Best CAD Certification Programs

Associate degree programs in CAD are commonly available. Some of the biggest differences between a certificate or associate degree in CAD include the length and depth of these programs. Usually, certificate programs are much shorter and designed to be finished more quickly than an associate degree. However, this means a trade-off in the depth of the curriculum. Students in an associate degree program will likely explore CAD topics in greater detail, may receive more hands-on experience and training with the software, and may be more qualified for careers after graduation. Associate degree students also usually take some general education courses and can commonly transfer to a 4-year institution if they wish to continue their studies.

There are many benefits to earning a certificate in CAD engineering. Students may decide to begin their education by earning a certificate in the field to ensure that they like the subject matter and to explore possible career fields that use CAD, including engineering. While these programs may not be as detailed as degree programs, students save time and money and still receive quality introduction in using CAD. They also get hands-on experience using CAD programs and practicing for real-world scenarios.

Students who earn one of these certificates can go on to pursue entry-level positions in the field, but some may choose to continue their education. Certificate programs can help prepare students for earning an associate degree or pursuing a 4-year, bachelor's degree. Some students may even go on to earn graduate degrees and other advanced certificates, such as a graduate certificate program in computer programming.

Some students may be confused about the differences between a certificate program and professional certification in CAD. While there is not a license available or required for CAD engineering (other than buying an AutoCAD license subscription to use the product), the vendors of CAD software often offer professional certifications for professionals who work with their products. These certifications help professionals stand out to employers and demonstrate their expertise in the field. For example, AutoDesk offers a range of certifications, including those at different levels (Associate, Professional, and Expert) for professionals who have obtained different levels of experience working with the products. Specifically for those in the field of engineering, AutoDesk offers the AutoDesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting. Professionals interested in taking the exam to get certified typically need at least 1,200 hours of AutoCAD experience. The exam is 2 hours in length and if students pass, certification is valid for 3 years. In order to renew their certification, students must retest.

Conversely, a certificate is an educational achievement awarded for completing an academic program. Professionals who earn a certificate in CAD may well go on to earn certification in the software.

Students who earn a certificate in CAD will usually need to go on and earn an associate or bachelor's degree to pursue entry-level careers that utilize CAD. Students may become a CAD technician, programmer, operator, or drafter.

Others may become drafters in architecture or engineering. Depending on their interests, students can pursue additional education in specific areas of engineering, such as civil engineering, or even other related areas, such as a computer programming. There are many careers involving computer programming or a degree in applications computer programming, such as becoming a computer programmer. The skills that students obtain while earning a certificate in CAD will help prepare them for a range of design- and computer-related careers, some of which are discussed in more detail below.

Drafters

Drafters usually need to earn at least an associate degree and may choose to earn professional certification in the field. There are many different kinds of drafters, including mechanical, civil, and architectural drafters. These professionals may also be called CAD operators. Drafters are responsible for using CAD software to make designs of various products and structures. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), drafters make ??$57,960 per year and are projected to see a decline in new jobs of 2% between 2020 and 2030.

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Civil engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate degree in civil engineering technology. These professionals may first work as CAD operators and can earn professional certification in the field if they would like. Civil engineering technologists and technicians use CAD to help create their projects and work closely with engineers to estimate costs and examine project sites. The BLS reported in 2020 that ??civil engineering technologists and technicians make a median annual salary of $54,080. The job outlook for these professionals is projected to be 2% between 2020 and 2030, which is slower than the national average.

Desktop Publishers

A desktop publisher is a kind of designer who only needs an associate degree. They also usually undergo some on-the-job training as they learn how to design page layouts for various forms of media. They are responsible for examining texts, editing graphics, and correcting layouts as needed. They typically work closely with graphic designers, editors, and writers to help ensure that the final drafts of projects are approved. As of 2020, desktop publishers make a median salary of $47,560 per year, according to the BLS, and the field will see a -12% job outlook between 2020 and 2030.

Certificate programs in CAD usually require students to take between 15 and 20 credits of coursework. The curriculum for these certificate programs vary depending on the program title and the institution. For instance, while many of these programs include CAD drafting courses, a program focused on architecture may have more courses for architectural CAD technicians and an engineering CAD certificate will have engineering-based courses. In general, these certificate programs include many courses that are project-based and provide students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with CAD software. Below, we discuss a couple of the possible courses that students in CAD engineering certificate programs may take.

