Exam Registration Fee Reduced for Autodesk University 2003 Attendees

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, today announced its Autodesk Inventor(R) Certified Expert Program. It enables highly experienced users to demonstrate proficiency and expertise for their extensive knowledge of Autodesk Inventor(R) software, a key application within the Autodesk Inventor(R) Series -- the world's best selling 3D mechanical design solution. Whether looking for work or already employed, obtaining an official certification from Autodesk will help professionals advance their careers. The first exams, offered at a reduced cost, will be held at Autodesk University on December 3, 2003, in Las Vegas.

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A thorough, four-hour hands-on and written examination will be given to those who participate. Those who pass the exam are considered Certified Experts for the current version of Autodesk Inventor. As certification must be renewed with each new software release, a shorter renewal exam focuses on new features and functionality of the latest version of Autodesk Inventor software.

    Benefits of certification program include:

    -- Expert status -- Certification logo for use on business cards, resumes,
       letterhead, etc., and official printed certificate suitable for
       framing.
    -- Improved career mobility -- Optional listing of contact information in
       Autodesk's database, which will be publicly accessible from
       www.autodesk.com/inventorcertified. This is an excellent way of
       immediately demonstrating user certification status to prospective
       employers.
    -- Skills assessment -- Whether or not users pass the exam, they will
       receive immediate diagnostic feedback as to where they need to improve
       their Autodesk Inventor skills.

"In today's highly competitive job market, having expertise in Autodesk Inventor software is a distinct advantage because our software is used by manufacturers everywhere. Taking that to the next level with an official certification from Autodesk will help design engineering professionals stand apart from the crowd," said Robert Kross, vice president of the Manufacturing Solutions Division at Autodesk.

Registration Fee and Testing Sites

The registration fee for the exam is US$495 and includes study materials. For users who wish to register to take the exam at Autodesk University, the registration fee has been reduced to US$195. Certification renewal for a new release is US$95 per attempt. The exam may be taken at any authorized proctoring center. For a complete list of testing centers, to register for an exam (including the Autodesk University exam), and for more information on the Autodesk Inventor Certified Expert Program, please visit http://www.autodesk.com/inventorcertified .

Autodesk Manufacturing's Design and Data Management Solutions

As part of its strategy to help customers create, manage, and share their digital design data and solve critical business challenges, Autodesk Manufacturing Solutions Division offers companies the most comprehensive selection of 2D and 3D design and data management solutions, critical tools that help customers innovate, increase productivity, simplify processes, improve product quality, and accelerate time to market for less cost. Unlike other offerings on the market today, Autodesk's design and data management solutions are easy to install and use, and provide significant process improvements and rapid results without the complex, costly installations of large-scale product lifecycle management systems. Autodesk's manufacturing solutions include AutoCAD(R), AutoCAD(R) Mechanical and AutoCAD(R) Electrical software, the Autodesk Inventor(R) Professional and Autodesk Inventor Series 3D mechanical design packages that are integrated with the new Autodesk(R) Vault functionality, and the Autodesk Streamline(R) collaboration service. In addition, customers can take advantage of widely available third-party applications purpose-built for Autodesk software and they can utilize Autodesk Professional Services to garner greater value from their software.

For an annual fee, Autodesk(R) Subscription customers benefit from a complete technology, training, and support program that protects their software investments by providing them with the most current design technology, web support direct from Autodesk, flexible self-paced training options, and a broad range of other technology and business benefits. For products like Autodesk Inventor, the program provides a timely cycle of new releases with rich new content as soon as it becomes available. For more information about Autodesk Subscription, visit www.autodesk.com/subscription.

About Autodesk

Autodesk is the world's leading design software and digital content company, offering customers progressive business solutions through powerful technology products and services. Autodesk helps customers in the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media, and wireless data services fields increase the value of their digital design data and improve efficiencies across their entire project lifecycle management processes. For more information about the company, see www.autodesk.com.

NOTE: Autodesk, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, and Autodesk Streamline are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT: Cindi Goodsell of Autodesk, +1-415-507-8452, or cindi.goodsell@autodesk.com.

SOURCE  Autodesk, Inc.
    -0-                             11/19/2003
    /CONTACT:  Cindi Goodsell of Autodesk, +1-415-507-8452, or
cindi.goodsell@autodesk.com/
    /Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000518/SFTH083LOGO
             AP Archive:  http://photoarchive.ap.org
             PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840/
    /Web site:  http://www.autodesk.com /
    (ADSK)

CO:  Autodesk, Inc.
ST:  California, Nevada
IN:  CPR STW MLM
SU:  PDT



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