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Autodesk Certification...

19 REPLIES 19
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Message 1 of 20
K. Schneider
645 Views, 19 Replies

Autodesk Certification...

I was curious as to how many of you are expert certified & the importance you place on certification... I will be testing for my ACA '08 user certification tomorrow, with my expert to follow shortly after. I would like to start training our production staff and get them user certified. Do any of you promote/ host this type of training? Have you found it more important to train on program knowledge or drafting techniques? Thanks in advance for the input.

~~
Kyle Schneider
19 REPLIES 19
Message 2 of 20
Anonymous
in reply to: K. Schneider

I find it more important to train them to do things the way WE do it. They
can have any kind of certification, but must be able to preform in our work
enviroment. I have had certified people that weren't worth a hill of beans,
and had joe blow with a one semester ACAD course that could turn out twice
the work. And vice versa. Just depends on the individual.

--
Larry

wrote in message news:5811495@discussion.autodesk.com...
I was curious as to how many of you are expert certified & the importance
you place on certification... I will be testing for my ACA '08 user
certification tomorrow, with my expert to follow shortly after. I would like
to start training our production staff and get them user certified. Do any
of you promote/ host this type of training? Have you found it more important
to train on program knowledge or drafting techniques? Thanks in advance for
the input.

~~
Kyle Schneider
Message 3 of 20
dyarza
in reply to: K. Schneider

Teaching a good drafter how to use the program is a lot easier than teaching a software guru how to draft.

We don't even require CAD skills or experience for new hires, just good architects.

Cheers,
Message 4 of 20
Tom Smith
in reply to: K. Schneider

Ditto what they said. We do residential architecture, and we place far more value on experience in architecture or construction than on CAD credentials. We do ongoing in-house training and seminars in both realms. We can teach people with no CAD experience all they need to know. But usually they train themselves without a lot of help.

The actual professional work we do is far more complex and harder to learn than the CAD program, which after all is only a means to an end. Architecture got done just fine with pencil and paper for a very long time. Yes, CAD is an improvement, but it's not indispensible. I drafted for about 15 years, and earned my architect's license, before anybody I knew had even seen a personal computer. When we switched from paper to mylar, or from pencils to pens, or from drafting tables to computers, we just mastered the new thing, quickly, and kept on working.

Back in the day, we didn't hire Rapidograph Certified Pen Operators, we hired people with good skills in architecture. The assumption being, those kind of people can learn whatever they need to learn. I hope to work long enough to see the next big change come along, which makes Acad seem just as quaint as drafting tables do today. And I'll predict that as always the folks who excel at it first and best will not be the newbies who have only learned that one thing, but the people who put their focus on the job to be done rather than on the tool.
Message 5 of 20
Anonymous
in reply to: K. Schneider

We do not really care if our drafters or EITs are certified. I don't think
we have every had any that were. As others have said we want folks than can
do things our way. To be honest I am not even sure if most of our higher
level engineers know an AutoCAD certification exists.

--
Tripp Corbin, MCP, CFM, GISP
Vice President, GIS/Mapping
ESRI Authorized Instructor
Keck & Wood, Inc.
www.keckwood.com
(678) 417-4013
(678) 417-8785 fax

Keck & Wood, Inc offers a range of GIS services and training. Please visit
www.keckwood.com for more information including a schedule of upcoming
classes.

wrote in message news:5811495@discussion.autodesk.com...
I was curious as to how many of you are expert certified & the importance
you place on certification... I will be testing for my ACA '08 user
certification tomorrow, with my expert to follow shortly after. I would like
to start training our production staff and get them user certified. Do any
of you promote/ host this type of training? Have you found it more important
to train on program knowledge or drafting techniques? Thanks in advance for
the input.

~~
Kyle Schneider
Message 6 of 20
Anonymous
in reply to: K. Schneider

Certification only shows that you know aspects of the software that comes
from long time usage. It is not a measure of how a person will perform on
the job. It looks good on an resume' but it won't guantee that you can
perform the job...... 🙂

--
Dennis Jeffrey, Autodesk Inventor Certified Expert
Autodesk Manufacturing Implementation Certified Expert.
260-399-6615
Instructor/Author/Sr. App Engr.
AIP 11SP3, AIP 2008 SP2, PcCillin AV
HP zv5000 AMD64 ( modified)
Geforce Go 440, Driver: .8185, 2GB RAM
XP Pro SP2, Windows Classic Theme
http://teknigroup.com
Message 7 of 20
dgorsman
in reply to: K. Schneider

If somebody was out of work for a while, having something that showed they were keeping up to date with AutoCAD during that period would be of some benefit. Otherwise its more down to the designers capabilities. Sending employees out for certification on company time is probably a waste of money, better they spend it learning the specifics of the company standards.
----------------------------------
If you are going to fly by the seat of your pants, expect friction burns.
"I don't know" is the beginning of knowledge, not the end.


Message 8 of 20
K. Schneider
in reply to: K. Schneider

Do you think it is important as a CAD Manager to get & maintain certification?

