Autodesk Certifications

Well, as promised, I would let everyone know if I passed the Associate and Professional exams for Civil3D 2010, and I have. The tests were difficult, and really made you think. Personally, I thought the Professional exam was easier than the Associate. In the Professional exam, you need to use the software itself to answer the questions, thus you are free to figure out the problem. The onlly issue there is, the test is timed, leaving you scrambling at the end to answer the questions - yes I was scrambling and my pulse beating hard!!

The Associate exam consists of multiple choice questions, ranging from true and false to select 3 out of the 5 that make the most sense. These questions are difficult!! You really need to know the software, as many of them require the technical jargon that even I tend to forget.

All in all it was a great day of test taking, with great results. Now to look forward to taking the 2011 version, in which the passing scores are higher.

Civil3D PDF Capabilities

I ran across an interesting item within Civil3D 2010 that I did not realize. I knew that there was the option of inserting a PDF, but I did not realize the ability to snap to PDF linework or the layer control. These options come can come in handy when dealing with PDF images. For those, like me, behind the software curve with Autodesk products, here are some highlights of the PDF capabilities.

Once the PDF is inserted to your drawing, select the PDF. This can be done different than working with images. CAD recoginizes the linework, thsu you can select the PDF by clicking on the linework as opposed to having to pick the outside frame of a normal image, saving time from panning and zooming. Next you should see the ribbon update to the "PDF Underlay" toolbar. Here there is an option to "Enable Snaps." Once enabled you'll be able to snap to the linework.

Two buttons to the right, is the "Edit Layers" button. This will open a dialoge box displaying the layer names of the PDF. Use the lightbulbs to turn on and off the layers. Notice that in the image below, the contours have been shut off using this option.

The image I am using was provided by a GIS department, thus I assume the layer naming comes from the creator's settings. I have not had the opportunity to test the snaps or layer control with PDFs made directly from CAD or other software, but I would expect it to work better with CAD/GIS.

Autodesk Certifications

Over the last few years there has been an increasing hype regarding being certified in Autodesk products. I've talked with some that feel that it is a pointless effort to receive certification, but I however feel that it is becoming increasingly more popular with firms and Autodesk product users. I believe that it does truly test your knowledge or whether or not you truly know a product.

I recall a few years back sitting for the basic AutoCAD Certification exam offered at Autodesk University. Me thinking I was the greatest user out there (not really), sat for the exam thinking that it would be a breeze to pass. I found that as I went through the exam it became increasingly harder. The exam was timed, leaving you pushing your knowledge to the limits to deliver the answers in the fastest amount of time possible, while trying to maintain accuracy. Needless to say I walked away having missed one question from passing the exam.

Next week I have scheduled to sit for the Civil3D Associate and Professional Certifications. This round, I decided that maybe I should purchase the practice tests and really try and prepare for this - I mean Civil3D is far more complex than basic AutoCAD. I must say that some of the questions are difficult - and I've found that there are questions regarding areas of the software that I think are rarely used, such as Quantity Takeoff and Survey (being that surveyors are dragging to switch from LandDesktop). Thus these areas I found I really need to read up on a bit prior to the exam next week.

I believe that these exams will become increasingly more popular over the next few years, and I think it will be of great importance for us 'CAD' users to become certified to the 'Professional' level. And the best part is, the way the exams work is once you pass -- you're only certified for the version you took the exam on, thus leaving you to take the exam again for the next version. Autodesk does offer the ability to utilize their logos and the product names as marketing tools on business cards, emails, proposals, etc. should you pass the exam. I think this is a great way to market the CAD staff in corporations as they are typically hidden behind the scenes and often not advertised for the great amount of work that they actually do. Autodesk also provides a certification for hanging in your office or cubicle, and a search engine for finding certified users in the world. No, these aren't the coolest awards, but if you're looking to find out who the top CAD guys are in your office, these test will surely weed them out.

If you'd like to read more about the exams, or are looking to sit for one yourself, or would like to purchase the practice tests visit the link below:
https://autodesk.starttest.com/

As far as me telling you all my results, depends on if I pass it next week or not!!