Many different classes are available in AutoCad, ranging from beginner and intermediate levels to advanced courses. There is an option for online courses, but this is often a better option for people who live close to their schools or companies. There are also many options for classroom sessions with instructors and peers at a local office. The benefit of classroom learning is that the instructor can be a personal mentor, but for many people that is not an option.
Most courses in AutoCad do not require any formal classroom training, and many courses are provided in a classroom environment, although some courses are provided online via the AutoCad software program. The majority of the courses are designed with hands on experience in mind. The student builds and creates a simple model, and then uses the AutoCad software to construct additional parts or projects using the model. This experience is key to making the correct drawings, because this will give the student an understanding of the principles of AutoCad and its capabilities. The experience helps students understand how to construct and manipulate objects, in addition to understanding how AutoCad works and how to use specific AutoCad components.
Learning about AutoCad is much more effective when it is used with hands-on experience in a real setting. A good course will have a variety of real projects that students can use as references or to practice on their own. Some courses provide online simulations that can be done from the comfort of a home or office, while others can be purchased and used in an office or on the job.
Some courses include laboratory work for engineering design, architecture or construction. These are designed to get the student well-versed in AutoCad and the ability to make accurate drawings of objects. that are representative of the final product. Other courses may include hands-on labs that use actual tools and equipment that can be used for constructing or testing prototypes.
In many cases a course will provide the student with a set of labs, including both indoor and outdoor labs. Some courses have pre-set labs to get the student familiar with certain AutoCad elements. and can be purchased individually or in packages, but many other labs are customizable. with pre-defined lab times and specifications that can be customized for each course.
Another option is to hire an AutoCad Technician who can perform a series of AutoCad courses and certification exams. Certified technicians are licensed by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and carry a recognized credential. Technician certification takes about one year, and students who complete the certification test are licensed as an Automotive Test Technician (ATA). Certification exams are good for three years, after which they can apply for re-certification.
Certificates can also be obtained in conjunction with a more formal education, such as an Associate of Science in AutoCad Technology (ASAT). The ASAT is designed to provide students with general knowledge of AutoCad concepts and can lead to a certification if the student has completed one or more of the courses recommended above. and can pass the exam. In most cases certification is good for two to four years, although it is possible for longer periods to be completed over a period of time.
In addition to courses provided at the technical schools or by private organizations, there are professional engineering firms that offer an Associate of Science in AutoCad Technology (ASAT) program for people interested in getting certified. AAST programs generally take six to nine months and cost $1112 per semester or year, although most of these institutes charge some sort of tuition to cover expenses for books and materials.
There are specific courses in autoCad that can be taken after a basic training session to get started with this project. The programs are usually six to twelve weeks long and take several months for the student to complete. However, some classes will require that students complete the classes before they can begin a project or do an internship with an Autocad company. As with other programs, these classes typically involve a great deal of hands-on practice, but are not considered “real” work for apprentices.
The final option is to purchase an Autocad manual that provides specific courses and certifications. Some manuals are expensive, and if one is interested in purchasing a manual there are many to choose from. Some of these manuals have pre-written solutions for some of the more common problems that may occur while designing a complex system.
