Top 10 Mechanical Drafter Certifications

Certifications are important for mechanical drafters in the job market because they show employers that the drafter has a certain level of knowledge and experience in their field. By having certifications, drafters can demonstrate to potential employers that they have the necessary skills and expertise to perform the job duties required. Additionally, certifications can help drafters stand out from other candidates in a competitive job market. Finally, certifications can also lead to higher pay and better advancement opportunities since many employers prefer to hire certified drafters over those without any credentials.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Mechanical Drafters and explain how they can help advance a mechanical drafter's career.

What are Mechanical Drafter Certifications?

Mechanical drafter certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and competency in the field of mechanical drafting. Mechanical drafting is a specialized form of engineering drawing that involves creating detailed drawings of machines, parts and assemblies. The certification process includes passing an exam that tests the individual’s ability to understand and apply the principles of mechanical drafting.

Having a mechanical drafter certification can be beneficial to individuals looking to advance their career in this field. It provides employers with assurance that the individual has been trained and tested on all aspects of mechanical drafting, including understanding technical drawings, interpreting customer needs, troubleshooting issues and designing solutions. It also shows prospective employers that the individual has taken initiative in developing their skills and are up-to-date on current industry standards. Additionally, having a recognized certification may qualify an individual for higher salaries or promotions within their organization.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stay up-to-date on certifications for Mechanical Drafters. Many employers are now requiring certification in order to be eligible for certain positions or promotions. Additionally, obtaining certification can also help to demonstrate your commitment and knowledge in the field.

Related: What does a Mechanical Drafter do?

Top 10 Mechanical Drafter Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Mechanical Drafter (CPMD)

Certified Professional Mechanical Drafter (CPMD) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of mechanical drafters. It is designed to demonstrate a drafter's ability to accurately interpret engineering drawings, create detailed mechanical designs, and use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce quality drawings.

The CPMD certification can be obtained by passing an exam administered by the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA). The exam covers topics such as drafting principles, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, CAD operations, drawing standards, and product design. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in mechanical drafting or a related field.

The exam typically takes about four hours to complete and costs $150 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CPMD certification within two weeks. The certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires proof of continuing education in mechanical drafting or a related field.

Overall, obtaining the Certified Professional Mechanical Drafter (CPMD) certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence in mechanical drafting and provides recognition from peers and employers alike.

2. Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP)

Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) is a certification program offered by Dassault Systèmes, the maker of SolidWorks software. The CSWP certification is designed to demonstrate an individual's proficiency in using SolidWorks for design and engineering tasks. It is a globally recognized credential that validates an individual’s ability to design and analyze parts and assemblies, create drawings, use surfacing tools, work with sheet metal components, and create assemblies.

The CSWP exam consists of two parts: Core Exam and Advanced Exam. The Core Exam tests your knowledge of basic SolidWorks functions like sketching, part modeling, assembly modeling, drawing creation, etc., while the Advanced Exam tests your knowledge of more advanced features like mold tools, sheet metal design, weldments, surface modeling, etc.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the CSWP exam depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying. To get started you should review the CSWP Certification Guide available on the Dassault Systèmes website which outlines all the topics that will be covered in the exam as well as additional resources such as books and online courses.

The cost of taking the CSWP exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD per exam.

3. Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD Mechanical

Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD Mechanical is a certification program that provides users with the skills and knowledge to use Autodesk software products. This certification is designed for those who are looking to demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in using AutoCAD Mechanical.

The Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD Mechanical exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that assess a user’s understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of AutoCAD Mechanical. The exam typically takes 1 hour to complete and covers topics such as: drawing setup, 2D drafting tools, 3D modeling tools, design visualization, and more.

To get certified as an Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD Mechanical, you must pass the official Autodesk Certification Exam. The exam can be taken at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam varies depending on the location and type of testing center chosen, but typically ranges from $100-$150 USD.

Once you have successfully passed the Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD Mechanical exam, you will receive an official certificate from Autodesk confirming your certification status. You will also be able to add this certification to your resume or list it on your LinkedIn profile as proof of your expertise with AutoCAD Mechanical software.

