Questions and Answers about Autodesk Certification

1. What is the Autodesk Certification Program?

The Autodesk Certification program enables experienced users to receive special recognition for their knowledge of Autodesk software applications. 

2. Who should attempt certification?

The certification credentials are for anyone seeking to validate their knowledge of Autodesk software. The design and visualization industries are competitive environments, where only the best stand out. Anyone who uses Autodesk software for professional reasons can benefit from the program by emphasizing their skills and knowledge with an official certification from Autodesk. An individual who has achieved Autodesk Certification has validated their knowledge and skills of the performance tasks specified for the specific examination.

3. What Autodesk products are Certification exams available for?

Autodesk offers certification exams for AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Revit Architecture and Autodesk 3ds Max Design.

4. Where is Autodesk Certification available?

Autodesk is available around the world. To find an Autodesk Certification Center near you go to http://autodesk.starttest.com and search for a centre.

5. What is the required passing score on Autodesk certification exams?

The passing score varies by exam. Please refer to information about a specific exam to determine the passing score. These can be found at http://www.autodesk.com/certification.

6. What happens if I do not pass?

If you do not pass, you will receive a diagnostic score report that indicates areas for improvement. You may then retake the examination as needed. There is no waiting period and you may take the exams as many times as you wish. You will have to pay for each attempt – re-takes are not free.

7. Once granted, does certification last forever?

Certification validates your knowledge and skills using a specific release (year) of an Autodesk application. Although certification for a particular version of an application never expires, certification is not considered current unless you have passed the latest exam.

8.  How do I update my certification from one release to the next?

Recertification requirements are available in either the Exam Guide of Exam Preparation Roadmaps for the certification you wish to earn. Be sure to download these important documents from http://www.autodesk.com/certification for full re-certification requirements.

9. How much does it cost to take the examination and how do I pay?

Exam costs vary by region.  To find out the cost in your country go to http://autodesk.starttest.com, and search for a certification center near you.  They will quote you a price. 

10. How do I prepare for the certification examination?

For information on how to prepare for certification, download either the Exam Guide of Exam Preparation Roadmaps for the certification you wish to earn.  Be sure to download these important documents from http://www.autodesk.com/certification for a full list of recommends preparation materials.

11. What do I receive when I become certified?

When you earn Autodesk Certification status you earn the right to use the official Autodesk Certified logo in marketing your Autodesk skills (on business cards, websites and Résumés) as specified in the logo usage guidelines. You also have access to your electronic Certificate, and if you choose, you may request your certification results be available in the Certified Users database.

You will need to log in to your profile to view your certification history and access your score reports, certificates, and any associated certification logos. To log in, visit http://autodesk.starttest.com.

12.  Who can I contact if I have more questions?

Email certification@autodesk.com with any questions about the program.

Recommended links just for you:

AC2988-R: AutoCAD® Certification: How, Where, When, and Why? by Curt Moreno
http://au.autodesk.com/au-online/classes-on-demand/class-catalog/2012/autocad/autocad-certification-how-where-when-and-why

Learn from Autodesk Certified Instructors
http://au.autodesk.com/plan/certifications/prep-classes

Source: Autodesk.com

AutoCAD, Viruses, and Security

       Issue:

You want to know about what kind of viruses can affect AutoCAD® and how to avoid them.

Solution:

The two main types of viruses that can affect AutoCAD are VBA macros embedded in drawing files and AutoLISP that runs automatically when a drawing is opened.

VBA Macro Viruses

+AutoCAD installations have included VBA since AutoCAD 2000, making it possible to embed VBA projects into drawing files. Once it is part of a drawing, a macro can become active when the drawing is loaded. If that drawing is shared with others, the macro has the potential to affect any computer on which it is active. VBA macros are capable of manipulating your drawing data, accessing your hard drive and registry, and even calling Windows API methods.

AutoLISP-based Viruses

An AutoLISP-based virus typically occurs via an AutoLISP file that runs automatically when a drawing is opened. Such startup AutoLISP files include:

•  acaddoc.lsp (e.g. acad2013doc.lsp) : An Autodesk-provided file that runs every time a drawing is opened
•   acad.lsp (e.g.acad2013.lsp) : An Autodesk-provided file that runs once when AutoCAD is launched
•  acaddoc.lsp : A user-created file that runs every time a drawing is opened
•  acad.lsp : An older-style file that runs once when AutoCAD is launched

The primary way you would get an AutoLISP-based virus would be through one of these files. Typically, someone receives a .zip file or an archive containing drawing files and one of these starts up AutoLISP files. When the user extracts the archive to a folder and loads one of the drawings, the included AutoLISP file is also loaded. That’s all it takes to initiate the virus. Once this rogue file is loaded, it will execute its contents.

