Civil Designer Certificate

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Draft roads, bridges and infrastructure to keep communities moving

In a year or less, this certificate program equips you with sought-after skills in civil drafting and land surveying.

Get comfortable using industry-standard CAD software, including AutoCAD, Civil 3D and Revit. Work with 2D drafting and 3D modeling. Complete full civil drawing sets. Measure and interpret dimensions — you’ll get guidance from our experienced instructors every step of the way.

This career path combines creativity, technical skill and problem-solving. Earn this certificate to make communities safer, more efficient and sustainable.

Jumpstart your drafting career in a year or less

This program prepares you for entry-level civil drafting and surveying roles, including:

Civil Drafter: Produce detailed 2D/3D civil engineering drawings
Land Surveying Drafter: Convert survey data into usable CAD drawings
Land Surveying Technician: Assist surveyors by preparing survey drawings

With this certificate, you’ll be ready to construct drawings and support projects on your first day or work in a design or engineering firm.

The Civil Designer Certificate is also a great starting point if you want to keep learning. You can go on to earn more certificates or work toward the CAD-Drafting Technology A.A.S. degree. This opens more career options and even the possibility of future professional licensure.

Get more information

Highlights

100% Online Program

This program can be completed 100% online for maximum flexibility.
Metallica Scholarships

View the available heavy metal scholarships.
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in 1 year or less.
Program Length: 1 Year

Finish in 1 year as a part-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $42,163
  
  Median
  
  $56,039
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $86,379
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $20.27
  
  Median
  
  $26.94
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $41.52
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  0.41%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.91%
  
  Some college
  
  0.41%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  17.85%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  54.59%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  25.84%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $41,441
  
  Median
  
  $60,587
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $120,640
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.92
  
  Median
  
  $29.12
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $57.99
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  4.3%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.29%
  
  Some college
  
  15.23%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  12.26%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  67.92%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $52,863
  
  Median
  
  $69,201
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $94,685
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $25.41
  
  Median
  
  $33.27
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $45.52
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  32.77%
  
  Certificate
  
  31.39%
  
  Some college
  
  19.68%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  14.3%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  1.86%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $45,102
  
  Median
  
  $64,772
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $107,276
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.68
  
  Median
  
  $31.14
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $51.57
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  6.1%
  
  Certificate
  
  21.07%
  
  Some college
  
  6.74%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  23.56%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  40.08%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.46%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $50,632
  
  Median
  
  $78,473
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $123,635
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $24.34
  
  Median
  
  $37.72
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $59.44
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  7.98%
  
  Some college
  
  7.45%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  61.28%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  20.25%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.93%
  
  Doctorate
  
  0.13%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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enroll in first-semester classes
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Recommended Pathway

This pathway to complete the certificate serves as a guide for students who are enrolled part time (registered in less than 12 credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

View program in catalog

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CAD 110	CAD 110 CAD/CAM Concepts Class Description This course will introduce the student to how computers are used in Computer Aided Design. The course will cover basic functions of Windows operating system, as well as computer hardware and software and how the operating system relates to the use of both. Extensive use of the internet will be used to download software and information. CAD software will be introduced including AutoCAD (for 2D drawings), Inventor (for 3D mechanical parts), and Revit (for 3D architectural models).	3	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
CAD 117	CAD 117 Introduction to AutoCAD Class Description The course is designed to introduce students to the use of AutoCAD for computer-aided design and drafting. 2D drawing, modifying and dimensioning is emphasized. NOTE: Completion of CAD 110 is recommended.	3	Online/Virtual options available
CAD 178	CAD 178 Introduction to Revit Class Description (Formerly CAD 214) This course is designed as an introduction to the Revit Computer Aided Design software. Topics will include building 3D architectural project models with walls, window, doors, floors, roofs, stairs; creating schedules; adding views and annotation to the sheets to create construction documents. NOTE: Industrial experience recommended.	3	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CAD 110
Course Title	CAD 110 CAD/CAM Concepts Class Description This course will introduce the student to how computers are used in Computer Aided Design. The course will cover basic functions of Windows operating system, as well as computer hardware and software and how the operating system relates to the use of both. Extensive use of the internet will be used to download software and information. CAD software will be introduced including AutoCAD (for 2D drawings), Inventor (for 3D mechanical parts), and Revit (for 3D architectural models).
Credits	3
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CAD 117
Course Title	CAD 117 Introduction to AutoCAD Class Description The course is designed to introduce students to the use of AutoCAD for computer-aided design and drafting. 2D drawing, modifying and dimensioning is emphasized. NOTE: Completion of CAD 110 is recommended.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CAD 178
Course Title	CAD 178 Introduction to Revit Class Description (Formerly CAD 214) This course is designed as an introduction to the Revit Computer Aided Design software. Topics will include building 3D architectural project models with walls, window, doors, floors, roofs, stairs; creating schedules; adding views and annotation to the sheets to create construction documents. NOTE: Industrial experience recommended.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CAD 177	CAD 177 Civil Drafting Class Description This course will introduce students to software used in the preparation of civil and surveying drawings. Software studied includes AutoCAD and advanced applications such as Land Development Desktop and Civil 3D.	3	Online/Virtual options available
CAD 278	CAD 278 Revit II Class Description This course is designed as a continuation of CAD178, Introduction to Revit. It expands the topics started in CAD178. It also covers more advanced concepts such as Conceptual Massing, Family Creation, Site and Structural Tools, Design Options, Phasing and Rendering.	3	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CAD 177
Course Title	CAD 177 Civil Drafting Class Description This course will introduce students to software used in the preparation of civil and surveying drawings. Software studied includes AutoCAD and advanced applications such as Land Development Desktop and Civil 3D.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CAD 278
Course Title	CAD 278 Revit II Class Description This course is designed as a continuation of CAD178, Introduction to Revit. It expands the topics started in CAD178. It also covers more advanced concepts such as Conceptual Massing, Family Creation, Site and Structural Tools, Design Options, Phasing and Rendering.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Total Credit Hours

