Is Autodesk Certification Required?

There is no question that investing in industry-specific qualifications has benefits regardless of your profession or career. However, it's common to wonder whether formal certification is necessary when it comes to software, particularly since many people learn it on the job or informally from more seasoned users. In some circumstances, such as with Autodesk certification, there is significant benefit in addition to merely obtaining the necessary trade skills.

What Does Autodesk Certification Entail?

Autodesk gives certification for all of its software collections, much like they do for its diverse array of software products. Your Autodesk expertise within particular industrial verticals is validated by a certification obtained through an online exam. It communicates to clients, potential employers, and members of the Autodesk community that you have formal training and proven expertise in the usage of the software/application in your particular profession.

What Are the Different Certification Levels?

Autodesk offers three levels of certification. Each level requires increasing hours spent working with the software to establish baseline experience on which the accreditation builds.

Autodesk Certified Associate

Associate certification is for individuals with 150 hours of Autodesk experience, including basic skills and knowledge of the application and its functions. Autodesk designed this certification for individuals entering the job market or looking to change their career trajectory while building on their foundation.

Autodesk Certified Professional

Professional certification is for individuals with 400-1,200 hours of experience, specifically in handling design and workflow issues. While the associate level is for individuals with a basic skill set, those seeking professional certification will have a more advanced skill set coming in and a comprehensive understanding of Autodesk upon completion.

Autodesk Certified Expert

Designed for individuals with 400-1,200 hours of experience, the expert certification differentiates itself from professional certification by offering and showcasing detailed knowledge of the software and its capabilities. This certification demonstrates an individual’s dedication to mastering the application as well as solving complex project problems.

Each certification level provides training for varying career stages and prepares someone who is either job searching and looking to stand out or looking to advance in their current industry.

What Types of Certifications Does Autodesk Offer?

Autodesk offers a wide variety of certifications based both on the industry as well as specific applications. This focus allows certifications to speak directly to an application’s use within an industry.

Architecture, Engineering, Construction

Within the AEC vertical, Autodesk offers the following certifications, which focus on both CAD and BIM technology:

• Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting
• Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit for Architectural Design
• Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit for Structural Design
• Autodesk Certified Professional in Civil 3D for Infrastructure Design
• Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit for Mechanical Design
• Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit for Electrical Design

Product Design and Manufacturing

Autodesk offers the following certifications that focus on CAD, CAM, design-to-manufacture workflows, and generative design for individuals in the product design and manufacturing fields:

• Autodesk Certified Expert in Generative Design for Manufacturing
• Autodesk Certified Professional in Inventor for Mechanical Design
• Autodesk Certified Associate in CAD for Mechanical Design
• Autodesk Certified Associate in CAM for 2.5 Axis Milling
• Autodesk Certified Professional in Design for Manufacturing

Who Should Get Certified?

As with all certifications and continuing education programs, Autodesk certification is an investment of time, effort, and money. However, for many, it’s also an investment in your field and your career.

While many may attempt to weigh Autodesk certification costs (the exam itself varies in price depending on your location), it really must be weighed against the long-term benefits a certification may have on one’s career. More specifically, certifications in Autodesk software can help individuals stand out in highly competitive fields.

Further, employers recognize and value validated skills, such as those demonstrated by an Autodesk certification, regardless of the level. It suggests a willingness to learn an industry and application and a desire to grow professionally. Additionally, Autodesk certifications assure employers they’re getting a qualified candidate. And, if you’re already working in the field, it may be just what you need to make career advancements.

That said, for those looking to build their Autodesk skills, certified or not, there are various training resources out there. Whether you’re looking for assistance from an Autodesk Specialized Partner, the variety of educational resources means there’s no shortage of opportunities to learn.

Top 5 Benefits of Autodesk Certification

While we touched briefly on who should get certified, the real answer may be that anyone who wants to enjoy the following benefits of certification would be an amazing candidate:

1. Industry recognition

We’re not talking awards here, well, at least not specifically, but the idea that others within the industry vertical where you work will recognize your expertise. It confirms you have the skills necessary to work effectively in a high-tech design environment. Further, because Autodesk’s applications are updated regularly, certification in the most recent version of an application establishes an employee, candidate, or student, as someone who is staying on top of industry standards and improvements.

2. Improve current performance and marketability

As you complete the coursework for certification, you’re improving your existing skills, which means your performance on the job (or in coursework) will improve. In addition to growth in baseline proficiencies, you’ll learn new strategies, techniques, and tools to expand your Autodesk skillset.

And, if you’re in the market for a new job, you can choose the Autodesk certifications that will help you not only get noticed but also land the job you want. The same is true if you’re looking for a promotion or to move to a new company. Autodesk certifications carry with you, allowing you to hit career goals and growth.

3. Scaled and designed to fit you and your goals

Whether you’re early or mid-career, looking to build on existing skills or learn new software, there’s a level and type of certification for you. Autodesk offers certifications in both AEC and manufacturing, including Autodesk Certified Associate, Autodesk Certified Professional, and Autodesk Certified Expert.

Additionally, they focus on different applications that build on the design tech skills you’ll need to succeed. For example, if you’re already a skilled AutoCAD user, maybe it’s time to take a look at Autodesk Civil 3D or Revit. In short, the programs are as flexible as you need them to be (including being online!).

4. Preparation is easy and testing is performance-based

Autodesk has partnered with Certiport to make preparation easy. Courses are online, with additional support available when needed. They guide the recommended pathways, practice exams, assessments, and practical learning to help you ace the test.

Then, the test itself is performance-based. This means you’ll use the actual program to answer questions about design problems and solutions. This testing method is a better way to certify as it allows the test taker to demonstrate acquired skills in the actual software environment.

5. Align yourself with elite professionals and an industry leader

Autodesk software is used around the globe by millions of people. Becoming an Autodesk Certified Associate, Professional, or Expert, establishes you as a leader among those professionals. It makes you stand out from the crowd. Further, in professional spaces, it aligns you with Autodesk and all that comes with an affiliation with the world leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software.

There are practical job performance reasons to seek Autodesk certification. Still, beyond that, there’s also career and industry recognition to consider. Suppose you’re hoping to make a career in an industry that utilizes the Autodesk suite of software applications. In that case, pursuing certification and learning opportunities should be at the top of your to-do list.