Key details

Accredited AutoCAD 3D course introducing modelling concepts, and key techniques for working in AutoCAD’s 3D environment.

You will learn how to:

• Create 3D models from 2D designs.
• Use solid modelling, surface modelling and mesh modelling techniques.
• Create full working drawings of your 3D models.
• Produce visualisations of models, incorporating lighting and materials.

In-class or online

Following the announcement on 4th January that England must enter a new national lockdown, Armada cancelled all in-class courses in January, February and March. We anticipate being able to offer in-class training again from April onwards, subject to Government guidance.

We continue to offer all courses in our live online format.

Upcoming course dates

Who should attend?

This course is ideal for users proficient in using AutoCAD for 2D drawing, who now want to take advantage of AutoCAD’s 3D modelling capabilities.

Is the training industry-specific?

The techniques taught in this course are relevant to all industries. You’ll learn 3D modelling techniques relevant to all industries, including engineering and architecture. Our trainers draw on exercises from a variety of disciplines.

Accredited AutoCAD 3D training

Armada is an Autodesk Authorised Training Centre (ATC), and our AutoCAD 3D training courses are accredited by Autodesk.

AutoCAD 3D training is hosted by Autodesk Certified Instructors, with vast experience of using the application professionally. For details, see Expert trainers.

How will I learn?

AutoCAD 3D training is hands-on and practical.

Our trainers teach the necessary theory then demonstrate techniques step-by-step. You then practice the techniques taught on a computer running AutoCAD.

There is plenty of time to ask questions, and you can take away all the files you create.

AutoCAD 3D training guide and certificate

AutoCAD 3D course delegates receive:

• A comprehensive, practical AutoCAD 3D training guide, to refer to throughout the course and use as a refresher after. In-class delegates receive a printed guide; online delegates have the option of a PDF or a printed guide posted out to them.
• An e-certificate confirming successful completion of an accredited AutoCAD 3D training course. This is emailed to delegates directly from Autodesk. Click here to see an example of the certificate you receive.

AutoCAD certification exams

When you attend AutoCAD training, you’re not assessed and there is no exam to sit. We teach you practical skills you can use in the real world, not prepare you to sit a test.

If you want to gain an industry-recognised credential in AutoCAD, we offer Autodesk certification exams that you can sit on a future date.

Exams can be sat at our Bromsgrove centre, on online. For further details, see Certification exams.

After course support

Following AutoCAD 3D training, delegates are entitled to 30 days’ email support from their AutoCAD trainer to help with any post-course issues. For further details, see Support. For further details, see Support.

Prerequisites

You should be familiar with the fundamentals of AutoCAD, i.e. have attended AutoCAD Essentials training or have equivalent knowledge through other means.

Ideally, you will be proficient in some or all of the techniques taught in our AutoCAD Intermediate course, but this isn’t essential.

AutoCAD version

Training is based primarily on AutoCAD 2021, running on Windows. It is relevant to all recent versions of AutoCAD, from 2013.

You must have access to full AutoCAD to be able to carry out the techniques taught in this course. AutoCAD LT does not support 3D modelling.

This course is not suitable for users of AutoCAD for Mac. If you want training on the Mac version, see AutoCAD for Mac training.

Our guarantees to you

We offer:

• A price guarantee that you’re getting the best value for money.
• A training guarantee that you’ll learn the concepts and skills you need.

On-request AutoCAD training available

AutoCAD 3D training is also available on-request, i.e. one-to-one training or a ‘closed course’ for your group, hosted at one of our centres, your venue or online.

On-request AutoCAD training can be tailored to take into account any existing knowledge you have, and the work you’re going to be doing. Please contact us for a quote.

General information

Course times

9.30am–4.30pm.

Payment

Payment for AutoCAD training can be made bank transfer or card.

We accept purchase orders from UK-registered companies and public sector organisations.

If you’re self-funding your training, you can pay in staged payments, interest-free, over 12 months.

For further details, see training course payment options.

Cancellations and transfers

You can cancel a booking on a scheduled training course, or transfer to a later course, without penalty providing you give us 10 working days’ notice. Any fees already paid will be refunded.

If you cancel a booking on a scheduled AutoCAD 3D training course giving less than 10 working days’ notice, or request a transfer to a later course, a cancellation/transfer fee is payable. The fee charged depends on the notice period given. For details, see cancellation terms.

Different terms apply for the cancellation or postponement of an on-request course (one-to-one training or a ‘closed course’ for your group). For details, see course cancellations.