~~
Kyle Schneider
Message 9 of 20
Anonymous
in reply to: K. Schneider

Man I hope not. Between learning the new quirks in the software, refining
the workflow for Civil 3D, learning .NET, user support etc. I really don't
have the time to worry about certification.

The biggest reason I don't see much value in certification is that AutoCAD
products are so broad/general you could easily be a certified expert in what
ever and not really have the knowledge in how to use the software the way
"THIS" company need it used. There really is no "base line" AutoCAD or
vertical that people are using compared to say Word or Access, at least from
what I've seen.

--

Lance White
CADD Manager

Windows XP PRO (latest SP)
2008 (latest SP)
Civil 3D, LDT
Map, MAP 3D
wrote in message news:5812613@discussion.autodesk.com...
Do you think it is important as a CAD Manager to get & maintain
certification?

~~
Kyle Schneider
Message 10 of 20
Anonymous
in reply to: K. Schneider

By the way, that isn't to say that I think certification is a horrible idea
for an individual, more knowledge is always good. I just don't see the
employer side benefit.

--

Lance White
CADD Manager

Windows XP PRO (latest SP)
2008 (latest SP)
Civil 3D, LDT
Map, MAP 3D
"Lance White" wrote in message
news:5812682@discussion.autodesk.com...
Man I hope not. Between learning the new quirks in the software, refining
the workflow for Civil 3D, learning .NET, user support etc. I really don't
have the time to worry about certification.

The biggest reason I don't see much value in certification is that AutoCAD
products are so broad/general you could easily be a certified expert in what
ever and not really have the knowledge in how to use the software the way
"THIS" company need it used. There really is no "base line" AutoCAD or
vertical that people are using compared to say Word or Access, at least from
what I've seen.

--

Lance White
CADD Manager

Windows XP PRO (latest SP)
2008 (latest SP)
Civil 3D, LDT
Map, MAP 3D
wrote in message news:5812613@discussion.autodesk.com...
Do you think it is important as a CAD Manager to get & maintain
certification?

~~
Kyle Schneider
Message 11 of 20
Anonymous
in reply to: K. Schneider

I have the opposite view, as I would recommend our users become certified.
This is based upon my experience training CAD and design staff that have
limited CAD skills, due to the current labor shortage here. I believe the
certification would guarantee that the CAD and design staff would have the
basics required for CAD drafting, which they definitely do not when we hire
them. Our training does cover the basics, and our corporate way of design
and drafting. However, spending time on tech support problems to cover
basics is not the best use of my time. Besides, if I know the users have
been certified in the basics of AutoCAD, I can spend more time on advanced
training, which offers better value to our company, and our owners.

However, it looks like I am in the minority...

Keith Biggs
CAD Manager
RF Binnie & Associates Ltd,
Burnaby, BC Canada

"Lance White" wrote in message
news:5812629@discussion.autodesk.com...
By the way, that isn't to say that I think certification is a horrible idea
for an individual, more knowledge is always good. I just don't see the
employer side benefit.

--

Lance White
CADD Manager

Windows XP PRO (latest SP)
2008 (latest SP)
Civil 3D, LDT
Map, MAP 3D
Message 12 of 20
Anonymous
in reply to: K. Schneider

Not really, but like others in the thread, I think while it probbly won't
help, it can't hurt either. Some companies thrive on dotting i's and
crossing t's and things like checking the box next to "Has Certification"
may mean the difference between a raise and no raise...


wrote in message news:5812613@discussion.autodesk.com...
Do you think it is important as a CAD Manager to get & maintain
certification?

~~
Kyle Schneider
Message 13 of 20
Tom Smith
in reply to: K. Schneider

I think it doesn't matter at all, but like others, what the heck, it doesn't hurt either. It's the kind of merit badge that people put on their resumes.

As someone else said, I may be the only person in our company who's had NO formal training in CAD whatsoever. There wasn't any such thing as certification when I learned, and I'm at a point in my career where having that sort of star on my report card iisn't of interest to anybody.

I agree this sort of thing could have value for someone returning to work, or trying for a more glorified job title such as CAD "manager."
Message 14 of 20
Anonymous
in reply to: K. Schneider

Kyle,
I somewhat disagree with the some other prevailing opinions here in this
thread you started. Let me give you my take on it, fwiw, if you've got a few
minutes. It seems to me that they are missing a point - that sure, it isn't
about supplanting any formal education requirements or on the job
experience, or ability to perform the assigned tasks - those important
milestones are and should be assumed (for this discussion) already in place
from the beginning or you wouldn't hire, or get hired, in the first place.
Its' an entirely different issue of continuing education for the exact tool
you are using - the non-AIA credit type (although some, maybe). I took the
testing back at AU for ADT2005 three years ago and passed. It was tough. I
also took the cert prep class @ AU, prior to the exam. I'm a one man shop,
but I sometimes consult & teach - so I wanted it for that reason. Has it
ever helped, for sure. Has anyone ever asked for it (or proof of) - no.
Will I retest in the future? Maybe? Nevertheless, I say if you take very
adept architects and give them highend tools and the proper training and
they are self motivated to continue that quest - it is a very potent
combination.
I also think you are on the right track, with respect to cert for
ADT/ACA ..... especially for yourself (as the arch. Cad mgr. / job captain)
and for any other real "go getter" types in your office, who take their job
seriously and natural lead takers. The certification in and by only itself
is nothing, but it will make anyone who takes the step to goto a prep course
(highly recommended!) and the exam testing itself - more well rounded in the
understanding some of the finer points of the software. The cert process is
going to force anybody who attempts it, to really dive into the software and
KNOW its' many area's of coverage that they might otherwise skate by, and
believe me in this new BIM era of ObjectBased building design software like
ADT/ACA (or Revit) there are many areas that can be explored, and in depth.
From Areas& Area groups, Curtain Walls, & Display Reps all the way to
Scheduling & Rendering there's allot of possibilities packed in these Arch
BIM packages these days - actually far more than any one person could ever
hope to be a real expert in ALL phases - so you do need a team that's on the
same page.
It boils down to more of a matter of those who want to take the software
(and the office) much further down the road then just the typical; you
know - I can draw walls, doors, and windows, and the raw basics with BIM.
Providing true added value to an employer - by wringing much, much, more
useful data out of the building model & very same software package than the
status quo (which the masses of employees seem to think equates to job
security). Do you wear it like a badge? No, the opposite, you matter of
factly go about getting more & better done in less time, all the while
kicking butt in the team aspect and taking no prisoners.
For what it's worth,
Good luck,
--
Kevin Anderson
www.KAddAssociates.com
Message 15 of 20
K. Schneider
in reply to: K. Schneider

One of my thoughts has always been that people should have enough care and interest in the tools they use daily in their career to learn as much potentially beneficial information about them as possible. I have wanted to get my certifications ever since I learned they had them. I just now feel comfortable with my knowledge to take the tests (user & expert). I am also striving for the CAD Manager position at the firm I'm with (currently drafter/lead CAD). As you stated, I think this to be an addition to their current drafting/design skills. I currently spend a min. of 1 hour a day answering elementary questions about simple CAD problems that in my opinion, anyone drafting beyond High School should know. Where I find it really sad is most of the people in this office has been using CAD longer than me (I have approx 4.5 yrs on ADT). Yet they don't know the simple things like backing up their CAD settings or changing or customizing their workspace. I do agree that certification is more of a "merit badge" or something for a resume, but it also shows that you have the motivation & care to go the extra step and learn about the program that helps make you and the company successful.

~~
Kyle Schneider
Message 16 of 20
K. Schneider
in reply to: K. Schneider

So I went to The CAD Store last Tuesday and tested for my User cert. (passed with no problem) and came to this conclusion... Autodesk needs to get there sh** straight with their testing process! The test ended up taking 1 1/2 hours longer than it was supposed to due to Autodesk. I was locked out of the testing service after pausing due to a lovely program error. Kicked of again while reviewing it. Not to mention I couldn't answer 3 of the questions because Autodesk had locked out the tools they were telling me to use in the questions! (when the test wasn't running the tools worked just fine). Of course I guess it wouldn't be Autodesk if there wasn't crashes, freezes and other mindless problems! ...maybee they were just testing my ability to deal with the program?

~~
Kyle Schneider
Message 17 of 20
JDMather
in reply to: K. Schneider

>...maybee they were just testing my ability to deal with the program?

That's what I always thought - why should the test be any different than the real world. ;~)

Autodesk Inventor Certified Expert
Certified SolidWorks Professional

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Message 18 of 20
Anonymous
in reply to: K. Schneider

How did you take the test?? can you refer me to some info on Obtaining
Autdesk certification?
wrote in message news:5822271@discussion.autodesk.com...
So I went to The CAD Store last Tuesday and tested for my User cert. (passed
with no problem) and came to this conclusion... Autodesk needs to get there
sh** straight with their testing process! The test ended up taking 1 1/2
hours longer than it was supposed to due to Autodesk. I was locked out of
the testing service after pausing due to a lovely program error. Kicked of
again while reviewing it. Not to mention I couldn't answer 3 of the
questions because Autodesk had locked out the tools they were telling me to
use in the questions! (when the test wasn't running the tools worked just
fine). Of course I guess it wouldn't be Autodesk if there wasn't crashes,
freezes and other mindless problems! ...maybee they were just testing my
ability to deal with the program?

~~
Kyle Schneider
Message 19 of 20
K. Schneider
in reply to: K. Schneider

I took mine through our reseller. You go online, select the test you want to take, pay for it, then pick a location in your area and schedule a time. The test itself is proctored and lasts about 2 hours (or in my case with all the problems, 3 1/2 hrs). You can find out all the information you need here:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=10095419

Hope this helps,

~~
Kyle Schneider
Message 20 of 20
Anonymous
in reply to: K. Schneider

Ok thanks!
wrote in message news:5831713@discussion.autodesk.com...
I took mine through our reseller. You go online, select the test you want to
take, pay for it, then pick a location in your area and schedule a time. The
test itself is proctored and lasts about 2 hours (or in my case with all the
problems, 3 1/2 hrs). You can find out all the information you need here:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=10095419

Hope this helps,

~~
Kyle Schneider

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