Top 11 Autocad Draftsman Certifications

Certifications for an AutoCAD draftsman are important for several reasons. First, certifications validate a draftsman's proficiency in the software and demonstrate to employers that he or she is competent and knowledgeable in their field. This can give them an edge over other job applicants who lack certification. Second, certifications provide proof of continuing education and can help to keep draftsmen up-to-date on the latest versions of AutoCAD and industry best practices. Lastly, certifications can help to open doors to better job opportunities and higher salaries as employers are more likely to hire candidates with credentials.

This article reviews the top certifications for Autocad Draftsmans, and explains how they can enhance an autocad draftsman's career prospects.

What are Autocad Draftsman Certifications?

Autocad Draftsman Certification is a career certification designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to create and modify technical drawings using the Autocad software. This certification is beneficial for professionals in a variety of fields, including architecture, engineering, manufacturing, construction, and interior design.

With an Autocad Draftsman Certification, professionals will be able to create precise technical drawings that are accurate and up-to-date. They will also be able to use advanced features such as 3D modeling, parametric modeling, and drawing automation. Additionally, they will gain an understanding of industry standards and best practices for creating drawings in Autocad.

This certification can benefit professionals by helping them stay up-to-date with the latest software features in Autocad. It can also give them a competitive edge when looking for jobs or promotions within their field as employers often look for candidates with certifications like this one. Furthermore, it can help increase their job satisfaction as they continue to sharpen their skills in Autocad while taking on more challenging projects.

Pro Tip: When considering an Autocad Draftsman Certification, make sure to research the certification program thoroughly. Pay attention to the curriculum and look for reviews from past students who have taken the course. Additionally, it's important to make sure that the certification is recognized by employers in your field.

Related: What does an Autocad Draftsman do?

Top 11 Autocad Draftsman Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Autocad Draftsmans today.

1. Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD for Design and Drafting

Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD for Design and Drafting is an industry-recognized certification that validates a user’s knowledge and skills in the use of AutoCAD software. The certification demonstrates that the user has the necessary skills to create, edit, and manage 2D and 3D drawings with AutoCAD.

The certification exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions, as well as hands-on exercises. To prepare for the exam, users should review the Autodesk Certification Prep Guide available on the Autodesk website.

To get certified, you must first register for an Autodesk Account and then purchase an Autodesk Certification Exam Voucher from an authorized reseller or directly from Autodesk. Once you have a voucher, you can schedule your exam online at Pearson VUE (PearsonVUE.com). The cost of the exam varies depending on location, but usually ranges between $150-$200 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an email containing your certificate and digital badge which can be used to demonstrate your credentials to employers or clients.

2. Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD Electrical

Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD Electrical is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in using AutoCAD Electrical software. This certification is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of users who are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining electrical control systems.

The Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD Electrical exam consists of two parts—a written exam and a hands-on lab exercise. The written exam covers topics such as electrical design principles, schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and more. The hands-on lab exercise requires the candidate to complete a series of tasks related to creating an electrical project from start to finish.

It typically takes about 4-6 months to prepare for the Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD Electrical exam. Candidates should have prior experience with AutoCAD Electrical software and be familiar with basic electrical engineering concepts. It is also important to practice using the software before taking the exam.

To get certified, candidates must first register for the Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD Electrical exam on the Autodesk website. After registering, candidates will receive an email with instructions on how to access their online training materials and schedule their exams at an authorized testing center. The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take your exams; however, it typically costs around $400-$500 USD per part (written and lab).

3. Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD Plant 3D

AutoCAD Plant 3D is a specialized software program developed by Autodesk for the design and documentation of process plants. It provides users with intelligent 3D models, tools, and libraries to help them create accurate plant designs quickly and efficiently.

To become an Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD Plant 3D, you must pass the AutoCAD Plant 3D 2018 Certified Professional exam. This exam is offered through Autodesk’s authorized certification provider, Certiport. The exam consists of 50 questions and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. To prepare for the exam, it is recommended that you have experience using AutoCAD Plant 3D and have completed the AutoCAD Plant 3D 2018 Certified User Exam.

The cost of taking the AutoCAD Plant 3D 2018 Certified Professional Exam varies depending on your location. Generally, it will cost between $100-200 USD to take the exam.

In conclusion, becoming an Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD Plant 3D requires passing the AutoCAD Plant 3D 2018 Certified Professional Exam which costs between $100-200 USD and takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

4. Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD Civil 3D

Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD Civil 3D is a certification program offered by Autodesk that recognizes professionals with advanced skills in the design, analysis, and visualization of civil engineering projects. This certification is intended to validate an individual’s expertise in the use of Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D software.

