Visit

Main Content Area

Drafting student working on computer

Engineering Technology: Computer Aided DraftingCertificates

Certificates are an excellent alternative to a degree program, where you can explore a subject and build new career skills or techniques. Aims offers six CAD certificates that give you basic and intermediate CAD software experience or delve into how computer aided drafting is used within a specific industry, such as architecture or construction.

These certificates can also serve as a starting point to begin a CAD associate degree program at Aims. 

Introduction to CAD Certificate

This certificate gives you an overview of using AutoCAD and SolidWorks software tools and techniques. Learn the Cartesian coordinate system, drawing templates, linetype and lineweights, layers, parametric feature-based solid modeling concepts and more.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Focuses on basic computer aided drafting skills using the AutoCAD software. Includes file management, Cartesian coordinate system & dynamic input, drawing templates, drawing aids, linetype and lineweights, layer usage, drawing & editing geometric objects, polylines & splines, array, text applications, creating tables, basic dimensioning and Help access. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces parametric feature-based solid modeling 3D concepts to build confidence in 3D thinking and progresses to three-dimensional parameters. This course provides instruction on how to construct, modify, and manage complex parts in 3D space as well as to produce 2D drawings from the 3D models. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Credits for Certificate 6

Basic CAD Certificate

Get practice in the fundamentals of computer aided drafting by studying blueprint reading and AutoCAD software techniques. Learn how to read blueprints and use AutoCAD software to draft two-dimensional documents.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Interpret construction prints and the related documents produced by the residential or commercial architect and used in the construction industry. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Covers linetype identification, use of lineweights, file management, prototype/template creation using AutoCAD. Covers interpretation of industry standards in dimensioning, symbology, drawing notes, scales, and reading working drawings. Architecture, engineering, design related, civil/survey, manufacturing, HVAC, and welding are industries discussed in this course. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Space
required

Focuses on basic computer aided drafting skills using the AutoCAD software. Includes file management, Cartesian coordinate system & dynamic input, drawing templates, drawing aids, linetype and lineweights, layer usage, drawing & editing geometric objects, polylines & splines, array, text applications, creating tables, basic dimensioning and Help access. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Focuses on intermediate 2D Computer aided drafting skills using the AutoCAD software. Includes blocks, wblocks & dynamic blocks, hatching, isometric drawings, advanced dimensioning and dimension variables, layouts, paper space and viewports, templates, external references, attributes, raster images, & printing/plotting. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

CAD 1101 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
Total Credits for Certificate 9

Advanced CAD Certificate

Build upon the knowledge and skills gained in the Basic CAD certificate program. Gain intermediate 2D skills using AutoCAD software, including working with blocks, advanced dimensioning, and printing and prepare for AutoCAD proficiency exams.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements Credits
required

Focuses on intermediate 2D Computer aided drafting skills using the AutoCAD software. Includes blocks, wblocks & dynamic blocks, hatching, isometric drawings, advanced dimensioning and dimension variables, layouts, paper space and viewports, templates, external references, attributes, raster images, & printing/plotting. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

CAD 1101 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
required

Prepares individuals for proficiency exams level II. This course shows how to prepare for engineering testing and evaluation of advanced CAD drawings. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

CAD 1102 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
Total Credits for Certificate 6

Additive Manufacturing Certificate

Discover how computer aided drafting (CAD) skills apply in the manufacturing field. Gain skills in CAD software, including Inventor, Revit Architecture and SolidWorks and learn how to operate a 3D printer.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements Credits
required

Provides the student with the ability to blend the virtual and real design worlds together through the use of 3D CAD Modeling, and 3D Printing. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

CAD 2221, CAD 2400, CAD 2455, CAD 2456, or CAD 2460 with a grade of "C" or better.

