Top 10 CAD Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a CAD technician in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge, skills and proficiency in their field. Employers look for candidates with certifications to help ensure that they can perform the tasks required of them in a professional and efficient manner. Certification also demonstrates commitment to professional development, which is important in today's competitive job market. Additionally, certifications can give an applicant an edge over other candidates who don't have them.

This article reviews the top certifications for CAD Technicians and explains how they can help to advance their careers.

What are CAD Technician Certifications?

Cad Technician Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in Computer Aided Design (CAD). This certification can be beneficial to those looking to advance their career in the field of CAD technology, as it provides them with an official endorsement of their skills and abilities.

The Cad Technician Certification Program is administered by various organizations, such as Autodesk, Dassault Systemes, Bentley Systems and Solidworks. These organizations provide training courses that cover the fundamentals of CAD design, including 3D modeling, engineering drawings, assembly drawing creation and analysis tools. Upon completion of the courses, participants take an exam to obtain their certification.

Having a Cad Technician Certification can help individuals increase their salary potential and job opportunities in the industry. It serves as proof of expertise in CAD design and can help employers identify qualified candidates for open positions. Additionally, having this certification can also give individuals an edge when applying for promotions or higher-level positions within their current companies. Furthermore, it allows employers to trust that they are hiring competent professionals who understand how to use CAD software efficiently.

Pro Tip: Before enrolling in a cad technician certification program, make sure to research the specific requirements for the certification you are interested in. Many certifications require additional education or experience beyond the base certification program, and it is important to be aware of these requirements before beginning your studies.

Related: What does a CAD Technician do?

Top 10 CAD Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to CAD Technicians today.

1. Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD

Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD is a certification program offered by Autodesk, the leading provider of 3D design and engineering software. This certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in AutoCAD, the industry-leading computer-aided design (CAD) software.

The Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD certification requires that candidates pass an exam that covers topics such as creating and editing drawings, dimensioning, working with layers, managing blocks and external references, plotting, and more. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

To become an Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD, you must first purchase a voucher to take the exam from Autodesk or one of its authorized resellers. The cost of the voucher varies depending on where it is purchased but typically ranges from $150 to $200 USD.

Once you have purchased your voucher, you can register for the exam at Pearson VUE’s website. You will need to create an account with Pearson VUE before registering for the exam. After registering for the exam, you can schedule a time to take it at a nearby testing center.

If you pass the exam, you will receive an email from Autodesk confirming your certification status within two weeks of taking the test. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will also receive a digital badge that can be displayed on your resume or other online profiles to demonstrate your credentials as an Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD.

2. Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD

Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD is an online certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their competency in using the AutoCAD software. It is a great way for those who use AutoCAD on a regular basis to show employers and clients that they have the skills necessary to work with this powerful software.

The Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD certification requires individuals to complete an online assessment that tests their knowledge of basic features, commands, and concepts related to the software. The assessment consists of 35 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.

To get certified, individuals must take the online assessment and score at least 70% or higher. Upon passing the assessment, individuals will receive an official Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD certificate and digital badge which can be shared on social media platforms or included in resumes and portfolios.

The cost of becoming Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD varies depending on where you purchase your exam voucher from. Generally speaking, vouchers purchased directly from Autodesk cost $99 USD while vouchers purchased through third-party vendors may vary in price.

3. Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit Architecture

Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit Architecture is a professional certification program from Autodesk that recognizes individuals who demonstrate expertise in using the Autodesk Revit software for architectural design. This certification is designed to validate skills and knowledge in the use of Revit tools and processes for creating accurate, high-quality 3D models of buildings.

To become an Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit Architecture, you must pass the Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit Architecture exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess your understanding of the software’s features and functionality. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $250 USD.

In order to be eligible to take the exam, you must have a basic knowledge of building information modeling (BIM) principles, as well as experience with Autodesk products such as AutoCAD or Revit. You should also have a good understanding of architectural design concepts and practices, including working with 2D drawings and 3D models.

Once you’ve passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Autodesk acknowledging your achievement as an Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit Architecture. This certificate can be used to demonstrate your expertise in this area to employers or clients.

4. Autodesk Certified User: Revit Architecture

Autodesk Certified User: Revit Architecture is a certification program designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of Autodesk’s Revit Architecture software. It is an entry-level certification that validates fundamental skills and knowledge of the software.

The exam typically takes about two hours to complete, and consists of multiple choice and drag-and-drop questions. To obtain the certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 700 or higher on a scale from 100 to 1000.

To get certified, you must first purchase an Autodesk Certification Exam Voucher from an authorized reseller. The cost of the voucher varies depending on where you purchase it; however, it typically ranges from $100 - $150 USD. After purchasing your voucher, you can register for the exam online through Autodesk's website.

Once registered, you will have 90 days to take your exam at an authorized testing center near you. You may also be able to take your exam online if there are no testing centers available in your area. After passing your exam, your results will be sent to Autodesk within 24 hours and you will receive an official certificate as well as digital badges that can be shared on social media networks such as LinkedIn and Twitter.

5. Autodesk Certified Professional: Inventor

Autodesk Certified Professional: Inventor is a professional certification that validates an individual’s expertise in Autodesk Inventor software. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s proficiency in the use of Autodesk Inventor and its associated technologies. It recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of competency and can apply their knowledge to solve complex design challenges.

The certification process includes passing an exam that covers topics such as 3D modeling, assembly design, drawing creation, and advanced techniques. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and hands-on tasks that test your understanding of the software’s features.

It typically takes between 4 to 6 months to prepare for the exam depending on your experience level with Autodesk Inventor. To get certified, you must register for the exam through the Autodesk website and pass it with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $150-$250 USD.

