Program Details
Prospective students interested in Penn Foster’s AutoCAD Essentials Certificate program should have experience in Windows-based computer and basic drafting. Students participate in several specialized courses designed to give training in computer-aided design. To earn the AutoCAD Certificate, students must complete courses consisting of Basic Commands and Blocks and Layers. The first course provides students with basic instruction and functions of AutoCAD software. Students start with foundational steps such as beginning a drawing and saving the work. Students use help menus and other features related to drafting. Geometric shapes, lines and text are also covered. Students learn how to properly scale a drawing and configure it for plotting.
Students electronically submit one of their AutoCAD drawings that used the basic commands and techniques gained throughout the course.
In the second course, students build on the skills learned in the prior course. Students cover the creation and insertion of block references, hatching commands, and attaching reference files. Students learn utility commands and the process of customizing AutoCAD for drafting.
Students wishing to apply for the AutoCAD Essentials Certificate may fill out an application online, accessed through the Penn Foster Career School website.
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100% OnlineSchool Accreditation & Licensing
Penn Foster is accredited by:
Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Penn Foster High School, Penn Foster Career School, and Penn Foster College have all met the high standards of integrity and performance set by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited for non-degree granting postsecondary programs, and Penn Foster High School is accredited for grades 9 through adult, by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association for Colleges and Schools.
Penn Foster Career School has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
All Penn Foster programs are affiliated with DANTES, which qualifies U.S. military personnel for tuition reimbursement.
Program Requirements & Restrictions
Minimum Education
High School or EquivalentApplication Requirements
Official High School Transcript/GED Score