15

Meet your instructors

More than 1,000 full-time and part-time faculty teach at CLC. Nearly all of them have a master's degree or more.

CLC faculty teach the same materials you’d learn at a big school. They bring real-world experience into the classroom so you can gain job-ready skills and help you become the very best version of yourself.

Meet our CAD-Drafting Technology experts

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After you apply, a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions, guide your next steps and help you get enrolled. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

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Frequently asked questions

In this two-semester, five-course program in Lake County, IL, you’ll gain hands-on experience and the practical skills employers crave:
- CAD/CAM Concepts: Explore how computers support design. Get an overview of software like AutoCAD (2D), Inventor (3D mechanical) and Revit (3D architectural).
- Introduction to AutoCAD: Build foundational 2D drafting skills, including drawing, modifying and dimensioning.
- Introduction to Revit: Learn to model 3D buildings by creating walls, windows, doors and roofs. Prepare construction documents.
- Civil Drafting: Learn the software used to create civil and surveying drawings, including AutoCAD and advanced tools like Land Development Desktop and Civil 3D.
- Revit II: Advance your Revit skills with conceptual massing, custom component (family) creation, site and structural modeling, design options, phasing and rendering.
By the end of this program, you’ll be ready to create professional-quality civil and surveying drawings and 3D models. This certificate provides a strong foundation for entering the workforce or continuing your education.
No, you don’t need any previous civil design or land surveying experience. You’ll learn everything you need in a hands-on environment, where design skills are developed through guided practice, class discussions and demos using actual industry tools. Each course builds on the last, helping you steadily grow your skills and confidence.
The certificate in civil design is 15 credit hours and takes an average of 2 semesters of part-time study to complete. Part-time students typically can complete the certificate in one year or less.
Yes, this program can be completed 100% online:
- Virtual live: Learn remotely in real time through live, scheduled classes held on Zoom.
- Online: Work on your coursework on your own schedule with no required class times, while staying engaged in a fully online learning environment.
With a Civil Designer Certificate, you can start working right away at a land surveying or civil engineering firm. Common positions include:
- Civil Drafter
- Land Surveying Drafter
- Land Surveying Technician
If you go on to earn a CAD-Drafting Technology A.A.S., you could qualify for more advanced careers: engineering roles, industrial designer, landscape architect or higher-level architectural or CAD positions.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees. It does not factor in the cost of books and materials. It does not account for financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial aid. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.
Yes. You can apply the credits you earn in this certificate program toward a CAD Drafting Technology A.A.S. degree. At CLC, it’s easy to keep building your skills and advance your career!

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Join us Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at

Open House

Draft roads, bridges and infrastructure to keep communities moving

Jumpstart your drafting career in a year or less

Highlights

100% Online Program

Metallica Scholarships

Career Certificate

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Architectural and Civil Drafters

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Mechanical Drafters

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 9 Credits

Semester 2 6 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Meet your instructors

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

What skills will I learn?

Do I need civil design experience?

How long is the program?

Can I take my classes online?

What jobs can I get with this certificate?

How much does this program cost?

Is this certificate stackable toward an associate degree?

Related programs

CAD-Drafting Technology A.A.S.

AutoCAD Certificate

Architectural Designer Certificate

Mechanical Designer Certificate

SolidWorks Certificate

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

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