Terms and conditions

Training course bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.

Expert trainers

AutoCAD 3D training courses are hosted by:

• Stewart Cobb
• Carl Portman
• Simon Oliver
• Martin McCann
• Rod Cleasby
• Wendy Sprakes
• Andy Roe
• Peter Jones
• Philip Madeley
• Lee Brown

Stewart Cobb

Stewart began his working life as a junior draughtsman, and progressed through to Design Director leading a studio of designers working on both 2D and 3D projects.

He then worked for himself for over 25 years, completing around 100 design projects per year for a myriad of clients, including household names such as Vauxhall and McDonalds.

More recently, Stewart’s focus has been on training. He has been an Autodesk Certified Instructor since 2010, hosting courses in AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, AutoCAD Plant 3D and SketchUp.

In between courses, Stewart uses these applications professionally when carrying out project work for clients. Using the applications regularly helps him to keep up-to-date with the latest technologies and practices. He also specialises in the production of photorealistic rendered images and visualisations using renderers including V-Ray.

Outside of work, Stewart enjoys music (he runs the sound desk for a number of local bands), reading and playing with any new piece of technology he can lay his hands on!

Carl Portman

Carl Portman has been an Autodesk-accredited instructor for 25 years, a College Lecturer (City and Guilds 3D modelling) for 15 years and a CAD consultant for 35 years.

Carl’s background is in engineering. He has vast design experience in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace and medical. Projects that Carl has completed include designing complete car plants for Jaguar Land Rover.

Carl has expert knowledge of a wide range of 3D design applications used in engineering, including AutoCAD, Autodesk Alias, Fusion 360 and Inventor, and Dassault Systemes SolidWorks.

Until recently, Carl raced motorbikes. He knows Silverstone and Brands Hatch like the back of his hand, and he has the scars to prove it.

Simon Oliver

Simon studied Building and Civil Engineering and worked for a short while in a shop fitting drawing office. This gave him a good background for when he started to work with AutoCAD and Autodesk’s architectural add-on such as AEC and AutoCAD Architecture.

Simon became a CAD operator at one of the first Autodesk main dealers in the UK in the mid 1980’s, and soon progressed to carrying out sales demonstrations, hosting training and providing support to companies in a wide range of industry sectors.

Since 1992, Simon has focused on training, continuing to specialise in AutoCAD and the AutoCAD Architecture toolset. He is is a long-standing Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), and has City and Guilds training qualifications.

Martin McCann

Martin McCann qualified as an Architect in 1986, and he holds a teaching certificate (further and adult education).

He is a long-established Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), a capacity in which he has taught thousands of professionals, including Architects, Structural Engineers and Mechanical Engineers, for over 20 years.

Martin has expert knowledge of Revit, NavisWorks, ReCap, AutoCAD and AutoCAD Architecture, amongst other Autodesk applications.

He has been commissioned by Autodesk on multiple occasions to host sessions for them at locations including New York, Chicago, Moscow, Milan and Munich. He has trained Autodesk’s staff and many other Autodesk Certified Instructors, and has operated as a visiting Lecturer at the University of Northumbria and Cambridge School of Art.

Martin is the author of the McCann’s BIM Guides series of published Revit training manuals.

Rod Cleasby

Rod has over 25 years’ experience working as a designer, visualisation expert and artist. His specialist areas include architecture, interior design and the production of photorealistic 3d virtual environments. 

AutoCAD, 3ds Max and SketchUp have been the mainstay of Rod’s professional work for 20 years. He is also an expert in various related tools and technologies, including Photoshop, and he has expert knowledge of a wide range of renderers, including V-Ray, ART, Arnold and LightUp.

Rod has extensive experience training experience. He has worked as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Westminster on their Computer Visualisation course, and he is a long-established Autodesk Certified Instructor.

Away from his professional work, Rod is an accomplished artist and musician, and a prolific writer of novels, novella, poetry and prose.

Wendy Sprakes

Wendy Sprakes is an Autodesk Certified Instructor, a Microsoft Master Instructor (MMI) and a qualified teacher (QTS).

Wendy began her working life as a CAD operator, using Medusa, MicroStation and AutoCAD.

Working through the ranks of trainee draughtsman, graduating as a professional Mechanical Engineer, she worked in the Mechanical Handling industry on site and in the drawing office for ten years. She became a Project Engineer then moved into the CAE Industry, working as an engineer in the Fatigue Analysis software industry for clients such as Ford Motor Company and Jaguar Land Rover. She then went on to qualify as a teacher, and has been hosting AutoCAD courses since 2000. She also has specialist knowledge of Advance Steel.

