Top 10 Electrical Drafter Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for electrical drafters. Certifications demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field that can be used to differentiate an applicant from other candidates. They also show potential employers that the individual has taken the necessary steps to stay up-to-date on industry trends and standards. In addition, certifications can help open doors to higher-level positions or give an individual a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Electrical Drafters and explains how they can help advance an electrical drafter's career.

What are Electrical Drafter Certifications?

Electrical drafter certification is a program that provides recognition to those individuals who have demonstrated a level of proficiency in the field of electrical drafting. Electrical drafters create accurate and detailed blueprints, diagrams and schematics used to construct, install, maintain and troubleshoot electrical systems. Certification allows potential employers to easily identify qualified individuals who can produce high-quality drawings and documentation.

Certification also helps electrical drafters stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and technologies. Certified drafters must complete regular continuing education courses to remain certified, which gives them access to new methods, materials and technology that can be used by their employers to increase efficiency, reduce costs or improve safety.

In addition, certification provides a sense of pride for electrical drafters as they demonstrate their commitment to quality workmanship and professional development. It also serves as an important benchmark for employers when evaluating job applicants or promoting employees within the organization.

Pro Tip: Electrical drafter certification is essential for anyone looking to enter the field of electrical drafting. It is important to research different certifications and make sure they are up-to-date and valid in your area. Additionally, look into any continuing education requirements associated with the certifications, as well as the cost of obtaining them.

Related: What does an Electrical Drafter do?

Top 10 Electrical Drafter Certifications

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

1. Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD Electrical

Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD Electrical is a professional certification that demonstrates a user’s proficiency in the use of Autodesk's AutoCAD Electrical software. It is designed to validate an individual’s expertise in creating and managing electrical control drawings, schematics, and panel layouts.

It typically takes around 40 hours of self-study or instructor-led training to prepare for the certification exam. The exam consists of 60 questions and must be completed within two hours. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass the exam.

The certification can be obtained through an official Autodesk Certification Center or by taking an online proctored exam at home. The cost of the exam varies depending on the testing center, but it typically ranges from $150 to $200 USD.

2. Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD Electrical

Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD Electrical is a certification program designed to demonstrate proficiency in the use of AutoCAD Electrical software. It is an entry-level certification that validates basic skills and knowledge in the use of AutoCAD Electrical.

The Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD Electrical exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as creating electrical schematics, connecting components, creating reports, and understanding electrical symbols.

To get Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD Electrical certified, you must pass the Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD Electrical exam. You can register for the exam online through the Autodesk website or by contacting your local Autodesk reseller.

The cost of the Autodesk Certified User: AutoCAD Electrical exam varies depending on your location, but typically ranges from $100 to $150 USD.

3. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II Certification in Electrical Drafting

NICET Level II Certification in Electrical Drafting is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and ability to use electrical drafting techniques. It is issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). This certification is designed to help employers recognize individuals with the necessary skills and qualifications to perform electrical drafting tasks.

To obtain the NICET Level II Certification in Electrical Drafting, applicants must first pass an examination. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as basic electrical theory, drafting techniques, and safety practices. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience working with electrical drafting software or systems.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on the state where you are taking it. Generally speaking, it costs between $200 and $400 USD. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your NICET Level II Certification in Electrical Drafting. This certificate is valid for five years before needing to be renewed. To renew your certification, you will need to take an additional examination every five years or demonstrate proof of continuing education related to electrical drafting topics.

4. Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) – Electrical Design

Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) – Electrical Design is an industry-recognized certification that validates a candidate's knowledge and skills in the use of SolidWorks Electrical software. This certification is designed for individuals who have a basic understanding of electrical design principles and are looking to expand their knowledge and skills in this area. The CSWA – Electrical Design exam covers topics such as schematic design, panel layout, wire routing, and more.

The CSWA – Electrical Design exam takes approximately two hours to complete. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that must be answered correctly within the allotted time frame. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass.