Engineering Drawing/Design

Some engineering design courses may come in multiple levels, with students taking an Engineering Design I and Engineering Design II course. Typically, these courses include extensive training with CAD and engineering drafting techniques. Students in these courses may gain experience with topics in dimensions, projections, views, and more. Depending on the course, students may need to complete a final project.

Introduction to CAD

Students commonly take an introduction to CAD or CADD (computer-aided design and drafting) to help familiarize themselves with the software. These courses usually do not have an architectural or engineering focus and are more general in nature. Students may learn how to create diagrams and drawings with CAD, how to edit drawings, and the terminology used in the field.

A certificate program in CAD can usually be completed in 1 year or less. Depending on how the program is set up, students may take multiple courses over a couple of semesters or complete a couple of courses that may require as much as 80 hours of work. Usually, these certificate programs are project-based, so students will likely spend multiple hours working on assignments. Other factors that can affect students' time to completion include full- vs. part-time status and course load. Typically, programs will have a program pathway laid out that details which courses to take when, but some programs may also offer self-paced online courses.

There are many different factors that students need to consider when searching for a CAD certificate program that best fits their needs. Students may first want to consider their goals and plans and find a program that will best prepare them for that future. For example, students who are sure they want to study and work in the field of engineering may look for a program that is more specific to engineering instead of a more general CAD certificate program. Students who want to enter the workforce right away may search for a program that provides more hands-on learning experiences and/or courses than other certificate programs.

In addition to these CAD-specific considerations, students also need to think about some of the logistics of earning their certificate. Students may want to begin by considering if they want to complete a CAD program online or in-person. Those wishing to attend class in-person may need to look at available programs nearby or consider their living situation for attending classes on campus. The location and format of a program may also affect the cost of a CAD certificate program and students will need to be sure to find a program that fits within their personal budget.

Usually, students interested in enrolling in a CAD certificate program will need to apply to the institution. Although admissions processes vary from school to school, applicants will need to fill out the appropriate application and submit any required fees. Most schools require students to include various supplemental materials with their application, but these materials may differ between institutions. For example, it is fairly common for schools to require applicants to include their high school transcripts and transcripts from any other college they may have attended. Depending on the school, programs may accept students on a rolling basis or have specific deadlines, so students should be sure to check with their school(s) of interest. Typically, undergraduate CAD certificate programs only require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED. Most programs do not have any course prerequisites. However, some schools may require students in developmental courses to complete these prerequisites prior to earning their certificate. There are also some programs that require students to take courses in a specific order, as some courses in the certificate program are a prerequisite to other courses in the program.

CAD certificate programs are generally cheaper than earning a degree in the field due to their shorter length. While there are some shorter, more general CAD programs that can be completed for less than $1,000, many schools charge students per credit hour, which can add up. The specific tuition rate, though, varies between schools and is influenced by other factors, such as where the school is located and in-state vs. out-of-state tuition. For example, one institution with a CAD certificate program charges $224 per credit hour for in-state students and $430 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Students need to carefully research what all their tuition includes. For instance, some schools include some fees within their tuition rates, such as technology fees and lab fees. Students need to be aware of the different fees that their institution charges, including fees for health insurance.

Outside of tuition and fees, students also need to consider their cost of living. Housing and food can add up quickly. Students who have off-campus housing may also need to consider the cost of transportation. Books and added materials for courses and labs can be an additional cost that students need to account for.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources for CAD Engineering Certificate Programs

To help pay for these accumulating costs, students should seek out all available forms of financial aid. Those who plan to attend an accredited institution should begin the process by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for any federal or state loans and grants. Eligibility for FAFSA works a little differently for certificate programs, but it's still possible to get money to pay for school.

In addition to this aid, many institutions also offer a range of financial aid and scholarships to help students pay for their education. For instance, schools may offer benefits for veterans and those with GI bills, as well as student employment options for students who are willing to work while completing their program.

Scholarships are a great option for students, as these awards do not require employment or repayment. Various organizations, both related and unrelated to a specific subject area, often offer scholarships for an array of reasons. Many institutions also offer their own scholarships to help make school more affordable for students. Some of these scholarships may be for new students, current students, or those in a specific major or demographic. For example, MassBay Community College offers a range of scholarships for new students, including some that certificate students can apply for. One example is the Ferris Family Scholarship that is open to new students taking at least 9 credits of coursework and are Massachusetts residents. Applicants need a 2.6 GPA or higher and also need to submit an essay.