Wendy has also been hosting Microsoft Office courses since 2000. Wendy trains all applications in the Office suite, including Word, Excel and other, more niche applications such as Visio and Project, from beginner to advanced and customised level. Wendy has been a staff member, delivering IT and Project Management modules for Chesterfield College, and a course leader for Microsoft Project at Sheffield Hallam University for five years.

Away from training, Wendy is an accomplished jazz musician. Her music enjoys regular airplay on both regional and national stations including BBC and JazzFM.

Andy Roe

Andy has worked in CAD for over 30 years in roles including Draughtsman, CAD System Manager, Project Manager and Design Engineer.

In recent years, Andy has focused on developing and delivering training courses. He is a long-established Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), and he focuses primarily on Autodesk applications including AutoCAD, Inventor, Fusion 360, 3ds Max and Sketchbook, as well as Dassault Systemes SolidWorks.

Andy continues to undertake project work to keep up-to-date with the latest technologies and practices. He specialises in modelling complex 3D designs from prototype to production, including the development of visuals and animations for a range of engineering projects.

Industries in which Andy has significant experience include aerospace, defence and automotive.

Peter Jones

Peter has over 25 years’ experience working with AutoCAD in a variety of roles that have included Draughtsman, Salesman, Consultant and Support. He has specialist knowledge of GIS systems.

These days, Peter concentrates on training. He is a long-standing Autodesk Certified Instructor, and Armada’s longest-serving AutoCAD trainer, having first hosted courses for us in 2000.

Feedback we receive from delegates who attend Peter’s courses is invariably excellent.

When explaining how to use AutoCAD, Peter places a great emphasis on explaining the additional benefits of faster and easier drafting techniques, drawing on his own drafting experiences.

Philip Madeley

Philip’s background is in Civil Engineering. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, and has worked as a Consultant in this industry for many years.

Philip is also a long-standing Autodesk Certified Instructor, with specialist knowledge of AutoCAD and related GIS applications such as Civil 3D, AutoCAD Map 3D and InfraWorks.

Philip’s approach to training is practical. He loves to utilise his knowledge and experience to show delegates how they can make best use of the software on their own projects.

Away from training, Philip’s interests are photography, and watching rugby and cricket. He also does voluntary work, and describes himself as an all-round lover of life.

Lee Brown

Lee Brown is an Autodesk Certified Instructor with 25 years’ experience working as a Draughtsman and Electrical Design Engineer.

He has numerous City and Guilds qualifications in subjects including AutoCAD 3D Design, Advanced AutoCAD System Management and Electrical Engineering.

Lee splits his time between training, and working as a Consultant. He specialises in the implementation, configuration of AutoCAD Electrical to company’s specific requirements. Industries in which Lee has implemented AutoCAD Electrical include Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Defence, Aerospace, and Building Services.

Lee has developed a range of courses for AutoCAD Electrical, and written the accompanying training guides.

He remains hands-on, carrying out regular Electrical System design and Control Panel design projects. Other tasks and project’s he’s undertaken recently include the administration of CAD databases, creation of drawing office standards, review of existing operating practices and workflows, and the management of a team of eight draughtsman.

Course content

Navigating the 3D space

• Changing workspaces
• Using the Viewcube
• Understanding the view controls and User Co-ordinate Systems (UCS)
• Using Dynamic UCS
• Using perspective and parallel views

Solid modelling

• Primitive creation
• Boolean construction – Union, Subtraction, Intersect and Interfere
• Creating Lofts, Sweeps and Revolves
• Solid models with the Presspull tool
• Solid model editing
• Sub objection selection and manipulation within a solid

Surface modelling

• Splines and their use in surface models
• Creating Lofts, Sweeps and Revolves
• Sub objection selection and manipulation within a surface
• An introduction to NURBS
• Conversion to a solid model

Mesh modelling

• Primitive creation
• Sub-object selection and manipulation within a mesh
• Smoothing and creasing a mesh model
• Conversion to a solid model

Model manipulation

• Moving, rotating and scaling using the Gizmo
• Using the Rotate3D tool

Drafting in the 3D environment

• Lines, Polylines and 3D Polylines

Viewing 3D models and the paper space environment

• Viewport creation
• Creating a section and using the clipping planes
• Using the base tool to create a detail drawing set
• Annotation

Printing

• Using visuals styles and hidden line removal
• Output to a 3D printer for fast prototyping

Rendering

• Camera settings
• Task and environmental lighting
• An introduction to materials
• Applying materials
• Render settings and output types

Live online training

Live online training lets you participate in a real AutoCAD course from your place of work or home.

