Key details
Building on basic concepts teaches the use of features, commands and techniques for becoming more productive when creating, annotating and printing drawings in AutoCAD.
Sessions include:
- advanced drawing techniques,
- using macros for customisation,
- using system variables,
- dynamic blocks,
- parametrics,
plus many more. Click here to see the full course syllabus.
In-class or online
This course is available in-class at eight centres or live online.
Upcoming course dates
View all course dates and book
Who should attend?
This course is for existing AutoCAD users who want to take their use of the application to the next level.
Is the training industry-specific?
The AutoCAD drawing techniques taught are generic, relevant to all industries. You will be able to apply them to whatever you’re going to be doing in the application.
Our trainers draw on exercises from a variety of disciplines.
Accredited AutoCAD training
Armada is an Autodesk authorised Training Centre (ATC), and our AutoCAD Intermediate training courses are accredited by Autodesk.
AutoCAD Intermediate training is hosted by Autodesk Certified Instructors, with vast experience of using the application professionally. For details, see Expert trainers.
How will I learn?
AutoCAD Intermediate training is hands-on and practical.
Our trainers teach the necessary theory then demonstrate techniques step-by-step. You then practice the techniques taught on a computer running AutoCAD.
There is plenty of time to ask questions, and you can take away all the files you create.
AutoCAD Intermediate training guide and certificate
You’ll receive:
- A practical AutoCAD training guide, to refer to during the course and use as a refresher after. Choose from a printed, bound guide or a PDF – whatever suits you best. If you’re participating online and you choose a printed guide, we’ll post this to you.
- An e-certificate confirming successful completion of an accredited AutoCAD Intermediate training course. Click here to see an example of the certificate you receive.
AutoCAD certification exams
When you attend AutoCAD training, you’re not assessed and there is no exam to sit. We teach you practical skills you can use in the real world, not prepare you to sit a test.
If you want to gain an industry-recognised credential in AutoCAD, we offer an Autodesk certification exam that you can sit on a future date.
Exams are sat online, from your place of work or home. For further details, see Certification exam.
After course support
Following AutoCAD Intermediate training, delegates are entitled to 30 days’ email support from their AutoCAD trainer to help with any post-course issues. For further details, see Support.
Prerequisites
You should be familiar with the fundamentals of AutoCAD, i.e. have attended AutoCAD Essentials training or have equivalent knowledge through other means.
AutoCAD version
Training is based primarily on AutoCAD 2026. It is relevant to users of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, version 2020 and later, running on a Windows computer.
If you’re using AutoCAD LT, you’ll be able to actively participate in around 80% of the topics covered in this course. A small number of techniques covered not supported in LT, so you’ll have to observe these.
This course is not suitable for users of AutoCAD for Mac.
Our guarantees to you
We offer:
On-request AutoCAD training available
AutoCAD Intermediate training is also available on-request, i.e. one-to-one training or a ‘closed course’ for your group, hosted at one of our centres, your venue or online.
On-request AutoCAD training can be tailored to take into account any existing knowledge you have, and the work you’re going to be doing. Please contact us for a quote.
Expert trainers
AutoCAD Intermediate training courses are hosted by:
Stewart Cobb
Stewart began his working life as a junior draughtsman, and progressed through to Design Director leading a studio of designers working on both 2D and 3D projects.
He then worked for himself for over 25 years, completing around 100 design projects per year for a myriad of clients, including household names such as Vauxhall and McDonalds.
More recently, Stewart’s focus has been on training. He has been an Autodesk Certified Instructor since 2010, hosting courses in AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, AutoCAD Plant 3D, Civil 3D, AVT and Advance Steel. He’s also an expert user of Trimble SketchUp.
In between courses, Stewart uses these applications professionally when carrying out project work for clients. Using the applications regularly helps him to keep up-to-date with the latest technologies and practices. He also specialises in the production of photorealistic rendered images and visualisations using renderers including V-Ray.
Outside of work, Stewart enjoys music (he runs the sound desk for a number of local bands), reading and playing with any new piece of technology he can lay his hands on!
Martin McCann
Martin McCann qualified as an Architect in 1986, and he holds a teaching certificate (further and adult education).
He is a long-established Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), a capacity in which he has taught thousands of professionals, including Architects, Structural Engineers and Mechanical Engineers, for over 20 years.
Martin has expert knowledge of Revit, NavisWorks, ReCap, AutoCAD and AutoCAD Architecture, amongst other Autodesk applications.
He has been commissioned by Autodesk on multiple occasions to host sessions for them at locations including New York, Chicago, Moscow, Milan and Munich. He has trained Autodesk’s staff and many other Autodesk Certified Instructors, and has operated as a visiting Lecturer at the University of Northumbria and Cambridge School of Art.
Martin is the author of the McCann’s BIM Guides series of published Revit training manuals.
Rod Cleasby
Rod has over 25 years’ experience working as a designer, visualisation expert and artist. His specialist areas include architecture, interior design and the production of photorealistic 3d virtual environments.
AutoCAD, 3ds Max and SketchUp have been the mainstay of Rod’s professional work for 20 years. He is also an expert in various related tools and technologies, including Photoshop, and he has expert knowledge of a wide range of renderers, including V-Ray, ART, Arnold and LightUp.
Rod has extensive training experience. He has worked as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Westminster on their Computer Visualisation course, and he is a long-established Autodesk Certified Instructor.
Away from his professional work, Rod is an accomplished artist and musician, and a prolific writer of novels, novella, poetry and prose.
Andy Roe
Andy has worked in CAD for over 30 years in roles including Draughtsman, CAD System Manager, Project Manager and Design Engineer.
In recent years, Andy has focused on developing and delivering training courses. He is a long-established Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), and he focuses primarily on Autodesk applications including AutoCAD, Inventor, Fusion, 3ds Max and Sketchbook, as well as Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks.
Andy continues to undertake project work to keep up-to-date with the latest technologies and practices. He specialises in modelling complex 3D designs from prototype to production, including the development of visuals and animations for a range of engineering projects.
Industries in which Andy has significant experience include aerospace, defence and automotive.
Carl Portman
Carl Portman has been an Autodesk-accredited instructor for 25 years, a College Lecturer (City and Guilds 3D modelling) for 15 years and a CAD consultant for 35 years.
Carl’s background is in engineering. He has vast design experience in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace and medical, and he continues to carry out project work for a range of clients. Projects that Carl has completed include designing complete car plants for Jaguar Land Rover.
Carl has expert knowledge of:
- A wide range of 3D design applications used in engineering, including AutoCAD, Alias, Fusion, Inventor and SolidWorks.
- Machining, CAM and CNC.
Away from work, Carl’s passion is motorsport, and until recently he raced motorbikes. He knows Silverstone and Brands Hatch like the back of his hand, and he has the scars to prove it.
John Billyard
John has used CAD software for over 35 years, providing high quality engineering and architectural designs to a wide range of clients
He has provided training in the applications he uses for a similar length of time, and for the last 15 years, has been commissioned directly by Autodesk to provide consulting and training services to their corporate client base.
John hosts courses in various Autodesk applications including AutoCAD, Fusion, Inventor and Vault. He also trains Dassault Systèmes’ SolidWorks, Trimble SketchUp and Epic Games’ Twinmotion.
He takes pride in keeping pace with the latest industry design tools and technologies; enabling him to meet the challenges and demands of an ever changing working environment.
Nebille Al-Wahid
Nebille studied architecture at University, achieving a high-grade BSc and an MSc distinction.
Over the last 20 years, he has worked for architectural practices, local authorities and numerous blue-chip clients in the construction and related industries.
Roles Nebille has carried out include Architectural Technician, Visualiser/Animator, Revit/BIM Coordinator, Software Developer and Consultant. He specialises in project setup, family creation and team structures/collaboration.
Alongside his hands-on work, Nebille hosts regular courses in 3ds Max, AutoCAD, Revit and NavisWorks. He has been an Autodesk Certified Trainer since 2006.
Simon Oliver
Simon studied Building and Civil Engineering and worked for a short while in a shop fitting drawing office. This gave him a good background for when he started to work with AutoCAD and Autodesk’s architectural add-ons.
Simon became a CAD operator at one of the first Autodesk main dealers in the UK in the mid 1980’s, and soon progressed to carrying out sales demonstrations, hosting training and providing support to companies in a wide range of industry sectors.
Since 1992, Simon has focused on training, continuing to specialise in AutoCAD and the AutoCAD Architecture specialised toolset. He is a long-standing Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), and has City and Guilds training qualifications.
Marnus van Staden
Marnus van Staden is an experienced professional with over a decade of expertise in Autodesk software instruction and consulting. With a strong civil engineering background, Marnus has contributed to many projects including railways, bridges, commercial and residential buildings, and complex steel and concrete structures.
As an instructor, Marnus has spent 10 years helping clients gain confidence in using Autodesk tools like AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, Civil 3D, Revit, Navisworks, Infraworks and BIM 360, creating customised instruction programs for a diverse range of industries.
Known for his practical, hands-on approach, Marnus offers a first-class experience to individuals and organisations looking to elevate their Autodesk skills and project efficiency.
Marnus continues to work as an Autodesk consultant, advising clients on best practices and tailored solutions to boost productivity and project outcomes.
Lee Brown
Lee Brown is an Autodesk Certified Instructor with 25 years’ experience working as a Draughtsman and Electrical Design Engineer.
He has numerous City and Guilds qualifications in subjects including AutoCAD 3D Design, Advanced AutoCAD System Management and Electrical Engineering.
Lee splits his time between training, and working as a Consultant. He specialises in the implementation, configuration of AutoCAD Electrical to company’s specific requirements. Industries in which Lee has implemented AutoCAD Electrical include Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Defence, Aerospace, and Building Services.
Lee has developed a range of courses for AutoCAD Electrical, and written the accompanying training guides.
He remains hands-on, carrying out regular Electrical System design and Control Panel design projects. Other tasks and project’s he’s undertaken recently include the administration of CAD databases, creation of drawing office standards, review of existing operating practices and workflows, and the management of a team of eight draughtsman.
Calum Fischer-Keogh
As a registered architect, Calum has 30 years’ experience delivering technically challenging, multi-disciplinary design and construction projects using applications including AutoCAD and Revit.
Calum has lead implementation, development, sales and training teams in a CAD environment. He has a deep level of understanding of AutoCAD and Revit. As well as hosting training courses, he has significant experience presenting and demonstrating Autodesk’s solutions to clients at public events, advising clients on the implementation of Autodesk applications within their practices and troubleshooting issues that arise.
Away from training, Calum enjoys keeping fit by swimming, participating in watersports, running and hillwalking. When not participating himself, he supports his children in their competitive sporting activities.
Shaun Bryant
Shaun is an Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI) in AutoCAD and Revit, with over 33 years of industry experience.
Shaun has worked as a consultant, trainer, CAD manager, and user, with the earlier years of his CAD career in sales, pre-sales, and business development. He is also a world-class LinkedIn Learning author of numerous AutoCAD and Revit online learning courses. He is also the owner and author of the reputable CAD blog, Not Just CAD!
He has been a director on the board of Autodesk User Group International (AUGI), and is a seasoned Autodesk University (AU) speaker and mentor. Shaun was the AutoCAD expert at the inaugural Autodesk University London in June 2017, he is an Autodesk Expert Elite and AutoCAD Influencer, and he’s the author of the recent Wiley title, ‘Tinkercad For Dummies’.
Away from training, Shaun is known to dabble in a bit of rock ‘n’ roll as an established singer/songwriter.
Philip Madeley
Philip’s background is in Civil Engineering. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, and has worked as a Consultant in this industry for many years.
Philip is also a long-standing Autodesk Certified Instructor, with specialist knowledge of AutoCAD and related GIS applications such as Civil 3D, AutoCAD Map 3D and InfraWorks.
Philip’s approach to training is practical. He loves to utilise his knowledge and experience to show delegates how they can make best use of the software on their own projects.
Away from training, Philip’s interests are photography, and watching rugby and cricket. He also does voluntary work, and describes himself as an all-round lover of life.
Certification exams
Armada is an Autodesk Certification Centre offering exams that lead to industry-recognised qualifications. For AutoCAD, we offer an Autodesk Certified User (ACU) exam.
Whether you’re a student or a professional, achieving AutoCAD ACU status validates your skillset, providing enhanced credibility and accelerated professional development.
Successful candidates receive:
- An e-certificate (PDF) from Autodesk confirming your AutoCAD-certified status.
- An official Autodesk-Certified badge that you can use to market your skills, e.g. on your business cards, in your email signature, on your website, etc.
To read more about the benefits of achieving Autodesk-certified status in AutoCAD, read Lyndsay Mann’s blog What benefits does Autodesk certification bring?
Autodesk Certified User (ACU) exam in AutoCAD
Entry level exam to validate your knowledge of fundamental concepts and procedures in AutoCAD.
- Qualification: Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD.
- Length of exam: 50 minutes.
- Recommended preparation: Attend AutoCAD Essentials training, and have approximately 50 hours’ experience using AutoCAD.
- Further details: download exam guide.
Practice test
A practice test is available that reflects the questions you’re likely to be asked in your AutoCAD ACU exam. The practice test is taken online, from your place of work or home. The test has two modes:
- Testing mode, which replicates your exam.
- Training mode, which provides step-by-step help on questions.
The practice test can be retaken up to 30 times in a one-year period. (You’re asked the same questions each time.)
Practice tests are available for installation on Windows computers running AutoCAD. For further details, see www.gmetrix.net/GetGMetrixSMS.aspx.
Practice tests can only be purchased from Armada along with an exam.
Prices
AutoCAD ACU exam: £150 + VAT.
Discounted price available to Armada training delegates: £100 + VAT.
AutoCAD ACU exam/practice test bundle: £200 + VAT.
Discounted price available to Armada training delegates: £150 + VAT.
AutoCAD ACU exam retake: £75 + VAT.
When can I take my AutoCAD exam?
You can take your exam in one of our regular AutoCAD exam sessions.
Dates of forthcoming AutoCAD exams: 11 Apr, 09 May, 6 Jun, 11 Jul, 15 Aug, 19 Sep.
Exam sittings usually take place in the afternoon, at 2pm. We confirm your exam time one week before your sitting.
Booking an exam and payment options
To book an exam, please email exams@armada.co.uk providing details of the exam you’d like to sit, or call 01527 834783.
Payment for ACU exams can be made by bank transfer or card.
We accept purchase orders from UK-registered companies and public sector organisations.
Q and A
- What version of AutoCAD am I tested on?
You can choose to be tested on the 2023, 2024 or 2025 application version.
- What is the pass mark for AutoCAD ACU certification exams?
You will be notified of the pass mark prior to your exam starting.
- When do I find out if I’ve passed?
Immediately, when you complete your exam. Your result is displayed on-screen.
- What happens if I do not pass?
You will receive a diagnostic score report that indicates areas for improvement. You may then retake the examination as needed. Should you need to retake an exam, simply re-book. Discounted prices are available for retakes.
- Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Email any questions you have to exams@armada.co.uk.
See also…
Exam Ts & Cs
See Exam Terms and conditions.
“This course was very insightful and helpful. I have learnt many new skills and this will make my working life much easier.”
Isabelle C
“I feel the course has definitely helped me further my skills and I will be able to put these into practice.”
Thomas B
“Very informative course delivered by a very knowledgeable instructor. My aim was to develop new skills to add to my daily use of AutoCAD, this was achieved.”
David H
“I'm very happy with the training provided, it will really help me to develop skills in my current role. Nebille was very patient and answered any questions that I had. ”
Jay B
“I recently completed the AutoCAD Intermediate course, and overall, it was a valuable learning experience. While some aspects proved to be quite challenging, particularly for an intermediate level, our instructor, Nebille, demonstrated exceptional patience with the entire class. His willingness to revisit and clarify complex topics was commendable. His commitment to ensuring everyone grasped the material contributed significantly to the positive learning environment. I would rate the course 10/10, thanks to Nebille's patience and dedication to our understanding of AutoCAD.”
Tristan C
“Carl was a brilliant instructor, very clear, understanding, and experienced. Can't speak highly enough. I learnt some really useful skills that are relevant to both my job and my personal interests. The online process was also very slick and all the pre-information before taking part was well communicated. Overall, a great experience.”
Abel G
“Content explained really well and delivered exceptionally, excellent course. As a previous attendee of the Essentials course, the Intermediate is really going to assist in my day to day job.”
Henrijs B
“Nebille has been a really positive instructor over the last few days. I can see clear benefits to use of tools such as dynamic blocks, fields, x-referencing, etc. Hopefully there will be elements of this that I will be able to put to good use in my day-to-day work and advance my understanding of the way AutoCAD functions.”
James D
“It was a very pleasant and productive three days with Carl Portman, many thanks to him for his patience and motivation to teach.”
Julia B
“Very useful and informative.”
Dave G
“An amazing course made even better by an amazing instructor!”
Conor H
“Great course, great instructor. Will recommend to my colleagues.
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Viktor R
“I have been using Autocad for the last 4 years. I have learnt so many new skills on this course. Steward Cobb was an amazing instructor and I will be looking into further training courses (as long as they are with Stewart) :)
”
Shaun A
“Brilliant course! Excellent Trainer.
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Sherry S
“Great course which went into further detail on skills previously learned on the Essentials course, as well as this there where a lot of tips and shortcuts which will help my overall user experience of using AutoCAD in the future.
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Karen Z
“Excellent course. Useful introduction to the possibility of 3D Plant course
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Jason H
“Carl was a great instructor. Intensive 3 days but glad I did it.
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Jake W
“Extremely beneficial course which I would highly recommend along with the instructor. Fantastic
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Michael B
“Very good course and trainer, really happy with knowledge gained and new skills learned”
Abbi A
“Great course! I have learned tips and tricks I wish I knew years ago, thank you Carl for the training!”
Melissa S
“Very helpful and thorough. Learned a lot more and will save me time when drawing which is the most important thing in my eyes.”
Jack H
“Very helpful and thorough. Learned a lot more and will save me time when drawing, which is the most important in my eyes. Many thanks”
Jack H
“Enjoyed the course, lots of important information which will be invaluable in my role. Thank you.”
James W
“Great course with a great instructor. Thanks Simon for making the course interesting and keeping the pace easy to keep up and understand.”
Steve W
“This course has been very informative and has helped me expand my current skills.”
Elyce F
“The course was very informative and well delivered in a friendly environment. I will definitely be able to take what I have learnt forward with my career. I will be recommending this training to my managers so that my employees can get the same training I have received.”
Michael F
“Extremely good instructor with a wealth of knowledge ”
Dean M
“Good course certainly worth doing and will recommend to others in the department”
Keith F
“Course content was engaging and was well planned out, tutor was funny and engaging, the structure of his lessons were precise and flexible depending on the students jobs. He was good at engaging students and never made myself or other students feel uneasy or that we could not do what we were being asked. I would highly recommend this tutor to anyone who was interested. Regards. ”
Sam R
“Course content was engaging and was well planned out, tutor was funny and engaging, the structure of his lessons were precise and flexible depending on the students jobs. He was good at engaging students and never made myself or others feel uneasy or that we could not do what we were being asked. I would highly recommend this tutor to anyone who was interested. Regards. ”
Sam R
“I enjoyed the course very much. With Martins help I have been able to pick out the parts that are best for my work.”
David C
“Excellent course, very informative”
Susan C
“Very knowledgeable instructor, good pace and very interestin”
Shaun M
“Fantastic Course once again. Carl is an excellent teacher, and is very patient. Very knowledgeable, and problems instantly resolved. I would recommend this course, and would HIGHLY recommend Carl to anyone! Thoroughly enjoyed it! ”
Jordan K
“Great course well presented”
Ian C
“Very good course learnt a lot”
Kirsty P
“Excellent course materials and presentation from Martin. Thanks very much.”
Chris B
“A great well worth while course to take part in, lots learnt from it. ”
Keith E
“Stewart Cobb was really helpful and overall good course.”
Jerome A
“Very good course well presented. I have learned a lot.”
Robert B
“Great training course, Stewart was highly experienced & stripped everything back for us. I will be able to use these skills on anyone's machine.”
Thomas M
“Was a simple to follow course and learnt many new features I have not used before.”
Charlie B
“Stewart was a fantastic teacher. Preferred doing training at home rather than travelling to learning centre. Zoom worked very well for course.”
Lewis Y
AutoCAD Intermediate training
