Best Online BIM Classes

What is BIM?

Crucial to the planning, design, and construction of structures and buildings, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital process that uses 3D models to create and manage information construction projects. BIM is known for being a highly collaborative process that allows architects, engineers, real estate developers, contractors, manufacturers, and other construction professionals to plan, design, and construct a structure or building within one 3D model. 

Before the invention of BIM, blueprints and drawings were used to express information about a particular building plan. This 2D approach made it very difficult to visualize dimensions and requirements. CAD (Computer Aided Design) eventually came along and helped drafters see the benefit of plans in a digital environment. Later on, CAD turned 3D, which brought more realistic visuals to blueprints. Now, BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the standard and is made up of components that are intelligent, have geometry, and store data. If any element is changed, BIM software updates the model to reflect that change. It’s this adaptability that has made BIM a must-have software in construction, architecture, engineering, and product design. 

Best Online BIM Classes

BIM Certificate Program

This comprehensive certificate course from VDCI provides both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, allowing you to work with real-world projects. You’ll gain hands-on experience in Revit, the leading software for creating 3D models of commercial buildings. You’ll also learn to design and visualize complex structures, developing models that integrate seamlessly with construction processes. Additionally, you’ll master the ability to create accurate construction documentation directly from your BIM model, streamlining the workflow from design to construction, and learn the critical steps in generating and managing construction drawings. By applying BIM concepts and Revit skills to real commercial construction scenarios, you’ll develop a professional portfolio that showcases your abilities to potential employers.

Learn BIM

• Nationally accredited
• Create your own portfolio
• Free student software
• Learn at your convenience
• Authorized Autodesk training center

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BIM Construction Documents I

This VDCI course is the first of two in the BIM Construction Documents series, where you’ll use Revit to model an existing single-story commercial building, create a site plan, and develop a two-story expansion. You’ll learn how to apply BIM tools to create an architectural model that includes an existing building, partial demolition, and new construction. This course also covers how to use external files to build topography for a project, and then develop a comprehensive site plan that includes hardscape and landscaping elements. Finally, you’ll learn to graphically differentiate phases of a project from existing construction through new additions and how to produce high-quality renderings that are suitable for both presentation and documentation purposes.

BIM Construction Documents II

This VDCI course builds on the introductory course by focusing on the creation of professional, deliverable architectural construction documents. You’ll learn how to create progress sets of construction documents reflecting various stages of project completion and manage deliverables at different milestones, ensuring that the project stays on track. Additionally, you’ll learn to keynote project elements within the model and develop schedules directly from the BIM model. Finally, you will also create architectural details, ensuring all aspects of the design are fully communicated in the construction documents.

What Can You Do with BIM Training?

Aside from possible new career paths, BIM can be used by the average person to accomplish many personal projects. BIM tools can revolutionize personal home improvement projects by allowing you to create detailed 3D models of your spaces before making any physical changes. You can experiment with different layouts, test furniture arrangements, simulate natural lighting conditions throughout the day, and accurately estimate material quantities for renovations, helping you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

You can also use BIM to design and prototype custom furniture pieces that perfectly fit your space and style preferences. The parametric modeling capabilities let you adjust dimensions and materials easily, while the visualization tools help you see exactly how your creation will look before investing in materials or starting construction.

If you’re interested in real estate investment or development, BIM skills can be invaluable for evaluating and planning small property developments. You can create accurate site models, test different building configurations, analyze solar exposure and energy efficiency, and generate detailed cost estimates to assess project feasibility before committing significant resources.

What Will I Learn in a BIM Class?

A BIM course will provide hands-on training with popular software like Autodesk Revit, Bentley MicroStation, and/or Tekla Structures so you can learn to create 3D models, drawings, and renderings. Below are just some of the skills you’ll master in a BIM class:

Collaborative Workflows

Collaboration is crucial in construction, engineering, product design, and architecture. A professional training course will teach you how BIM fosters collaboration among architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders. You’ll learn to coordinate and share BIM data across disciplines and how to implement best practices for collaborative BIM projects.