We do everything possible to make your online training experience as close as possible to actually being in the classroom. You can:

• See and hear our trainer, and see the other delegates participating in the AutoCAD training…
  

• Interact by speaking, using chat, or raising your ‘virtual hand’ if you need assistance.
• Share your screen with our trainer, and allow them to control it to demonstrate something.

We endeavour to provide you with the best online training experience…

• Online AutoCAD 3D courses are presented by Autodesk Certified Instructors, following the same syllabus as our classroom-based courses.
• You receive comprehensive training materials.
• Your training is hands-on. You carry out assisted exercises using AutoCAD.
• If you don’t have access to AutoCAD software, we’ll send you a link to fully-functional trial software that you can download and install.
• You’re entitled to 30 days’ email support from your trainer.

When you attend live online training, you’re participating in a real course, hosted by a real trainer, in real time.

All you need is an internet-connected computer and a webcam – see Hardware recommendations for live online training. The setup is simple, but if there’s anything you’re not sure about we’re here to help.

For a limited time, we’re offering discounts for bookings on live online courses.

Discounts and bundles

To make your AutoCAD training as affordable as possible, we offer:

• A discounted AutoCAD training bundle.
• A range of training discounts on our scheduled (public) AutoCAD training courses.
• A price guarantee that you won’t get AutoCAD training for less.

AutoCAD training bundle

Book:

• AutoCAD Essentials (3 days), and
• AutoCAD Intermediate (3 days), and
• AutoCAD 3D (2 days)

for £1095 + VAT (classroom-based) saving £290 + VAT, or £695 + VAT (live online training) saving £290 + VAT.

The bundle price will be applied automatically when you add these three courses to your basket.

Training discounts

Multiple places

If you book multiple places on any courses, we can offer you:

• 10% discount if you book two places.
• 15% discount if you book three or four places.
• 20% discount if you book five or more places.

This can be for several people attending one course, one person attending several courses, or a combination.

These discounts are available for both classroom-based courses and live online training.

Concessions

We offer a 10% discount on scheduled AutoCAD course places to:

• Students, teachers and lecturers.
• People who work for a registered charity.
• ISTC members.

These discounts are available for both classroom-based courses and remote training.

Please call us if you qualify for a discount. Evidence of your status that entitles you to a discount may be requested.

Terms and exclusions

Only one of the above discounts can be applied to any booking.

The above discounts are not available for on-request course bookings (one-to-one training or a ‘closed course’ for your group).

Price guarantee

When you book training with Armada, we want you to be certain that you’re not paying over-the-odds. So, if you book a place on any scheduled (public) course and then find the same course at a lower price elsewhere, we will match that price.

To qualify for the price match:

• The course you find must be comparable. By this we mean it must:
  • Cover the same subject.
  • Be the same duration or longer.
  • Hold the same accreditations as our course, i.e. it must be provided by an Autodesk Authorised Training Centre (ATC).
  • For classroom-based courses, be in the same region, i.e. within 50 miles of our centre.
  • For online training, be a live course, i.e. not pre-prepared e-learning content.

• The lower price must be advertised on the other company’s website.

To claim a price match, just call any time before attending your course and tell us where you saw the price.

Certification exams

AutoCAD certification exams, leading to industry-recognised credentials, available to sit in-centre or online

Whether you’re a student or a professional, AutoCAD professional certification validates your skillset, accelerating career advancement and helping you stand out in a competitive job market.

There are two certification exam levels for AutoCAD, which are suitable for users at different stages in their careers:

• Autodesk Certified User (ACU): entry level exam testing fundamental concepts and procedures.
• Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP): for those with advanced skills who can solve complex workflow and design challenges.

Successful candidates receive:

• An e-certificate (PDF) from Autodesk confirming your AutoCAD-certified status. Your certificate is available anytime through your Certiport exam account.
• An official Autodesk-Certified badge that you can use to market your skills, e.g. on your business cards, in your email signature, on your website, etc.

You also have the option of appearing in Autodesk’s publicly-accessible database of certified AutoCAD users. This facility lets you:

• Prove your certified status to prospective clients and employers.
• Make yourself available to companies looking to appoint  or commission a Certified User or Professional in AutoCAD.

