SolidWorks Certificate

Career Certificate
Cost
$1,575* (estimated)
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Master mechanical engineering design

Turn your ideas into real-world products with a SolidWorks Certificate from the College of Lake County, IL. In a year or less, you’ll prepare to design, simulate and produce mechanical parts and systems used in aerospace, automotive, medical devices, consumer electronics and mechatronics.

This amateur-friendly program teaches industry-standard SolidWorks skills that employers actively seek. Start with basic 3D part modeling to advanced sheet-metal and mold design, plus importing 3D models from other CAD platforms. Through labs, expert instruction and real-world projects, you’ll learn to:

  • Build precise 2D technical drawings
  • Practice proper dimensions and details
  • Create and modify 3D models, assemblies and drawings
  • Produce complete, accurate drawing sets using industry-standard practices

Build your professional portfolio

In this program, you’ll develop a portfolio showcasing your technical skills, creativity and problem-solving abilities. Use your competitive edge when applying for entry-level roles such as CAD Technician, Mechanical Design Technician or SolidWorks Technician.

This certificate also provides a pathway to further study, including additional certificates or the CAD-Drafting Technology A.A.S. degree—more education, more career opportunities and licensure.

Highlights

*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

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 117 3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CAD 170 3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CAD 117
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CAD 170
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CAD 270 3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CAD 270
      Course Title
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

Total Credit Hours

9



Female student taking notes in class

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.


Apply now: It's easy and free

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.

Frequently asked questions

Related programs

This certificate is just one possible way to study CAD-Drafting Technology. Keep exploring your options—degrees, credentials and more.

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