4. Autodesk Certified Professional in Inventor

Autodesk Certified Professional in Inventor is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in Autodesk Inventor software. This certification validates an individual’s ability to design, analyze, and document 3D mechanical designs using Autodesk Inventor.

To become an Autodesk Certified Professional in Inventor, individuals must pass the Autodesk Inventor Certified Professional exam. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as part modeling, assembly modeling, drawing creation, and sheet metal design. It typically takes around two hours to complete the exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on your country of residence and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD to take the exam. Additionally, you may need to purchase training materials or attend a training course before taking the exam.

Once you have passed the Autodesk Inventor Certified Professional Exam, you will receive an official certificate from Autodesk recognizing your accomplishment and demonstrating your expertise in using Autodesk Inventor software.

5. Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit MEP

Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit MEP is a professional certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their expertise and proficiency in Autodesk Revit MEP. The certification is awarded by Autodesk, the leading provider of 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software.

The Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit MEP certification requires passing an exam that tests an individual's understanding of the features and functionality of Autodesk Revit MEP. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project setup, family creation, drafting views, annotation and dimensioning, documentation, construction modeling, and collaboration.

It typically takes about two weeks to prepare for the Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit MEP exam. Preparation can include studying textbooks or taking online courses offered by Autodesk or other providers. It is also recommended to take practice exams to become familiar with the format and types of questions on the actual exam.

To get certified as an Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit MEP, you must register for and pass the official Autodesk Certification Exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $150 to $200 USD. After successfully passing the exam, you will receive a digital badge that can be used to showcase your achievement on social media profiles or websites.

6. Certified Solid Edge Professional (CSEP)

Certified Solid Edge Professional (CSEP) is a certification program offered by Siemens PLM Software. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of Solid Edge software for 3D mechanical design and simulation.

The CSEP exam covers topics such as: part modeling, assembly modeling, sheet metal design, drawing creation, surface modeling, and more. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to become certified as a CSEP, an individual must first register with Siemens PLM Software and pay the associated fee ($150 USD). After registration is complete, the individual can then take the online exam at any time. Once the exam has been completed successfully, the individual will receive their certification within two weeks.

The cost of becoming a Certified Solid Edge Professional is $150 USD. This fee covers both the registration process and the cost of taking the online exam.

7. Certified Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire Design Associate (CPWA)

Certified Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire Design Associate (CPWA) is a certification program offered by PTC, the developers of Pro/ENGINEER software. This certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in using Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire, the latest version of the popular 3D CAD software.

The CPWA exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as part modeling, assembly design, and drawing creation. The exam also tests your knowledge of advanced features such as surfacing, sheet metal design, and tolerance analysis. To become certified, you must pass the CPWA exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The CPWA exam takes approximately two hours to complete and can be taken at any authorized PTC testing center or online through a web browser. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD.

In order to prepare for the CPWA exam, PTC recommends taking one or more of their official training courses and studying the official Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire documentation. Additionally, there are numerous third-party resources available online that provide additional study materials and practice exams.

8. Autodesk Inventor Certified Expert (ACE)

Autodesk Inventor Certified Expert (ACE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills of experienced Autodesk Inventor users. The ACE certification is a way for users to demonstrate their proficiency in using Autodesk Inventor software, and it can be used as a benchmark for employers looking to hire qualified professionals.

To become an ACE, you must pass an online exam that covers the fundamentals of Autodesk Inventor, such as creating 3D models, working with assemblies, and creating drawings. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To get started, you will need to purchase an exam voucher from Autodesk or one of its Authorized Training Centers. The cost of the voucher varies depending on your location, but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD. Once you have purchased the voucher, you can register for the exam online.

Once you have registered and paid for the exam, you will receive instructions on how to access the online testing system. You will then have 90 days to take the exam before your voucher expires. After completing the exam, your results will be available immediately and your certification status will be updated within five business days.