To become certified, individuals must pass an Autodesk-approved exam. The exam covers topics such as survey data management, terrain modeling, grading and design calculations, corridor modeling, pipe networks, pressure networks, and other related topics. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

In order to take the exam, individuals must first register for it online at the Autodesk website. The cost of the exam is $200 USD and can be paid via credit card or PayPal. Once registered for the exam, individuals will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online testing center where they can take the exam.

Once an individual has successfully passed their Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD Civil 3D exam they will receive a digital certificate from Autodesk that verifies their achievement. They will also be listed in the official registry of Autodesk Certified Professionals on the Autodesk website.

5. Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD

Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD is a certification program offered by Autodesk, the makers of AutoCAD software. The certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in AutoCAD and provide employers with a way to verify an individual’s knowledge of the software.

It typically takes around 10 hours of study and practice to prepare for the exam, which consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The test covers topics such as basic concepts, 2D drawing, 3D modeling, plotting and publishing, customization, and more.

To get certified, you must first register for an exam through Autodesk's website or through one of their authorized training centers. Once registered, you will be given access to online learning materials that can help you prepare for the exam. After taking the exam, you will receive your results within 24 hours.

The cost of the Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases it costs around $150 USD.

6. Autodesk Certified User: Revit Architecture

Autodesk Certified User: Revit Architecture is a certification program designed to validate the skills of users in the Autodesk Revit Architecture software. The certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency in the use of Autodesk Revit Architecture. It is intended for those who are new to using Autodesk Revit Architecture or those who want to demonstrate their competency.

The certification consists of one exam, which covers topics such as creating and modifying views, creating and editing families, creating construction documents, and working with annotation tools. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and can be taken at any authorized testing center.

To become certified, you must pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location and can range from $50 to $200 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Autodesk confirming your status as an Autodesk Certified User: Revit Architecture.

7. Autodesk Certified User: Inventor

Autodesk Certified User: Inventor is a certification program designed to assess the knowledge and skills of individuals who use Autodesk Inventor software. The certification is administered by Autodesk, Inc., a leading provider of 3D design and engineering software.

The certification requires candidates to pass an online exam that tests their ability to use the Inventor software for tasks such as creating parts, assemblies, drawings, and more. The exam covers topics such as sketching, modeling, assembly design, drawing production, sheet metal design, and more.

The exam typically takes about two hours to complete and includes 50 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam in order to be certified.

The cost of the Autodesk Certified User: Inventor certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 USD. You can find out more information about pricing by visiting Autodesk's website or contacting them directly.

In order to become certified, you must first register with Autodesk and create an account before taking the exam. Once you have registered with Autodesk and created an account, you will be able to access the online practice exams which will help prepare you for the real thing. After completing your practice exams successfully, you can then schedule your official certification exam through Autodesk's website or contact them directly for assistance in scheduling your exam date.

8. Autodesk Certified User: 3ds Max Design

Autodesk Certified User: 3ds Max Design is a certification program offered by Autodesk, the leading provider of 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software. This certification verifies that individuals have the skills necessary to create high-quality 3D models and animations using Autodesk’s 3ds Max Design software.

The certification process consists of two parts: an online assessment and a hands-on performance test. The online assessment tests your knowledge of the software's features and tools, while the performance test requires you to complete various tasks in the software.

To get certified, you must first purchase an Autodesk Certification Voucher from an authorized reseller or directly from Autodesk. The cost of the voucher varies depending on where you purchase it from, but typically ranges from $100-$250 USD. Once you have purchased your voucher, you can register for the exam at www.certiport.com/autodesk.

The exam itself takes about two hours to complete and includes both multiple choice questions as well as hands-on tasks in 3ds Max Design. After completing the exam, you will receive your results immediately and will be notified whether or not you passed within four weeks after taking the exam. If successful, you will receive an official Autodesk Certified User: 3ds Max Design certificate in the mail within six weeks after taking the exam.

9. Autodesk Certified User: Fusion 360

Autodesk Certified User: Fusion 360 is an industry-recognized certification that validates a user’s skills in using Autodesk’s powerful 3D CAD/CAM software, Fusion 360. This certification demonstrates a user’s proficiency in the product and their ability to use it to create 3D models and assemblies.

The Autodesk Certified User: Fusion 360 exam takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete, with 60 questions. The exam covers topics such as sketching, modeling, assembly design, rendering, collaboration and project management. To get certified, users must pass the exam with a score of 75% or higher.

The cost of the Autodesk Certified User: Fusion 360 exam varies depending on country, but typically ranges from $50-$100 USD. There are no prerequisites for taking the exam; however, it is recommended that users have some experience using Fusion 360 prior to taking the test.

