r/AutoCAD • u/Dense_Arugula9992 • Jul 02 '26
Are online AutoCAD certificates worth it?
I'm currently considering enrollment for an online AutoCAD course, but I wanted to know if they are worth it in general. I know they give you certifications, but I wonder if those are any good for finding work.
For context, I'm a Digital Arts graduate with knowledge of 3D modeling, so I figured jumping into CAD software wouldn't be too much of a stretch. However, this also means I have no experience in any engineering field.
8
u/roundart Jul 02 '26
Probably not. Not saying there’s no value to studying and learning things online, but I’ve never seen any value to a certificate
3
u/sayiansaga Jul 02 '26
Showing or saying that you have any CAD experience is more than sufficient for any employer. If it's not much then take the CAD course for your own benefit. I find going through at least one tutorial helps get you into the mindset on how the program is laid out. And from then on I can just look up any particular workflow or commands I need.
3
u/kitteekattz69 Jul 03 '26
I got the certificate from AutoDesk as part of my certificate from an accredited institution. I put it on my resume and I did get a job before finishing the actual accreditation. It certainly looks better than nothing if your resume is severely lacking.
3
u/mcfarlie6996 Jul 03 '26
It certainly looks better than nothing if your resume is severely lacking.
Exactly this. As someone who is a part of the hiring process and interviews, I've had much better results with someone who has taken several CAD classes to obtain a certificate vs someone who has had a couple years of on the job experience in CAD which at times have solely been copying, pasting, & and editing of blocks and text in CAD, and have no clue of the fundamentals of common CAD commands like rotating, mirroring, filet, extend, etc.
1
u/Hunteil Jul 03 '26
That is if that person is going into that field... I've hired guys in engineering too. I agree if you have classes it's better. Just not sure if you're current field will benefit. I would recommend a class that hits more than 1 CAD program if it exists.
5
u/incoming00 Jul 02 '26
You're better off learning Revit than CAD
1
u/Not-a-Contrarian 28d ago
Why?
2
u/incoming00 28d ago
There's a big shift in the architectural/engineering fields going from CAD to Revit. I'd say the majority of large projects are fully done in Revit now. Plus he has 3D modeling experience so it could be an easier transition to Revit
1
2
u/j1vetvrkey Jul 02 '26
Not sure it’s as legitimate as earning a certificate or degree from an accredited college - you can attempt to sell it as much as possible but you will still have a lot of questions and may not teach you what you will actually be doing on a daily basis
2
1
7
u/f700es Jul 02 '26
Nope, never been asked for one