Before you learn Building Information Modeling (BIM), you will want to look into the available training types. Different types of training cost different amounts. You may have various training options depending on how you want to learn, the level of learning, and your desired outcome. You can find free or low-cost training if you want budget-friendly ways to start learning BIM. These online resources can be a great way to determine if BIM is the skill you want to learn without breaking the bank. However, if you seek more in-depth training, you must enroll in a paid course, especially if you seek a professional certification or an advanced skill set.
Instructor-led online or in-person programs usually cost more because they provide personalized guidance and a clear structure. The cost can rise if the program includes software tools or hands-on projects. These materials often boost the overall price. Depending on your course length, these courses can cost you a few hundred or several thousand dollars. You can find cheaper courses that are on-demand or self-paced, which allow you to learn the material when you have the time. On-demand courses offer pre-recorded lectures that students can work through independently. Self-paced courses are similar to on-demand courses, although students still have some interaction with the instructor. Students can easily reach their instructor to ask questions or work through difficult concepts. With the added interaction, self-paced courses tend to have a slightly higher price tag than on-demand courses. You can find on-demand courses for under $100, while some self-paced programs can range from $100 to $500.
If you want to jump-start a new career or enhance your current position, you may look at a BIM bootcamp or certificate course. These courses give students a deep dive into BIM that will prepare them for a new career. Many of these courses offer career services in some capacity. As these courses last anywhere from several days to several months, students who choose this option see a higher price tag of several thousand dollars than the other options. However, you can view these courses as investments, and when you enter into a new career, they end up paying for themselves after a few months. With several training options to learn BIM, you can find the right course that meets your desired learning goals and budget.
What is BIM?
What Factors Impact How Long It Takes to Learn BIM?
The time it takes to learn BIM can vary greatly from one individual to another. As discussed above, several factors can influence how long it will take to fully learn the various skills and concepts associated with BIM. The training method one chooses can prepare someone for a new career in a few months or have them learn different skills over the course of several years. Some individuals may have prior knowledge of AEC-related skills and may find learning BIM easier. Every person has a different reason for learning BIM; those reasons can change how much time they spend learning the skill. Understanding these various aspects can help you set realistic expectations and help you make the best decisions for your learning needs.
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Training Method
When you look up how to learn BIM skills, you will encounter several different training methods to help you learn the skills you want. However, different training methods take significantly longer to master skills than others. Free resources, for example, seem great on the surface. They present a budget-friendly option for training. Yet, if you only use free resources, you can spend many years trying to master BIM. Without a clear structure, you may spend months jumping around between different skills like Revit and blueprint reading. This can create fractured learning. If you set up a learning path, you may be able to cut down the time it takes to learn BIM with free resources. However, you may want to consider them as an introduction to the skills before jumping into structured learning, as structured courses can greatly decrease the time it takes you to learn any skill.
On-demand courses provide similar flexibility to that found with free resources, as students can complete the training when they have time, yet they will follow pre-recorded modules throughout the course. These courses are another budget and beginner-friendly learning option, as they often contain several hours of material for students to work through. Bootcamps and certificate courses can seem time-consuming at first, as they require a large time commitment upfront. Yet, after a few weeks or months of intensive training, you have the skill set that is ready for the career that you want. When deciding how you want to learn BIM, it is important to consider how long you want to spend learning the skill. If you are eager to jump into a new career, you may consider the larger initial time investment over a cheaper yet longer learning process.
Software Complexity
Learning BIM includes learning several different BIM programs. Each BIM platform presents students with a range of tools that can make it more challenging to learn. As you learn BIM, you will encounter software like Revit, ArchiCAD, and Navisworks, all of which are industry-standard tools. If you have not worked with this type of software before, you will need to spend time acquainting yourself with the interface. While this is a necessary step, and you can't skip it, it does increase the time it takes to learn the programs. As you become more comfortable with each program, the easier it will be to learn how to utilize it to create your desired outcomes. As you start to create models within these programs, you will need to become familiar with parametric modeling and data management. Some students struggle with these ideas when they are first starting out. With the right training and practice, students can easily adapt to the software's complexity and build expertise over a short period of time.
What Other Factors Should I Consider When Learning BIM
Knowing how long it should take to learn BIM skills is important, especially if you want to start a new career. This can give you an idea of when to start applying for positions. However, you should consider other factors that will also impact your learning, thus impacting the time it takes you to learn the skill, like difficulty and the cost of training.
