Best Way to Learn AutoCAD
Enrolling in an AutoCAD course is an opportunity for design professionals, architects, and engineers to learn the techniques and tools available through this computer-aided design software, producing detailed, precise 2D and 3D modeling.
ONLC provides a comprehensive course library, whether you wish to learn how to get AutoCAD certification to enhance your resume and reinforce your skills or are beginning a period of study as a pathway toward a new profession.
Creating high-quality AutoCAD images is a valued ability across multiple industries, and while tuition through a formal course provider is necessary to grasp the complexity of the software, it has countless applications and uses in modeling and design.
How to Start Learning AutoCAD
Like all advanced software suites, the ideal learning approach will depend on your existing knowledge and design expertise and the time you have to commit to your tuition. Online courses, interactive instructor-led classes, and self-study programs are all available to suit your requirements.
Those new to AutoCAD or unfamiliar with CAD processes are advised to initially enroll in a novice-level course, covering the basic principles and design standards necessary to leverage the full potential the software offers.
While thousands of learning resources are available online, we suggest a formal course, particularly for those hoping to progress to recognized certification. Unfortunately, video tutorials may be inaccurate or out of date, and it is extremely difficult to gain the depth of understanding required for professional use by following informal or non-interactive guides.
Instructor-led courses are structured progressively to ensure students extract the most value from their learning, building on concepts and principles step by step to ensure all participants have grasped the fundamentals before moving on.
Learning AutoCAD as a Beginner
ONLC provides AutoCAD courses for learners of all capabilities, from a five-day introductory course through to our Core Series, proceeding through Essentials, Intermediate, and Advanced classes as you expand your knowledge and practical skills.
On-demand study also caters to a variety of levels, with a fundamentals home learning format covering levels one and two and a Complete course that moves through all three levels as a natural progression.
What will you learn during an AutoCAD beginner-stage course? The starting point is to cover the baseline topics that AutoCAD users require as a learning foundation, making it easier to absorb more complex material later on. Essentials courses look at the functionality available to create and edit designs and deploy varied tools and features to develop techniques further and generate more detailed modeling outcomes.
The ideal learning format will vary between users. Still, a mixture of practical editing and image construction, studying the technicalities of parameters within CAD, and interactive sessions where participants can engage with their instructor and cement their knowledge provides the best likelihood of progressing to a formal AutoCAD certification.
Our exclusive AutoCAD for Novice Users course is specifically created for those without experience. It is suited to all learners, including those without a background in architectural design or computer modeling.
Using AutoCAD Certification for Career Enhancement
New AutoCAD users typically start with 2D design, moving on to 3D modeling and then accessing the more advanced tools as their skills and understanding of the software grow. Using that understanding to obtain a formal AutoCAD certification can be beneficial, particularly for candidates looking to establish themselves as highly skilled design professionals in engineering, 3D product design, architecture, and technical product development.
There are two primary AutoCAD certifications, both of which are covered by the ONLC AutoCAD tuition framework:
- AutoCAD Certified User status indicates that the individual has proven their ability to use AutoCAD effectively, with a recommended 150 hours of practical experience advised before attempting the examination.
- Autodesk AutoCAD Certified Professional qualifications are professional-grade credentials and showcase enhanced expertise, with a significant degree of experience recommended for certification candidates.
Exam processes differ between certifications but must be organized through approved providers to be valid and recognized by Autodesk. Candidates can sit exams either at their nearest test center or from home with prior approval.
Once completed, candidates with a passing grade receive a verified digital badge with an integrated link to allow prospective employers to check the authenticity of the certification.
