Frequently asked questions
What skills do I need to take these classes?
There is no application process and no prerequisites to register for introductory first term classes. Students can begin taking classes any term during the year.
Before registering for first term CADD classes, however, students must complete competency requirements in writing and math. Students need to either place into MTH 70 and WR 115 via placement testing, OR pass (WR 90 and RD 90) or IRW 90 and either MTH 60, MTH 62 or MTH 58 with a grade of C or higher.
Most 200 level courses have prerequisites. For example, to enroll in classes such as Advanced Inventor, Advanced Fusion or Advanced SolidWorks, successful completion of the beginning course is required. In some cases, work experience may be substituted for a required prerequisite. Consult with the appropriate PCC instructor or CADD advisor for further guidance.
Also, before taking any CADD class, assure you are proficient in basic computer operations using Microsoft Windows. Necessary competencies include:
- Opening and saving files
- Printing documents
- File management
- Mouse operations (for example, using right click function)
- Cutting and pasting
- Using a web browser, such as Chrome
- Using portable memory devices
- Saving files to cloud storage, such as google drive
A Windows PC literacy course is highly recommended if any listed competency is in question.
What topics are covered in these classes?
In classes such as Autodesk Inventor and Beginning SolidWorks, you will learn about:
- Parametric solid modeling
- Sketching and sketch constraints
- 2D drawings and associated orthographic views
- 3D assemblies and assembly mates
- 3D Sketching
- Surfacing
- Bills of materials
For Introductory AutoCAD, you will explore content related to:
- Menu structure
- Entity creation and modification
- Layering concepts
- Hatching objects
- Orthographic layout
- Dimensioning and text
- Plotting
Other courses will augment your design drafter skill sets in:
- Hand sketching
- Print reading
- Materials and manufacturing processes
- Design simulation, generative design and design optimization
- Design for manufacturability
- Tolerances and computation
- Product design and development process
- 3D Printing
What books and supplies will I need?
Before arriving for the first class session, you should have a USB memory drive or access to a cloud drive account such as google drive. Drawing materials such as pencil and paper are required for a few courses, and are useful for sketching and taking notes in other courses as well.
Obtaining specified textbooks supports the successful completion of classes. Required CADD textbooks are listed in the course details page, and in the instructor’s course syllabus. Some textbooks cover more than one level of CADD instruction. Purchased textbooks are available at the PCC Bookstore. Links to assigned online materials are provided by instructors.
Student licenses of CAD software programs are available for installation on home computers; note that some programs have specific hardware requirements. Supplementary educational software may also be available at student pricing, or available as free downloads from websites such as Autodesk.com or SolidWorks.com.
What time commitment will I need to make?
Students can attend full or part-time and classes are offered in the afternoon and evening. A typical CADD course meets one time per week for 3-4 hours. Study outside of class time is usually required to complete assigned projects, labs, readings and quizzes. For planning purposes, use the standard calculation of three hours per week for every course credit.
Classroom activities consist of:
- Lecture
- Demonstrations
- Group activities
- Open lab time
- Questions and answers
Most in-person and remote class meetings are scheduled on weekday afternoons or evenings. If you are currently employed, this could require a change in your work schedule.
We advise full-time students to reduce non-school related commitments as much as possible. For example, working full-time and studying CADD full-time requires a substantial amount of effort. For students who are unable to reduce their other commitments, part-time studies is an option. Students may spread the required classes over a longer period of time or choose to earn a condensed pathway certificate.
Do you offer online CADD classes?
CADD classes are held in several modalities including in person, remote and online. Online classes include CADD 115, 126, 160, 175 and 275. Alternate modalities are offered at various times during the year; see the current class schedule for the latest information. Online courses do not have a scheduled meeting time, and are conducted asynchronously.
Are there advanced CADD courses?
The CADD one-year-certificate is a comprehensive program that covers introductory as well as advanced studies. There are advanced levels for SolidWorks, Inventor and Fusion. An advanced mechanical drafting course is also required for the CADD one-year certificate.
If I don’t have a computer, can I get computer access on campus?
The library at SouthEast campus has dedicated computers with CADD software loaded for students to use. These computers are available anytime the library is open. Other campuses have CADD software loaded at libraries or tutoring centers. Check with your instructor first to verify CADD software is available.
Is CADD tutoring available?
PCC peer tutors are usually hired each term and work through the PCC tutoring center department and are assigned to support CADD students. Hours vary and may include Saturday times. Tutoring can be done in person, or via Zoom remote format.
What is the difference between PCC CADD courses and authorized training centers?
PCC CADD classes typically offer more hours of instruction as well as open lab opportunities. Also, PCC classes span a greater length of time, which provides a fuller exploration of the software package and its complex functionality. PCC students learn more than just CADD software, they also apply these skills to design and drafting projects using industry standard practices for parametric modeling.
Will I receive a certificate for the CADD classes I take?
The CADD classes you take at Portland Community College are usually treated as part of a one-year certificate. Several smaller and stackable career pathway certificates exist that count as credit toward the one-year certificate.
These classes and career pathway certificates may be taken individually to upgrade your job skills. In certain instances, the class instructor may be asked to write a letter of recommendation for the student. CADD classes at Portland Community College may be taken on a graded basis, pass/no pass, or as an audit. Consultation with the instructor is advisable in reference to student evaluation.
What types of positions will I qualify for after completion of the one-year certificate?
CADD graduates have found employment in a wide variety of industries around the region, including aerospace, fabrication, construction, high tech and electronics. Typical entry-level job titles include mechanical drafter, CAD modeler and CAD designer. Some students add CADD skills to a related, existing skill set, allowing them to advance further within their specialty. Coupling a CADD certificate with practical work experience such as an internship enhances a student’s employability.
Job-seeking students may find assistance through the CADD department or the PCC Job Placement office.
What is the cost to earn a CADD certificate?
Use the tuition calculator to estimate your costs. Most CADD classes are three credits each. Note there may be additional technology, laboratory, and student activity fees which total approximately $37-$50 per class.
Textbooks for CADD classes range from $0-$130. CADD software is also available (student version) as free downloads from websites such as Autodesk.com or SolidWorks.com.
Registration for CADD classes is easy! Most students register by logging into MyPCC. Contact Chris Hamreus, Program Advisor for CADD, for more information.