To get certified, candidates must first register for the CSWA – Electrical Design exam through SolidWorks Certification Program website. After registering, candidates will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online proctored exam. Once they have completed the exam, they will receive their results within 48 hours.

The cost of the CSWA – Electrical Design exam is $150 USD.

5. Autodesk Inventor Certified Professional: Electrical Design

Autodesk Inventor Certified Professional: Electrical Design is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills to design electrical systems with Autodesk Inventor software. It validates the expertise of professionals in designing, creating, and managing electrical systems with Autodesk Inventor.

To become an Autodesk Inventor Certified Professional: Electrical Design, you must pass an online assessment that tests your knowledge of Autodesk Inventor software. The assessment consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

You can take the exam online through the Autodesk website. The cost of the exam is $150 USD per attempt. After you pass the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Autodesk that verifies your achievement as an Autodesk Inventor Certified Professional: Electrical Design.

6. Autodesk Revit Architecture Certified Professional: Electrical Design

Autodesk Revit Architecture Certified Professional: Electrical Design is a certification program offered by Autodesk. This certification is designed to demonstrate a professional’s proficiency in the use of the Autodesk Revit Architecture software for electrical design projects.

The certification requires passing an online exam that tests knowledge and skills in areas such as electrical systems, lighting design, power distribution, and building codes. The exam is taken online and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get certified, you must first purchase an Autodesk Certification Exam Voucher from the Autodesk website. After purchasing the voucher, you will be able to register for the exam on the Autodesk website. Once registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the exam.

The cost of the certification voucher varies depending on your geographic region and whether or not you are a student or educator. Generally speaking, it costs around $150 USD for non-educators and $75 USD for educators or students.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive an official certificate from Autodesk confirming your achievement of becoming an Autodesk Revit Architecture Certified Professional: Electrical Design.

7. Bentley MicroStation Certified Professional: Electrical Design

Bentley MicroStation Certified Professional: Electrical Design is an advanced certification program for professionals working in the electrical design field. The program provides a comprehensive knowledge of MicroStation software, which is used to create 3D models of electrical systems. It also covers topics such as electrical engineering principles, electrical drawing standards, and best practices for creating accurate and efficient designs.

The program consists of four courses: Introduction to MicroStation Electrical Design, Working with 2D Drawings in MicroStation Electrical Design, Working with 3D Models in MicroStation Electrical Design, and Advanced Topics in MicroStation Electrical Design. To become certified, you must complete all four courses and pass an online exam.

The program typically takes around 40 hours to complete depending on your prior experience with the software.

To get started on the Bentley MicroStation Certified Professional: Electrical Design program, you will need to register online at Bentley's website and pay the certification fee of $1,495 USD. Once registered, you will be given access to the course materials and can begin studying right away.

Good luck!

8. Siemens NX CAD/CAE Certification Program -Electrical Design

The Siemens NX CAD/CAE Certification Program - Electrical Design is a comprehensive certification program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, analyze, and simulate electrical systems in a variety of industries. The program consists of three levels: Associate, Professional, and Expert.

The Associate level is intended for individuals who are new to the field and have limited experience with electrical design. At this level, participants will learn the basics of electrical design including schematics, circuit analysis, and simulation. This level takes approximately 40 hours to complete and includes both online instruction as well as hands-on exercises.

The Professional level is intended for those who are more experienced in electrical design but need additional training in order to become proficient in using Siemens NX CAD/CAE software. At this level, participants will learn advanced topics such as 3D modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), and system integration. This level takes approximately 80 hours to complete and includes both online instruction as well as hands-on exercises.

The Expert level is intended for those who are already proficient in using Siemens NX CAD/CAE software but need additional training in order to become experts in their field. At this level, participants will learn advanced topics such as embedded systems development, product life cycle management (PLM), and system optimization. This level takes approximately 120 hours to complete and includes both online instruction as well as hands-on exercises.

