Best Civil 3D Classes Near Me

What is Civil 3D?

Civil 3D is a civil engineering documentation and design solution that was developed by Autodesk. It was initially released in 2005 as an add-on for AutoCAD. This tool helps Civil Engineers create and document a range of civil infrastructure projects, such as water systems, roads, rail lines, and highways. It provides a 3D model-based environment that helps Engineers collaborate throughout a project’s lifecycle. This popular building information modeling (BIM) tool includes tools for creating pipes, storm drains, roads, and intersections. It promotes data coordination and project visualization. Because Civil 3D was built on the AutoCAD platform, those who are familiar with AutoCAD can easily transition to this software.

Civil 3D Classes Near Me

If you’re interested in studying Civil 3D, you can find several Civil 3D training options from VDCI. VDCI is a nationally accredited educational provider that provides hands-on, self-directed training for learners at all levels. In its AutoCAD & Civil 3D Certification Course Online, participants new to working with AutoCAD receive instruction on the basic features and functions of this software before moving on to Civil 3D. This course is intended for those interested in taking the Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD and/or the Autodesk Certified Professional in Civil 3D for Infrastructure Design exams. Tuition includes 1-on-1 mentoring, six months of access to AutoCAD and Civil 3D software, and the cost of sitting for the exam (plus a free retake, if necessary).

VDCI also offers the Civil 3D Certificate Program for those who want to learn how to work with AutoCAD Civil 3D to refurbish public infrastructure. This intensive program includes instruction on topics like 3D modeling and data management and is a great way to prepare for a civil engineering career. Participants receive a full year of access to AutoCAD and Civil 3D software as part of tuition. They also complete a final project, which is graded by an industry expert.

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In VDCI’s Civil 3D Certification Course Online, learners receive intermediate-level instruction on Civil 3D. This course prepares students to take the Autodesk Civil 3D Certification exam. This program teaches skills like how to work with Civil 3D’s survey imports, parcel labels, surface analysis, feature lines, and drawing template files. The cost of study includes four months of access to Civil 3D software, the cost of sitting for the Certification exam (plus a retake), 3-course modules, and a final project that an industry expert grades.

ONLC Training Centers also offers Civil 3D training in two formats: instructor-led and on-demand. Learners who want to learn the basics can enroll in the AutoCAD Civil 3D Fundamentals Course. This program was created for Civil Engineers and Surveyors interested in learning how to use AutoCAD to create data shortcuts, alignments, assemblies, and grounding solutions. As a prerequisite, students should be familiar with AutoCAD or related products. They should also be familiar with civil engineering terminology. ONLC Training Centers also offers the Civil 3D Comprehensive. This on-demand program provides learners with access to video lessons, hands-on exercises, and datasets. Students in this program are provided with typical scenarios they are likely to encounter when working with Civil 3D. 

What Can You Do with Civil 3D Training?

Civil 3D training is a great way to learn how to create and manage a variety of civil infrastructure projects. This software has applications for creating and analyzing surfaces, modeling road corridors, and executing volume and grading calculations. It’s also a staple tool for creating 3D models of road designs that include curbs and roadways. Civil 3D has applications for creating models of bridges, railway systems, or construction sites. It also assists with underground project design, including sewer and water systems.

Those who know how to work with this popular solution can improve how projects are delivered, establish more consistent processes and data, offer faster responses to project changes, reduce the need for rework, promote collaboration, and sync design and drafting capabilities. Civil 3D has features that allow for 3D corridor modeling in which assemblies, profiles, and alignments are integrated. It also helps ensure that road alignments and utilities are in harmony with the typography at a worksite.

What Will I Learn in a Civil 3D Class?

Before enrolling in a Civil 3D class, you may wonder what to expect from your training. Although each program is unique in its course focus, level of difficulty, and scope, learners can expect to encounter several core concepts while enrolled in their studies:

• Beginner-friendly classes typically start by providing students with an overview of the software’s workspace, as well as its basic commands and tools.
• Surface modeling techniques are also taught, such as analyzing surface volumes, editing surfaces, and using data points to create surfaces.
• Data management skills are important when working with Civil 3D. Programs typically prepare participants to import survey data points, organize data, and create point groups.
• Civil 3D classes often cover specific topics, such as corridor design, pipe network design, and road design.
• Learners are taught how to create grading plans, make grading calculations, and design visualizations of earthwork volumes.
• Techniques for creating 3D models of various infrastructures is a core skill taught in Civil 3D classes.
• Most training programs prepare learners to create detailed construction plans that include annotations.
• In addition to providing technical training, Civil 3D classes provide learners with the opportunity to develop soft skills. Students develop their written and oral communication skills by explaining project details to others. They rely on teamwork when executing projects with other students or colleagues. Additionally, participants become more adept problem-solvers as they strive to find secure, cost-effective solutions to problems they encounter.