Data Management and Integration

You’ll also master managing data and information within a BIM environment, as well as how to integrate data from various sources, like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and CAD (Computer-Aided Design). Learning these skills will help you use data for informed decision-making and project optimization.

BIM Standards and Protocols

Comprehending national and international BIM standards and guidelines is imperative to your success as a BIM professional. A training course will teach you how to adhere to BIM protocols and best practices and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements for all your projects.

BIM Project Lifecycle

Workflow in BIM may be different than what you’re used to so it’s important that you learn to apply BIM methodologies throughout the project lifecycle, from concept to construction and operation. You’ll learn to manage changes, updates, and revisions using BIM and leverage BIM for facility management and maintenance.

What Kinds of Training Options are Available to Learn BIM?

There are four main ways to learn CAD: live in-person classes, live online courses, on-demand classes, and free resources. Each one has been outlined below so that you can consider the pros and cons. 

In-Person Classes

In-person classes are held on location at scheduled times and offer face-to-face interaction with your fellow students and your expert instructor. If you encounter any challenging material, you can ask questions in real time instead of spending unnecessary time figuring it out on your own. You are also able to work with other students, allowing you to practice teamwork skills and build relationships. This collaborative environment is available for both full-time and part-time classes and provides structure and accountability, two things that can help you succeed.

Live Online Classes

Live virtual courses are considered the middle ground between on-demand and in-person classes. You’ll attend scheduled class times from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you choose) to learn from an expert instructor. Live online classes offer instant feedback from your teacher and interactions with other students, creating the opportunity for a deeper understanding of the coursework. These classes are ideal for students that thrive in a structured learning environment but perhaps don’t live near any in-person offerings. Or, if you simply prefer online learning, then a live virtual class could be for you. 

Self-Directed 

Self-directed courses are a flexible online option for those with complicated schedules. You can attend from anywhere you choose and complete each lesson on your own time, so you can speed through easy sections and spend more time on challenging ones. But, like a live online class, you’ll still have additional support and guidance from instructors or mentors, albeit with slightly more of a delay.

On-Demand Classes

On-demand classes offer the most flexibility of any class option but don’t win any awards for speed. They do have quite a few benefits for busy professionals, though. Not only can you learn from wherever you want, you can also learn whenever you want. There are no due dates or scheduled class times, so you can take your time on challenging topics or skip over ones you’ve already mastered. 

These classes are ideal for learners with complicated schedules who need to squeeze their studying in around their work and other obligations. You’ll need to be an independent and self-motivated student to succeed in an on-demand class.

Choosing the Right Training Method for You

While each of these training options have positive attributes, they also all have disadvantages. If you rely on the accountability of live online or in-person class schedules, you may struggle to stay focused in a self-directed or on-demand course. 

When it comes to online classes, these can vary widely in cost, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the length and depth of the program. Financial assistance is sometimes available for these courses, and you can typically set up a payment plan to help make these courses more accessible, but you’ll want to seriously consider cost when making your decision. Finally, it’s very easy to lose momentum or fall behind in a self-directed or on-demand class since you won’t have any outside accountability, so these courses tend to take longer than a structured live course.

How Hard is it to Learn BIM?

Learning BIM does have a few challenges. The steep learning curve of 3D modeling often intimidates newcomers, particularly when transitioning from 2D CAD. Additionally, the parametric nature of BIM objects can be conceptually challenging for those used to traditional drafting. Instead of drawing simple lines and shapes, you're working with intelligent components that contain data and maintain relationships with other elements. Project coordination and collaboration aspects of BIM can also feel overwhelming. Modern BIM projects often involve multiple team members working simultaneously on different aspects of the same model. 

The good news is, no matter the complications, BIM can be mastered with the right amount of passion and dedication, and with the help of a quality professional training course. 

What are the most challenging parts of learning BIM?

There are two components to BIM that are considered especially challenging. Data management presents a significant hurdle; BIM models contain vast amounts of information beyond just geometry, including material specifications, cost data, and performance parameters. To handle this complexity, successful learners typically start by focusing on essential data fields and gradually expand their data management skills. Creating templates and standardized content libraries helps streamline this process and reduces the cognitive load while learning.

The technical demands of BIM software can also be daunting. Modern BIM platforms require decent computing power and understanding of various file formats and integrations. Many professionals overcome this by starting with a basic setup and upgrading their hardware incrementally as they take on more complex projects. 

How Long Does it Take to Learn BIM?

Learning the basics of BIM, including software proficiency and fundamental modeling principles, typically takes around 3-6 months for beginners. More advanced skills and specialization can take a year or more depending on your learning pace and previous experience. There is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to BIM, so this can take some time to adjust to as well. The good news is that regular practice and real-world experience can significantly accelerate the learning process.

Can I Learn BIM Free Online?

You could take advantage of free resources like Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel, making the most of the insights, tools, and short tutorials made available by industry experts. Coursera also boasts hundreds of various training sessions and videos lasting from just a few minutes to a few days. While free resources are financially helpful, this method can take the most time. You’ll be responsible for sourcing all your learning materials and ensuring that you’ve covered all the important subjects of construction, and this process can take a substantial amount of time. Additionally, like on-demand courses, it’s easy to lose motivation and fall behind with free resources.

What Should I Learn Alongside BIM?

Project management methodologies have become increasingly crucial for BIM professionals who want to advance their careers and take on leadership roles. The construction industry is rapidly adopting modern project management approaches, particularly Agile and Lean Construction methods, which complement BIM's collaborative nature. These methodologies provide frameworks for managing complex projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring efficient delivery of construction projects while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.

Advanced visualization and rendering skills transform technical BIM models into photorealistic presentations that effectively communicate design intent to clients and stakeholders. Industry-standard tools like Lumion, V-Ray, and Enscape enable professionals to create stunning architectural visualizations with features such as real-time rendering, extensive material libraries, and sophisticated lighting simulation capabilities. These tools integrate seamlessly with BIM software, allowing for efficient workflow between technical documentation and presentation-quality imagery.

Industries that Use BIM

BIM software programs are predominantly used in industries related to design, construction, and development. These professionals rely on BIM because it provides them with the tools they can use to create intricate building models for residential, commercial, or institutional structures. Read on to find out more about the role BIM training plays in various industries:

• Architectural design: BIM is widely used by architects to create detailed 3D models of buildings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and other design elements. 
• Structural engineering: Structural engineers utilize BIM to model structural components like beams, columns, and slabs, analyzing their load-bearing capacity. 
• MEP engineering: MEP engineers use BIM to design and model mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems within a building, including ductwork, wiring, and piping. 
• Construction management: Contractors can leverage BIM models for clash detection, quantity takeoffs, and coordination with other project disciplines, improving construction efficiency.

BIM Job Titles and Salaries

There are many job titles that you can look for as a BIM expert thanks to its versatility as a tool. Architectural Designers, as an example, use BIM to develop 3D models and produce construction documents. This role demands a thorough grasp of architectural concepts. As of January 2025, the average salary for an architectural designer in the United States is between $72,000 and $75,000 per year.

Additionally, a BIM Specialist oversees and coordinates BIM models to maintain accuracy and optimize efficiency. BIM Specialists are also responsible for resolving issues and upholding project standards. You can expect to make between $72,000 and $94,000 per year as a BIM Specialist. 

You could also consider other roles like becoming a Structural Engineer, Interior Designer, or Construction Manager. These roles utilize Revit to design and analyse structural systems and interior spaces, and create detailed models that meet safety standards and showcase your design choices. BIM also helps all these roles work together. Interior Designers make around $69,000 per year, while Construction Managers land around $105,000 and Structural Engineers earn up to $116,000.

BIM Corporate Training

If you’re looking to offer in-person or online training to your office or team, VDCI can help. They offer a variety of corporate training programs, including in BIM. You can order vouchers in bulk at a discount, choose which courses are available to employees, and even let your employees choose their own schedule. Plus, you can choose to have your training hosted at a location of your choosing, live online, or at our Manhattan office. 

With a top-notch customizable curriculum and instructors who are experts in their industries, VDCI's corporate training is designed to cater to your business or organization’s needs. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, you can reach out to Noble Desktop at partnerships@vdci.edu.