The ACE certification is valid for two years and can be renewed by taking additional exams or attending approved training courses offered by Autodesk or its Authorized Training Centers.

9. Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Certified Professional

Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Certified Professional is a certification program designed to recognize the skills and expertise of professionals who work with Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D software. This certification demonstrates that an individual has achieved a certain level of proficiency in the use of AutoCAD Civil 3D, allowing them to be considered for more advanced positions in the civil engineering field.

It typically takes around two months to prepare for and pass the Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Certified Professional exam. During this time, individuals should focus on studying topics such as surveying, mapping, design, analysis, and construction documentation. In addition to studying these topics, individuals must also have experience working with the software itself in order to successfully complete the certification exam.

In order to get certified as an Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Certified Professional, individuals must first register for and pass the certification exam. The exam is offered through Pearson VUE and can be taken at any Pearson VUE test center worldwide. It costs $150 USD to take the exam and it consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours.

Once an individual passes the exam they will receive their official Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D Certified Professional certificate from Autodesk. This certificate is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking another certification exam.

10. Autodesk Revit Architecture Certified Professional

Autodesk Revit Architecture Certified Professional is a certification program that verifies the skills and knowledge of professionals in Autodesk Revit Architecture software. This certification demonstrates your ability to create 3D building designs, manage project data, and collaborate with other stakeholders.

It usually takes around 6-12 months to complete the entire process of getting certified as an Autodesk Revit Architecture Certified Professional. To get certified, you must first pass the Autodesk Revit Architecture Certified Professional Exam. This exam is offered by Autodesk and consists of 50 multiple choice questions. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass the exam.

The cost of taking the Autodesk Revit Architecture Certified Professional Exam varies depending on where you take it. It typically costs between $200-$300 USD for a single attempt at the exam. You can also purchase additional attempts if you do not pass the exam on your first try.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be issued an official Autodesk Revit Architecture Certified Professional Certificate from Autodesk that is valid for two years from the date of issue. After two years, you will need to retake and pass the exam in order to maintain your certification status.

Do You Really Need a Mechanical Drafter Certificate?

The answer to this question depends largely on the career goals of the individual. For those who are interested in a career as a Mechanical Drafter, a certificate can be very helpful. It gives employers an indication of the level of expertise and knowledge that the applicant has achieved in this field. The certificate also demonstrates that the individual has taken the time to learn about drafting techniques and is willing to take on additional training if needed.

For those who are looking for a job as a Mechanical Drafter but don't have any specific experience or qualifications, it may not be necessary to obtain a certificate. However, it is important to remember that employers may look more favorably upon applicants who have taken the time to demonstrate their commitment and knowledge by obtaining certifications or completing additional courses. Additionally, having certification can help give an applicant an edge over other applicants when competing for positions in this field.

In summary, whether or not you need a Mechanical Drafter Certificate will depend on your particular career goals and objectives. Those who are serious about pursuing a career in this field should consider taking the time to obtain certification as it will likely give them an advantage over other applicants when competing for jobs.

Related: Mechanical Drafter Resume Examples

FAQs About Mechanical Drafter Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Mechanical Drafter?

Answer: To become a mechanical drafter, you will typically need an associate degree in drafting technology or a related field. You may also need to be certified by the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA).

2. How long does it take to get a Mechanical Drafter Certification?

Answer: The time it takes to get certified as a mechanical drafter varies depending on the program and the individual’s prior experience and education. Generally, it takes approximately two years of full-time study to complete the necessary coursework.

3. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Mechanical Drafter Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require that you complete continuing education courses every few years in order to maintain your certification.

4. Are there any other certifications I can pursue if I want to become a Mechanical Drafter?

Answer: Yes, there are several other certifications available for those interested in pursuing careers in mechanical drafting such as Certified Professional Draftsman (CPD) and Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP).

5. Is there an online program available for obtaining my Mechanical Drafter Certification?

Answer: Yes, many schools offer online programs for obtaining your mechanical drafter certification. It is important to research each program carefully before committing to one so that you can ensure it meets your needs and offers quality instruction.