AutoCAD Course Syllabus – Module by Module

This AutoCAD course syllabus follows the order we teach: accuracy and drawing first, then editing, organisation, annotation, plotting, collaboration, a short 3D introduction and a project in your discipline.

Ask for the detailed outline on WhatsApp and the counsellor will send the version for your track. The course page explains how the live classes work.

Module 1: Getting started

Interface and settings

Topics

Workspace, ribbon, command line, model space, units, limits, saving and DWG versions.

Accuracy tools

Topics

Object snaps, polar tracking, ortho, dynamic input and coordinate entry.

Basic drawing

Topics

Line, polyline, circle, arc, ellipse, rectangle, polygon, point, spline.

Module 2: Editing

Modify commands

Topics

Move, copy, rotate, scale, mirror, offset, trim, extend, fillet, chamfer, stretch, array, break, join, explode.

Selection and grips

Topics

Window, crossing, quick select, grip editing, properties palette.

Measuring

Topics

Distance, area, divide, measure, list.

Module 3: Organising drawings

Layers and properties

Topics

Layer states, linetypes, lineweights, plot style basics, layer standards.

Blocks

Topics

Creating, inserting, editing and purging blocks, attributes, dynamic blocks introduction.

Hatch and gradients

Topics

Patterns, boundaries, associativity.

Module 4: Annotation

Text

Topics

Single and multiline text, text styles.

Dimensions

Topics

Dimension styles, linear, aligned, radius, angular, continued and baseline dimensions, leaders.

Tables and annotative scaling

Topics

Tables, annotative objects, scale lists.

Module 5: Layouts and plotting

Paper space

Topics

Layouts, viewports, viewport scale and layer overrides.

Plotting

Topics

CTB/STB, plot to PDF and printer, publishing sets.

Sheet standards

Topics

Title blocks, sheet sizes, revision notes.

Module 6: Working with others

External references

Topics

Xref attach, overlay, bind, reload.

Importing and exporting

Topics

PDF import, DXF/DWG exchange, converting to PDF, opening .bak files.

Module 7: Introduction to 3D

3D basics

Topics

UCS, 3D views, visual styles.

Solids

Topics

Extrude, revolve, union, subtract, intersect, section views.

Module 8: Discipline project

Choose your track

Topics

Civil, mechanical, electrical, MEP or interior drawings of your choice.

Review

Topics

Trainer feedback, corrections and final portfolio PDF.

Beyond the core syllabus

Once the core is done, pick the advanced course, the 3D course or a discipline track such as civil, mechanical or electrical.

How the modules fit together

The order of modules is deliberate. Each one builds a habit that the next one depends on, and skipping ahead usually costs time later.

1. Accuracy first. Typed values and snaps in module 1 are what make dimensions in module 4 trustworthy.
2. Editing next. Real drawings are mostly edited, so module 2 makes you fast before you add complexity.
3. Organisation. Layers and blocks in module 3 decide how pleasant every later step is.
4. Annotation and output. Dimensions, layouts and plotting turn a drawing into a document.
5. Collaboration and 3D. Xrefs and 3D build on a solid base.
6. Projects. Everything is used together on a real drawing set.

Time per module: a typical split

The exact hours depend on your batch, but the balance is usually like this.

Assignments and projects you will complete

• A dimensioned one-room plan with doors, windows and a door block
• A bracket with three views, a section and tolerances (mechanical learners)
• A plotted A3 sheet with a title block and viewport at a stated scale
• An xref exercise combining a base plan with a services overlay
• A simple 3D model with two generated 2D views
• A final discipline project, reviewed and added to your portfolio PDF

Track-specific additions

The core syllabus is common to everyone. Discipline tracks add modules on top:

• Civil: elevations, sections, site plans and detailing.
• Mechanical: projection, tolerances, assemblies and DXF output.
• Electrical: schematics, wire numbering and panel layouts.
• MEP: HVAC, plumbing and electrical overlays and coordination.
• Interior design: furniture, ceilings, elevations and joinery.

What is not in the core syllabus

Rendering and animation, structural analysis and parametric product design are separate subjects with their own tools. If you need them, see the 3ds Max, STAAD.Pro and SolidWorks courses. Knowing what a course does not cover is as useful as knowing what it does.

How to check any syllabus you are given

Ask whether it lists hours per module, whether plotting and layouts are taught properly, whether projects are reviewed individually and whether the software version is recent. A syllabus that is only a list of command names is a warning sign. The blog post AutoCAD course syllabus explained walks through this in more detail.

Syllabus FAQs