6. Autodesk Certified User: Inventor

Autodesk Certified User: Inventor is a certification program created by Autodesk to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of Autodesk Inventor software. The certification provides an entry-level credential for students, educators, and professionals who are just starting out with Autodesk Inventor.

The certification exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of the basic features and functions of Autodesk Inventor. It typically takes around 1 hour to complete the exam.

To get certified, you must first register for an Autodesk ID and then purchase an exam voucher from the Autodesk Certification website. The cost for the exam voucher is $75 USD. After purchasing the voucher, you can schedule your exam at a local Pearson VUE testing center or online through their website.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded an official certificate from Autodesk confirming your status as an Autodesk Certified User: Inventor. You will also receive a digital badge which can be used to showcase your achievement on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook.

7. SolidWorks CSWA (Certified SolidWorks Associate)

SolidWorks CSWA (Certified SolidWorks Associate) is a professional certification offered by Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who use SolidWorks software to design, analyze, and simulate 3D models. The certification tests an individual's proficiency in using the software and demonstrates their ability to create accurate designs that meet industry standards.

It typically takes around 30 hours of study time to prepare for the exam. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 90 minutes. The cost of the exam varies depending on the country, but is usually around $200 USD. To get certified, you will need to register for the CSWA Exam through MySolidWorks Certification Portal and then take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.

8. SOLIDWORKS CSWP (Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional)

SOLIDWORKS CSWP (Certified SOLIDWORKS Professional) is a professional certification program offered by Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge of experienced CAD users in the use of the SOLIDWORKS 3D modeling software. The certification consists of two exams: Core and Advanced.

The Core exam covers topics such as sketching, part modeling, assembly design, drawing creation, and surface modeling. The Advanced exam covers topics such as sheet metal design, mold design, weldments, advanced surfacing techniques, large assembly performance optimization, and simulation tools.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to prepare for the CSWP exams depending on your experience level with SOLIDWORKS. To get certified you must pass both exams within 12 months of each other.

The cost for taking the CSWP exams varies from country to country but typically ranges from $150-$200 per exam.

9. Bentley Institute Accredited CAD Technician Certification

Bentley Institute Accredited CAD Technician Certification is a certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of Bentley software products. The certification is designed to help employers identify and hire qualified professionals with the skills necessary to use Bentley software solutions effectively.

The certification requires passing an online exam that covers topics such as CAD fundamentals, drafting techniques, and Bentley software product knowledge. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

To obtain the certification, individuals must first register for the exam through the Bentley Institute website. After registering, they will receive an email with instructions on how to access their exam. Once they have completed the exam, their results will be sent to them via email within 48 hours.

The cost of taking the Bentley Institute Accredited CAD Technician Certification exam is $150 USD per person.

10. PTC Creo Parametric Associate Certification

PTC Creo Parametric Associate Certification is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of individuals working with PTC Creo Parametric software. The certification is offered by PTC University, an education and training division of PTC Inc., the company behind the popular CAD/CAM software.

The certification consists of two exams: one that tests your understanding of the fundamentals of Creo Parametric, and another that tests your ability to use the software in a real-world environment. To pass both exams, you must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the software.

The exam typically takes about four hours to complete, and can be taken at any authorized testing center or online. The cost for the exam varies depending on where you take it, but generally ranges from $100-$150 USD per exam.

To prepare for the exam, it is recommended that you take an official PTC University training course in Creo Parametric or purchase a study guide from an authorized vendor. Additionally, there are numerous online resources available that can help you review key topics related to the software and prepare for the exam.

Do You Really Need a CAD Technician Certificate?

When it comes to deciding whether or not you need a CAD Technician Certificate, the answer depends on your individual goals and career path. A CAD Technician Certificate is a specialized certificate that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software.

If you are looking to pursue a career as a CAD technician, then having a CAD Technician Certificate is essential. The certificate is recognized by employers as proof of your technical skills and knowledge in the field of CAD design. It will also help you stand out from other applicants who may not have the same level of experience or qualifications. Additionally, having this certification may open up more opportunities for higher positions and better pay than someone without the certification.

On the other hand, if you are looking to pursue a career outside of CAD design, such as engineering or architecture, then having a CAD Technician Certificate may be beneficial but not essential. Most employers in these fields require some level of experience with CAD software, but they likely won’t require the certificate itself.

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to pursue a CAD Technician Certificate should be based on where your interests lie and what type of career path you would like to take. If you are passionate about working with computer-aided design software and would like to pursue that as a career, then getting certified would be beneficial in helping you reach your goals.

Related: CAD Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About CAD Technician Certifications

Q1. What is a CAD Technician Certification?

A1. CAD Technician Certifications are professional qualifications that demonstrate the holder’s expertise in Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, typically used in engineering and architecture. The certification typically includes an exam or series of exams that test the individual’s knowledge and skills related to CAD software.

Q2. How do I become certified as a CAD Technician?

A2. To become certified as a CAD Technician, you will need to complete a program of study offered by a recognized institution, such as a college or university, or through an online training provider. After completing the program, you will then need to pass an exam to gain your certification.

Q3. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified?

A3. Yes, most programs require applicants to have some prior experience with CAD software and basic computer skills before taking the exam for certification. In addition, some certifying organizations may require applicants to hold certain degrees or qualifications in order to be eligible for certification.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified?

A4. It depends on the individual's level of experience with CAD software and their ability to commit time and resources towards studying for the exams required for certification; however, it typically takes around six months to two years from start to finish depending on the program chosen and how much time is spent studying each week.

Q5: What are some benefits of being certified as a CAD technician?

A5: Becoming certified as a CAD technician can open up new career opportunities, including higher salaries and more job security due to your specialized knowledge and skillset in this area of expertise. Additionally, having an official certification demonstrates your commitment towards keeping up-to-date with industry trends and best practices when it comes to using CAD software effectively in engineering projects.