Contributor, Benzinga
June 12, 2020

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Seeking ways to hone your AutoCAD skills? Whether you’re a student, want to land an entry-level role or advance your career, an online course is worth considering. 

AutoCAD classes are offered for all skill levels and budgets. You won’t have trouble finding a perfect fit for you that won’t break the bank. 

Quick Look: Best AutoCAD Classes

Take a quick look at Benzinga’s top picks: 

What Makes an AutoCAD Class Great?

Be mindful of the following as you evaluate AutoCAD classes and select the right one for you. 

1. Interactive Instruction

Most AutoCAD classes include detailed lectures from seasoned experts. But the best courses take things a step further by weaving in interactive demonstrations to show the concepts in action. Consider these options if you want to get the most from your online learning experience. 

2. Self-Paced 

You want an AutoCAD class that allows you to work at your own pace. Otherwise, you may not fully grasp the material if you’re forced to rush through the course to meet strict deadlines. 

3. Affordable 

Why spend a fortune on AutoCAD classes when there are several affordable or free options to choose from? You can always sign up for pricier options once you reach the intermediate and advanced levels. But it’s not worth the headache to spend a fortune on a class that stretches your budget to the limit. 

Our Top Picks

We’ve scoured the web to bring you the best AutoCAD classes. You’ll find courses from the top online learning platforms — Coursera, LinkedIn Learning and Udemy.

The courses are divided into 3 categories by skill: beginner, intermediate and advanced. We’ve also included a description and enrollment fee for each class to help you find the best fit. 

AutoCAD Classes for Beginners

These introductory courses are a good fit if you’re new to AutoCAD. 

The complete AutoCAD 2018-21 course

Beginner • 186 videos • 18.3 hours
The complete AutoCAD 2018-21 course
securely through The complete AutoCAD 2018-21 course's website

1. The Complete AutoCAD 2018-21 Course by Udemy

Who it's for: Beginners

Price: $15.99

This Udemy bestseller will take you from a complete novice to a subject-matter expert. The Complete AutoCAD 2018-21 Course features 186 lectures condensed into 18.5 hours of on-demand video and 6 downloadable resources. 

Instructor Jaiprakash Pandey teaches the mechanics of AutoCAD through a series of modules. You will learn to create and modify drawings, work with drawing tools and properties and draw with more layers. There are also segments on attributes, parametric features, dynamic blocks, sheet sets, advanced tools and commands, customization and collaboration, and working with external references and practice projects. 

Register today to get started. The course comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unsatisfied for any reason. 

Enroll now

2. Learning AutoCAD by LinkedIn Learning

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Source: LinkedIn Learning

Who it's for: Beginners

Price: Included with the monthly membership 

Learn the essentials of AutoCAD 2021 in this introductory course from LinkedIn Learning. It’s led by Autodesk Certified Instructor Shaun Bryant and includes 4 modules: 

  • The AutoCAD Interface
  • Drawing Simple Geometry
  • Annotating Simple Designs
  • Communicating Your Design Intent 

The class covers drawing and design techniques and what it takes to build documentation that is most ideal for sharing and printing. You will also learn how to create architecture, construction and manufacturing drawings from scratch. 

Students walk away from the course equipped with the knowledge and skills to level up their intermediate and advanced AutoCAD skills. Sign up for free with a 1-month trial, or you can buy the course for only $9.99.

Enroll now

AutoCAD Beginners Course – Up & Running Quickly with AutoCAD

Beginner • 34 videos • 3.8 hours
AutoCAD Beginners Course – Up & Running Quickly with AutoCAD
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3. AutoCAD Beginners Course - Up and Running Quickly with AutoCAD by Udemy 

Who it's for: Beginners

Price: $13.99

Interested in learning the mechanics of AutoCAD but strapped for time? Consider this introductory course from Udemy. 

AutoCAD Beginners – Up and Running Quickly with AutoCAD is comprised of 6 modules: 

  • Basic Commands
  • Creating Your First Drawing
  • The Different Drawing Environments
  • Using More Advanced Drawing Tools
  • The End of the Beginning
  • Where to Go From Here 

Register today to unlock full lifetime access to 3.5 hours of on-demand video, 3 articles and 3 downloadable resources. You will also receive a certificate of completion when you finish the course. 

It is led by Mike Freeman, a professional CAD Designer and Instructor with over 23 years of experience in the field. 

Enroll now

Intermediate AutoCAD Classes

Once you’ve mastered the basics of AutoCAD, these intermediate courses are worth a shot. 

Complete course in AutoCAD 2020 : 2D and 3D

All Levels • 202 videos • 16.3 hours
Complete course in AutoCAD 2020 : 2D and 3D
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4. Complete Course in AutoCAD 2020: 2D and 3D by Udemy

Who it's for: Intermediate students

Price: $12.99

Complete Course in AutoCAD 2020: 2D and 3D Udemy dives into AutoCAD commands and how they are leveraged to resolve drafting and design issues. 

It is offered by CADCIM Technologies and includes 202 lectures jam-packed into 16.5 hours of on-demand video and 59 downloadable resources. You will also be tasked with 2 practice tests to assess your knowledge and comprehension of the material. 

Course material is segmented by topic. Students receive detailed instruction on drawing and modifying tools, the status bar, layers, standard and annotative texts, dimensions, leaders and tables. You will also learn how to work with views and viewports, blocks, collaborations tools, title blocks and so much more. 

