AutoCAD Skills Certificate

Person working on a computer with dual monitors displaying detailed 3D architectural models and layouts, representing AutoCAD

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate Certificates are short programs focused on specific skills or subjects. They are a fast and flexible way to start a new career, upgrade your qualifications or gain professional recognition.

Delivery mode

Online (scheduled) Online (scheduled)

Time commitment

Part-Time You take fewer courses at once and progress more slowly. This option offers more flexibility for work or personal commitments.

Duration

1 year

Program codes

  • Code: ZACS

Cost

$3,783.80 total program cost Domestic students: $3,784 total program cost

Location

  • Kelowna Full program offered in Kelowna

Available for

  • Domestic students

Program features

TBD

Program overview

About the program

Headed into the building or architectural design industry? AutoCAD is foundational for modern building design, and this certificate provides the fundamental tools for learning the program well. Focusing on two-dimensional application, courses employ practical application and assignments to test software skills and navigate layout and structural design.

Want to learn more? Check out this resource:

 View presentation slides   

 

Civil Engineering - John Kenny

John Kenny

Credentials:
MEng, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary
MEngSC, Civil Engineering, National University of Ireland
BE, Civil Engineering, National University of Ireland

John Kenny joined Okanagan College in 2005 as a College Professor in the Civil Engineering Technology program. John continues to teach in the College’s Civil Engineering Technology program while also teaching part-time as a sessional lecturer in the School of Engineering at UBC Okanagan. John completed the AutoCAD Skills Certificate program at Okanagan College in 2008 and he has been co-teaching the program since 2019.  John is a certified Autodesk AutoCAD professional.

 

 

Jason Besse

Education

  • Autodesk University Workshops 2019; Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Urban Design Certificate 2010; Simon Fraser University
  • Building Technology Diploma (Architecture) 2003; British Columbia Institute of Technology
  • Architectural Drafting Certificate 1995; Fraser Valley University

Experience

  • Okanagan College Instructor (Revit and AutoCAD) 2013-Present
  • CAD/BIM Technologist at several different architecture firms 2003-Present

Q1 Do I need to purchase AutoCAD to complete this program?

No. Okanagan College has a number of computer laboratories with the latest version of AutoCAD installed. Obtaining an AutoCAD student license for your personal laptop and/or home desktop is relatively straightforward. Simply set up an account at the link provided below and download the software. https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/autocad

Q2 Do I need to purchase textbooks?

No. There are no required textbooks for the program. Recommended textbooks (not required) include AutoCAD Fundamentals (Mixed Units) and AutoCAD Advanced (Mixed Units) by ASCENT the Authorized Publisher. The recommended textbooks can be viewed and ordered at the link given below. https://www.ascented.com/courseware-solutions/autodesk/courseware/autocad

Q3 What are the technology requirements?

Online classes:

  1. Laptop and Desktop AutoCAD installation requirements can be found at the following link: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2021-including-Specialized-Toolsets.html
  2. Fully functioning webcam and microphone.

Face-to-Face classes:

The latest version of AutoCAD will be provided in the College’s computer labs.

Q4 What prospective employment a certificate holder would be qualified for?

Depends on what other training or experience you have. 

  • With just the certificate, a student could look at some entry level drafting positions with a design or manufacturing firm.
  • With added construction and design experience, a student could look for a more intermediate position with a company or contract work.
  • Having mentioned that, instructors are noticing that the architectural design sector is trending more towards Building Information Modelling, which this course does not cover.
  • Time and deadlines permitting, instructors in AutoCAD try to deliver a brief lesson on BIM and Revit at the very end of the course.

This 160-hour certificate program introduces learners to the core tools and applications of AutoCAD for creating two-dimensional (2D) technical drawings. Learners develop practical skills in drafting, editing, and organizing drawings, along with essential digital file management practices used in workplace settings. Through applied exercises and project-based learning, the program emphasizes accuracy, efficiency, and clear communication of technical information using examples from a range of industries. This program is well suited for individuals with experience in areas such as residential construction, carpentry, drafting, or manufacturing who are looking to build or expand their skills in computer-aided design.

Admission and program requirements

To reduce barriers and ensure accessibility, this program has no admission requirements.

All of the courses in this certificate must be completed at Okanagan College.

Start date
Location
Delivery mode
Application status
Nov. 2026
Kelowna
Online (Scheduled)
Open
Note: Part-time. Online Synchronous Tue/Thu evenings and Saturdays
Jan. 2027
Kelowna
Online (Scheduled)
Open
Note: Part-time. Online Synchronous Tue/Thu evenings and Saturdays

Tuition and fees

Program details

AD 100 - File and Desktop Management
AD 101 - Introduction to AutoCAD Skills
AD 102 - Applied AutoCAD Skills