If you're looking to add drafting skills to your resume or want to better understand computer-aided design, our AutoCAD® Essentials Certificate can help you take the first step. You'll cover foundational CAD skills in flexible, online classes you can complete from home.
Cost of Program
$849
$1,089 Save $240
or
$59/month, Start for as low as $1
1-800-275-4410 (9AM - 9PM EST)
Professionals across many industries use AutoCAD® for design and technical drawings including the manufacturing, automotive, and construction industries. By understanding how to work with AutoCAD®, the most widely used computer aided drawing software, you can enhance your skills and strengthen your resume to advance in your career. However, it's important to note that completion of a certificate-level program alone won't necessarily qualify you for employment as a drafter. Instead, it can be used to enhance skills you already have, add new skills that are relevant to the career you're currently in, or simply for personal and professional enrichment.
State Licensing Requirements
Licensing and/or certification requirements for drafting jobs are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.
Estimated completion time:
With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework.
In our AutoCAD® Essentials Certificate Program, you’ll take AutoCAD® classes that will teach you the basic functions of the software and how to construct geometric objects. You’ll also learn to insert lines and text, study dimensioning, plotting, and printing, and digitize and customize drawings. Your online drafting classes include:
AutoCAD® Essentials Success Stories
Kimberly Q.
Penn Foster Graduate, 2021
“I am truly grateful for Penn Foster and the education that this school provides. I have excelled in my career and education since being a student here.”
Cost of Program
$849
$1,089 Save $240
Cost of Program
$1,049
$1,089 Save $40
cost of program
$1,089
California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.
Flexible
Interactive
Connected
Supportive
AutoCAD® is a computer-aided design software developed by the company Autodesk that allows users to draw and edit digital 2D and 3D designs. The files can also be easily saved and stored in the cloud, letting you access drawings from any computer, any time. The main features of AutoCAD® software include:
Through your online AutoCAD® essentials training, you'll learn to use Autocad and its basic functions in order to take advantage of the main features and understand how you can apply them to drafting work in a variety of industries.
Like any software, there will always be updates and continuous learning. However, learning the basics of using AutoCAD software with an online AutoCAD certificate program doesn't need to take long. With Penn Foster's AutoCAD classes, you can learn to use AutoCAD on your schedule. Students usually finish the program within three to seven months.
If you work in manufacturing, technology, or even interior design, understanding how to use AutoCAD® is a great skill to have. Professionals in a variety of industries use the software to more quickly and accurately draft schematics, blueprints, and more. Adding AutoCAD® knowledge to your skillset and resume can help enhance your resume if you're looking to advance in your career or make your current role easier.
AutoCAD® is used in a wide variety of industries. Careers that use AutoCAD® include jobs in architecture, manufacturing, engineering, construction, utilities, and interior design. Some common job titles that require an understanding of CAD software include:
Disclaimers:
The completion of a certificate-level program does not typically qualify a student for employment. Completion of this program may assist students who have previous academic or work-related experience improve their chances for promotion or entry-level employment.