What Kinds of Training Options are Available to Learn Civil 3D?

Those interested in learning how to use Civil 3D can select from four primary types of coursework: in-person, live online, self-directed, and on-demand. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks to consider.

Most students will find that learning in person is the most interactive and engaging way to completely immerse themselves in Civil 3D training. Participants complete their studies at a computer lab located in or near a major US city. These facilities provide each learner with computers that have the most current version of Civil 3D installed and ready to use. Not only do participants benefit from learning in real-time from an expert instructor who’s there to share industry experience, but they also receive support from other students in their cohort. 

One popular alternative to in-person Civil 3D study is live online training. This form of study takes place online using Zoom or a similar teleconferencing platform. Since instruction takes place in real time, students can ask questions as necessary and receive immediate clarification and guidance. They can even give the instructor permission to share their screen for additional help. Since all lessons can be completed remotely from any place with an internet connection, there’s never a need to waste time or money on parking or gas to attend class.

Self-directed Civil 3D training differs from live courses in that it takes place asynchronously. Those who choose this type of training access online videos and lessons that were pre-recorded. It’s up to each learner to dictate their own learning pace and decide when they wish to complete their studies. They also have the flexibility to decide how much time to spend on a specific Civil 3D concept or skill before moving on. Many self-directed courses provide learners with additional educational or professional incentives, such as graded final projects, 1-on-1 mentoring, or access to instructors and mentors during training.

The fourth type of Civil 3D training is on-demand study. Providers like Skillshare, Coursera, and Udemy offer on-demand coursework that includes tutorials, video content, quizzes, and projects. Learners can complete their studies as their schedules permit, which may mean on weeknights or over weekends. Each learner can decide for himself or herself how to pace out their training, when they want to pause or rewind (or even rewatch) videos, and when is the best time for them to learn Civil 3D.

Choosing the Right Training Method for You

Deciding which of the above-mentioned training formats is right for you will depend on a range of subjective factors, such as your schedule constraints and your ultimate goals for learning this software. For most individuals, live study (either in-person or online) provides the greatest learning benefits and outcomes. Participants are encouraged to ask questions when necessary and can receive instantaneous answers. The instructor is also available to provide feedback on their work throughout the program. One important consideration with live study is that it requires being available to attend class meetings that occur regularly, often multiple times a week. Those who have busy schedules may find it challenging to carve out the time for this type of training. Additionally, those interested in studying in person will need to have access to a reliable form of transportation and live relatively close to a training facility.

Self-directed and on-demand Civil 3D classes may be a better match for learners with schedules that prohibit them from attending live classes. Those who travel, have full-time employment or have busy personal lives may appreciate the flexibility of deciding on their own when to complete their training and how long to spend on lessons. Students interested in asynchronous training options should be aware that in on-demand classes, no instructor is available to answer questions. While self-directed programs sometimes offer learners access to instructors or mentors for part of training, learners who select either of these types of training will have to be self-motivated to find answers to their own questions.

How Hard is it to Learn Civil 3D?

Although working in the Civil 3D environment may be intimidating at first, most learners will find that once they get started and become familiar with the program, tasks will become much easier and more intuitive. This software requires that learners remember and apply unfamiliar tool sets, which can be challenging for some individuals. 

There are several factors that influence how hard it is to learn this tool. Individuals who have prior training with AutoCAD will find it much easier (and faster) to learn Civil 3D than novices. Since these software are both Autodesk products and CAD apps, they share many similarities in terms of interface and tools. Additionally, those who come from a civil engineering background have an advantage when studying Civil 3D because they will have to learn core engineering concepts like infrastructure design principles while simultaneously navigating this tool. Experience with 3D modeling also helps learners master Civil 3D since it’s a 3D design tool.

Students should keep in mind that learning Civil 3D basics, such as how to navigate the user interface and use point data to create site plans, is much easier than acquiring advanced-level training for use in a professional setting.

What are the most challenging parts of learning Civil 3D?

Each learner will encounter their own challenges when they learn Civil 3D. One of the most common difficulties associated with this software is grasping the complexity of how datasets are related to one another, particularly for large-scale projects. Since Civil 3D users must manage different types of data, including alignments, cross-sections, profiles, and surfaces, some may find it hard to learn how to properly link and manipulate these data. Many learners also find it challenging to balance their grasp of specialized civil engineering concepts (like grading and alignments) in Civil 3D while simultaneously learning how to create detailed and accurate 3D models. Additionally, some individuals may encounter challenges when using Civil 3D to navigate different workflows, such as surfaces and profiles.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Civil 3D?

