Credential Information

2026-2027 Academic Year

DRAFT CMS until August 14, 2026.

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Autodesk Certified Associate in CAD for Mechanical Design - Fusion

Credential Name	Autodesk Certified Associate in CAD for Mechanical Design - Fusion
Credential Vendor Info	Think Edu Has Nwamadi One Market, Suite 400 \| San Francisco, CA 94105 has@thinkedu.com 469-269-5920 https://www.autodesk.com/certification/all-certifications/cad-mechanical-design-associate
Implementation Year	2026-2027
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	IV23 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Pearson VUE report OR student certificate
Credential Lead Consultant	Nolan Fahrer nolan.fahrer@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	IV23 Drafting III - Engineering Honors
Credential as POL	IV23 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Drafting Engineering (DREN)
Cost of Instructor Training	$0.00
Instructor Training Requirements	Available If a teacher at a school is delivering instruction aligned to the Autodesk Certified Associate in CAD for Mechanical Design exam, they are not required by Autodesk to hold the certification themselves. However, if the school wishes to deliver the official certification exam on-site, the teacher must become an Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI) and the school must be affiliated as an Autodesk Authorized Academic Partner (AAP). ACI requirements include holding a relevant Autodesk certification, completing Autodesk's instructor onboarding (such as course CRS‑16‑11138), and maintaining their ACI status through Autodesk’s Learning Central. Full details on the Autodesk Certified Instructor program can be found here: https://www.autodesk.com/training/certified-instructors and onboarding steps are outlined at https://www.autodesk.com/training/aci.
Exam Voucher Expiration	1 year
Credential Lifespan	2 years
Renewal Options	Yes Retake to renew after 2 years
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Architectural and Civil Drafters (17-3011) Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians (17-3022) Mechanical Drafters (17-3013) Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic (51-4062) Surveying and Mapping Technicians (17-3031)
Articulation	No
Sequencing	Yes This creential contributes meaningfully to a sequence of industry-recognized credentials that reflect progressive skill development and support workforce readiness in engineering, drafting, and advanced manufacturing fields. This certification builds upon foundational skills typically validated by the Autodesk Certified User (ACU) credential and serves as an intermediate credential demonstrating proficiency in 3D parametric modeling, technical documentation, and mechanical design workflows. It prepares students for entry-level roles such as mechanical drafter or CAD technician and serves as a bridge to more advanced credentials, such as the Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) or related industry certifications. By aligning with high school CTE programs, community college pathways, and early career roles, the credential supports a structured progression toward professional-level expertise and employment in technical design industries.
Employer Transferability	Yes
Delivery Format	On-line
Proctored Environment Required	Yes The Autodesk Certified Associate in CAD for Mechanical Design exam is administered exclusively through Pearson VUE, and as such, it must be taken in a proctored environment that meets Pearson VUE’s official security and testing policies. Candidates may take the exam at an authorized Pearson VUE test center or online through the Pearson OnVUE remote proctoring system. In both settings, proctors are Pearson-approved personnel responsible for verifying the candidate’s identity using a valid, government-issued photo ID and for monitoring the exam session to ensure compliance with all security protocols. For remote exams, candidates must test alone in a private, quiet room with a clear desk, and are required to perform a room scan using their webcam before the exam begins. The proctor observes the session in real time via webcam and microphone to prevent any unauthorized behavior. These proctoring requirements help ensure the integrity and credibility of the certification and are strictly enforced by Pearson VUE for all professional-level Autodesk certifications.
Proctored Requirements	N/A
Test Site Options and Requirements	To serve as a test site for the Autodesk Certified Associate in CAD for Mechanical Design exam, a school or organization must become an authorized Pearson VUE test center. At minimum, this requires having a secure, quiet testing space, computers that meet Pearson’s technical requirements, and a trained proctor approved by Pearson VUE. If a school is unable to meet these requirements, students will need to take the exam either at a local Pearson VUE testing center or remotely through Pearson’s OnVUE online proctoring platform. Full test site requirements can be found here: https://www.pearsonvue.com/test-center.
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Exam Time Allotment	90 minutes
Exam Passing Requirement	Pass/Fail A specific passing score threshold is not publicly disclosed by Autodesk—it’s determined through industry-standard psychometric methods
Retakes	Yes Candidates who do not pass the exam on their first try may immediately reschedule and retake the exam, depending on appointment availability. If the candidate does not pass on the second attempt, they must wait 72 hours (3 days) before attempting the exam again. This three-day waiting period applies to any further retakes. There is no limit on the number of attempts within a year, but rescheduling or cancellations may be subject to Pearson VUE’s scheduling policies and availability. These rules ensure a fair and standardized testing process for all candidates.
Student Accommodations	Yes Yes, accommodations are available for the Autodesk Certified Associate in CAD for Mechanical Design exam administered through Pearson VUE. To request accommodations, you must use Pearson VUE’s official accommodations request system, select the Autodesk program, and follow their steps. It’s strongly recommended that you submit your request at least six weeks before scheduling your exam to allow time for review and arrangements. Accommodations may include options such as extra time, a separate testing room, breaks, screen-reader use, or a reader/scribe. Full step-by-step instructions and timelines are provided here: [https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/test-takers/accommodations.html]
Multilingual Resources*	No For full details on language availability and accommodations, see Pearson VUE’s official FAQ here: https://www.autodesk.com/certification/support.
Directory Notes	None

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.

Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.

Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.

Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.