Autodesk AutoCAD® Certification

Why certify in Autodesk AutoCAD®?

Autodesk AutoCAD® is a foundational tool for computer-aided design (CAD) in education and professional environments across the United States. Widely used in architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing, AutoCAD® remains a standard for creating precise 2D drawings and detailed technical documentation. An AutoCAD® certification helps students and job seekers demonstrate their proficiency in a computer-aided design (CAD) application and supports their academic success and long-term career readiness.

Tosa certification for Autodesk AutoCAD® measures practical proficiency with no prerequisites. It is well suited for students and adult learners who want to validate their ability to create accurate technical drawings, use CAD tools efficiently, and apply professional drafting standards.

Skills Assessed

The Tosa for Autodesk AutoCAD® certification exam evaluates four key domains:

Interface and Settings

Questions in this domain focus on identifying and using the various elements of the software interface, as well as customization and macros.

Drawing Tools and Modifications

Questions in this domain focus on creating and modifying geometric shapes using precision drawing. Skills in mastering layers, blocks, and attributes are also assessed.

Layout and Annotations

Questions in this domain test candidates on adding hatching, text, dimensions, tables, and leader lines as well as changing the styles of these different objects.

Printing

Questions in this domain test candidates on configuring sheets (layouts), setting up views (viewports), and managing printing scales. Skills in printing and exporting to a PDF are also assessed.

Certification Exam Specifications

Test Format

The Tosa certification for Autodesk AutoCAD® lasts one hour and uses a 35-question adaptive exam drawn from a pool of more than 140 items, including multiple-choice and interactive questions. The test evaluates a candidate’s skills and knowledge in the four domains presented above and selects questions from five difficulty levels depending on the abilities of the test taker.

Exam Conditions

Tosa certification exams are not open book. The certification tests must be taken in a secure environment and are proctored at all times in accordance with the Tosa Exam Policy. Adaptive testing produces a unique sequence of items for each candidate, reducing the risk of cheating and item memorization. In-person and remote proctoring options are available.

Validity and Retakes

The certification is valid for 3 years. Earners may retest anytime to improve their score or to maintain their certification. There is a minimum 24-hour waiting period between two retakes. Candidates receive a new version of the test with each attempt.

Score, Proficiency Level, and Award

The result of the exam is a numeric score between 1 and 1000 points associated to a proficiency level. It is calculated using a pattern-scoring model (IRT). The minimum score required to earn the certification is 551. Certification earners receive a Tosa certification diploma that indicates the test date, the score, and the proficiency level achieved. It contains a unique authentication code for online verification. Earners with a score of 551 and above are also eligible to receive a Credly digital badge.

Preparing for a Certification Exam

Reaching a productive level or higher typically requires around 150 hours of training and hands-on practice with Autodesk AutoCAD®, depending on prior knowledge and learning format. To prepare for the Tosa exam, we recommend that learners: