Build versatile drafting, modeling, and design technology skills using industry-standard Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. This program prepares students to create technical drawings, 3D models with animation and full rendering effects, BIM documentation, and design presentations for architectural, engineering, construction, and design environments.
CredentialCertificate
Duration35 Weeks with Practicum or 31 Weeks without Practicum
Practicum4-Week Practicum (150 hours)
Schedule20 hours/week, Monday – Friday, daytime and evening classes
DeliveryIn-Class, Online (Synchronous)*, or Combined
I decided to go to Brighton College for the AutoCAD programs. The experience was all that I expected it to be. I liked the interaction with instructors and students. It was great for learning.
– Dominique Tagalog, Construction Technician and Drafting CertificateLearn about the AutoCAD Drafting and Design Technology Certificate, its industry-standard CAD and BIM software training, portfolio development, and practicum option.
The AutoCAD Drafting and Design Technology Certificate is designed for students who want broad training in computer-aided drafting, digital modeling, and design visualization. Rather than focusing on one specific area of the built environment, this program introduces students to the drafting and modeling tools used across architecture, engineering, civil infrastructure, construction, interior design, and technical design fields.
Students develop hands-on skills using industry-standard software including AutoCAD, Revit Architecture, Civil 3D, Autodesk Inventor, and 3D Studio Max. Through project-based learning, they create professional 2D drawings, 3D models, BIM documentation, civil plans, mechanical design models, interior design drawings, and visual presentations.
The program also introduces building codes, construction estimating, engineering graphics, building piping services, and technical communication, helping students understand how design drawings support real-world projects. Students build a professional portfolio that showcases their drafting, modeling, and design technology skills to potential employers.
Unlike programs that focus primarily on architecture, civil infrastructure, structural systems, or construction management, this certificate provides broad CAD and design technology training across multiple disciplines. Students may choose the 31-week academic option or the 35-week option with practicum for additional workplace experience.
Upon completion of this program, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
This course provides students with the fundamentals of computer operation, file management, and basic mathematics. Major topics include keyboarding skills, Microsoft Word document formatting, Excel spreadsheet creation, linear algebra, quadratic equations, trigonometry, and geometry.
Duration: 20 hours, 1 week.
Prerequisite: none.
This course provides student with the fundamental skills of computer aided design and drafting using AutoCAD. Students learn the most up-to-date AutoCAD techniques that are being used in engineering and building-design professions. Utilizing high-end computer tools, students learn how to create drawings in 2-dimensional environments and basic 3-dimensional models.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.
Technical communication skills are required in service, business, and technical working environments. This course focuses on verbal, writing, and presentation skills within the scope of architecture and engineering. Students will learn how to produce technical report documents and present their project drawings effectively.
Duration: 20 hours, 1 week.
Prerequisite: none.
This course provides students with instruction in advanced level AutoCAD commands and drawing management techniques. Students will learn project-orientated drafting and design skills, with an emphasis being placed on scaled 2-Dimensional project drawing in model and paper space layout settings. Students will also learn how to use advanced 3-Dimensional tools to create surface models and composite solid models.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: AUT100.
This course provides students with the knowledge to use the British Columbia Building Code as well as city zoning bylaws. Major topics include building zoning, residential wood framed building construction standards, design specifications, fire protection, basic structural standards, span table applications and other professional practices which may affect the design and construction of a building. Students will also use AutoCAD to create site plan, floor plans, sections and elevations.
Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: AUT100.
This course provides students an overview of mechanical engineering graphics and drawing conventions. Computer Aided Design and drafting programs such as AutoCAD will be used in solving graphical problems. Orthographic, isometric, sections and standard dimensioning techniques are covered in this course as well.
Duration: 20 hours, 1 week.
Prerequisite: AUT100, AUT150.
This course provides students with basic knowledge in using 3D Studio Max software to create 3-dimensional model with animation effects. Topics include 3D solid modeling, material selection, lighting settings and animation. Students also learn to import 3D model files into Studio Max software.
Duration: 20 hours, 1 week.
Prerequisite: AUT100, AUT150, CCT100.
This course covers the principles of plumbing piping design with an emphasis on the application of piping components, material selection and pipe sizing which applies to water, storm and sanitary plumbing piping systems. Students will learn to calculate hydraulic loads for plumbing fixtures and create piping design drawings for residential and commercial buildings. Students will also learn to apply British Columbia Plumbing Code in the design of plumbing piping systems.
Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: AUT100, AUT150, CCT100.
This course introduces students to the application of Autodesk Inventor to create 3-dimensional parametric computer models. The Inventor model is an accurate 3D digital prototype that enables users to validate design and engineering data during the modeling process. With innovative approaches, the program allows the user to accelerate and simplify the concept-to-manufacturing stage. Major topics include sketches, part modeling, assembly creation, constraint applications, sheet metal modeling, welding assembly, animation and drawing production.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: AUT100, AUT150, CCT100.
This course provides students with a foundation in parametric Building Information Modeling (BIM). Students will use Revit Architecture for parametric building design and project documentation. Students begin the course by learning the fundamental features of Revit and progress through design modeling to drawing production. Major topics include the modeling of commercial and residential building, basic structures, and wall type selection, building interior design, family customization, site creation, roof design, schedules, 3D walkthrough, rendering and sheet production.
Duration: 80 hours, 4 weeks.
Prerequisite: AUT100, AUT150, CCT100.
This course provides students with the skills to create interior design drawings for commercial and hospitality projects. Students will use AutoCAD to create conceptual and detailed design drawings. Major topics include wall partition design, ceiling and lighting design, interior furniture selection, interior finishes, space planning and overall design presentation. Students will design building interior features in accordance with the building code and city bylaw standards.
Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: AUT100, AUT150, CCT100.
The course provides students with the skills to use Autodesk Civil 3D computer software for civil engineering, land development and infrastructure design. Students learn how to create civil plans, profiles, and cross sections as well as 3-dimensional corridor models. Major topics include survey data imports, creation of land surfaces, land parcels, roadway alignments, vertical curve profiles, underground piping layout, and infrastructure assemblies. Students also learn Civil 3D drafting procedures, dynamic model updating techniques and the computation of earth work as well as pavement material quantities.
Duration: 80 hours, 4 weeks.
Prerequisite: AUT100, AUT150, CCT100.
This course provides students with the knowledge necessary to estimate and control construction material quantities and cost for building structures and basic civil engineering infrastructures. Topics include residential, commercial and civil infrastructure estimating methods, quantity takeoff techniques, and cost calculation procedures of construction components. An overview of the contract terms and relationships between the contractual parties will also be discussed in this course.
Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: AUT100, CCT100.
This course helps students to prepare a working portfolio, which will assist them in presenting themselves during interviews or seminars. Students will produce a portfolio in the areas of engineering and architectural 2D drawings and 3D models. Students also will learn interview skills and how to prepare their resume and cover letter.
Duration: 20 hours, 1 week.
Prerequisite: AUT100, AUT150, CCT100.
Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and skills learnt during the program with practical situation from the real world of business. The purpose is to obtain relevant field experience prior to graduation and identify strengths prior to embarking on a new, exciting career.
Duration: 150 hours, 4 weeks.
Refer to Language Proficiency Policy for details.
*Mature Student is defined as an individual who is 19 years of age or older at the start of the program.
*Under no circumstances can these Admission Requirements be waived.
Data sourced from WorkBC. Occupation information aligned with the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Career-path occupations generally require additional industry experience, employer training, certification, professional registration or further education. Completion of this program does not by itself confer a professional licence or protected occupational designation.