Like any skill, the timeframe involved with learning Civil 3D depends on several key factors, such as your training method, how much time you devote to practice, and your prior experience with this software. Those who are new to Civil 3D will usually find that they can learn to work with its basic tools without too much difficulty. Once they master skills like surface modeling and grading, learners can then build on this training and add functions like volume calculations and corridor modeling. This learning process takes most novices several weeks before they can apply their skills to small projects. 

The timeline for learning will vary for Civil 3D students depending on what type of training they select. Most learners who enroll in a program that offers hands-on practice and real-time support can be prepared for industry certifications in as little as two to three months. Learners interested in combining their Civil 3D training with related skills like road design or surveying can have a well-rounded skill set in three months, which is a great way to prepare for a civil engineering career. True mastery of Civil 3D for professional uses will require ongoing learning and experience. 

Can I Learn Civil 3D for Free Online? 

If you’re interested in learning Civil 3D but don’t want to invest hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in training, free online resources can be a good starting point or supplementary resource:

• Autodesk’s Learning Pathways provides free exercises and tutorials on the Autodesk website, as well as introductory-level Civil 3D courses.
• YouTube is a rich resource for finding Civil 3D tutorials for learners at all levels.
• Educational licenses are a great way for educators and students to obtain a free Civil 3D license.
• VDCI has useful Civil 3D tutorials that provide information pertaining to this software’s history, its key features, and its many professional applications.

Although free online resources can provide useful Civil 3D information and help learners understand this software, those who intend to use it for professional purposes will ultimately benefit more from for-pay material, including live courses and self-directed training.

What Should I Learn Alongside Civil 3D?

Depending on what career focus you intend to use your Civil 3D training for, you can select from a range of tools, software, and skills to supplement your studies and make you a more well-rounded employee or job applicant. The following are several skills you may wish to learn alongside Civil 3D:

• Learners who aren’t already familiar with AutoCAD will benefit from studying this other Autodesk product alongside Civil 3D. This tool is essential for creating 2D drawings that are often used to supplement the designs created in Civil 3D.
• Navisworks is another Autodesk 3D design review software that facilitates collaborative design and construction projects.
• Students may wish to explore data collection methods and surveying principles as they learn Civil 3D. This will prepare them to perform accurate project modeling with this software. 
• Knowledge of geographic information systems can help students integrate geographic information into Civil 3D and perform data analysis.
• Some learners may wish to explore coding languages like Python as they learn Civil 3D. This scripting language has applications for automating repetitive tasks with this software. 

Industries that Use Civil 3D

Civil 3D training plays an important role in many industries, including construction, civil engineering, transportation, and land development:

• In civil engineering, Civil 3D helps with tasks that span trades, including construction, energy, and transportation. This software is useful for creating dams, pipelines, bridges, airports, and water systems. 
• Construction industry workers are hired to build and maintain structures like homes and offices. These professionals work with site preparation, new construction, landscaping, and existing property renovation. Civil 3D helps with design-related tasks and documentation.
• The transportation sector plays an integral role in communities because it ensures people can commute to and from places they need to go and that goods and services can be moved to their intended destination. Transportation professionals work with Civil 3D to make 3D models and documents for designs that are used on highways, streets, airport runways, and railways.
• In land development, Civil 3D is used to design sites of all types, which includes elements like grading, utility layout, and drainage.

Civil 3D Job Titles and Salaries

The following are just a few examples of professions in which Civil 3D training is essential:

• Architects are involved with residential and commercial building construction. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts that job openings in this field will grow by 8% from 2023 to 2033, which is above the national average in other professions. The average salary for an Architect in the US is $147,000-$157,000
• Drafters work with the designs created by Engineers and Architects and transform them into technical drawings and plans using tools like Civil 3D. Many Drafters specialize in one kind of drafting, such as civil or architectural. US-based Drafters can expect to earn $71,000-$81,000 a year. 
• Surveyors are involved with using specialized equipment to measure the boundaries of property and land. In order to do so, they work with the data they gather to generate maps and reports for legal, real estate, or construction-related purposes. The BLS predicts a 6% growth rate in this field over the next ten years as the need continues to grow for road repair and maintenance-related tasks. Surveyors make $62,000- $72,000 a year.

Civil 3D Corporate Training 

Would those at your workplace benefit from learning how to use Civil 3D? If so, VDCI can provide corporate and onsite training in AutoCAD, a product that’s closely related to Civil 3D, for some or all of your workforce. VDCI offers in-person training options, live online sessions, or it can come to your place of employment to conduct sessions. Coursework is available to learners at all levels, including those who are new to working with CAD or BIM software. You can purchase bulk vouchers for VDCI’s regular group enrollment classes for a discount or work with VDCI to customize the training it provides. 

To discover more about the exciting corporate training options available for your employees, don’t hesitate to contact VDCI today.