In a lot of industries, it helps to have someone who will attest to your professional knowledge and expertise. (Preferably someone with authority in that industry – my mom thinks I’m great, but that hasn’t ever helped me get a job.) Usually, the easiest way to acquire these credentials is to take a test: architects have the AREs, engineers have PE exams, lawyers take the bar exam…what about CAD professionals? They take Autodesk Certification Exams. Becoming an Autodesk Certified User is a way to show your boss, your colleagues, and even potential employers that you know your stuff. Associate- and Professional-level exams are available for the following products: AutoCAD 2011 AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2011 Autodesk Inventor 2011 Autodesk Maya 2011 Both exams are multiple choice, but the Professional exam requires you to complete tasks in the software to obtain the correct answer. There are lots of resources available to help you study (although a lot of it’s based on things you do every day…you shouldn’t have to cram), including practice tests to help you see if you’re ready for the real thing. You can take the tests online, or at an Autodesk Certification Center. Once you pass, you get a certificate, permission to use the Autodesk Certified User logo on your business correspondence, and a listing in the directory of Certified Professionals. All in all, not a bad investment in your professional career development!

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