What is CAD Drafting?

<h2 id="section---OverviewWhatIsCADDrafting">Overview: What Is CAD Drafting?</h2> <p>CAD, or Computer-Aided Design, is a type of software that is commonly used by designers, engineers, and construction professionals. It is also sometimes used in the media industry to create visual effects. Drafting refers to drawing technical plans or outlines that demonstrate how something will function. CAD Drafting is a way to form these plans with software instead of by hand, usually in either 2-D or 3-D models. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Course Availability</b></td><td> Online courses and certificates available, taught in degree programs</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Careers Used In</b></td><td> Architecture, car design, construction, manufacturing, engineering</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Certifications</b></td><td> AutoCAD certification offered by Autodesk, drafter certification offered by American Design Drafting Association</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2018)*</b></td><td> $55,550 (for drafters)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2018-2028)*</b></td><td> 0% (for drafters)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h2 id="section---WhatDoesACADDrafterDo">What Does a CAD Drafter Do?</h2> <p>CAD drafters can create several types of designs and can choose to specialize in areas such as architecture, civil, electrical, electronics, or mechanical drafting. They can create pre-constructive sketches and 2-D or 3-D models of buildings, maps that contain highways, bridges, and dams, wiring and assembly diagrams, and layouts of machinery or mechanical devices. They often collaborate with other professionals, such as architects and engineers, to share model designs and explore different possibilities. </p> <p>CAD drafters typically need an associate's degree from a community college or technical school, but they can also earn a certificate. Drafters have the option of obtaining certification from the American Design Drafting Association, and they can earn it in a chosen area of specialty. Additionally, Autodesk, a company that designs CAD software, offers certification in AutoCAD. </p> <h2 id="section---WhereCanILearnCADDrafting">Where Can I Learn CAD Drafting?</h2> <p>There are several places to learn CAD drafting; it all depends on an individual's career goals. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Where_Can_I_Find_Free_AutoCAD_Courses_and_Training.html">Online AutoCAD courses</a> are available for those who just want to learn about the software. Community colleges offer certificate programs where students can learn more in-depth about being a CAD drafting technician. These certificates are commonly designed to qualify students for entry-level positions in architecture, urban planning, interior design, and manufacturing design fields. </p> <p>CAD drafting is also taught as part of a larger curriculum in associate's degree programs. Some schools offer associate's degrees in drafting, where students learn CAD drafting alongside other drafting techniques. Another associate's program a student might consider is architecture. These programs all give students foundational education for entry-level positions in drafting careers. </p> <p>Bachelor's degrees in architecture and engineering technology usually teach CAD drafting as a part of their program. Individuals interested in CAD drafting may want to consider <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Architect_5_Steps_to_Becoming_an_Architect.html">becoming an architect</a> or engineer for career advancement. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatWillILearnInCADDrafting">What Will I Learn in CAD Drafting?</h2> <p>CAD drafting courses and programs teach a number of concepts that have to do with drawing, software, and design. Some colleges require basic math and science courses to go along with the drafting courses. Depending on the program, students will learn mechanical drafting, technical drafting, structural and architectural drafting, drawing, math, and computer science. </p> <p>A stand-alone CAD drafting course will usually teach basic drafting and software concepts. Students may learn introductory computer functions before moving on to actual drafting. Drafting techniques, geometric concepts, and drawing skills are commonly taught in these courses and are intended to be introductory, not for official licensing or certification.</p>