Civil Designer Certificate - Career Certificate

Make designs come alive

Draft all the roads, buildings and ways we get around. With a Civil Designer Certificate, you can see your work move from the computer to real life. Advance your career in this competitive field with course work such as labs, lectures and reading assignments that cover:

using AutoCAD to complete drawing sets
choosing appropriate drawing tools in the Civil 3D user interface to increase productivity
creating existing and proposed surfaces and designs—and adjusting them, as needed

What can you do with a certificate in Civil Design?

Invest in your future career with a certificate in Civil Design. If you’re just starting out, begin in an entry-level role working in a land surveying/civil engineering firm.

After they receive their certificate, some students take steps to getting licensed and return to CLC to earn an Associate in Engineering Science transfer degree.

Depending on your current education and experience your role could be:

Civil Drafter
Land Surveying Technician
Land Surveying Drafter

Highlights

100% Online

Can be completed 100% online.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Program Length: 4 Months

Full-time students finish in 4 months.

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
  
  $46,051
  
  Median
  
  $63,465
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $100,748
  
  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
  
  $22.13
  
  Median
  
  $30.51
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $48.43
  
  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
  
  $47,697
  
  Median
  
  $66,796
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $111,610
  
  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
  
  $22.92
  
  Median
  
  $32.11
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $53.65
  
  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
  
  $49,272
  
  Median
  
  $65,941
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $95,668
  
  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
  
  $23.68
  
  Median
  
  $31.69
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $45.99
  
  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
  
  23.84%
  
  Certificate
  
  40.57%
  
  Some college
  
  6.78%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  19.29%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  9.52%
  
  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
  
  $48,078
  
  Median
  
  $68,392
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $109,835
  
  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
  
  $23.11
  
  Median
  
  $32.88
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $52.80
  
  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
  
  $41,354
  
  Median
  
  $70,376
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $111,192
  
  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
  
  $19.88
  
  Median
  
  $33.83
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $53.45
  
  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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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more 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 inclusive list of course options, see the college 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
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
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
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
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
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

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

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

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

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

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

Total Credit Hours

15

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

CAD-Drafting Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

A Civil Designer Certificate is just one possible way to study CAD-Drafting Technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the CAD-Drafting Technology program overview

Frequently asked questions

The Certificate in Civil Designer is 15 credit hours and takes an average of one semester to complete. Learn design using the latest CAD software under the supervision of an engineer or architect.

Your classes include:
- Introduction to AutoCAD
- Civil Drafting
- Drafting for Land Surveying
Here are some great options:
- Complete your bachelor's degree in Lake County: Continue your education online or in person at the Grayslake Campus through the University Center of Lake County.
- Guaranteed transfer admission: Seamlessly transfer to 30+ 4-year partners and get admitted to your transfer school in your first semester at CLC.
- Explore the many other transfer options available.
- Virtual live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete course work without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.

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Civil Designer

Make designs come alive

What can you do with a certificate in Civil Design?

Highlights

100% Online

Career Certificate

Program Length: 4 Months

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?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 15 Credits

Total Credit Hours

CAD-Drafting Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

How long is the program?

What’s the best way to get my bachelor’s degree?

Can I take my classes online?

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Be debt-free at CLC

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