CADD 111 - CADD Fundamentals
Course Description
Overview
Demand for Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) skills continues to grow across industries such as engineering, construction, and interior design. CADD Fundamentals is a required course for both the AutoCAD Certificate of Completion and the Electrical Design Certificate of Achievement, making it a versatile starting point for multiple design disciplines. This foundational course introduces core principles and practices of CADD and develops essential skills needed to create, interpret, and communicate technical drawings – an essential first step before using AutoCAD in greater depth.
To begin, you’ll prepare freehand technical sketches to represent shapes, dimensions, and details using accepted industry standards and conventions. Then, you’ll be introduced to Autodesk AutoCAD software (release year 2026), one of the most widely used tools in design and drafting. Through guided exercises, you’ll learn how to set up and create accurate two-dimensional (2D) drawings, applying standard dimensions and techniques used in professional practice.
Hands-on learning activities, assignments, and an engaging case study reinforce each stage of the design process, following a typical industry workflow. You’ll complete a series of practical exercises and conclude with a portfolio project that demonstrates your design process and growing skills. You’ll work independently at your own pace, with ongoing instructor feedback to support your progress and build your confidence.
By the end of this SAIT Micro-credential course, you’ll understand the role of technical drawings in design and be able to create, read, and interpret basic 2D technical drawings. You’ll be ready to continue advancing your AutoCAD skills in subsequent courses of the AutoCAD Certificate.
This course is ideal if you:
- are new to computer-aided design and want an introduction before taking more advanced AutoCAD courses
- work in or aspire to enter architecture, engineering, electrical design, or manufacturing roles
- are an interior designer or creative professional who needs to interpret or produce technical drawings
- own or manage a business that requires visualizing or prototyping design ideas using AutoCAD.
Individuals with AutoCAD training and industry experience can take exams through Autodesk to become a Autodesk Certified User (ACU) or Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) in AutoCAD. The SAIT AutoCAD certificate program will help you build relevant skills and experience that support preparation for these certifications. Learn more about Autodesk certification.
Micro-credential
SAIT Micro-credentials develop practical skills aligned to current industry standards and include competency-based testing. Earning a SAIT Technical Skills Micro-credential demonstrates to employers that you have the required competencies — combining knowledge, skills and abilities — to get the job done. Learn more.
Students who complete this course with a final grade of A- (80%) or higher will earn the Micro-credential and receive a shareable digital badge that validates their achievement.
Costs
Textbook and reading list
Included in the purchase of this course, you'll receive:
- Access to online course content in Brightspace (D2L)
- Free access to Autodesk®AutoCAD® 2026 software using Autodesk's Educational Plan. Software download instructions will be provided in the D2L shell.
Technology
To be successful in this course, you’ll need:
- Access to your own Windows-based computer or laptop that meets system requirements for AutoCAD 2026 and standard hardware/software requirements to use D2L
- Internet access.
Applicable certificates
This course applies to the following certificate programs:
Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to:
- explain the purpose of technical drawings in the engineering design and drafting industry
- prepare freehand technical sketches to accepted standards and conventions
- select the appropriate placement of dimensions, notes, and specifications according to standard drafting practices into a sketch
- interpret graphic standards and drawing conventions in a blueprint
- translate measurements and dimensions found in blueprint drawings into practical information
- set up an AutoCAD drawing according to standard practices
- create an object using a computer-aided design and drafting tool
- prepare multi-view drawings using orthographic projection techniques
- develop isometric drawings of objects
- assemble a portfolio piece that showcases the design process and highlights the knowledge, skills, and abilities you’ve gained throughout your learning journey.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites or eligibility requirements for this course. Any prior education or work experience will be an asset. However, we strongly recommend that you have at least 50% in Math 30-1. If you haven’t completed this high school course, consider taking an equivalent through Academic Upgrading first.
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- AutoCAD Certificate of Completion : Required courses
- Electrical Design Certificate of Achievement : Required courses
Oki, Ãba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh'kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.