ETABS (Extended Three-Dimensional Analysis of Building Systems) is a powerful software tool used in structural engineering for building analysis and design. Developed by Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI), it offers an intuitive graphical interface combined with sophisticated modeling and analysis capabilities.
ETABS is one of the most important software tools for civil and structural engineers. Whether you’re designing buildings, analyzing loads, or preparing for industry projects, ETABS helps you understand structural behavior in a clear and visual way.
There are many ETABS courses online — some free, some paid — but only a few actually teach the software step by step with real building models and hands-on practice. This guide highlights the best options for beginners, students, and working professionals who want to learn ETABS the right way.
Why Learning ETABS Is Worth It
ETABS is widely used in structural engineering firms around the world. Knowing how to model buildings, apply loads, run analysis, understand results, and design structural components makes you far more employable.
A few reasons engineers choose ETABS:
- Easy modeling for RC & steel structures
- Perfect for multistorey buildings and complex designs
- Accurate seismic, wind, and load analysis
- Required in many civil/structural engineering jobs
- Strong demand across India, Middle East, US, and Europe
If you’re starting a structural engineering career, ETABS is a must-have skill.
Best ETABS Courses Online (Free & Paid)
1ETABS Tutorials for Building Design (YouTube – Free Course)
ETABS Tutorials for Building Design (YouTube – Free Course)
If you’re looking for a complete and beginner-friendly way to learn ETABS without any cost, this YouTube playlist is one of the best starting points. The trainer explains every concept slowly and clearly, from opening the software for the first time to designing a full building model.
Each lesson focuses on real structural engineering workflows, so you understand not just how to use ETABS, but why certain modeling choices matter during design and analysis. This makes it a great learning path for students and young engineers who want practical confidence.
Course Details (Updated 2025)
Format: YouTube Playlist (Free) | Trainer: Engineering Learning Platform
Level: Beginner to Advanced | Content: Full ETABS Learning Path
Access: 100% Free on YouTube
2ETABS for Beginners (YouTube – Free Course by DECODE BD)
ETABS for Beginners (YouTube – Free Course by DECODE BD)
This is one of the most popular and effective beginner-friendly ETABS playlists on YouTube. Even though it’s an older series, it remains one of the best starting points for students who want clear explanations, slow-paced guidance, and practical examples.
The trainer from DECODE BD walks you through the basics of modeling, applying loads, and understanding how ETABS handles structural behavior. It’s simple, easy to follow, and perfect for anyone who is just getting started with building analysis and design.
Course Details (Beginner-Friendly)
Format: YouTube Playlist (Free) | Trainer: DECODE BD
Level: Beginner
Updated: Evergreen foundational course
Access: 100% Free on YouTube
3ETABS Building Analysis & Design Program (YouTube – Official CSI Training)
ETABS Building Analysis & Design Program (YouTube – Official CSI Training)
This playlist is created by Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI) — the official developers of ETABS. Because it’s taught directly by the creators of the software, the explanations are accurate, clear, and aligned with real industry standards.
The course introduces you to the ETABS environment, basic modeling concepts, load applications, analysis tools, and design workflows. It’s one of the most reliable resources for understanding how ETABS is meant to be used in professional structural engineering projects.
Course Details (Official Training)
Format: YouTube Playlist (Free)
Trainer: Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI)
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Access: 100% Free on YouTube
4ETABS & SAFE Complete Building Design Course + Detailing (Udemy)
ETABS & SAFE Complete Building Design Course + Detailing (Udemy)
This bestseller course is perfect for learners who want a complete structural design workflow using ETABS + SAFE + AutoCAD. It starts from importing architectural plans and goes all the way to analyzing, designing, detailing, and interpreting results for real-world building projects.
You’ll work through multiple live models, understand how to design RCC elements, and learn how to prepare practical detailing drawings — something highly useful for design office work and job roles.
Course Details (Updated 2025)
Rating: 4.6/5 | Students: 5,246+ | Duration: 21 hrs | Resources: 33 downloadable files | Updated:Dec 2025 | Certificate: Yes | Access: Lifetime + Mobile/TV
5ETABS & SAFE: Advanced Course for RCC and Steel Structures (Udemy)
ETABS & SAFE: Advanced Course for RCC and Steel Structures (Udemy)
This advanced ETABS + SAFE course is designed for engineers who want to work on high-rise RCC buildings, steel structures, complex modeling, and professional detailing workflows. It goes far beyond basic ETABS usage and teaches complete analysis, design, reinforcement detailing, and foundation modeling using CSI SAFE and AutoCAD.
With real-world examples like 34-storey buildings, steel space structures, and PEB systems, this course is ideal for learners aiming to upgrade their structural engineering skills for modern design offices.
Course Details
Rating: 4.4/5 | Students: 1,388+ | Duration: 17.5 hrs | Resources: 5 downloads | Updated: 2023 | Certificate: Yes | Access: Lifetime + Mobile/TV
6Especialización en Ingeniería Estructural con ETABS (Spanish-Udemy)
Especialización en Ingeniería Estructural con ETABS (Spanish-Udemy)
Este curso es una excelente opción para ingenieros y estudiantes que desean aprender análisis y diseño estructural utilizando ETABS de una manera práctica y aplicada. Todo el contenido está explicado en español claro, y se trabaja sobre un proyecto real de una edificación de 6 niveles, ideal para comprender cómo se desarrolla un modelo completo desde cero.
El curso enseña tanto herramientas básicas como avanzadas del programa, con enfoque en edificaciones sismorresistentes y en la correcta interpretación de resultados. También incluye el diseño de fundaciones usando SAFE, permitiendo comparar diferentes metodologías de trabajo profesional.
Detalles del Curso
Calificación: 4.6/5 | Estudiantes: 2,985+ | Duración: 9 horas
Actualización: Mayo 2024 | Certificado: Sí | Acceso: De por vida + móvil/TV
8ETABS Eğitim Akademisi (TBDY2018’e Göre / Güncel) – (Turkish Udemy)
ETABS Eğitim Akademisi (TBDY2018’e Göre / Güncel) – (Turkish Udemy)
Bu kurs, ETABS’i sıfırdan öğrenmek ve TBDY2018 yönetmeliğine uygun şekilde çok katlı betonarme yapıların analizini yapmak isteyenler için hazırlanmış kapsamlı bir eğitimdir.
Eğitim boyunca örnek bir proje üzerinden tüm modelleme, yük tanımlama, analiz ve değerlendirme adımları detaylı şekilde anlatılmaktadır.
Mühendis Akademi kalitesiyle sunulan bu kurs, hem öğrenciler hem de aktif olarak çalışan mühendisler için pratik ve anlaşılır bir yol haritası sunar.
Kurs Detayları
Puan: 4.5/5 | Öğrenci: 2.134+ | Süre: 10 saat
Kaynaklar: 37 dosya + ödevler | Güncelleme: Ocak 2021
Sertifika: Var | Erişim: Ömür boyu + Mobil/TV
FAQs
Is ETABS hard to learn?
No — once you understand the interface, modeling becomes easy.
How long does it take to learn?
1–2 weeks for basics, 1 month for projects.
Do companies use ETABS?
Yes — especially in structural and high-rise building design.
Is a paid course required?
Free courses are great for basics. Paid courses help with real projects and professional workflows.
Why I Recommend These Courses
- Beginner-friendly explanations
- Focus on modeling + analysis + real projects
- Updated for modern ETABS versions
- Taught by experienced structural engineers
- Practical approach (not just theory)
Who Should Learn ETABS?
- Civil engineering students
- Structural engineering learners
- Freshers preparing for design office jobs
- Engineers working with building design
- Professionals switching from STAAD Pro to ETABS
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