Mechanical Designer Certificate

Career Certificate
Cost
$2,136* (estimated)

Design key machine parts

Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to make your mark on the world. With a Mechanical Designer Certificate, you can become the specialist your firm needs. Instructors with real-world CAD experience lead you through hands-on labs and lectures. You will learn how to:

  • Produce accurate 2D and 3D drawings for mechanical components, equipment and systems
  • Choose appropriate drawing tools for each design to increase productivity
  • Read and interpret measurements, scales and dimensions
  • Apply drafting standards used by industry professionals

Jumpstart your drafting career in a year or less

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

The program prepares you for entry-level mechanical drafting and surveying roles, including:

  • Mechanical drafter: Produce detailed 2D/3D mechanical engineering drawings
  • Mechanical designer: Optimize mechanical systems and components
  • CAD designer / technician: Convert plans into technical drawings and blueprints using CAD software

You may advance to higher-level roles, depending on your current education and experience.

The Mechanical Designer Certificate is 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.

Highlights

  • 100% Online Program

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

  • 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 the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, 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.


Be an apprentice and earn while you learn

A strong job outlook and real-world apprenticeship opportunities set you up for success. Watch how student Travis Taylor changed careers after a workplace injury.

Career Outlook

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Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

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.

Icon Key

  • 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 170

    CAD 170 Introduction to SolidWorks

    Class Description

    (Formerly CAD 173) This course is designed as an introduction to the SolidWorks Computer Aided Design software. Topics will include part creation, use of features, assembly modeling, and drawing creation. NOTE: Completion of CAD 117 or a strong working knowledge of another CAD software is recommended prior to taking this course.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • 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
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CAD 170
      Course Title

      CAD 170 Introduction to SolidWorks

      Class Description

      (Formerly CAD 173) This course is designed as an introduction to the SolidWorks Computer Aided Design software. Topics will include part creation, use of features, assembly modeling, and drawing creation. NOTE: Completion of CAD 117 or a strong working knowledge of another CAD software is recommended prior to taking this course.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CAD 270

    CAD 270 SolidWorks II

    Class Description

    (Formerly CAD 174) This course is designed as a continuation of CAD 170 Introduction to SolidWorks. It expands the topics started in CAD 170. It also covers sheet metal part creation, basic mold design, and importing files from other CAD programs.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CAD 270
      Course Title

      CAD 270 SolidWorks II

      Class Description

      (Formerly CAD 174) This course is designed as a continuation of CAD 170 Introduction to SolidWorks. It expands the topics started in CAD 170. It also covers sheet metal part creation, basic mold design, and importing files from other CAD programs.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

Total Credit Hours

12


Female student taking notes in class

CAD-Drafting Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

A Mechanical 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


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Complete the application form to begin your program.

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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