AutoCAD® Essentials
Autocad® Online Certificate
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
$399
800-275-4410 (9AM - 9PM EST)
What You Will Learn
- How to use basic AutoCAD® functions to create simple line drawings, drawing templates, and modify plot layouts.
- How to create and modify drawing layers, tables, and fields.
- How to use polylines to draw complex objects and shapes.
- How to create a drawing using various AutoCAD® tools and settings.
AutoCAD® Essentials Career Outcomes
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.
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.”
AutoCAD® Online Certificate Curriculum
- 2 courses
- 19.8 continuing education units (CEUs)
- 11 exams
- 2 submitted projects
Estimated completion time:
- Fast track = 5 months
- Average time = 11 months
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® - Basic Commands
- AutoCAD® - Blocks and Layers
Looking for skilled trades training for your workers?
AutoCAD® Online Certificate Tuition
Cost of Program
$399
- Pay the full cost upfront
- No monthly payments
- Credit card, PayPal, or ACH from bank account
California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.
Our Proven AutoCAD® Learning Model
Flexible
Interactive
Connected
Supportive
Related Programs
AutoCAD® Essentials Online Courses FAQs
What are the main features of AutoCAD®?
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:
- 3D Modeling and Visualization
- Photorealistic Rendering
- Solid, Surface and Mesh Modeling
- Visual Styles
- PDF and DGN Import/Export/Underlay
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.
How long does it take to learn AutoCAD?
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.
Is AutoCAD a good skill to have?
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.
What careers use AutoCAD®?
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:
- CAD Designer
- Civil Engineer
- Electrical Drafter
- Environmental Engineer
- Interior Designer
- Insurance Surveyor
- Technical Illustrator
- and more!