback can help you advance more quickly since you’ll be able to understand what you’re doing right and wrong, and where you need to improve. In contrast, without a class you’ll need to figure out by yourself what you need to learn, assess your own progress, and spend time figuring out the answers to any questions that you have.
Most Civil 3D instructors have years of experience with this application and can offer a wealth of valuable insight that they have gained over time. For instance, they can share best practices, common mistakes to avoid, and time-saving tips and tricks. Figuring out all of these things by yourself is likely to take a lot longer. An instructor can also provide valuable insights on the industries that this application is used in, and may even be a source of networking.
Another advantage of enrolling in a class is that you won’t have a solitary learning experience. Instead, a class gives you access to social interaction with a group of peers who are also learning this application. Peer interaction can enrich the learning experience by exposing you to other points of view and serving as a source of support. It can also help you build valuable networking connections.
Training Format Comparison
College Degree Programs
One way to learn Civil 3D is as part of a college degree program. Attending college is probably the most comprehensive way to learn this application. Most degree programs start with a number of general education courses and then move on to cover a wide range of different topics and skills. You won’t find a college degree focused solely on Civil 3D; instead, you might learn this application as part of a civil engineering program. In contrast, most online and self-paced training classes have a more narrow focus. For instance, there are many online programs focused on Civil 3D.
Because they are so much more comprehensive, college degrees usually take a number of years to complete. A bachelor’s degree—one of the most common types of degrees to pursue—takes four years. Additionally, you’re likely to spend thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars for each of those years. On the other hand, 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
If you want a comprehensive Civil 3D education, but you don’t have years to invest and tens of thousands of dollars to spend, bootcamps and certificate courses can be a great option. These types of classes are accelerated, hands-on programs designed to get you career-ready in a relatively short amount of time. They cover everything you need to know to use Civil 3D in a professional role, and they typically include lots of practice on real-world projects so 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
Another way to learn Civil 3D is to utilize free training programs. While this won’t cost you anything in tuition, free training can be time-consuming. You’ll need to spend time finding effective free resources and also vetting them to make sure they are accurate and up-to-date. You won’t have any kind of instructor guidance, so you’ll also need to spend time finding answers to questions and making sure you’re covering all the right topics.
In addition to the fact that they can cost you a lot of time, free programs usually have another significant downside: they are unlikely to be comprehensive enough to help you master Civil 3D. If you’re just looking for an overview or want to gain a few skills, free resources can be a good choice; however, if you’re serious about learning Civil 3D, you’ll probably decide to enroll in a formal class instead. Formal classes—including online and self-paced classes—follow a structured curriculum that covers all the skills and topics that you need to know. They also include instructor feedback, which can help you learn more quickly and avoid mistakes. Many 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 e-learning.
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 that focus 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 Construction Soft 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.