Professional accreditation available to CAD users
Published Thu 28 May 2009
A new Autodesk global certification offers the first recognised professional qualification to successful candidates.
It's always a challenge for jobseekers to prove the extent of their CAD skills and experience, and it’s equally difficult for recruiters to spot talented individuals among a pile of CVs.
While there are many high quality institutions providing training, a recognised and official validation of achievement has previously never been available. However, Autodesk is in the midst of rolling out a global certification programme for users of AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Civil3D, Revit Architecture and Inventor. The process initially got underway in the US and has now reached Northern Europe.
Certification has clear benefits. In the past, many firms deemed it necessary to initiate their own in-house testing of candidates to assess CAD knowledge in conjunction with other criteria required to fulfil a post. Now, with Autodesk Certification, there’s a reliable validation and recognition of core skills for companies to use while the process simultaneously boosts an individual’s professional credibility.
Validation of skills
There are two levels of accreditation: Autodesk Certified Associate and Autodesk Certified Professional. To achieve Certified Associate accreditation, the candidate must undertake a one-hour online exam consisting of 30 to 50 questions that assess the user’s knowledge of the tools, features and common tasks of the selected Autodesk product. Question types are multiple-choice and work via simple point and click.
The required pass mark is 70 per cent. In certain non-English speaking nations, the time limit is increased because all materials and questions are presented in English. At the end of the exam a comprehensive scorecard is generated together with information on the questions missed or answered incorrectly.
Autodesk Certified Professional is a more demanding 90-minute, performance-based test that requires tasks to be completed in Autodesk’s software. Thus, hands-on experience is essential as individuals are tested on how well the task is performed, not on features and functions memorised.
The required pass score is 80 per cent, and again, the time permitted to complete the test varies in non-English speaking countries. To achieve ‘Professional’ status, students are also required to pass the Certified Associate exam. Following the test, candidates receive a score report and diagnostic feedback on how they could improve their performance. If the qualification is a recertification on the latest software release, only the new Associate task needs to be completed. Should a user skip a release then it’s necessary for both exams to be taken again.
Professional Certification exams are taken at Autodesk Authorised Certification Centres (listed on Autodesk’s website). Autodesk has developed official courseware for all centres to adhere to, so that the certification process can be standardised around the world. The courseware and exam guides feature sample assessment tests in the various applications plus exam-taking strategies including tips on time management.
Advantages of certification
In a highly competitive job market a certification of proficiency is an achievement that stands out on a CV. Further benefits of certification for successful candidates also include receipt of an electronic certificate (that can be printed out) as well as access to official Autodesk Certification logos (that can be used on business cards, CVs, websites and letterheads). There’s also an opportunity for users to have their contact details published on a database of professionals which can be accessed by prospective employers.
For the employer, Autodesk Certification provides a recognised accreditation that can be relied upon to indicate core competence in Autodesk software. The exams have been tried and tested by Autodesk application engineers, together with technical support staff from Autodesk resellers. The general consensus is that you really have to know your stuff! The process also benefits any internal training programs that aim to ensure a workforce is highly skilled and professionally certified.
Conclusion
Education is critical, yet many firms are behind the curve when it comes to committing to an ongoing investment in their employees’ knowledge of the latest CAD systems. Certification may not change attitudes but it’s invaluable to those that take education and professional qualifications seriously. For employers, Autodesk has created a standard against which all potential recruitment candidates can have their competencies fairly tested. And for individuals whose livelihoods depend on outstanding and up-to-date CAD skills, there’s no excuses for not investing in continual professional development.
