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.

3D with SolidWorks – CSE 5451

In the first half of the 2D/3D series, 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.

Class: 3D with SolidWorks - CSE 5451
Delivery: Online via Zoom
Dates: Tuesdays, January 14 - April 1
Times: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $ 925
Register: Register for 3D with SolidWorks

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. 

Class: 2D with AutoCAD - CSE 5450
Delivery: Online via Zoom
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 3 - May 1
Times: 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $ 925
Register: Register for 2D with AutoCAD

Our premier AutoCAD classes and training courses are concise and intensive, designed to help the busy professional quickly become more productive.

In this 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.

For more information, contact Continuing Education at 814-375-4715 or email [email protected].

AutoCAD 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

This 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.

Course Outline:

  • 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

AutoCAD: 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.

Course Outline

  • 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

Cancellations and refunds

Payment is due upon registration. Students may request a registration cancellation through the start date of the course. A $25 cancellation fee will apply. No refunds will be given for withdrawal requests after the course start date. The University reserves the right to cancel course selections. If the course is cancelled, the student will be issued a full refund.