AutoCAD®

Certificate 7 months

AutoCAD® Online Certificate

If you're looking to add drafting skills to your resume or want to better understand computer-aided design, our AutoCAD® Certificate can help you take the first step. You'll cover foundational CAD skills in flexible, online classes you can complete from home.

  • Students enrolling in the program should possess a solid background in a Windows®-based PC environment and should also have an educational or work-related background in basic drafting.
  • Those who don't have this background should consider enrolling in Penn Foster's Drafting with AutoCAD® Career Diploma.
  • The online drafting courses provide students with a background in using AutoCAD® software functions and commands to create geometric objects and 3D drawings. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to create mechanical and architectural drawings using AutoCAD® software.
  • Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced

Save up to $250 Ends 9/15/2026

Cost of Program

$889

$1,139 Save $250

or

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

Request Info Enroll Now

1-800-275-4410 (9AM - 9PM ET)

See full program cost & payment options
AutoCAD® drafter working on a computer.

What You Will Learn

  1. How to use basic AutoCAD® functions to create simple line drawings, drawing templates, and modify plot layouts.
  2. How to create and modify drawing layers, tables, and fields.
  3. How to use polylines to draw complex objects and shapes.
  4. How to create a drawing using various AutoCAD® tools and settings.
Full Program Goal & Outcomes

AutoCAD® Career Outcomes


Professionals across many industries use AutoCAD® for design and technical drawings including the manufacturing, automotive, and construction industries. By understanding how to work with AutoCAD®, the most widely used computer aided drawing software, you can enhance your skills and strengthen your resume to advance in your career. However, it's important to note that completion of a certificate-level program alone won't necessarily qualify you for employment as a drafter. Instead, it can be used to enhance skills you already have, add new skills that are relevant to the career you're currently in, or simply for personal and professional enrichment.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for drafting jobs are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

AutoCAD® Online Certificate Curriculum

  • 3 courses
  • 17.4 continuing education units (CEUs)
  • 10 exams
  • 2 submitted projects


Estimated completion time:

  • Fast track = 7 months
  • Average time = 11 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

In our AutoCAD® Certificate Program, you’ll take AutoCAD® classes that will teach you the basic functions of the software and how to construct geometric objects. You’ll also learn to insert lines and text, study dimensioning, plotting, and printing, and digitize and customize drawings. Your online drafting classes include:


  • AutoCAD® - Basic Commands
  • AutoCAD® - Advanced Functions

 

Non-US residents: This is a United States-based institution with course materials that are geared toward US job and labor standards. Learners from outside of the US may find that some information and materials will differ from the current standards of their country. Please note, the materials for this program are in English and use the Imperial unit of measurement, not the metric system.

Show Full Curriculum

Not sure if the Penn Foster program you’re interested in will fit your budget?

Use our Tuition Calculator to estimate your total tuition costs to help you decide what payment plan works best for you.

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AutoCAD® Success Stories

Penn Foster’s AutoCAD® Certificate Program can help prepare you for the first step in enhancing your skills and resume. This program has helped recent graduates advance in their careers or start their own businesses while learning at their own pace. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.
View Student Success Stories
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Jenni B.

2025 Penn Foster Graduate

“Don’t give up on any of your dreams, Penn foster makes it possible to reach your goals. No matter how hard some days can be it’s still possible you just can’t quit.”

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    AutoCAD® Online Certificate Tuition

    Take the first steps toward enhancing your drafting skills with our online AutoCAD® Certificate Program. With affordable tuition, you can start learning when you're ready!

    Option 1: Pay in full

    Save up to $250 Ends 9/15/2026

    Cost of Program1

    $889

    $1,139 Save $250

    • Best price. Best value.
    • Pay the full cost today
    • No monthly payments
    Enroll Now

    Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

    Save up to $40 Ends 9/15/2026

    Cost of Program1

    $1,099

    $1,139 Save $40

    • Pay $59 per month
    • Start for $20 down
    • All major credit and debit cards accepted
    Enroll Now

    Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

    cost of program1

    $1,139

    • Pay $59 per month
    • Start for $49 down
    • Mail your payments
    Enroll Now

    California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

    Need more info or ready to enroll?

    Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

    Tuition & Payment Options

    We're here to help. Call 1-800-275-4410 (9AM - 9PM ET)

    Request Info

    Our Proven AutoCAD® Learning Model

    Empowering students to reach their professional goals

    Flexible

    • Start anytime
    • No exam due dates
    • Self-paced

    Interactive

    • Digital study guides
    • Self-check quizzes
    • Submitted projects

    Connected

    • 24/7 access to online resources
    • Learning Resource Center and digital library
    • Dedicated Learner Center

    Supportive

    • Expert faculty
    • Dedicated student services
    • Robust learning resources

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    AutoCAD® Online Courses FAQs

    What are the main features of AutoCAD®?

    AutoCAD® is a computer-aided design software developed by the company AutoDesk that allows users to draw and edit digital 2D and 3D designs. The files can also be easily saved and stored in the cloud, letting you access drawings from any computer, any time. The main features of AutoCAD® software include:

    • 3D Modeling and Visualization
    • Photorealistic Rendering
    • Solid, Surface and Mesh Modeling
    • Visual Styles
    • PDF and DGN Import/Export/Underlay

    Through your online AutoCAD® training, you'll learn to use AutoCAD® and its basic functions in order to take advantage of the main features and understand how you can apply them to drafting work in a variety of industries.

    How long does it take to learn AutoCAD®?

    Like any software, there will always be updates and continuous learning. However, learning the basics of using AutoCAD® software with an online AutoCAD® certificate program doesn't need to take long. With Penn Foster's AutoCAD® classes, you can learn to use AutoCAD® on your schedule.

    Is AutoCAD® a good skill to have?

    If you work in manufacturing, technology, or even interior design, understanding how to use AutoCAD® is a great skill to have. Professionals in a variety of industries use the software to more quickly and accurately draft schematics, blueprints, and more. Adding AutoCAD® knowledge to your skillset and resume can help enhance your resume if you're looking to advance in your career or make your current role easier.

    What careers use AutoCAD®?

    AutoCAD® is used in a wide variety of industries. Careers that use AutoCAD® include jobs in architecture, manufacturing, engineering, construction, utilities, and interior design. Some common job titles that require an understanding of CAD software include:

    • CAD Designer
    • Civil Engineer
    • Electrical Drafter
    • Environmental Engineer
    • Interior Designer
    • Insurance Surveyor
    • Technical Illustrator
    • and more!

    Disclaimers:

    1 Depending on where you live, you may be charged taxes in addition to the total cost of your program.

    The completion of a certificate-level program does not typically qualify a student for employment. Completion of this program may assist students who have previous academic or work-related experience improve their chances for promotion or entry-level employment.


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