CAD Certificate Program

We start at the very beginning, using AutoCAD to draw drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, and then create a floor plan. We assemble everything into one sheet file. Learn about Drawing on Layers, Adding Text, Dimensions & Plotting.

• Create drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, a floor plan and integrate all information into one deliverable sheet file.
• Distinguish the differences required to generate drawings for use as annotation and real-world model components.
• Create and insert blocks and externally reference files and determine the appropriate times to apply those skill sets.
• Master file management, drafting on layers, integrating drawing component files and plotting while creating on the class residential project.

Use AutoCAD to draw an abbreviated set of construction documents for a residential project: floor plan, roof plan, foundation plan, electrical plan & building elevations. Create, insert and link drawings. Learn the best workflow.

• Create an abbreviated set of construction documents including floor plan, foundation plan, electrical plan and building elevations for a small residential project.
• Create and insert blocks, externally reference files and determine the appropriate times to apply those skill sets to optimize project efficiency.
• Demonstrate layer and file management, external file referencing, use of model/layout environments and user coordinate systems.
• Apply intermediate-level skills including layer management, user coordinate system development, creating sheet layout environments and plotting.

Develop titleblock drawings from scratch. Then we draw a floor plan, multi-scale enlarged plans, roof plan and building elevations for a large one-story residence which will be continued in CAD 302.

• Create titleblock and titleblock/drawing label components for a professional office to facilitate development of deliverable sheet files.
• Create floor plan, enlarged plan, roof plan and building elevation of a moderately complex residential project. Includes the development of floor plan, roof plan and elevation notes.
• Successfully integrate referenced files to create construction documents. Demonstrate layer and file management, use of model/layout environments and multi-scale drawing presentation.
• Organize deliverable sheet set to conform to the National CAD Standards.
• Apply intermediate-level skills to create sheet layout environments and plotting.

Develop titleblock drawings from scratch. Then we draw a floor plan, multi-scale enlarged plans, roof plan and building elevations for a large one-story residence which will be continued in CAD 302.

• Create building elevations, building sections, wall sections; modify detail drawings; create metes and bounds (Civil) drawing; create relevant deliverable sheet files for a moderately complex residential project. Includes the development of title sheet and appropriate general and keynote legends.
• Successfully integrate referenced files to create construction documents. Demonstrate layer and file management, use of model/layout environments and multi-scale drawing presentations.
• Apply intermediate/advanced-level skills to create sheet layout environments and plotting.
• Organize deliverable sheet set to conform to the National CAD Standards.

Create detail drawings. Learn the two dominant CAD standards AEC firms use – making detail drawings from scratch and by referencing and clipping information from other drawings. Learn drawing standards and about organizing your details.

• Create detail drawings pertinent to the course project.
• Create relevant deliverable sheet files.
• Integrate referenced files to create details for construction documents.
• Demonstrate layer and file management, use of model/layout environments and multi-scale drawing presentations.
• Apply intermediate/advanced-level skills to create sheet layout environments and plotting.

This course shares many of the skills you need as a CAD and Project Manager. Learn best-practice Project Management skills. Learn to manage and organize office/project drawings.

• Demonstrate understanding of the technical and managerial skills required to succeed as a CAD and Project Manager.
• Organize the AutoCAD User Interface to optimize productivity and standards for an office.
• Use office standard file naming and file organization.
• Master an understanding of the National CAD Standards.
• Convert “an inherited CAD project” into a format which supports the National CAD Standards and Office CAD Standards.

The VDCI Capstone Project course empowers students to apply their acquired skills in a real-world, project-based environment. Participants will complete a comprehensive design or construction project from concept to execution, showcasing their expertise in software like AutoCAD, Revit, or other industry-standard tools. This hands-on experience prepares students to excel in professional roles by demonstrating their ability to manage and deliver complex, detail-oriented projects.