10. Solidworks CSWA -Certified Solidworks Associate

Solidworks CSWA (Certified Solidworks Associate) is a certification program offered by Dassault Systèmes, the makers of Solidworks software. It is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in using Solidworks for 3D design and engineering. The certification is aimed at professionals who use Solidworks for design and engineering purposes such as product design, manufacturing, and engineering analysis.

The certification process takes approximately 2-4 hours to complete. To get certified, applicants must pass a 90-minute exam consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as sketching, parts modeling, assemblies, drawings, and surface modeling. A passing score on the exam is required to obtain the certification.

The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken. In North America, the cost ranges from $150-$200 USD per attempt. There are no prerequisites or training courses required to take the exam; however, it is recommended that applicants have some experience with Solidworks before attempting the exam.

11. SOLIDWORKS CSWP-Certified SolidWorks Professional

SOLIDWORKS CSWP (Certified SolidWorks Professional) is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of users working with SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software. The CSWP certification is administered by Dassault Systèmes, the makers of SOLIDWORKS.

The CSWP exam consists of two parts: Core and Advanced. To earn the certification, candidates must pass both parts of the exam. The Core portion covers basic concepts such as sketching, part modeling, assemblies, drawings, and design analysis; while the Advanced portion focuses on more complex topics such as sheet metal design, surfacing, mold design, and advanced assembly techniques.

It typically takes between 2-4 months to prepare for the CSWP exam depending on your experience level with SOLIDWORKS. Candidates should be familiar with all aspects of the software in order to successfully complete both parts of the exam.

To get started with preparing for the CSWP exam you will need to purchase an official SOLIDWORKS training course from an authorized training provider or take a self-paced online course through MySolidWorks eLearning. Once you have completed your training you can register for the CSWP exam at a local testing center or through Pearson VUE’s online proctoring service.

The cost of taking the CSWP exam varies depending on where you take it and what type of proctoring service you use. The cost for taking the Core portion of the exam is $150 USD and $250 USD for taking both parts together.

Do You Really Need a Autocad Draftsman Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need an Autocad Draftsman Certificate to become a successful draftsman. While having a certificate or degree in the field can certainly help in your job search and give you an edge over other applicants, it is not essential to becoming a successful draftsman.

The most important thing that any potential employer looks for in a candidate is experience. Employers want to see that you have the right skills and knowledge to complete their projects with accuracy and efficiency. If you have some experience working with Autocad software, even if it was just for a hobby or school project, this can be very beneficial when applying for jobs as a draftsman. Having some practical experience will show employers that you understand how the software works and can apply it in professional settings.

In addition, having a good understanding of basic drafting principles such as reading blueprints and understanding construction principles will also be beneficial when applying for jobs as a draftsman. Employers look for candidates who have strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically about complex problems. If you can demonstrate these skills without needing an Autocad Draftsman Certificate then this will put you ahead of other candidates who may lack the same level of knowledge or expertise.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an Autocad Draftsman Certificate depends on the type of job that you are applying for. If you are looking at higher level positions or ones which require more expertise then having certification could be advantageous but if you are just starting out in the field then practical experience should take precedence over certifications or degrees.

Related: Autocad Draftsman Resume Examples

FAQs About Autocad Draftsman Certifications

Q1. What is an Autocad Draftsman Certification?

A1. Autocad Draftsman Certification is a professional certification program that verifies the knowledge and skills of individuals working in the field of drafting using Autocad software. It is designed to provide industry recognition for those who demonstrate proficiency in the use of this popular CAD software.

Q2. How do I obtain an Autocad Draftsman Certification?

A2. To obtain an Autocad Draftsman Certification, you must pass a written exam that tests your knowledge and understanding of the topics related to Autocad drafting. The exam is administered by an independent testing organization such as Certiport or Prometric.

Q3. How long does it take to complete an Autocad Draftsman Certification?

A3. Depending on your level of experience and commitment, it can take anywhere from 6-12 months to complete the certification process, including studying for and passing the written exam.

Q4. What are the benefits of having an Autocad Draftsman Certification?

A4. Having an Autocad Draftsman Certification demonstrates proficiency in the use of this powerful CAD software, which can be beneficial when applying for jobs or seeking promotions within organizations that use this technology extensively. Additionally, certified draftsmen may be eligible for discounts on certain products or services related to their profession, such as software upgrades or online courses.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites to obtaining an Autocad Draftsman Certification?

A5: Yes, most organizations require applicants to have some form of prior experience with AutoCAD before taking the certification exam. This could include formal training classes or self-study using tutorials and other resources available online or through books and magazines dedicated to AutoCAD usage and design principles.