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AutoCAD Certification

If you have aspirations of launching a career in art, archiecture, engineering, construction, or design, AutoCAD certification can help you save a lot of time and money. Read on to learn how this computer-aided design software platform can transform your professional potential.

There was a time when graphic designers, engineers, architects, and artists had to design everything by hand using pen and paper. Thanks to advanced digital technology and computers, however, they can now render stunning creations from the comfort of a personal PC. Moreover, they can:

  • test their designs for structural integrity
  • manipulate their images with clicks of a mouse
  • rotate their designs in countless different directions

Of all the different computer-aided design software platforms used in art, engineering, and architecture, AutoCAD software is one most popular due to its versatility. Because so many employers depend on AutoCAD, it is very difficult to launch a career in the above areas without at least some formal training in this platform. If you are serious about becoming a professional engineer, graphic design, architect, construction manager, or artist, AutoCAD certification is worth exploring.

What Can You Learn through AutoCAD Certification?

Most AutoCAD certification programs last anywhere from six to eighteen months, depending on the workload and schedule. During that time, you study areas such as:

  • attachments and overlays
  • working layouts and customization
  • CAD standards and system setup
  • drafting design and sheet importing
  • editing complex polylines
  • plot commands and CAD styles

The point of certification is not necessarily to teach you every single feature that AutoCAD offers, but rather, to familiarize you with the general language and layout of the software. In this way, you can develop new solutions and workarounds on your own, years after your training ends.

AutoCAD Certification and Career Outlook

From graphic designers to architects to construction managers, the US Department of Labor predicts favorable growth for many of the occupations that depend heavily on AutoCAD software. The lesson is fairly clear. By combining AutoCAD certification with your own professional training, it is possible to transform yourself into a more marketable asset in the workforce.

Stanley Rubenti

Stanley Rubenti is a world traveling writer and editor who has lived in Japan, the US, Thailand, and France. He currently resides in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he offers college admissions advice for international students interested in studying abroad.

Bureau of Labor Statistics • Architects, Except Landscape and Naval • Dec 17, 2009 • http://www.bls.gov • http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm#training • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections

Bureau of Labor Statistics • Graphic Designers • Dec 17, 2009 • http://www.bls.gov • http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos090.htm • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections

Bureau of Labor Statistics • Construction Managers • Dec 17, 2009 • http://www.bls.gov • http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos005.htm#outlook • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections

Find Schools:
Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state then city.
Canadian schools are listed at the bottom.
Westwood College - Anaheim [Anaheim, CA]
The Anaheim, CA campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Westwood's staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Focus is on computer-based technology degrees. The experienced faculty is made up of instructors with in-depth industry experience and knowledge.
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia
  Bachelor Degree - Interior Design

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Westwood College - Long Beach [Long Beach, CA]
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Bachelor Degree - Interior Design

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Westwood College - Los Angeles [Torrance, CA]
The Los Angeles, CA campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Westwood's staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Focus is on computer-based technology degrees. The experienced faculty is made up of instructors with in-depth industry experience and knowledge.
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia
  Bachelor Degree - Animation
  Bachelor Degree - Interior Design

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Westwood College - Denver South [Denver, CO]
Your future in technology starts right here. The South Denver campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Westwood’s staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Computer-based high-tech degrees can be earned in as little as 17 months. Large, modern classrooms and labs offer students the best in hands-on learning. Industry-specific equipment provides students with the best-in-class education available.
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Bachelor Degree - Interior Design

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Westwood College - Atlanta [Atlanta, GA]
The Atlanta, GA campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Westwood's staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Focus is on computer-based technology degrees. The experienced faculty is made up of instructors with in-depth industry experience and knowledge.
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia
  Bachelor Degree - Animation

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Westwood College - Atlanta Northlake [Atlanta, GA]
The Atlanta, GA campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Westwood's staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Focus is on computer-based technology degrees. The experienced faculty is made up of instructors with in-depth industry experience and knowledge.
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia
  Bachelor Degree - Animation

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Westwood College - Chicago - Loop [Chicago, IL]
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia
  Bachelor Degree - Animation