To read more about the benefits of achieving Autodesk-certified status in AutoCAD, read Lyndsay Mann’s blog What benefits does Autodesk certification bring?

AutoCAD exams in-centre or online

AutoCAD exams can be sat at our Bromsgrove (Saxon Business Park) centre, or online from your place of work or home.

To protect exam integrity, both in-centre and online exams sittings are monitored by proctors. ID verification is required.

To sit an online exam, all you need is a computer (Windows or Mac) with:

• A strong Internet connection (min. 5Mbps).
• Screen resolution at least 1200 x 800.
• Chrome browser.

You don’t need to have AutoCAD installed – you’ll access AutoCAD on a virtual computer during your test. No webcam is required.

Autodesk Certified User (ACU) exam in AutoCAD

Entry level exam to validate your knowledge of fundamental concepts and procedures in AutoCAD.

• Qualification: Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD.
• Length of exam: 50 minutes.
• Recommended preparation: Attend AutoCAD Essentials training, and have approximately 50 hours’ experience using AutoCAD.
• Further details: download exam guide.

Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) exam in AutoCAD

For those who possess more advanced skills, who can solve complex workflow and design challenges in AutoCAD.

• Qualification: Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD.
• Length of exam: 2 hours.
• Recommended preparation: Attend AutoCAD Intermediate training, and have 400+ hours’ experience using AutoCAD.
• Further details: download exam guide.

Practice test

A practice test is available that reflects the questions you’re likely to be asked in your ACU or ACP exam in AutoCAD. The practice test is taken online, from your place of work or home.

The test has two modes:

• Testing mode, which replicates your exam.
• Training mode, which provides step-by-step help on questions.

The practice test can be retaken up to 30 times in a one-year period.

Prices

AutoCAD ACU exam: £100 + VAT. Discounted price if you’ve attended training: £85 + VAT.

AutoCAD ACP exam: £150 + VAT. Discounted price if you’ve attended training: £125 + VAT.

AutoCAD practice test (ACU or ACP): £50 + VAT. Discounted price if booked at the same time as an ACU or ACP exam: £30 + VAT.

AutoCAD ACU exam retake: £50 + VAT.

AutoCAD ACP exam retake: £75 + VAT.

When can I take my AutoCAD exam?

You can take your exam in one of our regular exam sessions.

In-class exam dates: 29 Apr, 27 May, 24 Jun.

Online exam dates: 18 Mar, 8 Apr, 22 Apr, 6 May, 20 May, 3 Jun.

ACU exams usually take place in the morning, and ACP exams in the afternoon, giving you the opportunity to take both exams on the same day should you want to.

We confirm your exam time(s) one week before your sitting

Booking an exam and payment options

To book an exam, please email exams@armada.co.uk providing details of the exam you’d like to sit, or call 01527 834783.

Payment for AutoCAD exams can be made bank transfer or card.

We accept purchase orders from UK-registered companies and public sector organisations.

Q and A

• What is the pass mark for AutoCAD certification exams?
  You will be notified of the pass mark prior to your exam starting.
• When do I find out if I’ve passed?
  Immediately, when you complete your exam. You result is displayed on-screen.
• What happens if I do not pass?
  You will receive a diagnostic score report that indicates areas for improvement. You may then retake the examination as needed. Should you need to retake an exam, simply re-book. Discounted prices are available for retakes.
• Who can I contact if I have more questions?
  Email any questions you have to exams@armada.co.uk.

See also…

• Top 10 reasons to get Autodesk certified
• Autodesk professional certification – the power to be remarkable.
• Autodesk professional certification – give you organisation the power to excel.
• Parsons Brinckerhoff case study.

Exam Ts & Cs

See Exam Terms and conditions.

Complementary services

We offer a range of services to support your CAD work.

Bureau service

If you have a peak workload, or require assistance with a specific project, our highly experienced CAD designers can carry out project work for you. We offer CAD design services on an hourly or daily rate, or we can provide a fixed-price quote for your project.

We offer a full range of CAD design services, from 2D drafting to conceptual 3D modelling and engineering design.

Support services

Our experts can assist you with your CAD work, boosting your productivity. We can:

• Configure AutoCAD, customising the CAD workspace for your specific requirements.
• Create standards, templates, symbols, styles, etc., tailored to your CAD work.
• Advise on workflow to streamline lengthy and tedious tasks.

Support is available at our centres, or on-site at your venue.