Have a basic knowledge of geometry concepts before registering.

Enroll now

5. AutoCAD 2021 Essential Training by LinkedIn Learning 

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Who it's for: Intermediate students

Price: Included with the monthly membership 

Also led by Autodesk Certified Instructor Shaun Bryant, AutoCAD 2021 Essential Training delves into the fundamentals of ViewCube, workspaces and ribbon. You will also learn more about managing units and options, dimensioning techniques, drawing and modifying objects, external references, tables and attributes. 

Instruction is delivered through 9 modules: 

  • Using Units and Options
  • Drawing More Objects
  • Modifying Objects
  • Hatching and Gradients
  • More Text Techniques
  • More Dimensioning Techniques
  • Reusing Content
  • Attributes and Tables 
  • External References (XREFs)

Grab a free seat in this course when you register for a 1-month trial with LinkedIn Learning. Or you can purchase the class for a one-time enrollment fee of just $49.99. 

You will walk away with the skills and knowledge to apply AutoCAD in the architecture, construction, engineering, manufacturing or product design sectors. 

Enroll now

60 AutoCAD 2D & 3D Drawings and Practical Projects

Intermediate • 73 videos • 10.1 hours
60 AutoCAD 2D & 3D Drawings and Practical Projects
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6. 60 AutoCAD 2D and 3D Drawings and Practical Projects by Udemy

Who it's for: Intermediate students 

Price: $15.99

Want to learn how to create professional drawings in AutoCAD? Look no further than this intermediate course from Udemy. It is also facilitated by Jaiprakash Pandey and includes 10 hours of on-demand video, 1 downloadable resource and a certificate of completion when you finish the course.

The 73 lectures are broken down into the following modules:

  • 2D Practice Drawings
  • 3D Practice Drawings
  • Making the Floor Plan of a House
  • Making Elevations from From Plan
  • Adding Section Views
  • Making Stair Plan
  • Making Foundation Plan
  • Door Bell Circuit Diagram
  • Mechanical Couplings 

Register today in minutes and start expanding your knowledge right away. Plus, you can enroll with confidence knowing the course comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Enroll now

Advanced AutoCAD Classes

These AutoCAD courses will enhance your knowledge and skills if you want to take your career to the next level. 

AutoCAD – Advanced 2D to 3D Course

Intermediate • 34 videos • 5.2 hours
AutoCAD – Advanced 2D to 3D Course
securely through AutoCAD – Advanced 2D to 3D Course's website

7. AutoCAD – Advanced 2D to 3D Course by Udemy 

Who it's for: Advanced students

Price: $15.99

Looking to level up your knowledge to land an AutoCAD Designer and Modeler role? This advanced course will bring you up to speed. 

AutoCAD - Advanced 2D to 3D Course entails 8 core segments: 

  • Advanced AutoCAD Techniques
  • Viewport Control Techniques
  • More Advanced AutoCAD Techniques
  • Basic 3D Modeling
  • Applying 3D Modeling Techniques
  • 3D Visualization
  • Object-Based Design and Moving Forward with AutoCAD
  • Bonus Section: How to Get AutoCAD Software 

Register today to unlock 5 hours of on-demand video, 1 article and 6 downloadable resources. You will also receive a certificate of completion when you reach the finish line. 

Have a foundational knowledge of 2D AutoCAD before you enroll. 

Get this course.

8. AutoCAD: Advanced 3D Modeling by LinkedIn Learning 

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Who it's for: Advanced students

Price: Included with the monthly membership

Get hands-on instruction on AutoCad 3D modeling with this advanced course from LinkedIn Learning. You will learn how to develop the 3D components of a bicycle model. 

Led by course developer Scott Onstott, AutoCAD: Advanced 3D Modeling includes 11 core modules: 

  • Get Set Up
  • Model the Bicycle Frame
  • Create the Belt-Tensioning Mechanism
  • Build the Drivetrain Components
  • Model the Rear Brakes
  • Create the Rear Wheel
  • Make the Power Components
  • Model the Front End
  • Create the Handlebars
  • Form the Battery Compartment
  • Make the Seat

Enrollment is included with a LinkedIn Learning membership or you can sign up for a 1-month free trial. You also have the option to enroll for just $54.99. 

Enroll now

9. Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD for Design and Drafting Exam Prep

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Who it's for: Advanced students 

Price: Free

This course is a good fit if you aspire to become an Autodesk Certified Professional. It is designed to help you pass the certification exam on the first attempt. Instruction is delivered through video lectures, readings and quizzes. 

Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD for Design and Drafting Exam Prep is divided into 2 segments: 

  • Week 1: Advanced Drawing, Organize Objects and Drawing with Accuracy 
  • Week 2: Layouts, Printing, Outputs, Annotation Techniques, Reusable Content and Drawing Management

Expect to spend 17 hours working through the course material. 

Enroll now

Choose the Right AutoCAD Class for You

Don’t spend hours sifting through online articles and textbooks to boost your AutoCAD knowledge. Take a look at our top courses to find an option that works for you. 

If you choose to explore other courses outside of the list, be sure your top picks are interactive, self-paced and affordable. Doing so allows you to get the most from the class while working at your own pace. 

Southern New Hampshire University Online

SNHU Online Offers:

  1. Flexible schedules
  2. Affordable tuition
  3. Online tutoring
  4. Access to electronic research materials
  5. Specialized academic advising
  6. Supportive online community

Learn more at SNHU.