Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) is now a major industrial art used extensively in many applications and industries, including automotive, shipbuilding, apparel manufacturing, aerospace, medical imaging, architectural and interior design and an assortment of other industries.
Goals and Certificates
You may choose to earn one of the following:
- Evergreen Valley College
- Certificate of Specialization in CADD Technology, 3D CADD
- Certificate of Specialization in CADD Technology, Architectural CADD
- Certificate of Achievement in CADD Technology, AutoDesk
- Certificate of Specialization in CADD, Digital Prototyping
- Certificate of Specialization in CADD, Mechanical Modeling
- Associate of Science in Computer Aided Drafting and Design
- West Valley College
Description
Evergreen Valley College in San José, CA offers multiple certifications and an associate degree through the Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) Department.
- Certificate of Specialization in CADD Technology, 3D CADD teaches students substantive entry and mid-levels skills using AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks and Creo for 3-D modeling and digital prototyping. Click here for more information on course requirements.
- Certificate of Specialization in CADD Technology, Architectural CADD teaches students substantive job skills in three major architectural, and civil engineering technology CAD software: AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Civil 3D and Revit systems. Click here for more information on course requirements.
- Certificate of Achievement in CADD Technology, AutoDesk will prepare individuals who seek employment as an engineering technician/CAD drafter, in architectural engineering or in civil engineering and design by providing them with an overview of the latest version AutoDesk software while building transferable skills in computer aided drafting, architectural and construction design, and problem solving. Click here for more information on course requirements.
- Certificate of Specialization in CADD, Digital Prototyping will teach students the fundamentals of digital prototyping using AutoCAD Mechanical, Creo and SolidWorks. Click here for more information on course requirements.
- Completing the Certificate of Specialization in CADD, Mechanical Modeling will enable students to be employable in industrial, mechanical, architectural, and civil engineering and design at an entry level. Click here for more information on course requirements.
- Associate of Science in Computer Aided Drafting and Design: Drafters and designers prepare technical drawings, designs, diagrams and specifications for a wide variety of commercial, industrial, and government projects. Computer hardware design, aerospace drafting and design, architectural design and drafting, electronics design, technical illustration and the design and drafting of such items as disk drive mechanisms, cellular telephones, and medical equipment are just a few of the areas of employment available for drafters and designers in our local area. Click here for more information on course requirements.
West Valley College in Saratoga, CA offers certification through the Interior Design Department.
- Computer Aided Drafting and Design program offers a specific advanced certificate that promotes program development in terms of successful course completion, alternative basic skills, and enhanced workforce development. It provides an alternative path, and at the same time, answers critical industry needs. Please refer to our additional “major sheet” which lists the curriculum required for these certificates, as well as additional background information. Click here for more information on course requirements.
Prerequisites and Required Assessments
There are no prerequisites for enrolling in the CADD programs. Even though a high school diploma or equivalency is not required, you may find that some employers prefer to hire employees with a high school diploma or equivalency. There are also more options for financial aid at the community colleges for students who have a high school diploma or equivalency.
You must take a placement test to enroll in Math and English classes for the general education requirements needed to earn an associate degree. You should meet with a counselor to determine the correct placement in these classes.
Training Providers
How to Get Started
Contact provider for testing, registration, and details on prerequisites.
Wage Data and Employment Outlook
Once you complete this pathway, you will be prepared for employment in the following fields: engineering technician/CAD drafter in architectural engineering or in civil engineering and design at an entry level in such areas as computer hardware design, aerospace drafting and design, architectural design and drafting, electronics design, technical illustration and the design and drafting of such items as disk drive mechanisms, cellular telephones and medical equipment. Explore these and other careers at O*Net Online.
You can find current salary information for jobs in your location at Creative Group Salary Guide:
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You can find additional current salary information for jobs at PayScale
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