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Westwood College - O'Hare Airport [Chicago, IL]
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia
  Bachelor Degree - Animation
  Bachelor Degree - Interior Design

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TESST College of Technology - Baltimore [Baltimore, MD]
Programs:
  Certificate: Graphic Engineering Drafting with CADD

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The Art Institutes International Minnesota [Minneapolis, MN]
The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Interior Planning with AutoCAD
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography
  Web Design & Interactive Media

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CDM Institute - Marlton [Marlton, NJ]
Over 92% of CDM Institute students in our Career Placement program land the jobs they want. Gain accelerated training in business, technology, CAD, and healthcare, some of the hottest fields today. Take only the classes you need to achieve your dreams, and gain the specific skills employers demand. All of our programs are designed with your needs in mind. Receive the skills to launch or advance your career while working full time and attend school with other working adults.
Programs:
  AutoCAD Drafting and Design

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CDM Institute - Vineland [Vineland, NJ]
Launch a career in business, technology, healthcare, and CAD—fast with real-world training employer’s demand from CDM Institute.
Programs:
  AutoCAD Drafting and Design

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CDM Institute - Woodbridge [Woodbridge, NJ]
Launch a career in business, technology, healthcare, and CAD—fast with real-world training employer’s demand from CDM Institute.
Programs:
  AutoCAD Drafting and Design

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Kaplan College - Columbus [Columbus, OH]
Programs:
  Associate of Applied Science: Engineering Drafting with CAD

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Technology Education College - Columbus [Columbus, OH]
Technology Education College (TEC) of Columbus, Ohio, provides students with the skills they need to excel in the fields of Technology, Business and Medical Services.
Programs:
  Associate of Applied Science: Engineering Drafting with CAD

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CDM Institute - Allentown [Allentown, PA]
Over 92% of CDM Institute students in our Career Placement program land the jobs they want. Gain accelerated training in business, technology, CAD, and healthcare, some of the hottest fields today. Take only the classes you need to achieve your dreams, and gain the specific skills employers demand. All of our programs are designed with your needs in mind. Receive the skills to launch or advance your career while working full time and attend school with other working adults.
Programs:
  AutoCAD Drafting and Design

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Penn Foster Career School [Scranton, PA]
Get the skills you need to prepare for a new career in one of today's hottest career fields with a diploma or certificate from Penn Foster Career School. Choose from over 80 quality distance education programs in areas like health services, business, legal studies, education, engineering, technology, trade, automotive, creative and design, or high school. Our expert faculty and friendly support staff are dedicated to helping you succeed.
Programs:
  Drafting with AutoCAD
  Furniture and Cabinet Maker
  Interior Decorator
  Landscaper

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Capitol City Trade and Technical School - Austin [Austin, TX]
Programs:
  Drafting and CAD Program

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Westwood College - Dallas [Dallas, TX]
The Dallas, Texas campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Associate Degree programs in Computer Network Engineering and Graphic Design & Multimedia can be earned in as little as 17 months. Graduates are prepared for career opportunities that exist in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Westwood’s experienced faculty is made up of instructors with in-depth industry experience and knowledge.
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia

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Westwood College - Fort Worth [Fort Worth, TX]
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia

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Westwood College - Houston [Houston, TX]
The Houston, TX campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Westwood's staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Focus is on computer-based technology degrees. The experienced faculty is made up of instructors with in-depth industry experience and knowledge.
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia

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Westwood College - Arlington Annandale [Annandale, VA]
The Arlington, VA campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Westwood's staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Focus is on computer-based technology degrees. The experienced faculty is made up of instructors with in-depth industry experience and knowledge.
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia
  Bachelor Degree - Animation
  Bachelor Degree - Interior Design

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Westwood College - Arlington Ballston [Arlington, VA]
The Arlington, VA campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Westwood's staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Focus is on computer-based technology degrees. The experienced faculty is made up of instructors with in-depth industry experience and knowledge.
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia
  Bachelor Degree - Animation
  Bachelor Degree - Interior Design

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