As with learning any skill, students will encounter various challenges throughout the learning process. In the world of AEC skills, BIM is considered one of the more difficult skills to learn simply because of the initial learning curve with the different software used. Once students overcome that initial hurdle, it does become easier to learn, even with the various challenges they may encounter. Learning the software will take time and effort, especially if you haven't worked in architecture or construction before. However, if you set up a regular practice schedule and stick to it, you can minimize any difficulties that may arise throughout the learning process. The best way to help eliminate any challenges is to enroll in a BIM course that provides a structured environment that will dive into each software. Yet, these training courses do cost money, and they can be costly.
Different training methods will have different costs, which makes choosing the right training method slightly more difficult. On-demand courses are by far the cheapest option one can choose. However, they are often introductory courses, and they do not provide students with any interaction with the instructor. This can present challenges to students if they encounter any topics they don't fully understand. Individual classes that cover one topic at a time can be beneficial for students who cannot commit to a bootcamp or certificate course. Yet, learning one skill at a time can become costly as you will need to learn several skills to become proficient in BIM. The best bang for your buck is bootcamps and certificate courses. While the initial price tag is high, with some being several thousand dollars, they dive into all aspects of BIM to prepare students for a new career or promotion. Enrolling in these courses can also lead to high-paying job opportunities, as earning a certificate can put you above other candidates in the job market. When you are deciding which way to take your training, it is important to decide how you want to learn and how much you are willing to spend. You may have to adjust your expectations on the amount of time it will take you to learn BIM.
What Factors Impact How Much It Costs to Learn BIM?
It is easy to look at a course and see how much it will cost. However, learning BIM can involve other expenses beyond training that you should consider before enrolling in a course. When you enroll in a course, your major expense is the tuition; however, you may encounter other costs like software, certification fees, or travel expenses. Before you start your learning journey, it is important to consider these additional costs.
Software and Licensing
While most courses will provide you with an education license for software like Revit, AutoCAD, and Navisworks, after you finish the course, you may need to purchase it to keep practicing. Some of these programs offer free trials, which can be a great way to gain access to them; after that trial is over, you will need to pay either a subscription fee or a hefty one-time purchase. Professionals working on advanced projects might need premium add-ons or cloud storage, which can raise expenses. Before enrolling in a course, consider these costs in your budget to help better prepare. Companies may also provide you with a license for the software once you get hired.
Certification and Exam Fees
When assessing your goals for your training, you may consider seeking certification in BIM or similar software. An industry-recognized certification can improve your job prospects as certifications prove mastery over a topic. However, the process of obtaining the certification can come with additional costs. No matter which certification you pursue, you must take an exam to demonstrate your knowledge of the subject. You must pay registration fees, like the Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit, to take the exam. Some certifications require you to take certain types of training courses before you can take the exam. Or, to better prepare, you may enroll in exam prep courses. Earning a certification is optional, but it can give you an edge in the job market. So, they are valuable yet costly in BIM training.
Commute and Travel
If you enroll in an in-person course, you must commute to that course. You must consider the cost of gas or public transportation before enrolling in a course. If the training center is several hours away, you can easily add several hundred dollars to the cost of training because of the gas you will use to get there. You may even find a perfect course that is out-of-town and will require airfare and lodging. Of course, you only need to consider this cost if you enroll in an in-person BIM course.
What Other Factors Should I Consider When Learning BIM
Considering the cost of training when learning BIM is important; however, several factors can also impact your learning. The time it takes to learn BIM can greatly impact your learning. You can find training courses that take a day to complete or several months. You may also find courses that allow you to learn at a pace that works best for you. While longer courses provide more in-depth training, you may not have the time to invest in those courses. Yet, enrolling in multiple individual courses can become costly over time. Depending on your background, you may find that the learning process is quicker, as you are already familiar with many concepts and do not need to enroll in any introductory courses. However, it may take longer for someone completely new to the field to grasp the technical aspects of BIM software and the various workflows. Understanding how much time they need to learn can help students plan their schedules and set realistic expectations.
With those expectations, you should also consider any potential challenges that may come up during the learning process. Many students struggle with 3D modeling and transitioning from 2D renders to CAD software when learning BIM. You can ease the difficulty of these challenges with training courses. However, this can also vary depending on the learning method you choose. Self-paced courses offer students more flexibility with their learning, but if you encounter a topic you struggle to understand, you must wait until you can contact your instructor to receive help. If you enroll in a live class, whether in-person or online, you can easily address any concerns that may arise as they do so. However, this level of training often requires more financial and time investment. You should consider how best you learn and whether tackling challenges independently or with guidance will be better.
How Can I Learn BIM?
As with any skill, when it comes to learning BIM, there are several different ways to approach your learning. Each method has benefits based on your learning style, schedule, and career goals.
- Live Online Training: Students who enroll in these classes receive a traditional classroom experience without the need to commute to a training facility. Live online classes maintain the level of interaction that in-person classes have while allowing students to participate in class from anywhere with an internet connection. Both of these training methods include hands-on training with various projects.
- Self-Paced Training: Students who want more flexibility with their training can enroll in self-paced training courses. These courses allow students to work on the material as it fits into their schedule. There is no designated class time; students only have to complete all of the material by the time the course ends. They will typically have several months to complete all the work. Self-paced programs provide students with a structured learning environment while giving them control over how and when they learn. Students will also still have the ability to interact with their instructors or peers through online forums and voice/video chat rooms. Self-paced programs offer a unique balance between structure, flexibility, and interaction.
- On-Demand Training: Similar to self-paced training classes, on-demand training classes allow students to work through the material when and how it best fits into their schedule. All of the material is pre-recorded. Students will receive access to the entire course when they enroll. However, on-demand training does require a lot of self-discipline. The main point that separates on-demand training from self-paced training is that there is no interaction with peers or instructors. Students will work through the material completely on their own. If they have questions, they will need to find the answer on their own. Students must stay motivated to finish lessons and practice exercises. This method works well for people who can independently handle software tutorials and solve problems.
Each learning method can be effective, depending on individual needs and goals. Live online training works best for those who thrive in interactive environments; self-paced courses balance flexibility and support, and on-demand learning provides total freedom for independent students. Mastering BIM can lead to many career opportunities in the AEC industry. No matter which format you choose, you can find a training format that will allow you to reach your learning goals.
Learn BIM with Hands-on Training at VDCI
As you start looking for training, you will find various schools and providers that offer BIM training. The Virtual Design & Construction Institute (VDCI) offers various courses designed to help students develop strong BIM skills, whether they are just starting or looking to specialize in a particular area. All courses offered through VDCI are self-paced training programs. These programs allow students 24/7 access to the course materials so they can fit their learning into their schedule. Traditional on-demand courses have students working through the material alone; however, VDCI wanted to change that by creating immersive forums that allow for easy interaction between peers in the same course. Students will also be able to interact with instructors in the VDCI Student Lounge. While students will work through the material independently and when it fits into their schedule, they can still ask questions when they encounter difficulty, making VDCI a top choice for students who need flexibility with their training. You can find various BIM training courses to help you meet your BIM learning goals.
The Revit Certification course dives into Revit Architecture while preparing students for the Autodesk Certified User Exam in Revit. Students will begin by learning the fundamental concepts of BIM like creating construction documents. As they progress, students will begin designing 3D building models and transform 3D models into 2D architectural drawings. They will become familiar with Revit concepts and the various Revit Architecture tools. At the end of the course, students are ready for the Autodesk Revit certification exam. This credential is valuable for professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction.
The BIM Certificate Program combines various courses to teach the technical skills and workflows of BIM to prepare students for a career in the AEC industry. Students start by learning the fundamentals of Revit before advancing into more complex techniques. They will also explore creating and managing BIM models, and creating various construction documents. During part of the course, students will focus on creating building systems that illustrate structural integrity. Each part of the course aims to develop stronger BIM skills, allowing students to become proficient in all aspects of the skill.
If you want to focus on learning specific aspects of BIM, you can enroll in individual skill courses like BIM Construction Documents 1 or BIM Detailing. BIM Construction Documents 1 shows students how to use Revit Architecture tools to create architectural models of existing buildings, demolition, and new construction. They will dive into building topography for different projects to showcase landscaping. Students will also learn how to produce various renderings for presentations. In BIM Detailing, students will focus on honing their detailing skills. Part of creating 3D renderings for construction is making sure they are accurate, which forces users to focus on the smaller details. They will learn how to illustrate structural integrity and integrate details that limit or prevent injury or costly mistakes during the construction of a building. Both of these courses require basic knowledge of Revit and are great if you are looking to develop certain skills within BIM.
The BIM Project Management course offers key training for professionals. It focuses on managing large projects, coordinating BIM workflows, and improving collaboration. This course teaches real-world project management strategies. Students will learn to oversee BIM processes, keep project timelines, and ensure quality control. The Introduction to Navisworks course shows students how to use BIM models. They learn to detect clashes, visualize projects, and improve coordination. Navisworks is key for construction teams. It helps them spot conflicts before work starts. VDCI offers courses that give students the technical and strategic skills they need to thrive in today's BIM-driven industry. No matter what type of training you are seeking to learn BIM, you can find courses that fit your needs with VDCI!