3
Note Choose on of the following: 
required

Introduces students to the AutoDesk Revit Architecture software. Examines the Building Information Modeling approach to 2D and 3D architectural construction documents. Covers the creation of floorplans, elevations, sections, 3D models, perspective renderings and walkthroughs with this software application. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces parametric feature-based solid modeling 3D concepts to build confidence in 3D thinking and progresses to three-dimensional parameters. This course provides instruction on how to construct, modify, and manage complex parts in 3D space as well as to produce 2D drawings from the 3D models. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces basic Inventor applications of non-parametric modeling, three-dimensional parametric modeling and visualization & animation of 3D modeling. The student learns to construct, modify, and manage complex models in 3D space. Produces 2D drawing assemblies from 3D models. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Credits for Certificate 6

Civil CAD Certificate

Study how CAD software is used in civil engineering. Gain hands-on skills in plane and basic surveying and learn to use Civil 3D drafting software.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

The course includes the fundamentals of plane surveying and basic surveying instruments. It emphasizes construction-related aspects of surveying and the development of skills in using surveying field information. Surveying projects are generally covered in coordinated and fieldwork segments. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Provides students with the basics to advanced software application necessary to produce 3D Civil models and 2D drawings using the Civil 3D software. This course will cover topics including components and program interface, linework, geometry, 2D to 3D Civil CAD applications. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Credits for Certificate 6

Mechanical CAD Certificate

This CAD certificate program covers software used in the mechanical engineering field. Learn how to use Inventor and SolidWorks CAD software to construct, modify and manage complex 3D models in space.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Introduces parametric feature-based solid modeling 3D concepts to build confidence in 3D thinking and progresses to three-dimensional parameters. This course provides instruction on how to construct, modify, and manage complex parts in 3D space as well as to produce 2D drawings from the 3D models. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces basic Inventor applications of non-parametric modeling, three-dimensional parametric modeling and visualization & animation of 3D modeling. The student learns to construct, modify, and manage complex models in 3D space. Produces 2D drawing assemblies from 3D models. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Focuses on parametric modeling and direct manipulation modeling techniques to create 3D designs using the Fusion software. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Credits 9

Residential/Commercial Architectural CAD Certificate

Learn three types of CAD software commonly used in architecture: Sketchup, Revit Architecture and CAD Architecture. Gain skills in 2D and 3D modeling and learn to create floor plans, elevations, perspective renderings and walkthroughs.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Introduces techniques and common practices of 3D modeling using Sketchup software. Focuses on the creation and editing of virtual three-dimensional forms and volumes and the organization of their elements through the various features of the software. Includes applying material and textures, changing the appearance of models with styles and shadows and introduces the basic techniques of presenting and sharing the 3D model. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces students to the AutoDesk Revit Architecture software. Examines the Building Information Modeling approach to 2D and 3D architectural construction documents. Covers the creation of floorplans, elevations, sections, 3D models, perspective renderings and walkthroughs with this software application. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Introduces Autodesk Revit Architecture software, specific to interior design and interior architecture. Topics include the Revit user interface and the use of Building Information Models (BIM) to create both 2-dimensional (2D) construction documentation (CD) sets and 3-dimensional (3D) interior design concepts and presentations including interior finishes, equipment, and furnishings. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

CAD 2220 with a grade of "C" or better. May be taken concurrently.

3
Total Credits for Certificate 9

CAD/GIS Certificate

This engineering technology certificate focuses on the development, application and use of geographic information systems and global positioning navigation systems. Students will learn and build on an array of skills in spatial problem solving while becoming proficient at using tools and applications including Pathfinder Office and Civil 3D software.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Surveys the development, application and use of geographic information systems (GIS). Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Builds on the spatial analysis principles and concepts of GIS 101. Students work with advanced analytical tools and develop skills in spatial problem solving. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

GIS 1001 with a grade of "C" or better

3
required

Provides students with the basics to advanced software application necessary to produce 3D Civil models and 2D drawings using the Civil 3D software. This course will cover topics including components and program interface, linework, geometry, 2D to 3D Civil CAD applications. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Credits for Certificate 9

GIS Certificate

Develop and hone your skills with a GIS certificate. Students will survey the development, application and use of geographic information systems and then go on to work with advanced analytical tools and develop skills in spatial problem solving.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Examines the spatial distribution of environmental and societal phenomena in the world's regions. Environmental phenomena includes topography, climate, and natural resources. Societal phenomena include patterns of population and settlement, religion, ethnicity, language, and economic development. This course also analyzes the characteristics that define world regions and distinguishes them from each other. This course examines the relationships between physical environments and human societies, and examines globalization, emphasizing the geopolitical and economic relationships between more developed and less developed regions. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS2 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Surveys the development, application and use of geographic information systems (GIS). Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Builds on the spatial analysis principles and concepts of GIS 101. Students work with advanced analytical tools and develop skills in spatial problem solving. Course is not repeatable for credit.

Course Prerequisites

GIS 1001 with a grade of "C" or better

3
Total Credits for Certificate 9