AutoCAD 2D and 3D

1. AutoCAD Fundamentals and Drawing Setup : Introduces the AutoCAD interface, workspaces, drawing units, coordinate systems, templates, object selection, drawing organisation and essential drafting commands.

2. 2D Drafting and Precision Drawing : Develops skills in creating and editing precise 2D geometry using drawing tools, object snaps, coordinates, modification commands, arrays, layers and geometric controls.

3. Annotation and Technical Documentation : Covers text, dimensions, leaders, hatching, tables, annotation standards, title blocks, layouts, viewports and the preparation of clear technical drawing sheets.

4. Blocks, References and Drawing Management : Examines blocks, dynamic blocks, attributes, external references, drawing comparison, file organisation and methods for maintaining consistent CAD project information.

5. 3D Modelling and Object Development : Develops practical skills in creating 3D solids, surfaces and meshes, modifying model geometry, applying Boolean operations and building structured three-dimensional designs.

6. 3D Views, Sections and Visualisation : Covers 3D navigation, visual styles, section planes, camera views, materials, lighting and rendering techniques for presenting and communicating three-dimensional designs.

7. Model Documentation and Integrated CAD Project : Develops skills in generating 2D documentation from 3D models and completing an integrated AutoCAD project involving drafting, modelling, annotation, presentation and final drawing output.

• Develops practical AutoCAD drafting and modelling skills.

• Builds confidence in creating accurate 2D technical drawings.

• Develops 3D modelling and visualisation capability.

• Strengthens technical annotation and drawing documentation.

• Improves understanding of layers, blocks, references and drawing organisation.

• Develops skills in producing layouts and model-derived documentation.

• Provides practical experience through an integrated CAD project.

• Supports progression into CAD, engineering, architecture and construction design roles.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Aspiring CAD technicians and designers.

• Engineering and construction learners.

• Architectural and technical drawing professionals.

• Drafting and design assistants.

• Manufacturing and mechanical design personnel.

• Civil and building-services design personnel.

• Professionals seeking practical AutoCAD 2D and 3D skills.

Assessment Format: Practical CAD drawing exercises, 2D drafting assessment, 3D modelling assessment, technical documentation task and integrated CAD project.

Total Questions: 40 questions in the supporting knowledge assessment, supplemented by practical CAD assessments and project work.

Passing Score: Minimum 60% in the knowledge assessment, with all mandatory practical assessments and the integrated project completed successfully.

Duration: 90 minutes for the supporting knowledge assessment. Practical assessments are completed separately according to the approved assessment schedule.

Certification: Successful learners may be awarded the HiQual UK AutoCAD 2D and 3D qualification, subject to formal programme approval and applicable certification procedures.

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners may progress to:

• Level 4 qualifications in CAD, Engineering, Construction, Architecture or Design.

• Specialist training in AutoCAD Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical, MEP, Plant 3D or other industry-specific CAD workflows.

• Further study in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Design or Building Services.

• Roles such as CAD Technician, CAD Drafter, Junior CAD Designer, Technical Drawing Assistant or Design Assistant, subject to employer requirements.

• Continuing professional development in advanced 3D modelling, digital design, BIM and specialised CAD applications.