Key details
Comprehensive Autodesk Fusion training for newcomers, teaching everything you need to create high-performing product designs.
Autodesk Fusion (formerly Fusion 360) provides a single cloud-based platform that you can use to carry out all aspects of product development, from design and testing, through to simulation and fabrication.
Fusion Essentials training provides a thorough grounding, teaching key techniques including:
- Sketching
- 3D modelling
- Assemblies
- Visualisations, rendered images and animations
- Simulation
- Drawings
- Importing CAD data into Fusion.
In-class or online
This course is available in-class at eight centres or live online.
Upcoming course dates
View all course dates and bookAccredited Fusion training
Armada is an Autodesk authorised Training Centre (ATC), and our Fusion training courses are accredited by Autodesk.
Fusion courses are hosted by Autodesk Certified Instructors, with vast experience of using the application professionally. For further details, see Expert trainers.
Autodesk Fusion training guide and certificate
Course delegates receive:
- A comprehensive training guide for Fusion, to refer to throughout the course, and to use as a refresher afterwards.
- An e-certificate confirming successful completion of an accredited Fusion 360 training course. Click here to see an example of the certificate you receive.
Fusion certification exams
When you attend Fusion 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 Fusion, 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.
Fusion running on Windows or Mac
Fusion works almost identically running on a Windows computer or Mac, and our course is suitable for users of both platforms. (There are some minor differences, but nothing of significance.)
When you attend training in-class, you’ll practice on a Windows computer. If you participate live online, you can run Fusion on either a Windows computer or Mac.
Training is based on the current version of Fusion.
After course support
Following Fusion training, delegates are entitled to 30 days’ email support from their trainer to help with any post-course issues. For further details, see Support.
Prerequisites
No prior Fusion or 3D modelling knowledge is required.
Experience using a CAD application, such as AutoCAD, is beneficial but not essential.
Fusion version
Training is based on the latest version of Fusion, running on Windows or Mac.
Our guarantees to you
We offer:
On-request Fusion training available
Fusion Essentials 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 Fusion 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.
General information
Course times
9.30am–4.30pm.
Payment
Payment for Fusion training can be made by:
- Bank transfer. Please call 01527 834783 for our bank details.
- Card. All major credit and debit cards accepted. Payment can be made securely online or over the phone. Card payments are processed by Stripe. Armada doesn’t record or store your card details.
Purchase orders
We accept purchase orders from UK-registered companies and public sector organisations.
Cancellations and transfers
You can cancel a booking on a scheduled training course, or transfer to a later course, without penalty providing you give us 10 working days’ notice. Any fees already paid will be refunded.
If you cancel a booking on a scheduled Fusion Essentials course giving less than 10 working days’ notice, or request a transfer to a later course, a cancellation/transfer fee is payable. The fee charged depends on the notice period given. For details, see cancellation terms.
Different terms apply for the cancellation or postponement of an on-request course (one-to-one training or a ‘closed course’ for your group). For details, see course cancellations.
Terms and conditions
Training course bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.
Expert trainers
Fusion Essentials training courses are hosted by:
Steve Taylor
Steve has over 35 years’ experience as an applications and training engineer.
Working as a consultant and instructor specialising in Autodesk Fusion, Steve assists companies looking to embrace and adopt 3D printing and additive manufacturing processes.
Previously, Steve has held leadership roles in engineering, education and training. At KnowledgePoint, he had overall responsibility for Partner Account Management for Autodesk Education Programs in the Academic and Commercial space. Prior to that, Steve was the Area Leader Careers and Partnerships at Manchester Communication Academy.
Steve pioneered the Worldskills UK Additive Manufacturing competition, actively equipping the next generation with essential advanced manufacturing skills for the future.
Steve Cox
Steve’s background is in engineering. He has over 30 years’ experience working in the automotive industry, leading teams of up to 25 engineers working on multi-million pound projects.
Steve is now a 3D technologies consultant and instructor who specialises in Autodesk Fusion. Working in both education and industry across a wide range of sectors, Steve’s focus is on upskilling engineering and manufacturing users in the latest 3D digital engineering workflows, helping them embrace 3D printing and additive manufacturing.
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.
Drew Smith
Drew is a highly-experienced Instructor and College Lecturer with a demonstrated history of working in design and craft education.
He has expert knowledge of a range of Autodesk applications, including AutoCAD, Fusion and 3ds Max, and Adobe Photoshop and InDesign.
Drew has impressive qualifications, which include a First Degree from the University of Oxford, and a Master’s Degree and PGCE from the University of Brighton.
Course content
Introduction to Autodesk Fusion
- Autodesk Fusion fundamentals
- Feature-based modelling
- Parametric features
- Managing assembled designs
- Design documentation
- Getting Started
- Understanding workspaces
- Understanding projects
- The Autodesk Fusion interface
- Ribbon
- BROWSER
- Accessing commands
- Design navigation and display
- Design navigation
- ViewCube
- Named views
- Design display
- Geometry selection
- Environment and effects
- Managing your designs and project data
- Importing and exporting data
- Using A360 and Fusion to manage data
- Version management
Creating the first feature with quick shapes
- Design units and origin
- Quick shape creation
Sketching
- Introduction to sketching
- Starting a new sketch
- Creating sketch objects
- Turning sketches into 3D objects
- Sketch Entities
- Rectangles
- Dimensioning
- Dynamic input
- Sketch dimensions
- Sketch constraints
- Extruding and revolving a sketch
- Additional entity types
- Polygons
- Ellipse
- Slot
- Tangent arc using a line
- Tangent line between circles or arcs
- Fillets
- Construction entities
- Editing tools
- Additional dimension tools
- Center dimensions
- Radius or diameter dimensions
- Angular dimensions
- Over- constrained sketches
- Sketched secondary features
- Using existing geometry to project new geometry
Modelling
- The different modelling options available
- Solid modelling
- Direct modelling
- History modelling
- Parametric modelling
- Changing aspects of your model that automatically update
- Part libraries and content
- Accessing standard parts
- Importing parts data into a design
- Feature duplication tools
- Mirroring geometry
- Patterning features
- Rectangular and circular patterns
- Pattern on path
- Pick and place features
- Fillets, chamfers, holes
- Editing pick and place features
- Construction features
- Construction planes, axes and points
- Equations and parameters
- Additional features
Assemblies
- Approach 1: Traditional distributed design
- Approach 2: Top-down (multi-body)
Drawings
- Creating 2D drawings from a model or animation
- Add dimensions, balloons and annotations
- Creating a Bill of Materials (BOM)
Visualisations, rendered images and animations
- Materials and appearances
- Decals
- Environments
- Rendering
- Rendering tips and tricks
- Animations
- Exploding assemblies
Simulation
- Example of real-world simulation
CAM and CNC
- High-level discussion of possibilities
Importing CAD data
- Importing other file types – documents, images, specifications
Live online training
Online training lets you participate in a live Fusion course from your place of work or home.
We do everything possible to make your online training experience as close as possible to actually being in the classroom. You can:
- See and hear our trainer, and the other delegates participating in the course…
- Watch our trainer demonstrate techniques in Fusion.
- Interact by speaking, or using chat.
- Share your screen with our trainer, and allow them to take control to explain something.
Like our in-class courses, online Fusion Essentials courses…
- Are presented by Autodesk Certified Instructors.
- Give you plenty of opportunity to carry out assisted, practical exercises using Fusion.
- Offer 30 days’ email support from your trainer.
All you need is an Internet-connected computer with…
- Fusion installed. If you don’t have a current subscription to Fusion, you’re entitled to a 30-day trial that’s ideal for participating in training. We’ll send you a link to this. If you’ve already used your trial, we can lend you a license for the duration of your course.
- A webcam and audio capability. If your computer running Fusion doesn’t have these, you can use a second device, such as another computer or tablet. See Hardware recommendations for live online training for further details.
If there’s anything you’re not sure about we’ll do our best to help you. We won’t be able to assist with your Fusion installation, but we can provide details for Autodesk support who’ll be able to help you with this.
We provide everything else…
- Links to download the files, resources, etc. you’ll use in your course.
- A training guide. For most courses, you can choose from a printed copy that we post to you, or a PDF.
In the week before your course, we’ll send you an email containing everything you need to prepare for and participate in the training. Then, a couple of days before your course, we’ll give you a courtesy call to make sure you have everything in place and answer any questions you may have.
Please note that we are not able to record scheduled online courses for privacy reasons.
When you attend live online training, you’re participating in a real course, hosted by a real trainer, in real time
Discounts and bundles
To make your Fusion training as affordable as possible, we offer:
Fusion CAM training bundle
Book:
for £995 + VAT (classroom-based) or £795 + VAT (live online training), saving £95 + VAT in both cases.
The bundle price will be applied automatically when you add these two courses to your basket.
Training discounts
Multiple places
If you book multiple places on any courses, we can offer you:
- 5% discount if you book two places.
- 10% discount if you book three places.
- 15% discount if you book four places.
- 20% discount if you book five or more places.
This can be for several people attending one course, one person attending several courses, or a combination.
These discounts are available for both classroom-based courses and live online training.
Concessions
We offer a 10% discount on scheduled Fusion course places to:
- Students, teachers and lecturers.
- People who work for a registered charity.
- ISTC members.
These discounts are available for both classroom-based courses and remote training.
Please call us if you qualify for a discount. Evidence of your status that entitles you to a discount may be requested.
Terms and exclusions
Only one of the above discounts can be applied to any booking.
The above discounts are not available for on-request course bookings (one-to-one training or a ‘closed course’ for your group).
Price guarantee
When you book training with Armada, we want you to be certain that you’re not paying over-the-odds. So, if you book a place on any scheduled (public) course and then find the same course at a lower price elsewhere, we will match that price.
To qualify for the price match:
- The course you find must be comparable. By this we mean it must:
- Cover the same subject.
- Be the same duration or longer.
- Hold the same accreditations as our course, i.e. it must be provided by an Autodesk Authorised Training Centre (ATC).
- For classroom-based courses, be in the same region, i.e. within 50 miles of our centre.
- For online training, be a live course, i.e. not pre-prepared e-learning content.
- The lower price must be advertised on the other company’s website.
To claim a price match, just call any time before attending your course and tell us where you saw the price.
Certification exam
Armada is an Autodesk Certification Centre offering exams that lead to industry-recognised qualifications. For Fusion, we offer an Autodesk Certified User (ACU) exam.
Whether you’re a student or a professional, achieving Fusion ACU status validates your skillset, providing enhanced credibility and accelerated professional development.
Successful candidates receive:
- An e-certificate (PDF) from Autodesk confirming your Fusion-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 Fusion, read Lyndsay Mann’s blog What benefits does Autodesk certification bring?
Fusion ACU exam summary
- Entry level exam to validate your knowledge of fundamental concepts and procedures in Fusion.
- Qualification: Autodesk Certified User in Fusion.
- Sat online, from your place of work or home.
- Length of exam: 50 minutes.
- Recommended preparation: Attend Fusion Essentials training, and have 150 hours’ hands-on experience using Fusion.
- For further details, and for a list of the topics and features you’re likely to be tested in, see Fusion ACU exam guide.
Approach to online exam sittings
Exam sittings are monitored by a proctor from Armada.
All you need is a computer (Windows or Mac) with:
- A strong Internet connection (min. 10Mbps).
- Screen resolution at least 1200 x 800.
- Chrome browser.
- A webcam.
You don’t need to have Fusion installed – you’ll access Fusion on a virtual computer during your exam.
Please note: you’re tested on the Windows version of Fusion, irrespective of the computer you use to take your test.
Practice test
A practice test is available that reflects the questions you’re likely to be asked in your Fusion 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 Fusion. For further details, see www.gmetrix.net/GetGMetrixSMS.aspx.
Practice tests can only be purchased from Armada along with an exam.
Prices
Fusion ACU exam: £150 + VAT.
Discounted price available to Armada training delegates: £100 + VAT.
Fusion ACU exam/practice test bundle: £200 + VAT.
Discounted price available to Armada training delegates: £150 + VAT.
Fusion ACU exam retake: £75 + VAT.
When can I take my Fusion exam?
You can take your exam in one of our regular Fusion exam sessions.
Dates of forthcoming Fusion exams: 23 May, 8 Aug, 26 Sept.
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 Fusion am I tested on?
You can choose to be tested on the 2023, 2024 or 2025 application version. - What is the pass mark for Fusion 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.
“Thorough and informative course. Learned enough to progress in my career and also to make my day to day job easier. ”
Ben L
“Very pleased with the amount of knowledge I have gained, the slow build up and using the skills shown to make an end product.”
Bailey T
“Very informative course, jam packed with information. This helped me be more efficient in my everyday job. I would recommend this course to both beginners, as well as people that need a refresher.”
Sade J
“Course was clear and concise, never felt like I was holding the trainer up when mistakes were made. So knowledgeable! Easy to access, great communication from start to finish.”
Keiranne C
“Great course! - really enjoyed the participation from everybody, and Carl Portman was very knowledgeable and taught really well!”
Richard S
“I enjoyed this course and learnt lots of very useful things for my career. The tutor, Carl, was great.”
Millie M
“Had a great laugh with the instructor, Carl. He gave us loads of tips and really helped me visual a lot of abstract concepts. Great course! Thanks Carl : )”
Minal M
“Really enjoyed the course and learned quite a lot being a new user. I'm looking forward to the next course.”
Lee S
“Really great course. Extremely patient instructor and thoroughly enjoyed the step by step process of getting to a quality model that others can pick up from.”
Hannah S
“Andy Roe was a great instructor. One of the best online courses I've ever done. Kept it interesting and was never bored. He was also happy to help at any moment. 10/10 ”
Thomas C
“I have had a fantastic few days learning many new skills in the complex piece of software. Drew has been a great mentor and so very helpful.”
Ben T
“I found the course very helpful and couldn't praise Carl more, he was fantastic!”
Sam H
“A really good course. I will definitely be coming back for more!”
Robert S
“Drew has been brilliant, his knowledge and insight have been really helpful, as well as his easy to approach nature.”
Jordan B
“Overall I found the course very useful, I have previously completed online tutorials so felt I had a basic knowledge of the program, though this course it brought all my knowledge together as well as adding in new things that I hadn't know. My main aim for this course was to understand building assemblies and joints, which I felt I have now fully understand!”
Faye H
“A very well structured course that covered all of the basics that will allow me to get on and make this software a valuable tool. The trainer, Carl, was extremely knowledgeable and is a great communicator. The fact that Carl is a genuine engineer makes him well placed to answer questions about workflow and other subjects that directly correspond to real-world applications. In conclusion, a very well thought-out and valuable course, communicated in an easy way.”
Gareth M
“Carl was one of the single most amazing tutors I've ever had the pleasure of working with. His chirpy and positive character really shines through into how he delivered the course and it's content which created a positive learning environment for everyone on this course. Thank you so much Carl, what a legend!”
Callum V
“A very good course, I could not have asked for more.”
Paul G
“I really enjoyed my time on the course, and despite being a CAD designer for a long time I feel that I still have learnt a lot on this course.”
Will D
“The course has been brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyed the three days, although my brain is sore! Carl clearly knows his stuff and I will be insisting that my colleagues who will be doing the course in future, aim to have Carl as their trainer. ”
Matthew Lowe
“Really good introduction, lots of good real world tips and advice. Thanks Carl.”
Clive W
“Fantastic trainer, was very good communicator, very patient, very experienced. Looking forward to doing the CNC course. I was was nervous about the doing the course but no need as course worked like clockwork. Great support staff as well.”
James T
“I learned so much within just 3 days of training. Carl was lovely and very helpful with every step of the training.”
Thea M
“Great course and instructor, it's given me a good knowledge to start drawing.”
Wayne T
“Great course, excellent instructor - made the learning enjoyable.”
Kevin G
“The course was very well planned with a very approachable tutor. Learnt so much and now will put all into practice.”
Kevin M
“Carl, our tutor, was exceptional and clearly explained in detail everything I needed to know. Getting stuck and asking questions isn't frowned upon and i believe that to be extremely valuable! Great Course!”
Sam D
“Absolutely amazing piece of software (despite the small limitations) and very knowledgeable teacher”
Edson M
“This course was absolutely fantastic! I have used Fusion for several years on and off but through self-teaching, got into bad habits and poor workflows which this course, and Carl specifically, has rectified. I've learned more here in three days than I have studying mechanical engineering at HNC level for a year. Carl has extensive industry knowledge that is invaluable to teaching a course like this and has been able to answer every single question thanks to his brilliant teaching skills. The training book is also an excellent resource to take home and I will be referring back to it many times going forward. The lunch options were also ten times better than any other course I've attended!”
Ben W
“Carl Portman is very knowledgeable and patient in explaining the techniques needed to progress the course. The content of the course has covered what I was hoping it would and will provide me with the skills I need in order to continue using Fusion 360 for my profession. Carl adapted the training to include extras that myself and other delegates asked for, in addition to the main course syllabus.”
Philip C
“Very happy with the course and how it was delivered.”
Myles J
“Great tutor who goes above and beyond with teaching and recommendations across Revit and AutoCAD. Would definitely recommend and use Armada if needed further software training.”
Michelle S
“Brilliant course, fantastic instructor, overall very happy with the course.”
Rachel C
“Fantastic and knowledgeable instructor who's probably forgotten more than i will know ive learned a lot and look forward to implementing it.”
Jordan R
“Brilliant course and instructor. I feel like I have earned a huge amount in just 3 days and I'm looking forward to practicing further and putting my new skills to use.”
Lyndsey M
“Carl was absolutely fantastic! He was so knowledgeable and explained Fusion 360 clearly and effectively. I would highly recommend this course. I really do feel like I have learnt a lot over the 3 days. Thank you Carl! ”
Kerry J
“Very good course with a large amount covered in detail. Very knowledgeable instructor who was very helpful and clear when delivering the course.”
Reece K
“Karl is excellent! Best trainer I have had in a long time, very knowledgeable and skilled. Grateful that he was the trainer as he has the ability to relate to any industry as he has so much experience. Very personable too and makes an effort to make it fun to learn.”
Abi C-T
“Really enjoyed the course, very helpful. I use Fusion a lot and found a lot of useful things from the course that I didn't know Fusion could do.”
Ben M
“Carl and Carmen were friendly, engaging and very knowledgeable. ”
Josh B
“Exceptionally well delivered course by Carl. First training course I've attended and he made it even more informative/enjoyable. Would highly recommend.”
Andrew H
“Carl was great and very understanding when I got into difficulty but he needs a bloody good hair cut.”
Christopher A
“Great course. I really enjoyed the course, and definitely learned loads about using Fusion 360 for a wide range of tasks. The trainer (Carl) was excellent. His great real-life experience in engineering and design really shines through, combined with a great personality for this type of course. ”
Kerr S
“The course was very informative, I have learned a lot over the 3 days I was on the course. 10/10. Thank you Carl! ”
Daniel M
“I felt I learnt a lot from the course, I started from zero knowledge but now feel I have a good base to start from. Carl struck a great balance between humor, information and pace. At times people would fall behind but Carl was sure to wait for everyone and was very patient. I have really enjoyed the course and felt that 3 days was the right amount of time. ”
Sam D
“Excellent course, Carl very knowledgeable and helpful. Some good skills taught and most examples pretty practical. Slightly concerned about link between formal documentation and practical application which I need to look through, as still need to be able to recall material covered to be beneficial. ”
Jay B
“The course was excellent and Carl made everything so easy and a pleasure. His enthusiasm was infectious.”
Steve P
“Enjoyable course with Carl, he knows his stuff, a very knowledgeable guy and explains fully how and why to do things. It's going to help me immensely in my role.”
Malcolm D
“Course was very professional and clear to understand”
Neil T
“Extremely good course instructor very helpful and polite.”
Alex Y
“Excellent Intructor great to have personable and improvised and bespoke model examples to work on rather than all standard. Very enjoyable and informative course, thanks.”
Iain S
“Carl was fantastic and ran a great course, I learned a huge amount and he was an extremely good teacher.”
Anthony M
“Very happy with the course. Carl was great and very helpful with all aspects of Fusion and adapting it to our work.”
Joseph H
“Good course, very informative and Carl P is an excellent teacher.”
Jonathan W
“Good course, good trainer who gave good real world advice based on his experience.”
Jeremy D
“Great course, well paced, tutor has enough time to go into helping with individual questions.”
Stephen J
“Very pleased with Armada training and the course Instructor”
Tim R
“Covering the fundamentals of the software has been key to a proper understanding of the Fusion 360 software. It has been immensely helpful and will push the use of Fusion 360 in my work.”
Josh L
“Excellent course, lecturer was very good at taking us through the drawings step by step.”
Paul B
“Fantastic bespoke training, Pete really knows his stuff on Fusion and is able to respond to my quick requests for individual queries on all areas of the software.”
Paul D
Fusion Essentials training