To get certified at any of these levels requires passing an exam administered by Siemens or its authorized partners. The cost of the exams varies depending on the certification level; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD per exam.

9. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core Curriculum – Electrical Drafting

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Core Curriculum – Electrical Drafting is an online program that provides comprehensive training in the fundamentals of electrical drafting. It covers topics such as basic electrical principles, schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, and other related topics. The program consists of 10 modules which can be completed at your own pace. Each module includes self-paced instruction, practice activities, and assessments to ensure mastery of the material.

The NCCER Core Curriculum – Electrical Drafting program typically takes around 40 hours to complete. You can access the course materials online through the NCCER website or through a partnering institution.

The cost of the NCCER Core Curriculum – Electrical Drafting program varies depending on how you choose to purchase it. If you purchase it directly from NCCER, it will cost $199 USD for an individual license or $499 USD for a group license. Alternatively, if you are enrolled in an accredited institution that offers the program as part of their curriculum, then there may be additional fees associated with enrolling in the course.

10. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certificate in Advanced Drafting Techniques – Electrical

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certificate in Advanced Drafting Techniques – Electrical is a professional certification program designed to help professionals gain knowledge and skills in the field of electrical drafting. The program covers topics such as electrical schematics, circuit diagrams, wiring diagrams, and other related topics. It also provides an understanding of the principles behind the design and construction of electrical systems.

The program consists of four courses that are taken over a period of 12 weeks. Each course focuses on a different aspect of electrical drafting and takes approximately three weeks to complete. The courses include Introduction to Electrical Drafting, Electrical Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, and Circuit Diagrams. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants will receive their ASME Certificate in Advanced Drafting Techniques – Electrical.

The cost for the ASME Certificate in Advanced Drafting Techniques – Electrical is $1,395 USD which includes all four courses and the exam fee. To get certified, individuals must first register with ASME by completing an online application form and paying the applicable fees. Once registered, individuals can then enroll in any or all of the four courses offered through ASME's online platform. After completing all four courses and passing the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, participants will be awarded their ASME Certificate in Advanced Drafting Techniques – Electrical.

Do You Really Need a Electrical Drafter Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of electrical drafter job you are seeking. If you are looking for a more technical role, such as a senior electrical drafter or an electrical design engineer, then having an electrical drafter certificate could be beneficial. It can demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a drafter in the industry.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an entry-level position, such as an assistant electrician or an apprentice electrician, then a certificate may not be necessary. In these roles, employers typically look for individuals with experience in the field rather than formal qualifications. However, having a certificate may still help your application stand out from others and show potential employers that you have taken initiative to learn about the profession.

Overall, it is important to consider what type of job you are applying for and evaluate whether or not an electrical drafter certificate will give you a competitive edge. Having one could open up additional opportunities and demonstrate your commitment to success in the field.

Related: Electrical Drafter Resume Examples

FAQs About Electrical Drafter Certifications

Q1. What is an Electrical Drafter Certification?

A1. An Electrical Drafter Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a drafter’s knowledge and understanding of electrical systems, as well as their ability to accurately create drawings that can be used in the construction and maintenance of these systems.

Q2. How do I become certified as an Electrical Drafter?

A2. To become certified as an Electrical Drafter, you must typically complete a postsecondary program in drafting or engineering technology and pass an examination administered by a professional organization such as the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA).

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming an Electrical Drafter?

A3. Becoming an Electrical Drafter offers many benefits, including greater job security and higher wages due to increased demand for qualified professionals in the field. Additionally, having a certification can open up opportunities for advancement within your current role or allow you to pursue new career paths altogether.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified?

A4. The amount of time it takes to get certified will vary depending on individual circumstances; however, most programs require between one year and two years of study before sitting for the exam.

Q5. Are there any continuing education requirements once I am certified?

A5: Yes, many organizations require Certified Electrical Drafters to complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their certifications. These courses are typically offered online or through local colleges and universities, and they help ensure that drafters stay up-to-date with industry changes and advancements in technology.