Top 10 AutoCAD Drafter Certifications

Certifications are important for an Autocad Drafter in the job market because they demonstrate a level of proficiency and expertise. Having a certification shows employers that the drafter is knowledgeable and competent in using Autocad software and is able to produce quality work. It also signals to potential employers that the drafter has taken the time to become proficient in a particular program, which can be beneficial when applying for jobs. Additionally, having a certification can help an Autocad Drafter stand out from other applicants as it indicates dedication and commitment to their craft.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most valuable certifications for AutoCAD Drafters and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are AutoCAD Drafter Certifications?

Autocad Drafter Certification is a certification program that provides professionals with the skills and knowledge to create high-quality designs using Autodesk software. This certification ensures that drafters have the necessary skills to use AutoCAD, a computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application from Autodesk. With this certification, drafters can show potential employers that they possess the technical knowledge and experience needed to produce accurate, professional drawings.

Having an Autocad Drafter Certification can help drafters in many ways. It can give them an edge over other job seekers who do not have the same level of training or expertise. In addition, having a certification allows drafters to demonstrate their knowledge of AutoCAD to potential employers, which could lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Furthermore, having a certification can help drafters stay up-to-date on the latest versions of AutoCAD, as well as any new features or functionality added to the software. Finally, this certification gives drafters peace of mind knowing they are qualified for positions requiring AutoCAD proficiency.

Pro Tip: Before taking the Autocad Drafter Certification exam, make sure to brush up on your CAD design and drafting fundamentals. Additionally, practice drafting and problem-solving exercises to ensure you are prepared for the test.

Related: What does an AutoCAD Drafter do?

Top 10 AutoCAD Drafter Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to AutoCAD Drafters today.

1. Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD

Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD is a certification program that validates the expertise of professionals in using Autodesk’s AutoCAD software. This certification demonstrates an individual's ability to use the software to create and modify drawings, design models, and prepare documents for production.

It typically takes about 15 hours of study and practice to prepare for the exam. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours.

To get certified, you must first purchase an Autodesk Certification Exam voucher from Autodesk’s website. Once you have purchased the voucher, you can then register for the exam at Pearson VUE, which is an authorized testing center for Autodesk certifications. The cost of the exam voucher is $250 USD.

2. Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD

Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD is an industry-recognized certification program designed to validate the skills of AutoCAD users. It is a great way for individuals to demonstrate their proficiency in using the software, and employers can use it as a benchmark for hiring and promotion decisions.

The Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD certification exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that assess the user’s knowledge of basic commands and features of AutoCAD. The exam takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, and must be completed within a 2-hour time limit.

To get certified, you must pass the Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD exam with a score of 70% or higher. You can take the exam online or at an authorized testing center. To find an authorized testing center near you, visit Pearson VUE's website.

The cost for taking the Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD exam varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $100-$150 USD.

3. Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD Civil 3D

AutoCAD Civil 3D is a software program that helps civil engineers, surveyors, and other professionals in the construction industry to design and analyze infrastructure projects. It is the most popular civil engineering design software in the world.

The Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD Civil 3D certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s expertise in using AutoCAD Civil 3D to create and manage civil engineering projects. This certification validates a person’s ability to use this powerful software to its fullest potential.

It typically takes around 10 hours of study time to prepare for the exam, which consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. The exam must be taken at an authorized Autodesk testing center or online via proctored exams. To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it and how many times you need to retake it if necessary. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 USD for each attempt at the exam.

4. Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD Plant 3D

Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD Plant 3D is an industry-recognized certification program that validates a user’s knowledge and skills in using Autodesk’s AutoCAD Plant 3D software. This certification demonstrates the user’s ability to create, edit, and manage plant design projects using this powerful software.

It typically takes around 6-8 hours of study time to prepare for the Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD Plant 3D exam. The exam consists of 30 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. To get certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

To get certified, you can take the online exam through Autodesk's website or through one of their authorized training centers. You will need to purchase an Autodesk Certification Exam Voucher in order to take the exam. The cost for the voucher is $150 USD.

5. Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD Electrical

Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD Electrical is a certification program from Autodesk that allows users to demonstrate their proficiency in using the software. It is designed for those who are new to AutoCAD Electrical, as well as those who have been using it for some time. The certification validates that the user has a basic understanding of the tools and features of AutoCAD Electrical and can use them effectively.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online assessment and a hands-on project. The online assessment is a multiple-choice test covering topics such as electrical symbols, wiring diagrams, circuit design, and troubleshooting. To pass the exam, you must score at least 80%. The hands-on project requires you to create an electrical drawing using AutoCAD Electrical. Once both parts are completed successfully, you will receive your certification.

It typically takes 3-4 weeks to complete the Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD Electrical program. You can sign up for the program through Autodesk’s website or through an accredited training provider. The cost of the program varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

6. Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit Architecture

Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit Architecture is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills of experienced Autodesk Revit users. This certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and experience necessary to design, document, and manage building projects using Autodesk Revit Architecture software.

The certification process involves taking an online assessment that tests your skills in areas such as project setup, modeling, annotation, and collaboration. The assessment consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. You can then purchase an Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit Architecture certificate from Autodesk for $99 USD. Once you have purchased the certificate, it will be emailed to you within 48 hours.

Once you have obtained your certificate, you will be able to demonstrate your expertise in using Autodesk Revit Architecture software to potential employers or clients. Additionally, having this certification may help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or contracts related to building design and construction projects.

7. Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit Structure

Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit Structure is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of professionals in the use of Autodesk Revit software for structural design. This certification is intended for those who are experienced in the use of Autodesk Revit software and have a strong understanding of structural design principles.

The Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit Structure exam consists of approximately 50 questions that cover topics such as project setup, modeling, documentation, collaboration, analysis, visualization, and more. It typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete the exam.

In order to become an Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit Structure, you must first pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. You can take the exam online through Autodesk’s website or at an authorized testing center. The cost of taking the exam is $150 USD per attempt.

8. Autodesk Certified User: Inventor Professional

Autodesk Certified User: Inventor Professional is a certification program offered by Autodesk, the leading provider of 3D design and engineering software. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s proficiency in using Autodesk Inventor Professional, a powerful 3D CAD software used for product design, analysis and simulation.

The certification exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as sketching, part modeling, assembly design, drawing creation, sheet metal design and more. To pass the exam, candidates must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly.

The exam takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Candidates can take the exam either online or at an authorized testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken; however it typically costs around $200 USD.

To become Autodesk Certified User: Inventor Professional certified, individuals need to have at least 6 months experience using Autodesk Inventor Professional and pass the certification exam with a minimum score of 70%. Once certified, individuals will receive an official certificate from Autodesk validating their expertise in using this powerful CAD software.

9. Bentley Institute Accredited Certificate Program in CAD/CAE/BIM Technology

The Bentley Institute Accredited Certificate Program in CAD/CAE/BIM Technology is a professional certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the use of Bentley software. The program provides an opportunity for users to become certified in the use of specific software applications, such as MicroStation, AutoCAD, Revit, and STAAD.Pro.

The program consists of three levels: Associate, Professional, and Expert. Each level requires a certain number of courses to be completed and a passing grade on an exam. The Associate level requires four courses and one exam; the Professional level requires seven courses and two exams; and the Expert level requires nine courses and three exams.

The duration of the program depends on how quickly you complete each course and pass each exam. Generally speaking, it takes between six months to a year to complete all three levels of the program.

To get started with the Bentley Institute Accredited Certificate Program in CAD/CAE/BIM Technology, you must first register with Bentley Institute by creating an account on their website. After registering with Bentley Institute, you can then purchase individual courses or bundles that include multiple courses at discounted prices.

The cost of each course varies depending on which bundle you choose. Individual courses typically range from $99-$299 USD per course; bundles range from $499-$799 USD per bundle.

10. AACE International Certification in CAD/CAE/BIM Design and Management

AACE International Certification in CAD/CAE/BIM Design and Management is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals in the design and management of CAD/CAE/BIM projects. The certification is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge developed by AACE International (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering) that covers topics such as project planning, cost estimating, scheduling, risk management, quality control and assurance, and BIM.

To obtain the certification, applicants must first pass an online exam administered by AACE International. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of CAD/CAE/BIM design and management. Candidates must also submit their portfolio for review by a panel of experts. This portfolio should include examples of their work related to CAD/CAE/BIM design and management.

The process typically takes around six months from start to finish. Applicants should plan to spend several hours studying for the exam as well as preparing their portfolios for review.

The cost for obtaining AACE International Certification in CAD/CAE/BIM Design and Management varies depending on the country where you are applying from. In the United States, it costs $495 USD to take the exam plus an additional $100 USD fee if your portfolio is approved by the panel of experts.

Do You Really Need a AutoCAD Drafter Certificate?

Yes, an AutoCAD drafter certificate is important for anyone who wants to pursue a career in the field of drafting. This certificate proves that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to create detailed designs and drawings using AutoCAD software. It also shows potential employers that you are up-to-date on the latest technology and techniques used for creating professional drawings.

The AutoCAD drafter certificate can help those who want to work as a freelance drafter or contractor. Having a certificate shows potential clients that you are knowledgeable about the latest industry standards and tools being used in the field. The certification also gives employers assurance that you will be able to fulfill their drafting needs with accuracy and efficiency.

Having an AutoCAD drafter certificate can also increase your job prospects by allowing you to stand out from other applicants who may not have this certification. In addition, having a certificate can give you an edge when applying for positions with larger companies since they may prefer those with formal training in CAD software over those without it.

Overall, an AutoCAD drafter certificate is beneficial for anyone looking to pursue a career in this field or simply improve their current job prospects. The certification demonstrates proficiency in CAD software and provides assurance to employers that you are well-trained and capable of producing quality designs and drawings quickly and accurately.

Related: AutoCAD Drafter Resume Examples

FAQs About AutoCAD Drafter Certifications

Q1. What is an AutoCAD Drafter Certification?

A1. An AutoCAD Drafter Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and proficiency in the use of AutoCAD software for drafting purposes. It is issued by authorized organizations such as Autodesk, Inc., and certifies that the individual has achieved a level of mastery with the software necessary to produce accurate and professional drawings.

Q2. How do I obtain an AutoCAD Drafter Certification?

A2. In order to obtain an AutoCAD Drafter Certification, you must first pass an approved exam administered by Autodesk or another certified organization. Depending on the type of certification you are seeking, you may also need to have experience using the software in a professional capacity before taking the exam.

Q3. Are there different levels of AutoCAD Drafter Certifications?

A3. Yes, there are three different levels of certification: Certified Associate (CA), Certified Professional (CP), and Certified Expert (CE). Each level requires increasingly more difficult exams that test your knowledge and skills using AutoCAD software for drafting purposes.

Q4. How long does it take to complete my AutoCAD Drafter Certification?

A4. The amount of time required to complete your certification depends on several factors, including the level of certification you are seeking and how much experience you already have with the software prior to beginning your studies. Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from one month to six months or longer depending on your circumstances.

Q5. Is an AutoCAD Drafter Certification worth getting?

A5. Yes! An AutoCAD Drafter Certification will demonstrate to prospective employers that you have acquired advanced knowledge and skills related to using this powerful software for drafting purposes, making it easier for them to trust in your abilities when hiring for CAD-related positions or projects. Additionally, having this credential can often lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities in general compared with those without it!