7 Free Online CAD Courses With Certificate 2025
Multiple platforms online offer free certificate courses for students and professionals wanting to learn more about CAD software programs like AutoCAD.
Computer-aided design (CAD) software is used to create 2D and 3D technical drawings and blueprints. It's used in many fields, including architecture and engineering. There are several types of CAD software, but one of the most well-known is AutoCAD.
AutoCAD can be a little tricky to understand, but numerous online AutoCAD courses can help. You can also find AutoCAD certification for free, which allows you to show that you've taken time to train yourself in the software. Keep reading to discover free online CAD certificate courses to help you boost your knowledge.
Free Online CAD Courses
Several platforms offer courses that teach students to use CAD software such as AutoCAD. We've highlighted some free online CAD courses below.
1. AutoCAD Comprehensive Training Lectures
TutorialsPoint offers a 14.5-hour AutoCAD comprehensive training program that helps students learn to create 2D drawings using AutoCAD. The curriculum includes 23 video lectures that students can pursue at their own pace.
The training is designed to be easy to grasp. Students just need a laptop or PC with AutoCAD installed. Once students have completed their training, they'll receive a certificate.
2. AutoCAD Electrical from Beginner To Expert
Another option from TutorialsPoint is the AutoCAD Electrical from Beginner to Expert program. This series covers the differences between CAD and CAD Electrical (CADE). It also helps students understand the different types of wires, wire laters, and overall components of CADE.
The course includes eight lectures and takes about three hours to complete. As with the previously mentioned program, students receive a Certificate of Completion when they're done.
3. AutoCAD: Beginner to Professional Training
Alison is an online learning platform, and one of the programs it offers is the AutoCAD: Beginner to Professional Training program. Students learn to use computer-aided design software like a pro, and it's completely free.
The program covers drawing, taking measurements, producing templates, and everything required to generate professional designs. It takes an average of five to six hours to complete, and students receive a certificate when they've finished.
4. AutoCAD For Beginners
Alison also offers the ''AutoCAD for Beginners'' course to help students enhance their technical drawing abilities and boost their proficiency in design and engineering. It explores various options used to add specific properties to drawings, generate reusable objects to streamline workflows, and export drawings in the desired formats.
This free online course takes an average of three to four hours to complete. It's another option that comes with a certificate of completion.
5. AutoCAD Essentials Course for Complete Beginners
Students who haven't worked with CAD software before can check out the AutoCAD Essentials Course for Complete Beginners from SourceCAD. The course includes 70 lessons on topics like:
- basic draw and modify commands
- dimensions, layers, and blocks
- 3D modeling
- surface, rendering, and customization tools
The format is self-paced, so students can take as much time as they like going through the curriculum. The program also offers its ''100% questions answered guarantee'' and a certificate of completion.
6. AutoCAD Electrical Essentials Course
The AutoCAD Electrical Essentials course is another option from SourceCAD. It's a completely free step-by-step course in AutoCAD electrical.
Students receive an overview of AutoCAD electrical and learn about layers, wires, and components within the software. The course includes 21 video lessons and, like the previous SourceCAD course, and the ''100% questions answered guarantee'' and a certificate of completion.
7. AutoCAD: Basic Practice Drawings
Those who want to practice their AutoCAD skills can try the AutoCAD: Basic Practice Drawings course through Alison. The program provides models for 2D and 3D drawing in AutoCAD software.
The course is self-paced and takes an average of three to four hours to complete. Students can receive a certificate of completion when they're finished.
What To Expect from Free Online Computer-Aided Design Certificate Courses
Online computer-aided design certificate courses teach students how to use popular CAD software. AutoCAD is one of the most common, but you can also find SketchUp, Solidworks, and Autodesk training programs.
Beginner-level courses will offer tutorials and show you the fundamentals of the software, while you can learn advanced techniques from others. You'll also discover how to use these types of software for different purposes, such as:
- 3D printing
- architectural design and floor plans
- civil engineering
- mechanical engineering
- product design
Some courses are meant to give you a more holistic view of the software. Others provide in-depth training on specific features and use cases.
Benefits of AutoCAD Certificate Programs
Mastering AutoCAD and other CAD software is incredibly important in many careers, like that of a drafter or design engineer. For other fields, such as data science or project management, learning AutoCAD can be extremely helpful, even if it's not a necessity.
Many AutoCAD training programs provide students with a certificate they can add to their resume or post on LinkedIn to showcase their skills. You can also gain Autodesk certification, like the Autodesk Certified Professional, through Autodesk itself. Like AutoCAD certification, this shows that you know how to use the software, which can help you in your job hunt.
FAQs About AutoCAD Training Courses for Online Learners
Learning CAD software like AutoCAD can be tricky but advantageous for your career. Below, we'll answer a few FAQs about learning AutoCAD online.
What Are the Easiest Ways To Learn AutoCAD?
Finding free online CAD courses is a great way to learn AutoCAD. Many of these courses, like the ones listed above, are self-paced, giving you the freedom to spend as much time as necessary on each concept.
You can also look up tutorials and explainer videos on sites like YouTube. Tech forums and subreddits can also offer solid advice when you're trying to learn CAD software.
Can You Get a Decent Job With Only a CAD Certificate?
CAD certification is usually something you get to enhance your skill set, not to focus your whole career around. As a result, there aren't many careers you can get with only a CAD certificate. However, you may be able to use your certification for some careers, like CAD drafter, CAD technician, or even graphic designer.
Can I Get an AutoCAD Certificate for Free?
All of the programs above offer AutoCAD certification for free. It's important to note that these are certificates of completion, meaning that you have completed the course. These are not college-level certificates and often are not worth college credit.
Explore Online Courses and Certificates
Find a course to help you better understand CAD software by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual course providers to learn more about lesson plans and learning options.