Online AutoCAD Course with Autodesk Certification Prep in Waterloo

AutoCAD is the industry-standard drafting software used across architecture, construction, engineering and manufacturing. This self-paced online course takes you from your first line to complete construction documents. It also prepares you for two Autodesk certifications: Autodesk Certified User (ACU) and Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting.

The AutoCAD software is provided for the length of the course, and your ACU exam voucher is included.

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Course at a Glance

Software
AutoCAD provided for the duration of the course.
[CONFIRM: AutoCAD version]
Certifications
Prepares you for Autodesk Certified User (ACU) and Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP)
Exam Voucher
ACU exam voucher included
Course Hours
140 hours
Access
6 months
Start anytime
Format
Self-paced video lessons
Practice projects
eBooks
Email support from industry experts
Prerequisites
None
Tuition
$4,759.00 CAD

Become an AutoCAD Professional

Our online Waterloo AutoCAD Certification Training program is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Autodesk's industry-leading computer-aided design software. Whether you are beginning your CAD journey or looking to strengthen your drafting and design expertise, this program delivers the skills needed to work confidently in professional design environments. 

Through a structured curriculum that progresses from foundational concepts to advanced drafting and documentation workflows, you will develop practical AutoCAD skills used across architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and design industries. This AutoCAD course culminates in preparation for two recognized Autodesk certifications: the Autodesk AutoCAD Certified User (ACU) exam and the Autodesk AutoCAD Certified Professional (ACP) in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting exam. 

Over six months, you will learn how to create construction documents, manage layers and layouts, organize sheet sets, and implement professional drafting standards. You will also have access to AutoCAD software throughout your enrollment period, allowing you to gain valuable hands-on experience.

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Level 1: AutoCAD Certified User

Foundational Certification

AutoCAD Certified Professional badge

Level 2: AutoCAD Certified Professional

Advanced Certification

Why Get AutoCAD Certified in Waterloo

Job Outlook for AutoCAD Professionals in Waterloo

AutoCAD is one of the most widely used software applications in architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and product design. Organizations across Waterloo rely on CAD professionals to create technical drawings, construction documents, and detailed design plans using industry-standard drafting software. 

Waterloo CAD Certification

According to the federal Job Bank, employment opportunities for CAD (computer-aided design) specialists and drafters are expected to remain stable over the long term, with labour demand and labour supply projected to be broadly balanced nationally through 2033. The occupation employed approximately 37,700 workers in Canada in 2023, supporting career opportunities across a variety of industries and regions, including Waterloo. 

Professionals with AutoCAD expertise may pursue roles such as CAD specialist, CAD technician, drafter, architectural designer, engineering support specialist, and construction documentation professional. As employers continue to adopt digital design and drafting workflows, candidates who can demonstrate proficiency with industry-standard software and recognized Autodesk certifications may be well-positioned for employment opportunities.

AutoCAD Certification Training FAQs

Is AutoCAD software included?

Yes. AutoCAD is provided for the duration of the course, so you don't need to buy a separate subscription while you study.

What kinds of jobs can I get with AutoCAD?

There are many jobs that use AutoCAD, with varying salaries. Job positions requiring AutoCAD software include project managers, mechanical engineers, and CAD drafters. Mechanical careers offer strong earning potential across several roles. According to Indeed, mechanical project managers earn an average salary of $103,120 per year, while mechanical engineers earn $92,372 per year. Project managers earn approximately $95,993 annually, and mechanical drafters earn about $70,254 per year. CAD drafters earn an average of $27.11 per hour, providing a solid entry point into the field.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes, you will be prepared to sit for the Autodesk AutoCAD Certified User exam (ACU) and the Autodesk AutoCAD Certified Professional (ACP) in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting exam. The voucher included with the cost of your enrollment is for the ACU exam.

What’s the difference between the AutoCAD Certified User and the AutoCAD Certified Professional exams?