Don’t underestimate the power of AutoLISP. Not only is it an extremely powerful programming language for AutoCAD, but it is also capable of

•   Executing AutoCAD commands
•   Running VBA macros
•   Executing Windows apps using the (startapp) method
•   Creating, modifying, and deleting files on your computer
•   Providing full access to your Windows registry

How to Avoid Viruses in AutoCAD 2013:

Service Pack 1 for AutoCAD 2013 includes new security options that help prevent malware and viruses. Details can be found in the following document:

AutoLISP and VBA Security Controls in AutoCAD 2013 SP1

How to Avoid Viruses in AutoCAD versions prior AutoCAD 2013:

Most leading antivirus packages are aware of the most common AutoLISP viruses and will quarantine the AutoLISP files when detected. You can also decrease your odds of getting one of these viruses by developing the following habits:

Never blindly extract an archive without checking its contents

AutoLISP-based viruses usually get into a system because they accompany other files. When you receive an archive (.zip, .rar, etc.), always inspect the contents before unpacking them onto a network or local drive. Be wary of archives that also include executables (.exe), ObjectARX files (.arx), or AutoLISP or VBA files.

Never run an unknown AutoLISP file or VBA macro without inspecting it first

There are many useful VBA and AutoLISP files available for download and shared by users and programmers all over the world. Most of these are probably fine, but if you don’t know where a file came from, you shouldn’t assume it is safe. VBA and AutoLISP are powerful languages that are capable of operations that will affect more than just the current drawing. Unless you are completely confident about the origin of a file and its creator, it’s worth the extra time to inspect the file before using it.

Enable the macro virus protection in AutoCAD

Anticipating the potential for problem macros, AutoCAD software has long included an option to warn you when opening a drawing or project file that includes embedded macros. From that warning dialog box, you can disable the macros before they are able to execute. The warning dialog box is enabled by default in AutoCAD; if, for any reason, this dialog display becomes disabled, it can be turned back on by running the VBARUN command, choosing the Options button, and checking “Enable macro virus protection.” This setting will be saved in the current profile.

By following these tips and using a little diligence and common sense, you can easily avoid introducing viruses into your AutoCAD work environment.

 To bring an AutoCAD-related security issue or vulnerability to our attention, please contact:  autocad.security@autodesk.com. 

AutoCAD Versions: 2008;2009;2010;2011;2012;2013

Next to read:
AutoCAD File Corruption

This document contains content adapted from the Autodesk® Knowledge Network, available under Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works. Copyright © Autodesk, Inc.

AutoCAD File Corruption

 AutoCAD File Corruption

Issue:

Your drawing file (DWG) has become corrupt, and performance is slower and less stable over time. File size may also increase, causing unexpected behavior and file or program crashes.

Solution:

Please follow this procedure to eliminate further problems from corruption within your file.  Additionally this process can be utilized in file migration from previous platforms to ensure best possible results within the current software release.

Process to remove corruption:

1. Open the drawing file.

2. Purge Registered Applications (from the command prompt):

o     -PURGE

o    "R" for Regapps (registered applications), then ENTER

o    "N" when asked to verify each name to be purged, then ENTER

3. Purge All (from the command prompt):

o     -PURGE

o    "A" for All, then ENTER

o    "N" when asked to verify each name to be purged, then ENTER

4.       Audit (from the command prompt):

o    AUDIT

o    "Y" to fix any errors detected

5.       Save the drawing file.

< If the drawing file is in need of a deeper clean, proceed to step 6. >

6.       Open a new blank drawing file.

7.       Insert the affected drawing (from the command prompt):

o    INSERT

o    Select the affected drawing file from the process above

o    Uncheck "Specify On-screen" and check "Explode", then OK

8.       Purge Registered Applications (from the command prompt):

o     -PURGE

o    "R" for Regapps (registered applications), then ENTER

o    "N" when asked to verify each name to be purged, then ENTER

9.       Purge All (from the command prompt):

o     -PURGE

o    "A" for All, then ENTER

o    "N" when asked to verify each name to be purged, then ENTER

10.    Audit (from the command prompt):

o    AUDIT

o    "Y" to fix any errors detected.

11.    Save the drawing file.

Optional:

          Overkill (from the command prompt):

o    OVERKILL

o    Select objects, then ENTER

o    Check or uncheck properties to ignore and options, then OK

This process can be performed to truly clean each file and correct the issue. Typically, this process takes 2-4 minutes per drawing. Additionally, if you need to utilize this on a routine basis, where a script may be warranted for use within your software, please navigate to the ScriptPro tool on Autodesk Labs.

This document contains content adapted from the Autodesk® Knowledge Network, available under Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works. Copyright © Autodesk, Inc.

Related Post:
AutoCAD: Troubleshooting corrupt DWG files