Self-paced training is a popular way to learn Civil 3D, an application that is widely used within the field of civil engineering. This training format includes instructor guidance and feedback and the benefit of a comprehensive and structured course, but also offers a high level of learning flexibility, allowing you to learn on your own terms and balance learning with other responsibilities. Keep reading for more information about the advantages of a self-paced training course, unique aspects of self-paced training, and the groups of people most likely to benefit from this format. You’ll also find information about self-paced Civil 3D training options.
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 often use Civil 3D, particularly Civil Engineers. 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 where 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.
Why Learn In a Self-Paced Class?
A self-paced class is one of the most flexible Civil 3D training options that you’ll find. Self-paced classes have a structured and comprehensive curriculum that covers everything you need to know to master this application, but they let you work through that curriculum at your own pace. There is no specific class schedule, instead, classes are pre-recorded, and you learn whenever you choose. Additionally, rather than being forced to progress through the material at the same speed as a class full of students, you can learn at your own pace. For example, you can take more time skills that you find difficult, and skip ahead over content that you already understand.
A number of researchers have found that the act of controlling your own learning can be beneficial in many ways. They have observed that self-directed learners are more likely to take ownership of the learning process and feel greater confidence in their abilities, which can help them learn more effectively. In addition, when you direct your own learning, you won’t be pushed to learn in a specific way; instead, you’ll have more freedom to figure out a learning style that works best for you and this can help make your learning experience more enjoyable and rewarding. Finally, self-paced learning can help you learn to be more independent and better organized.
Like live classes, many self-paced courses include interaction with your fellow students. This can enhance the learning process by exposing you to a diversity of viewpoints, and it can also lead to networking opportunities. In most self-paced classes you can also interact with your instructor. For example, there may be regular instructor feedback on your submissions and projects, which can help you understand where you need to improve.
Self-paced learning does often require more self-discipline than other forms of learning because of the fact that you have a lot of control over your learning. Some students say that they need to work harder to stay on track. Another potential downside to self-paced learning is that it can be easier to get distracted by other demands. This is often the case if you choose to study from home. Finally, some students find this type of learning too isolating and prefer the real-time interaction of a live classroom.
What Should I Know Before Enrolling in a Self-Paced Class?
When you take a self-paced class, you won’t learn in real-time and you won’t have a live instructor. That means you won’t be able to get immediate feedback or answers to your questions. In addition, you won’t interact live with classmates. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t interact at all with your instructor or other students. Self-paced classes usually include regular instructor advice and feedback, in addition to numerous opportunities to interact with other students, such as through online discussions. Some students say that they like the self-paced learning environment because they feel less intimidated sharing their opinions that way.
Another thing to know about self-paced learning is that when you take this type of class you’ll have a lot of responsibility for directing your learning. Rather than having an instructor leading you through everything, you’ll need to take control of completing your lessons and assignments. While this can be challenging for some people, a benefit is that you’re likely to become better at staying organized and on track. These skills can benefit you throughout your professional career.
Another aspect of self-paced learning to think about is that you won’t be learning in a classroom. While a classroom environment is dedicated to learning and often has minimal distractions, your learning environment may contain more distractions which can include things like household tasks, children, or pets. If you find yourself getting distracted, it can be helpful to set aside a space dedicated to learning.
Who Stands to Benefit the Most from a Self-Paced Class?
One group of students who will benefit from self-paced learning is those who need a flexible learning schedule. For example, people working a full-time job, or those with family obligations. Unlike some other types of classes that require you to attend at a specific time, self-paced classes give you the freedom to create a learning schedule that fits in with all of your other needs.
This type of class is also a good option for students who don’t have access to in-person classes. In-person classes are most common in populated areas such as large cities. If you live in a smaller town, then you might not find a lot of in-person Civil 3D class options and a self-paced class might be a good alternative. In recent years, more schools have begun to offer self-paced classes, so you’re likely to find a number of different learning options.
Alternatives to Self-Paced Classes
If a self-paced class doesn’t sound right for you, there are other options. If you need something cheaper, you could take a look at on-demand training. Like self-paced classes, on-demand classes consist of a set of pre-recorded lessons and exercises. On-demand training does not include access to a live instructor. Most on-demand classes are less expensive, however, they don’t generally come with the same level of instructor support as self-paced ones.
Another option is a live online class. A benefit of live online training is that there is real-time interaction with your instructor and other students. Many people find this format very engaging and like that they can get immediate answers to their questions. However, live online training has a lot less flexibility. You have to attend class at a specific time, and you learn at the pace set by your instructor.
An in-person class offers even less flexibility, however, many people find that it is the most engaging format. Some students say that they find it easier to learn something new when they learn in-person, and some instructors say that they find it easier to understand then students need additional help. Another advantage of in-person learning is that it can make interaction and networking with fellow students easier. However, there are also downsides to this format. One of the biggest is that you have to commute to class, which can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and expensive. Additionally, you’re limited to classes that run in your immediate vicinity.
You could take a look at free resources. Autodesk offers many 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, where experts are often happy to share advice about this application. 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, most are not very comprehensive, and you may also find that some are outdated or inaccurate. Most people who are serious about learning Civil 3D end up enrolling in a paid course.
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.
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.
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.