CAD and BIM
Overview
Advance your Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) skills for work in engineering firms, architecture firms, development companies, government, or private industry.
| Tuition | $14,078 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Diploma |
| Length | 2 years |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online |
| Campus | Downtown |
| Start Dates |
| Tuition | $44,275 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Diploma |
| Length | 2 years |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online |
| Campus | Downtown |
| Start Dates | |
| PGWP | International graduates may be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. |
What to expect
What you will learn
- See Additional PLO Information
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The program is 2 years of full-time study. The Diploma is seventy (70) credits: Forty (40) credits of the first year Certificate, and thirty (30) credits of second year courses to complete the Diploma.
Candidates have up to 5 years to complete the Diploma from the start of year one.
Upon successful completion of the first year of study and the successful completion of forty (40) credits, students may choose to exit the program and receive a Certificate credential in the specialty they completed in the first year: either (i) Architectural Technician Certificate, (ii) Civil/Structural Technician Certificate, (iii) Steel Construction Modelling Technician Certificate, or (iv) Mechanical Drafting Technician Certificate.
Admission Requirement
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘C-’ grade, or equivalent
- Workplace Mathematics 11 or equivalent
Notes:
Applicants may be eligible for advanced standing into Year 2 of the program provided they have:
- Successfully completed VCC’s Architectural, Civil/Structural, Mechanical or Steel Construction Modelling Technician Certificate within the last 3 years, or
- Successfully completed a Drafting Technician Certificate (any discipline) at another institution with Department review and approval.
VCC CAD Technician Short Certificate graduates (granted within the last 3 years) may be eligible to receive credit for: DRFT 1010, DRFT 1011, DRFT 1012, DRFT 1013.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended Characteristics
- Related work experience
- General computer skills, including working knowledge of Windows OS.
- Good mathematical and mechanical comprehension.
- Ability to work in imperial and metric units of measurement.
- Good hand-eye coordination, ability to look at computer screen for long periods of time, and manual dexterity for keyboard/mouse.
- Successful work habits and an ability to work well with others.
- Logical reasoning, spatial ability, and an ability to visualize objects.
- An interest in all aspects of architecture, engineering, general construction and related fields.
Program Availability
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program Start Date | Sep 2026 |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | October 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | June 1, 2026 |
Not currently available.
Courses
This program is offered full time during the day (approximately 3 days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). Days and times are subject to change.
This program must be completed within 5 years.
The program is 2 years of full-time study. The Diploma is seventy (70) credits: Forty (40) credits of the first year Certificate, and thirty (30) credits of second year courses to complete the Diploma.
Upon successful completion of the first year of study and the successful completion of forty (40) credits, students may choose to exit the program and receive a Certificate credential in the specialty they completed in the first year: either (i) Architectural Technician Certificate, (ii) Civil/Structural Technician Certificate, (iii) Steel Construction Modelling Technician Certificate, or (iv) Mechanical Engineering Technician Certificate.
International students
Monday to Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This diploma includes 2 specializations. Upon successful completion of the Civil/Structural Technician specialization, students may be registered into one of the following second specializations, either Architectural Technician or Steel Construction Modelling Technician. The subsequent specialization will be confirmed toward the end of the first year, and may vary depending on availability.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| YEAR 1 | 40 | |
| CORE COURSES | ||
DRFT 1010 | CAD Drafting Fundamentals | |
DRFT 1011 | CAD Drafting Applied | |
DRFT 1012 | Office & Construct Site Safety | |
DRFT 1013 | Construction Mathematics | |
| SELECT YOUR 1ST SPECIALIZATION | ||
| ARCHITECTURAL | ||
DRFT 1111 | Principles of Architecture | |
