There are a number of different ways to learn Civil 3D. Some of the most popular training options are in-person, live online, on-demand, and self-paced classes. Some people also utilize free resources. This article takes an in-depth look at each of these training methods, discussing the advantages and disadvantages associated with each one. By learning more about each type of Civil 3d class, you’ll be able to make a better decision about how to choose the training format that is right for you.
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!”
How Can I 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.
Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, and Cost to Learn Civil 3D
Civil 3D is a technical application with many complex tools and can be relatively difficult to learn at first. You may find the learning process easier if you already know how to use AutoCAD. Civil 3D and AutoCAD are both computer-aided drafting (CAD) applications, and they have many similarities in their user interface and the tools offered. A background in design can also be helpful. However, almost anyone can master this application. Most people find the guidance and feedback offered in a formal Civil 3D class to be very helpful in the learning process. Regular practice can also help mastering Civil 3D seem less difficult.
If you take a Civil 3D class that is designed for beginners, there are unlikely to be any prerequisites. However, you’re likely to learn more quickly and easily if you do have some related experience. Since Civil 3D is designed for civil engineering projects, users need an understanding of basic civil engineering concepts like surveying and infrastructure design. An understanding of 3D modeling is also helpful, but not required. While 2D modeling involves creating a flat representation of something, 3D modeling adds a third dimension and requires different spatial reasoning skills. It can be challenging to learn at first.
Civil 3D is an Autodesk application. You can get a free 30-day trial, and after that, the application is available by subscription. Autodesk offers both monthly and yearly subscription plans. It also offers a pay-as-you-go plan called Flex, where you can buy tokens that can be used to access Civil 3D for 24 hours at a time. Students and educators can get free access to Civil 3D which is valid for a year and is renewable if they remain eligible. In addition to the cost of the application, there is the cost associated with taking a Civil 3D class. Class prices vary widely, from several hundred dollars for a basic course, to several thousand for a comprehensive program. In many cases, you’ll receive free access to Civil 3D while you are taking a class.
Advantages of Learning in a Self-Paced Environment
One of the biggest advantages of learning in a self-paced environment is flexibility. Self-paced classes include a structured and comprehensive curriculum, but they allow you the flexibility to work through it at your own pace. You can choose when you want to learn, which means you can more easily balance learning with other obligations. In addition, you can learn at your own speed rather than being forced to move at the same speed as a classroom full of other students. You can move slowly through skills that you need more time with, and skip ahead over content that you already understand.
Many self-paced courses do include interaction with your fellow students, which can enhance the learning process by exposing you to a diversity of viewpoints. However, this interaction happens on your own schedule. You’ll also be able to interact with your instructor. For example, most self-paced classes include regular instructor feedback on your submissions and projects, which can help you understand where you need to improve.
One downside to self-paced learning is that it may require more self-discipline than other forms of learning. Because you have so much control over your learning pace, you may need to work harder to stay on track. Another potential downside to self-paced learning is that, depending on where you learn from, you may find it easier to get distracted by other demands such as work or friends and family, which can cause them to get behind in their coursework. Finally, some students find this type of learning too isolating and prefer the real-time interaction of a live classroom.
Advantages of Learning in a Live Online Environment
Live online learning is another popular way to learn Civil 3D. As with self-paced classes, students like the flexibility that comes with live online learning. Rather than having to commute to class at a specific location, they can attend from anywhere that they want, such as from home, the office, or their favorite coffee shop. This can eliminate travel time and costs and reduce the stress often associated with commuting.
Another advantage of live online learning is that you interact with your instructor and fellow students in real-time. Many students find this format to be highly engaging. They like that they can ask questions and get immediate feedback. There are also benefits associated with interacting with other students including the opportunity to network, the chance to be exposed to diverse viewpoints, and the support that can come through a shared learning experience.
However, online learning does come with disadvantages. Some people find this format less engaging than learning in an in-person classroom. Others say that it can be more difficult to grasp a new concept in an online setting. Additionally, some teachers also say that with this format, they find it more challenging to understand when students are in need of extra help. Another potential disadvantage is that, depending on where you learn from, you may encounter more distractions when you learn online. For example, learning from home can come with the distractions of pets, family members, or household chores.
What About Free Resources?
Free resources can be a valuable part of the Civil 3D learning process. You can use them to start learning about how this application works and how it is used. You can also use free resources to learn a few new skills or troubleshoot a problem. The Autodesk website contains free short Civil 3D tutorials including some that cover basic tools, and others that focus on specific topics such as surfaces, alignments, corridors, and grading. Autodesk also provides a Best Practices Guide. Another place to find free resources is YouTube, where there are many short tutorials posted by expert users. You can also turn to professional networks and publications, and online forums, where you’ll often find experts who will share advice about this application. Finally, some school websites contain free educational information for students.
Free resources can be a good way to start learning or to practice your new skills, however, if you’re serious about learning Civil 3D you’re likely to end up enrolling in a paid class since free resources rarely provide a comprehensive education. Additionally, some free resources are outdated or inaccurate. In contrast, when you take a class you’ll be guided through a comprehensive curriculum under the guidance of an experienced Civil 3D expert.
What Training Method Is Best for Me?
No training method works for everyone. Instead, the best learning path for you will depend on a variety of factors including your goals and learning needs. In trying to determine which method is best, many people start by considering their learning goals. This means thinking about your reasons for learning Civil 3D and what you plan to do with your skills after you have learned this application. If you only want to pick up the basics, then a short course may be sufficient. If you want to master all of the tools that Civil 3D offers and you plan to use this application in a professional role, then you’ll likely want to choose a comprehensive course like a bootcamp or certificate class.
You should also consider your learning style and needs. For instance, do you need real-time interaction with your instructor and fellow students? If the answer is yes, then you may want a live class. However, if you prefer to learn at your own pace and you don’t need to interact live with others, then a self-paced course may be a better fit. Other factors to consider include whether you want to learn full-time or part-time, your scheduling needs, and your budget. Whatever your unique needs, there are a number of different Civil 3D training options out there, and you should be able to find one that is a good fit for you.
Learn Civil 3D with Hands-on Training at VDCI
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.