Our learning material consists of modular lessons. Our Modules were written as competency-based self-learning material.  You can see an example of this in our Sample Modules. Competency-based modules are designed to teach you to master the material in that module before going on to the next one. These self- learning modules allow you to teach yourself the material they contain.

Each module contains a bite-size piece of information that you can learn at one sitting. The modules are broken into five parts: Specific Objectives, Performance Evaluation, Information, Examples, and Lab Exercises.

The Specific Objectives describe what you will be learning in that module.

The Performance Evaluation explain what you have to do to prove that you have mastered the material in the module.

The Information describes and explains the information you are learning in that module.

The Examples applies several examples of how the commands you learned in that module are used in AutoCAD. The Examples are designed to help you understand the logic of each command and how to apply it in AutoCAD. Understanding the logic allows you to apply the commands to complete the Lab Exercises.

Most Lab Exercises are objects that you draw using AutoCAD. There is a time limit given for each exercise. After you complete the drawing, you can run a script file which checks the accuracy of your drawing. If you have made errors, you correct them. If you can complete the Lab Exercise and fix any errors in the time limit allowed, you can go on to the next exercise or module. If you could not complete this in the time limit, you must redo the Lab Exercise.

Each of our manuals consist of approximately 30 modules. About every fifth module, there is a Section Test module. A Section Test module tests your competency of the modules that you just completed. After completing the Section Test module, you send it into your instructor by e-mail. Your instructor will check your work to make sure you are on the right track. If you complete all the Lab Exercises in the time allowed, you should be able to easily complete each Section Test module in the time allowed.

As you work your way through the course, you will find Pretest Modules. Pretest modules are practice exams that allow you to test yourself to that point in the course. They comprise of multiple choice questions and a lab exercise. If you can successfully complete them in the time allowed, you carry on with the rest of the course. If not, you should go back and study the previous modules and attempt the test again.  The courses AutoCAD 2D (or AutoCAD LT) and AutoCAD 3D each contain two manuals.  The courses AutoCAD Customization ,  AutoLISP , Autodesk Inventor, and  Autodesk Inventor - Advanced  courses each contain one manual which you download as .pdf files from our online course website.

Important: Competency-based modules test you throughout the course. You know exactly how you are progressing as you work your way through the course. Your instructor will assist you and guide you if you have problems along the way.