DRFT 1105 | Single Family Residential 1 | |
DRFT 1200 | Single Family Residential 2 | |
DRFT 1201 | Residential Multi-Family | |
DRFT 1202 | Commercial Retail Buildings 1 | |
DRFT 1225 | Professional Communication | |
DRFT 1302 | Commercial Retail Buildings 2 | |
DRFT 1374 | Introduction to 3D and BIM | |
DRFT 1375 | Commercial Office Layouts | |
| CIVIL/STRUCTURAL | ||
DRFT 1120 | Civil Site Layout | |
DRFT 1125 | Introduction to Civil 3D | |
DRFT 1213 | Introduction to Steel Structures | |
DRFT 1214 | Reinforced Concrete and Foundations | |
DRFT 1215 | Advanced Civil 3D | |
DRFT 1216 | Introduction to 3D CAD | |
DRFT 1225 | Professional Communication | |
DRFT 1286 | Engineering Statics | |
DRFT 1316 | Introduction to Revit Structures | |
DRFT 1379 | Concrete Floor Systems and Secondary Structures | |
DRFT 1385 | Reinforced Concrete Structural Components | |
| STEEL CONSTRUCTION MODELLING | ||
DRFT 1130 | Steel Detailing Fundamentals | |
DRFT 1135 | Professional Communications for Steel Detailing | |
DRFT 1293 | Industrial and Commercial Basic Framing | |
DRFT 1295 | Detail of Inclined Components | |
DRFT 1296 | Miscellaneous Metals Detailing | |
DRFT 1380 | CAD 3D and Assemblies | |
DRFT 1391 | Introduction to BIM Software | |
DRFT 1392 | Working with BIM Software | |
DRFT 1393 | Heavy Structural Steel Framing | |
DRFT 1352 | Steel Trusses | |
| MECHANICAL | ||
DRFT 1140 | Electrical and Plumbing Systems | |
DRFT 1145 | HVAC and Fire Suppression System | |
DRFT 1217 | Process Flow, Piping, and Instrumentation Diagrams | |
DRFT 1218 | Equipment Detail and Plant Layout | |
DRFT 1219 | Process Piping and Pipe Fabrication | |
DRFT 1220 | 3D Modeling Fundamentals | |
DRFT 1221 | Mechanical Equipment Modelling and Layout | |
DRFT 1225 | Professional Communication | |
DRFT 1324 | 3D Piping Systems Modelling | |
DRFT 1344 | BIM for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Projects | |
DRFT 1364 | Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing for Pipe Fabrication | |
| YEAR 2 | 30 | |
| INTEGRATED BIM PROJECT | ||
DRFT 2100 | Integrated BIM Project | |
| SELECT YOUR 2ND SPECIALIZATION (MUST BE DIFFERENT FROM YOUR FIRST) | ||
| ARCHITECTURAL | ||
DRFT 2110 | Advanced Architectural Principles | |
DRFT 2115 | Advanced Residential Single Family 1 | |
DRFT 2200 | Advanced Residential Single Family 2 | |
DRFT 2201 | Advanced Residential Multi-Family | |
DRFT 2107 | Capstone Project using BIM | |
| CIVIL/STRUCTURAL | ||
DRFT 2120 | Advanced Civil Site Layout | |
DRFT 2125 | Advanced Introduction Civil 3D | |
DRFT 2213 | Advanced Introduction to Steel Structures | |
DRFT 2214 | Advanced Reinforced Concrete and Foundations | |
DRFT 2286 | Statics 1 | |
DRFT 2287 | Statics 2 | |
DRFT 2107 | Capstone Project using BIM | |
| STEEL CONSTRUCTION MODELLING | ||
DRFT 2130 | Advanced Steel Detailing Fundamentals | |
DRFT 2293 | Advanced Industrial and Commercial Basic Framing | |
DRFT 2294 | Advanced BIM Software for Steel Detailing | |
DRFT 2295 | Advanced Detail of Inclined Components | |
DRFT 2296 | Advanced Miscellaneous Metals Detailing | |
DRFT 2107 | Capstone Project using BIM | |
| MECHANICAL | ||
DRFT 2140 | Advanced Electrical and Plumbing Systems | |
DRFT 2145 | Advanced HVAC and Fire Suppression System | |
DRFT 2217 | Advanced Process Flow, Piping, and Instrumentation Diagrams | |
DRFT 2218 | Advanced Equipment Detail and Plant Layout | |
DRFT 2219 | Advanced Process Piping and Pipe Fabrication | |
DRFT 2107 | Capstone Project using BIM | |
| Total Credits | 70 | |
This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and Costs
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $14,078 |
Year 1 - $7,214 Year 2 - $6,864 |
| Student union | $434 | |
| College initiative | $211 | |
| Campus resource | $282 | |
| Medical & Dental | $570 | Provided by Student Union |
| U-Pass | $798 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $16,452 |
Books & Supplies
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
| Tuition deposit | $11,800 | $10,000 non-refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $145 | |
| Tuition | $44,275 | |
| Student union | $434 | |
| College initiative | $222 | |
| Campus resource | $282 | |
| Medical & Dental | $570 | Provided by Student Union |
| Temporary medical insurance | $149 | |
| U-Pass | $798 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Other fees | $2,804 | |
| Total | $47,079 |
Books & Supplies
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).
Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
How to Apply
FIRST YEAR
Choose one:
- Architechtural Technican
- Civil Structure Technician
- Steel Construction Modelling
SECOND YEAR
Choose one:
(* your choice must be different from your first year's choice)
- Architectural Technician
- Civil Structure Technician
- Steel Construction Modelling
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?