Summary: AutoCAD is the premier name in computer-aided design software. It has been since the 1980s. If your career path will put you in roles calling for CAD skills of any kind, seriously consider an AutoCAD certification. It could prove invaluable.
Since the early 1980s, young people hoping to get into careers involving drafting and engineering have learned AutoCAD. The computer-aided design software developed by Autodesk was first launched in 1982. It has been a staple of engineering and drafting ever since.
Despite its humble beginnings, AutoCAD’s practical applications have grown considerably over the last 40 years, so much so that earning an AutoCAD certificate is a normal part of multiple career paths. You can be certified by taking strategic courses we offer here at ProTrain. The big question is what you can do after earning your certificates.
A Complementary Skill
AutoCAD certification supports careers in drafting, design, engineering, architecture, and more. But the certification is considered a complementary skill, given that AutoCAD operation is not a job unto itself. The best way to understand this certification is to think of it as a tool for boosting your credibility for any role for which 2D/3D technical drawings play a leading role.
Here are just some of the jobs for which AutoCAD certification is beneficial:
- CAD drafter/technician (architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, etc.)
- Architectural designer or tech (to support licensed architects)
- Civil or structural design technician (roads, bridges, etc.)
- Mechanical designer (machinery, HVAC systems, etc.)
- Electrical or MEP drafter (power, lighting, and building systems)
- Interior designer (specializing in floor plans and construction drawings)
- Survey/CAD technician (for topographic maps, site plans, and plats)
- 3D modeler or visualization specialist (creating renderings and presentations)
There are so many jobs for which AutoCAD is applicable that listing them all would be impossible. From manufacturing to building to all sorts of design-related careers, AutoCAD plays a vital role in how professionals get things done.
Note that pay ranges vary widely by role and location. So earning an AutoCAD certification doesn’t necessarily put you on equal footing with professionals in other design-related industries. But within your own industry and job category, earning a certification is going to help you.
How AutoCAD Certification Helps
There are some certification programs in the ProTrain catalog that are considered general in nature. They teach soft skills that are applicable across nearly every industry. Then there are those highly specific certifications – AutoCAD being one of them.
AutoCAD is a very specific piece of software designed to facilitate a very specific type of task. If you learn it well enough to be certified, you will have an edge when it comes to hireability and promotions. Consider the following:
- Proof of Competence – It is possible to learn AutoCAD on your own and at home. However, an AutoCAD certification is proof that you possess baseline competence. Employers can tell that you have demonstrated a standardized skill level at minimum.
- Hiring Differentiation – When it comes to highly competitive roles, an AutoCAD certification can differentiate you from other candidates. It can move your resume to the top of the pile.
- Negotiation Leverage – Whether you are gunning for a new job or working on a promotion within your current company, AutoCAD certification represents negotiation leverage. Certified professionals tend to earn at a higher average than their uncertified counterparts.
- Increased Mobility – Given the widespread use of AutoCAD throughout multiple industries, certification increases your mobility. You will be hireable across several industries provided you also possess the right transferable skills.
Certification is most important in roles involving CAD tests during the hiring process. It proves to employers that you can hit the ground running because you have already mastered the basic skills AutoCAD requires. From small firms to fast-paced design shops and fully remote work opportunities, certification demonstrates you are ready to work without close supervision.
What You’re Missing Without It
If your current employment involves any form of computer-aided design, not having your AutoCAD certification could mean you are missing out on a lot. While it is possible to be employed in a CAD role without certification, there are definite disadvantages to not being certified:
- Instant Credibility – Not being certified means you are missing out on the instant credibility an AutoCAD certification represents. You are going to have to work harder to convince HR that you are the right person for the job.
- Automated Screening – In the digital age, companies use automated screening tools to filter out the least qualified applicants. Without AutoCAD certification, your application is likely being filtered out. You are probably missing out on jobs for which certification is preferred or required.
- Career Change Evidence – You might be missing out on the opportunity to change careers because you are not certified in AutoCAD. On the other hand, certification demonstrates you take AutoCAD credentials seriously enough to be formally trained.
Without AutoCAD certification on your resume, you will have to lean more heavily on job-related experience and a polished portfolio of drawings. If you can get an interview, you may be required to pass an employer-specific CAD test. On the other hand, you can bypass all the extra requirements by showing your certificate.
How to Make It Work for You
AutoCAD certification is an invaluable tool for establishing a career path and moving it forward. But it is not a silver bullet. You need to know how to make it work for you. Here are a few key suggestions:
- In addition to being certified, build a portfolio of sample projects relevant to your targeted industry. They will show practical ability.
- Match your portfolio and resume directly to the industry or role you want to work in. Find a niche and focus on it.
- Combine your AutoCAD skills with knowledge of basic codes, standards, and field information.
- Maintain your certification so that it remains current. That means you will be taking additional courses as time goes on.
There are few software-specific certifications that are as powerful as AutoCAD certification. If you would like to know more about ProTrain’s AutoCAD programs, email info@protrain.edu. Alternatively, you can look through our course catalog online and then send a message to enroll@protrain.edu as soon as you’re ready to get started.
FAQs
Do I need AutoCAD certification if I already have a strong portfolio?
Some employers will hire even without certification. But if you want to make it to the top of a list of candidates, get certified.
How long does AutoCAD certification take?
Each of our AutoCAD courses is offered online under a self-paced model. Most of the courses include 48 hours of coursework, while our most popular AutoCAD Fundamentals course requires 144 hours of coursework. You can complete the coursework on your schedule with instructor support when you need it.
How much does AutoCAD certification cost?
Costs vary by course. You can browse all of our AutoCAD courses here. Individual course pages include cost and course requirements.
Will I need AutoCAD on my own computer?
Yes, you will need AutoCAD on your computer to take any of our courses. As a student, you can get a free one-year AutoCAD license to facilitate training at no extra expense. Expect to use the full Windows version of AutoCAD. It is useable on a Mac with the Bootcamp utility.
