Why are the CCI CAD training programs shorter than other schools?
Many of our students have families, bills, and responsibilities. They cannot put everything on hold and attend school for a year or longer. They are willing to work hard, study and complete a training course in less time. CCI offers job skills training. You learn only skills required on the job. This is typically called an accelerated or fast track program.

Do I need to understand computers to be successful in the program?
Almost everyone is somewhat familiar with personal computers. Candidates should be familiar with the Windows desktop, file access and the use of use of peripherals such as printing and the mouse.

What kind of jobs are available for graduates of CCI's CAD programs?
CCI Programs are designed so that individuals can say enter a variety of CAD occupations. Positions might include mechanical, architecture and engineering drafting.

How many students are usually in a class?
CCI CAD classes are small. Usually there are 6-8 students in a class. Some classes may be slightly larger.

Are there tests while in school?
Yes, instructors are always monitoring the progress of students. There may be quizzes during class and there will be a final exam at the end of each class module.

What if I fail?
People come to CCI Training Center to succeed. You will find yourself pushing harder because your future matters. Should you have difficulty in a particular class, you are welcome to repeat the class.

What happens if I miss a day of school?
CCI offers free tutoring. Instructors will be pleased to review class assignments and topics covered. Special reading assignments may be offered to the student.

I'm afraid I might not be able to keep up.
This is a common fear. You will find that other students will assist you, as well as the instructors and program manager. If you make sufficient effort, you will succeed.

Must I take all of the classes?
The CAD program has been designed to progress the student from introductory concepts in Level I through advanced CAD drawing in Level IV. Some students requiring only 2D applications only take Level I & Level II while others complete all 4 levels. Unless you have substantial previous AutoCAD experience it is required that you begin with Level I.

I have had training before. Can I advance place out of classes?
You may request advance placement consideration to place out of some class modules or you may just register for the modules you desire. Obtain an Advance Placement Request form from any CCI Training Counselor.

Can I work while in school?
Yes. Day Class hours are 8:45 AM to 4:30 PM, five days a week for day classes and 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on a posted schedule in the evening. Some students work days, evenings or weekends while in school. Please your homework and reading schedule keep in a mind. Since this is an accelerated program, you will be required to read quite a bit.

What happens if I must miss an extended number of days of class?
You may request a leave-of-absence from the school administration office. You may continue school when you return. You may request or be required to retake one or more missed modules. Retakes are at no charge.

What if I have experience with AutoCAD R12 or R13?
These versions of AutoCAD are quite old and limited compared to today's version. We recommend that you begin at Level I and become acquainted with all of the new features of AutoCAD.

My job requires me to travel or possibly miss some class time.
The AutoCAD program is designed is such a way that you can take one module and break. You can then pick up the next module with the following class. You may also switch from day schedule to evenings if necessary. Contact a Training Counselor for more information.

My company is going to pay and I need some papers or information to give accounting.
You may obtain a quotation for training or a Performa Invoice from a Training Counselor.

Do I get a copy of AutoCAD when I take the Class?
No. You may download a 30 Day trial copy of AutoCAD at www.autodesk.com/autocad-trial.

Can I get a PELL grant to come to CCI?
CCI offers accelerated programs of 1-4 months in duration. Typically, programs at Title IV schools offering PELL grants are at least 9 to 12 months in length and cost between $14 and $20 thousand dollars. The Pell grant is designed for entry-level training with proof required of poverty or low-income. A Pell grant only covers about $3,000 worth of schooling per year. CCI saves you that much more because the programs cost so much less.

Are there scholarships available for training?
Absolutely. See: Scholarships.

I have some books, can I use them?
Yes, providing they are identical to the ones currently in use in the program. You may also purchase your books elsewhere and bring them to class. See the school catalog for a list of program books.

Am I "Certified" when I graduate?
Upon graduation, you will receive upon graduation a Certificate of Completion from CCI Training Center. Industry certifications are obtained by taking a examination offered by AutoDesk. When you successfully complete the certification test, you will become certified by AutoDesk, the manufacturer of AutoCAD. This will indicate to a potential employer that you have achieved a level of mastery of the information.

Can I obtain a grant to come to CCI Training Center?
Yes, if you qualify. See: Government Grant Programs

I live in a rural area, can I find a CAD job?
The locations of CAD employers vary. Many employers are grouped in industrial locations geographically.

How well does the CAD industry accept CCI graduates?
The job placement office at CCI has numerous reports and references from employers concerning the quality of CCI graduates. CCI has earned a reputation of accepting, training and graduating quality individuals. CCI has been training CAD students in the North Texas region in excess of 19 years.

I have been out of school for a long time, I don't know if I can get back into gear.
CCI specializes in "adult training techniques". Most of the individuals entering CCI for career training have been out of school for years. We assist the student and progress from easy to more complex subjects and concepts in the program.

I have never done anything remotely like CAD, can I really expect to be successful?
The CAD program requires prior ability and training in mechanical drafting. CCI teaches the application of drafting on a PC using the AutoCAD program. You should be familiar with drafting concepts, dimensioning and board level drafting techniques.

Can I audit a class before I decide upon the school?
Absolutely. We always welcome you to join a class for an hour or a day to listen to and meet the instructors and to talk with some of the current students. Find out for yourself why they chose CCI as their career training school. Get first hand information from the people who are actually doing it. Just contact a CCI Training Coordinator and they will arrange for a seat in the classroom. Usually you can see more than one class during a visit.

I would like to work at home. Will I be able to after this class?
Many occupations may be performed from home. An individual requires ample experience in whatever services they are providing the client and a fair degree of business experience in marketing and accounting to run a personal business. Generally, it is recommended that individuals gain experience in industry prior to self-employment.

How much do people get paid right out of school?
This varies with the skills and experience you bring to the interview. It may also vary with the location and size of the firm to which you are applying. Several CAD industry web sites offer the results of surveys concerning employment compensation.

For any other questions please call the school and ask for a Training Coordinator.