No matter what age you are, or where you are in your career, you’re not too old to learn Civil 3D. If you work in engineering, construction, or another AEC-related field, fluency in this application can be a valuable asset. With Civil 3D skills you can work through the design and construction process more smoothly, and easily stay on the same page as the rest of your team. Keep reading for more information about what Civil 3D is, how it’s used, and how to learn it.
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.
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.
Learn Civil 3D
- Nationally accredited
- Create your own portfolio
- Free student software
- Learn at your convenience
- Authorized Autodesk training center
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.
What Are the Hardest Parts of Learning Civil 3D?
Most people say that it can be challenging to learn Civil 3D since it is a complex application that contains many different technical tools. Learning this application can be particularly challenging if you don’t have any experience in civil engineering. Civil 3D is designed specifically for civil engineering. That means that to use it effectively you need to understand fundamental civil engineering concepts. For instance, you should know the basics of surveying, infrastructure design principles, and the types of material used in civil engineering. Without this knowledge, it may be challenging to master the workflow and tools involved in Civil 3D.
You’re also likely to find it more difficult to learn Civil 3D if you aren’t already fluent in AutoCAD. Both Civil 3D and AutoCAD are computer-aided design (CAD) applications, and both are offered by Autodesk. AutoCAD is a more generalized application, mainly used for 2D design. Civil 3D was built on the foundation of AutoCAD and offers a variety of specialized tools designed for civil engineering projects. If you already know how to use AutoCAD, you won’t have to spend so much time learning basic CAD principles; instead, you’ll be able to focus on the unique tools offered in Civil 3D.
3D modeling can be another challenging concept to master when you start learning Civil 3D. If you’ve used AutoCAD, you’ll have an understanding of 2D modeling, which involves working with a flat representation of your design. 3D modeling adds a third dimension to the process, and requires different spatial reasoning skills. Even if you have drawing experience, the combination of artistic and technical skills required for 3D modeling is likely to be challenging at first.
How Can I Make Learning Civil 3D Easier?
Learning Civil 3D can definitely be challenging. This is a complex and highly technical application, with a large number of tools to master. If you want to make the learning process easier, enrolling in a class can be a good option. A class provides you with a structured and comprehensive course to follow, that has been developed to make it as easy as possible for beginners to master this application. You’ll be guided by an expert who can answer your questions, assess your progress, and help you improve as quickly as possible.
In addition to guiding you through the learning process, an instructor can serve as a valuable resource. Civil 3D instructors generally have years of experience using this application in the real world, and can thus offer valuable insights that it could take years to figure out by yourself. For instance, they can share common mistakes to avoid, time-saving tips and tricks, and best practices for this application.
Another way to make the Civil 3D process easier is to spend as much time as you can on practice. Practice is an important part of learning any new skill, particularly a complex one like mastering Civil 3D. When you practice, you gain a stronger conceptual understanding of all the things you have learned about. You also build muscle memory for completing tasks in Civil 3D. In addition, practice will help you discover which areas of Civil 3D you still need to improve in.
Can I Learn Civil 3D In My Free Time?
There are a number of Civil 3D resources that you can utilize if you want to learn some skills in your free time. The Autodesk website can be a good place to start. It has a number of free short Civil 3D tutorials on its website including tutorials that cover the user interface and basic tools, and others that are focused on specific topics such as surfaces, alignments, corridors, and grading. YouTube also contains free Civil 3D tutorials posted by a wide variety of experts. 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. Some schools even offer short, basic Civil 3D courses for free.
Free resources can be a good way to start getting a feel for Civil 3D, learn some basic skills, or troubleshoot a particular problem. However, if you’re serious about learning this application, you might not find these resources comprehensive enough. Additionally, you might realize that you can benefit from some expert guidance in your learning journey. You may end up deciding to invest in a paid Civil 3D class where you can follow a comprehensive Civil 3D curriculum and receive guidance and regular feedback from an expert.
Can I Learn Civil 3D at My Own Pace?
It’s definitely possible to learn Civil 3D at your own pace. Self-paced classes are an asynchronous learning option that provide a combination of structure to help you stay on track, and the flexibility to set your own learning pace. When you take a self-paced class, you’ll get access to a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything you need to learn to master this application, and includes plenty of hands-on practice. Many self-paced classes also include instructor feedback on your work, and answers to any questions that you have. In addition, you'll likely get to participate in online discussion with other students, which can enhance the learning process.
A self-paced class is one of the most flexible learning options there is. You won’t have to commute to a class, and you’ll be able to decide when to learn and how quickly--or slowly--to progress through the course material. However, there are also potential downsides associated with this format. One is that, depending on where you learn from, you might find that there are more distractions. For example, if you learn from home you can get distracted by family, friends, pets, or household tasks. Another potential downside is that without the accountability of attending class at a specific place or at a specific time, you may need to take care not to procrastinate or get distracted.
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.
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.
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.