If you are looking to get your AutoCAD certification, you may be considering both the Autodesk AutoCAD Certified User exam (ACU) and the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting (ACP) exams. The ACU exam is great for designers who can display basic proficiency, while individuals who possess advanced skills and can solve complex design or workflow challenges may opt for the ACP exam. The content of this course will prepare you for both exams. The voucher included with the cost of your enrollment is for the ACU exam.

Should I learn AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks or Inventor?

The right CAD tool depends on the industry you want to work in.

  • AutoCAD is the most versatile 2D drafting tool. It's used in architecture, construction, electrical, civil and mechanical work, and it's often the first CAD skill employers ask for.
  • Revit is used for building information modelling (BIM) in architecture and building design.
  • SolidWorks and Inventor are 3D parametric modelling tools, widely used in mechanical design and manufacturing.
  • Civil 3D is built for civil engineering and infrastructure projects.

If you're unsure, AutoCAD is the safest starting point. Its drafting fundamentals carry over to every other CAD platform.

What's the difference between ACU and ACP?

ACU is the entry-level certification that shows you can use AutoCAD confidently. ACP is the professional-level certification for people with real-world drafting experience. This course prepares you for both and includes your ACU exam voucher.

How long does it take to learn AutoCAD?

The course includes 140 hours of content and six months of access. Most learners can produce basic drawings within a few weeks and complete construction documents by the end of the course.

Course Objectives

  • Create drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, and a floor plan and integrate all information into one deliverable sheet file 
  • Apply intermediate-level skills, including layer management, user coordinate system development, creating sheet layout environments, and plotting 
  • Create title block and title block/drawing label components for a professional office to facilitate the development of deliverable sheet files 
  • Organize deliverable sheet set to conform to the National CAD Standards 
  • Integrate referenced files to create details for construction documents
  • Prepare for the Autodesk AutoCAD Certified User (ACU) exam and the Autodesk AutoCAD Certified Professional (ACP) in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting exam

Prerequisites and Certification Requirements

There are no prerequisites to complete this course. Certification requirements: It is expected that all candidates will have a general understanding of the following: 

  • Technical drawing & design 
  • The AutoCAD user interface 
  • The help system within AutoCAD 
  • The draw order of overlapping objects 
  • Inquiry commands such as List, ID, Distance, and Area

What You'll Learn

  • Setting up drawings, units and templates
  • Drawing and editing tools, and working with precision
  • Layers, linetypes and object properties
  • Dimensioning, text and annotation
  • Blocks, attributes and external references
  • Layouts, viewports and plotting
  • Creating complete construction documents

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online and available to Waterloo students at anytime.

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Writing your Autodesk Exam in Kitchener-Waterloo

The Autodesk Certified Professional exam is delivered through Pearson VUE, and Pathways is an authorized Pearson VUE test centre at 248 Stirling Avenue South in Kitchener. Evening and weekend testing times are available.

ACU vs. ACP: Which AutoCAD Certification Do You Need?

Autodesk offers different certification levels for AutoCAD users. The Autodesk Certified User (ACU) is an entry-level credential, while the Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) is designed for users with more advanced skills and hands-on experience.

Autodesk Certified User (ACU)

Level
Entry level
Best For
New learners, students and career changers
Recommended Experience
Entry-level AutoCAD skills
Exam Provider
Certiport
Included in This Course
Exam preparation and ACU voucher

Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP)

Level
Professional / advanced
Best For
Drafters and designers with advanced AutoCAD skills and hands-on experience
Recommended Experience
Approximately 400–1,200 hours of real-world AutoCAD experience
Exam Provider
Pearson VUE
Included in This Course
Exam preparation

Which certification is right for you? The ACU is designed to validate foundational AutoCAD skills and is an entry-level certification. The ACP is intended for users with more advanced skills and substantial real-world AutoCAD experience. If you're new to AutoCAD, the ACU provides a starting point before pursuing professional-level certification.

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