Take your career to the next level by earning your AutoCAD certificate. Whether you’re interested in learning a new skill or advancing your career, this software certification can help to start you on your way.

Jump to:

Online CAD Course Offerings

About the Online CAD Certificate

Penn State's 2D/3D CAD non-credit certificate was created by individuals with years of experience in AutoCAD and SolidWorks. The two online courses are designed for architects, drafters, engineers, technicians, or anyone desiring formal training in computer-aided design.

Certificate Requirements

To receive the non-credit 2D/3D CAD Certificate, participants must successfully complete the two required courses, maintain at least a "C" average, and pass a final project/examination given during the last session of each course.

Career Potential

AutoCAD and SolidWorks are commonly requested skills throughout Northeast, PA, specifically in manufacturing companies. While a portion of the positions require an Engineering Bachelor’s degree plus AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks, other positions including Drafter, Engineering Technician and Commercial and Industrial Designers are also needed.

Source: Burning Glass Technologies’ Labor Insight™ Real-time Labor Market Information tool.

2D with AutoCAD – CSE 5450

In the second half of this 2D/3D series, participants will be provided with an introduction to AutoCAD which includes: CAD tools, basic draw commands, basic edit commands, layers, CAD construction techniques, creating text, block and drawing import options, dimensions, crosshatching, grips, introduction to layouts, and plotting basics.  Participants will acquire the fundamental skills necessary for the development of mechanical, architectural, and/or civil drawings.

  • Dates: September 1, 2026 - September 29, 2026
  • Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
  • Location: Online Instructor-led training via Zoom
  • Cost: $925

Course Textbook to be purchased by student: AutoCAD 2025: Essentials (Mixed Units)
ISBN-10 1962037231 /
ISBN-13 978-1962037235

Note: This course can be part of the 2D/3D Certificate Program or a stand alone course.Register for 2D with AutoCAD

 

3D with SolidWorks – CSE 5451

In this hands-on computer-aided drafting course, participants will be introduced to SolidWorks, which includes parametric modeling, solid geometry concepts, feature design tree, geometric relations and construction tools, the BORN construction technique, part drawings and associate functionality, reference geometry and auxiliary views, symmetrical features in design, assembly modeling, and more. As a result of having taken this class, students will have begun preparation to take the Certified SolidWorks Associate exam.

  • Dates: September 14, 2026 - November 30, 2026
  • Times: Mondays, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (Review 1-hour prerecorded lecture prior to class.)
  • Location: Online Instructor-led training via Zoom
  • Cost: $925

Note: This course can be part of the 2D/3D Certificate Program or a stand alone course.

REGISTER FOR THE 3D WITH SOLIDWORKS COURSE

AutoCAD Classes and Training

Premier AutoCAD classes and training courses to help busy professionals.


AutoCAD (w 2/D) Class: Level 1

In this nine class, 36-hour hands-on computer-aided design course, participants will be provided with an introduction to display commands, CAD tools, basic draw commands, basic edit commands, layers, CAD construction techniques, creating text, block and drawing import options, dimensions, crosshatching, grips, introduction to layouts, and plotting basics. Participants will acquire the fundamental skills necessary for the development of mechanical, architectural, and/or civil drawings using AutoCAD.

AutoCAD (w/ 2 D) Level 1 Course Overview:

  • The AutoCAD environment
  • Introduction to drawing
  • Making changes to AutoCAD objects
  • Layers
  • Annotation using AutoCAD
  • Layouts
  • Dimensions
  • Hatch objects
  • Reusable AutoCAD content
  • Additional drawing objects
  • Plotting a drawing
  • Template drawings

Course Textbook to be purchased by student:
AutoCAD 2025: Essentials (Mixed Units)
ISBN-10 1962037231 /
ISBN-13 978-1962037235

Registration Information:

  • Dates: September 1, 2026 - September 29, 2026 
  • Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Location: Online Instructor-led training via Zoom
  • Cost: $925

Note: This course can be part of the 2D/3D Certificate Program or a stand alone course.

REGISTER FOR autoCaD (w/ 2D) LEVEL 1

AutoCAD Class: Level 2

This six class, 24 hour course will provide participants a more sophisticated techniques that will extend your mastery of the software. You will go beyond the basic skills to understand the process of setting up a template, creating annotation styles, and work with external references. Prerequisites: AutoCAD Level 1 (see above) or equivalent work experience.

AutoCAD Level 2 Course Overview:

  • Using advanced drafting and editing techniques
  • Creating a custom workspace
  • Using grips effectively
  • Working with geometric and dimensional parametric constraints
  • Creating and editing local and global blocks
  • Creating templates
  • Setting up layers, styles, and viewports
  • Creating annotation styles, including text, dimensions, and multileader styles
  • Working with external reference image, DWF, DGN, and PDF

Course Textbook to be purchased by student:
AutoCAD 2025: Beyond the Basics (Mixed Units)
ISBN-10 1962037312 /
ISBN-13 978-1962037310

Registration Information for Summer & Fall 2026:

  • Dates: June 23, 2026 - July 9, 2026
  • Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Location: Online Instructor-led training via Zoom

  • Cost: $580

    Register for Summer AutoCAD 2

     

  • Dates: October 6, 2026 - October 22, 2026
  • Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Location: Online Instructor-led training via Zoom
  • Cost: $580

Register for Fall AutoCAD 2

AutoCAD Class: Level 3

This is an advanced course that will provide participants advanced techniques to be proficient in your use of the AutoCAD software. Prerequisites: AutoCAD Levels 1 and 2 (see above) or equivalent work experience.

AutoCAD Level 3 Course Overview:

  • Advanced text objects
  • Working with tables
  • Defining dynamic blocks and attributes
  • Outputting and publishing files for review
  • Collaboration and automation tools
  • Creating, publishing, and customizing sheet sets
  • Managing layers
  • CAD management and system setup
  • Enhancing productivity by customizing the AutoCAD interface
  • Using macros and custom routines

Course Textbook to be purchased by student:
AutoCAD 2023: Advanced (Mixed Units), by Ascent-Center for Technical Knowledge
ISBN-13 9781956032710

Registration Information:

  • Dates: TBD
  • Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • Location: Online/Instructor-led training via Zoom
  • Cost: TBD
  • Registration: Contact 570-963-2600 to register.

Please contact Jo Ann Durdan at 570-963-2600 or email [email protected] for additional information or to be placed on our mailing list.

Note: The University reserves the right to cancel courses due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances.