AutoCAD and drafting courses in California

40 CAD and drafting programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

18 schools offer these drafting programs, and California has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Drafters use computer-aided design (CAD) software to turn the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings. Most complete an associate degree in drafting at a community college or technical school, about two years full time, while some earn a certificate or diploma that usually takes less time; certification isn't required.¹

In California, 8 of the 40 programs take students without a high school diploma, 24 ask for a diploma or equivalent, 5 ask for earlier courses first and 3 ask for an associate degree.

By kind, the 40 programs here are drafting and design certificate or diploma (18 programs), SolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software course (12 programs), architectural drafting certificate (5 programs), AutoCAD course (3 programs), and 2 more of 2 other kinds.

See the 40 programs

How much do CAD and drafting courses cost in California?

$1,222 to $4,888 is what most CAD and drafting programs in California cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 39 programs with a price. All of them: $598 to $7,920

In the typical program

Finished the program: 86%
Working 6 months later: 86%
Earned a year, estimated: Not enough data; Only 5 of 40 programs report it
Length: 12 to 44 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in California may also offer CAD and drafting courses. How these figures are made

Are there free CAD and drafting courses in California?

Yes, if you qualify. WIOA (public workforce funding) can pay for any program on this page, in full or in part, depending on local limits.²³⁴In program year 2024 it paid toward the training of at least 69 people at 8 of the 40 programs here.
Ask an American Job Center whether you qualify, or call 1-877-872-5627.⁵ Before funding training, the center goes through an assessment and a career plan with you.⁴
Or pay yourself. Most drafting programs in California cost $1,222 to $4,888. Prices on this page run from $598 to $7,920.

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 40 CAD and drafting programs in California approved for WIOA funding

40 programs

Drafting and design certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
General Drafting (Credit)
College Of The Desert
Palm Desert
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
College Of The Desert, Palm DesertDrafting and design certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$2,806
Program website, General Drafting (Credit) at College Of The Desert
More details about General Drafting (Credit) at College Of The Desert
Finished
88%
Working at 6 months
4%
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$137
Students counted
8,692
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$2,806
Program website, General Drafting (Credit) at College Of The Desert
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaHybridNo diploma needed
Computer Aided Design - Mechanical
De Anza College, Occupational Training Institute
Cupertino
Accredited school
No diploma needed
De Anza College, Occupational Training Institute, CupertinoDrafting and design certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$1,331
School website, Computer Aided Design - Mechanical at De Anza College, Occupational Training Institute
More details about Computer Aided Design - Mechanical at De Anza College, Occupational Training Institute
Finished
100%
Working at 6 months
16%
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
52 weeks, 10 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$3,841
Students counted
1,906
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$1,331
School website, Computer Aided Design - Mechanical at De Anza College, Occupational Training Institute
SolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Solid Works Mechanical Design (Beginner-Intermediate)
Glendale Community College
Glendale
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Glendale Community College, GlendaleSolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software course · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,200
Program website, Solid Works Mechanical Design (Beginner-Intermediate) at Glendale Community College
More details about Solid Works Mechanical Design (Beginner-Intermediate) at Glendale Community College
Finished
99%
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
20 weeks, 4 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$250
Students counted
112
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,200
Program website, Solid Works Mechanical Design (Beginner-Intermediate) at Glendale Community College
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent
CAD/BIM Technology Certificate - Online
Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Based in San Diego, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Virtual Design & Construction Institute, based in San Diego, CADrafting and design certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$7,600
21 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, CAD/BIM Technology Certificate - Online at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
More details about CAD/BIM Technology Certificate - Online at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Finished
74%
Working at 6 months
100%
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
42 weeks, 20 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$150
Students counted
80
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$7,600
students trained with WIOA funding
21
Program website, CAD/BIM Technology Certificate - Online at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
3D Modeling and Design Drafter
Ventura Adult and Continuing Education
Ventura
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Ventura Adult and Continuing Education, VenturaDrafting and design certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$80,000
Price if you pay yourself$7,920
5 students trained with WIOA funding
More details about 3D Modeling and Design Drafter at Ventura Adult and Continuing Education
Finished
95%
Working at 6 months
71%
Earned in a quarter
$20,000
Length
36 weeks, 35 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$920
Students counted
42
Earned a year, estimated
$80,000
Price if you pay yourself
$7,920
students trained with WIOA funding
5
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Computer-Aided Design Drafter
Ventura Adult and Continuing Education
Ventura
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Ventura Adult and Continuing Education, VenturaDrafting and design certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$63,000
Price if you pay yourself$6,600
More details about Computer-Aided Design Drafter at Ventura Adult and Continuing Education
Finished
100%
Working at 6 months
100%
Earned in a quarter
$15,750
Length
30 weeks, 35 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$680
Students counted
40
Earned a year, estimated
$63,000
Price if you pay yourself
$6,600
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent
BIM Technology Certificate - Online
Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Based in San Diego, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Virtual Design & Construction Institute, based in San Diego, CADrafting and design certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$5,660
10 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, BIM Technology Certificate - Online at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
More details about BIM Technology Certificate - Online at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Finished
83%
Working at 6 months
100%
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
33 weeks, 20 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
37
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$5,660
students trained with WIOA funding
10
Program website, BIM Technology Certificate - Online at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
SolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent
Revit Fundamentals Bundle
Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Based in San Diego, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Virtual Design & Construction Institute, based in San Diego, CASolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software course · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$1,203
Program website, Revit Fundamentals Bundle at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
More details about Revit Fundamentals Bundle at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Finished
63%
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
3 weeks, 20 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
36
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$1,203
Program website, Revit Fundamentals Bundle at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
SolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent
Auto CAD and SolidWorks (Online)
AAA Institute
Based in Van Nuys, CA
High school diploma or equivalent
AAA Institute, based in Van Nuys, CASolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseOnline · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$5,485
5 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Auto CAD and SolidWorks (Online) at AAA Institute
More details about Auto CAD and SolidWorks (Online) at AAA Institute
Finished
100%
Working at 6 months
73%
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
11 weeks, 10 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$515
Students counted
29
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$5,485
students trained with WIOA funding
5
Program website, Auto CAD and SolidWorks (Online) at AAA Institute
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaHybridNo diploma needed
CAD Designer / Drafter Certificate Program
Martinez Adult Education
Martinez
No diploma needed
Martinez Adult Education, MartinezDrafting and design certificate or diplomaHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedLeft out
Price if you pay yourself$4,776
7 students trained with WIOA funding
More details about CAD Designer / Drafter Certificate Program at Martinez Adult Education
Finished
40%
Working at 6 months
100%
Earned in a quarter
Left out
Length
36 weeks, 10 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$224
Students counted
28
Earned a year, estimated
Left out
Price if you pay yourself
$4,776
students trained with WIOA funding
7
SolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Auto CAD and SolidWorks
AAA Institute
Van Nuys
High school diploma or equivalent
AAA Institute, Van NuysSolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$60,000
Price if you pay yourself$5,485
12 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Auto CAD and SolidWorks at AAA Institute
More details about Auto CAD and SolidWorks at AAA Institute
Finished
100%
Working at 6 months
86%
Earned in a quarter
$15,000
Length
11 weeks, 10 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$515
Students counted
28
Earned a year, estimated
$60,000
Price if you pay yourself
$5,485
students trained with WIOA funding
12
Program website, Auto CAD and SolidWorks at AAA Institute
AutoCAD courseOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent
AutoCAD Fundamentals
Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Based in San Diego, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Virtual Design & Construction Institute, based in San Diego, CAAutoCAD course · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$1,203
Program website, AutoCAD Fundamentals at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
More details about AutoCAD Fundamentals at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Finished
76%
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
3 weeks, 20 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
27
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$1,203
Program website, AutoCAD Fundamentals at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
SolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent
Revit MEP Professional
Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Based in San Diego, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Virtual Design & Construction Institute, based in San Diego, CASolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software course · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$2,605
Program website, Revit MEP Professional at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
More details about Revit MEP Professional at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Finished
81%
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
15 weeks, 20 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
25
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$2,605
Program website, Revit MEP Professional at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent
CAD Technology Certificate - Online
Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Based in San Diego, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Virtual Design & Construction Institute, based in San Diego, CADrafting and design certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$36,100
Price if you pay yourself$5,320
6 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, CAD Technology Certificate - Online at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
More details about CAD Technology Certificate - Online at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Finished
73%
Working at 6 months
86%
Earned in a quarter
$9,015
Length
33 weeks, 20 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$150
Students counted
13
Earned a year, estimated
$36,100
Price if you pay yourself
$5,320
students trained with WIOA funding
6
Program website, CAD Technology Certificate - Online at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
SolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent
Revit Architecture Professional
Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Based in San Diego, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Virtual Design & Construction Institute, based in San Diego, CASolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software course · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$2,605
Program website, Revit Architecture Professional at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
More details about Revit Architecture Professional at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Finished
67%
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
15 weeks, 20 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
12
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$2,605
Program website, Revit Architecture Professional at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
SolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseIn personNo diploma needed
SolidWorks: Parts, Assemblies and Drawings
AAA Institute
Van Nuys
No diploma needed
AAA Institute, Van NuysSolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$40,000
Price if you pay yourself$4,075
3 students trained with WIOA funding
School website, SolidWorks: Parts, Assemblies and Drawings at AAA Institute
More details about SolidWorks: Parts, Assemblies and Drawings at AAA Institute
Finished
93%
Working at 6 months
100%
Earned in a quarter
$10,000
Length
6 weeks, 11 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$420
Students counted
12
Earned a year, estimated
$40,000
Price if you pay yourself
$4,075
students trained with WIOA funding
3
School website, SolidWorks: Parts, Assemblies and Drawings at AAA Institute
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaOnlineEducation and courses
Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Certificate of Accomplishment
City College of San Francisco
Based in San Francisco, CA
Accredited school
Education and courses
City College of San Francisco, based in San Francisco, CADrafting and design certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolOnline · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$598
More details about Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Certificate of Accomplishment at City College of San Francisco
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
53 weeks, 12 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$500
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$598
AutoCAD courseIn personNo diploma needed
Industrial Drawing AutoCAD-BC
Kern Community College District
Bakersfield
No diploma needed
Kern Community College District, BakersfieldAutoCAD courseIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$600
School website, Industrial Drawing AutoCAD-BC at Kern Community College District
More details about Industrial Drawing AutoCAD-BC at Kern Community College District
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 6 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$400
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$600
School website, Industrial Drawing AutoCAD-BC at Kern Community College District
Architectural drafting certificateHybridEducation and courses
Computer Aided Design (CAD) Architectural Certificate of Accomplishment
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco
Accredited school
Education and courses
City College of San Francisco, San FranciscoArchitectural drafting certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$644
More details about Computer Aided Design (CAD) Architectural Certificate of Accomplishment at City College of San Francisco
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
53 weeks, 12 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$500
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$644
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed
Manufacturing Technology, CADD/CAM - CA
College of the Redwoods
Eureka
Accredited school
No diploma needed
College of the Redwoods, EurekaDrafting and design certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$690
Program website, Manufacturing Technology, CADD/CAM - CA at College of the Redwoods
More details about Manufacturing Technology, CADD/CAM - CA at College of the Redwoods
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$776
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$690
Program website, Manufacturing Technology, CADD/CAM - CA at College of the Redwoods
Architectural drafting certificateIn personPrerequisite courses
Architectural Computer Aided Drafting-BC
Kern Community College District
Bakersfield
Prerequisite courses
Kern Community College District, BakersfieldArchitectural drafting certificateIn person · Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$800
School website, Architectural Computer Aided Drafting-BC at Kern Community College District
More details about Architectural Computer Aided Drafting-BC at Kern Community College District
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 9 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$350
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$800
School website, Architectural Computer Aided Drafting-BC at Kern Community College District
Architectural drafting certificateIn personEducation and courses
Architectural Drafting Technology Certificate of Achievement
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco
Accredited school
Education and courses
City College of San Francisco, San FranciscoArchitectural drafting certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$860
More details about Architectural Drafting Technology Certificate of Achievement at City College of San Francisco
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
36 weeks, 9 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$2,000
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$860
Architectural drafting certificateHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Architectural Design Certificate of Achievement
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Diablo Valley College, Pleasant HillArchitectural drafting certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$1,058
Program website, Architectural Design Certificate of Achievement at Diablo Valley College
More details about Architectural Design Certificate of Achievement at Diablo Valley College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 23 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$882
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$1,058
Program website, Architectural Design Certificate of Achievement at Diablo Valley College
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaIn personNo diploma needed
Industrial Drawing-BC
Kern Community College District
Bakersfield
No diploma needed
Kern Community College District, BakersfieldDrafting and design certificate or diplomaIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$1,082
School website, Industrial Drawing-BC at Kern Community College District
More details about Industrial Drawing-BC at Kern Community College District
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
48 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,060
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$1,082
School website, Industrial Drawing-BC at Kern Community College District
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Engineering Technology: Civil Drafting, CAD Certificate of Achievement
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Diablo Valley College, Pleasant HillDrafting and design certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$1,242
Program website, Engineering Technology: Civil Drafting, CAD Certificate of Achievement at Diablo Valley College
More details about Engineering Technology: Civil Drafting, CAD Certificate of Achievement at Diablo Valley College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
32 weeks, 22 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,339
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$1,242
Program website, Engineering Technology: Civil Drafting, CAD Certificate of Achievement at Diablo Valley College
SolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseIn personEducation and courses
Revit Fundamentals Certificate Course
CSULB, College of Professional and International Education
Long Beach
Accredited school
Education and courses
CSULB, College of Professional and International Education, Long BeachSolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software course · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$1,350
Program website, Revit Fundamentals Certificate Course at CSULB, College of Professional and International Education
More details about Revit Fundamentals Certificate Course at CSULB, College of Professional and International Education
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
10 weeks, 4 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$1,350
Program website, Revit Fundamentals Certificate Course at CSULB, College of Professional and International Education
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent
Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD)
Fresno City College
Fresno
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Fresno City College, FresnoDrafting and design certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$1,647
Program website, Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) at Fresno City College
More details about Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) at Fresno City College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
72 weeks, 14 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$380
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$1,647
Program website, Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) at Fresno City College
SolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent
Revit Structure Professional
Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Based in San Diego, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Virtual Design & Construction Institute, based in San Diego, CASolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software course · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$2,605
Program website, Revit Structure Professional at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
More details about Revit Structure Professional at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
15 weeks, 20 hours a week
Cost of supplies
None listed
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$2,605
Program website, Revit Structure Professional at Virtual Design & Construction Institute
SolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Advanced 3D Computer Aided Design and Drafting with Solidworks
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
San Jose
High school diploma or equivalent
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute, San JoseSolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,000
Program website, Advanced 3D Computer Aided Design and Drafting with Solidworks at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
More details about Advanced 3D Computer Aided Design and Drafting with Solidworks at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
12 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$150
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,000
Program website, Advanced 3D Computer Aided Design and Drafting with Solidworks at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
SolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseIn personAssociate's degree
Autodesk REVIT Architecture Essentials
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
San Jose
Associate's degree
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute, San JoseSolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseIn person · Associate's degree
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,000
Program website, Autodesk REVIT Architecture Essentials at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
More details about Autodesk REVIT Architecture Essentials at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
12 weeks, 10 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$150
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,000
Program website, Autodesk REVIT Architecture Essentials at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
AutoCAD courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Computer Aided Design and Drafting with AutoCAD
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
San Jose
High school diploma or equivalent
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute, San JoseAutoCAD courseIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,000
Program website, Computer Aided Design and Drafting with AutoCAD at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
More details about Computer Aided Design and Drafting with AutoCAD at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
12 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$150
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,000
Program website, Computer Aided Design and Drafting with AutoCAD at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
SolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Computer Aided Design and Drafting with Solidworks
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
San Jose
High school diploma or equivalent
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute, San JoseSolidWorks, Revit and other CAD software courseIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,000
Program website, Computer Aided Design and Drafting with Solidworks at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
More details about Computer Aided Design and Drafting with Solidworks at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
12 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$150
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,000
Program website, Computer Aided Design and Drafting with Solidworks at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaIn personAssociate's degree
IC Layout Design
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
San Jose
Associate's degree
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute, San JoseDrafting and design certificate or diplomaIn person · Associate's degree
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,000
Program website, IC Layout Design at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
More details about IC Layout Design at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
12 weeks, 40 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$150
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,000
Program website, IC Layout Design at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
IC Layout Verification
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
San Jose
High school diploma or equivalent
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute, San JoseDrafting and design certificate or diplomaIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,000
Program website, IC Layout Verification at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
More details about IC Layout Verification at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
12 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$150
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,000
Program website, IC Layout Verification at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaIn personAssociate's degree
PCB Layout Design
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
San Jose
Associate's degree
Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute, San JoseDrafting and design certificate or diplomaIn person · Associate's degree
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$3,000
Program website, PCB Layout Design at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
More details about PCB Layout Design at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
12 weeks, 50 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$150
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$3,000
Program website, PCB Layout Design at Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute
Architectural drafting (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed
Architectural Technology A.S.
Cuesta College
San Luis Obispo
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Cuesta College, San Luis ObispoArchitectural drafting (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$4,453
Program website, Architectural Technology A.S. at Cuesta College
More details about Architectural Technology A.S. at Cuesta College
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
72 weeks, 15 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$6,180
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$4,453
Program website, Architectural Technology A.S. at Cuesta College
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Computer Aided Drafting Level I
Zoom Graphics
Bakersfield
High school diploma or equivalent
Zoom Graphics, BakersfieldDrafting and design certificate or diplomaIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$5,000
More details about Computer Aided Drafting Level I at Zoom Graphics
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
14 weeks, 22 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$313
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$5,000
Drafting and design certificate or diplomaIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Computer Aided Drafting Level II
Zoom Graphics
Bakersfield
High school diploma or equivalent
Zoom Graphics, BakersfieldDrafting and design certificate or diplomaIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$6,200
More details about Computer Aided Drafting Level II at Zoom Graphics
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
20 weeks, 22 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$318
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$6,200
Architectural drafting certificateIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent
Architectural Computer Aided Design and Illustration
Studio Arts, LTD
Los Angeles
High school diploma or equivalent
Studio Arts, LTD, Los AngelesArchitectural drafting certificateIn person · High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourself$6,400
More details about Architectural Computer Aided Design and Illustration at Studio Arts, LTD
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
24 weeks, 10 hours a week
Cost of supplies
$1,100
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
$6,400
CAD and drafting apprenticeshipIn personNo diploma needed
Youth Apprenticeship - 3D Printing Technician
Orange County Department of Education
Costa Mesa
No diploma needed
Orange County Department of Education, Costa MesaCAD and drafting apprenticeshipIn person · No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
More details about Youth Apprenticeship - 3D Printing Technician at Orange County Department of Education
Finished
Not reported
Working at 6 months
Not reported
Earned in a quarter
Not reported
Length
52 weeks, 10 hours a week
Cost of supplies
Not reported
Students counted
Not reported
Earned a year, estimated
Not reported
Price if you pay yourself
Not reported

How to pay for CAD and drafting courses in California

WIOA funding can pay for CAD and drafting courses in California

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for CAD and drafting courses

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.⁶⁷

GI Bill for CAD and drafting courses

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.⁸

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Quick facts: AutoCAD and drafting courses in California

programs with a price cost under $1,000: 6 of 39
lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare: 5th of 30
most CAD and drafting programs of any state, after Washington and Minnesota: 3rd

State comparisons use the same figures as the CAD and drafting courses by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).

AutoCAD and drafting courses in San Jose, Los Angeles, San Francisco and other California cities

Choosing an area filters the program list above. 3 more programs are in 3 other areas and 10 online.

Other training in California

How CAD and drafting courses compare with the rest of skilled trades: Trade school programs in California

Where the California drafting program numbers come from

Which California drafting programs are on this list?

These are the drafting programs California approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).⁹ The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what California offers.

How the prices and results of California drafting programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

Sources for the facts about CAD and drafting courses in California

Show the 9 sourcesHide the sources

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AutoCAD and drafting courses in California

How much do CAD and drafting courses cost in California?

Are there free CAD and drafting courses in California?

All 40 CAD and drafting programs in California approved for WIOA funding

General Drafting (Credit)

Computer Aided Design - Mechanical

Solid Works Mechanical Design (Beginner-Intermediate)

CAD/BIM Technology Certificate - Online

3D Modeling and Design Drafter

Computer-Aided Design Drafter

BIM Technology Certificate - Online

Revit Fundamentals Bundle

Auto CAD and SolidWorks (Online)

CAD Designer / Drafter Certificate Program

Auto CAD and SolidWorks

AutoCAD Fundamentals

Revit MEP Professional

CAD Technology Certificate - Online

Revit Architecture Professional

SolidWorks: Parts, Assemblies and Drawings

Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Certificate of Accomplishment

Industrial Drawing AutoCAD-BC

Computer Aided Design (CAD) Architectural Certificate of Accomplishment

Manufacturing Technology, CADD/CAM - CA

Architectural Computer Aided Drafting-BC

Architectural Drafting Technology Certificate of Achievement

Architectural Design Certificate of Achievement

Industrial Drawing-BC

Engineering Technology: Civil Drafting, CAD Certificate of Achievement

Revit Fundamentals Certificate Course

Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD)

Revit Structure Professional

Advanced 3D Computer Aided Design and Drafting with Solidworks

Autodesk REVIT Architecture Essentials

Computer Aided Design and Drafting with AutoCAD

Computer Aided Design and Drafting with Solidworks

IC Layout Design

IC Layout Verification

PCB Layout Design

Architectural Technology A.S.

Computer Aided Drafting Level I

Computer Aided Drafting Level II

Architectural Computer Aided Design and Illustration

Youth Apprenticeship - 3D Printing Technician