Taking on a new skill always has a set of inherent difficulties. However, learning some skills does prove to be more difficult than others. Before learning Building Information Modeling or BIM, you may want to see where it lands on the scale compared to other design and construction skills. Experts consider BIM one of the more difficult skills to learn within the Architecture, Engineering, or Construction (AEC) industries, as several moving parts contribute to the skill. As with any skill, several factors impact the difficulty of learning BIM, including the student's prior background, chosen training method, and desired outcome. Students with a background in AEC may find the learning process smoother due to familiarity with design principles and industry terminology.
As BIM is a design-based skill, various tools can present more challenges for beginners, especially those without a technical foundation. 3D modeling, building information management, and BIM coordination are complex. They need technical skills and smart problem-solving strategies. Hands-on courses and instructor-led sessions help students understand these concepts better. Different training methods present students with different paces to learn BIM skills. The pace at which someone learns BIM can impact the difficulty of learning these skills. Self-paced courses provide flexibility. However, these courses might lack the structure and support some students need. This can slow down their progress, but make it easier to internalize the information. Live or instructor-led courses offer a more interactive experience and have students learning skills in a predetermined time frame. Students can actively participate in the course by asking questions. Yet, students may also not have the time to focus on the areas they struggle to grasp as they must keep up with the curriculum. Having an instructor present can help students. They can ask clarifying questions or seek additional help from their instructor. While there are several ways to help make learning BIM easier, a student's reason for learning BIM can also impact their learning process and change the potential challenges they might face.
Students who seek a basic or general understanding of BIM to take on personal projects may focus on receiving a surface-level understanding of BIM skills and programs. Learning the fundamentals of BIM can take students a few weeks of dedicated learning. Some students choose to learn through free resources, while others may take an introductory-level course. These students will not run into as many difficulties as students who are seeking a professional-level understanding of BIM. Students who want to enter a BIM-related career must master various tools and programs throughout the learning process. This will lead to a steeper learning curve and more challenges along the way. However, no matter what the reason is for learning BIM, there are countless programs and resources that can help make the learning process easier.
What is BIM?
In the construction world, various ways exist to present and design buildings and infrastructure. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a collaborative and digital approach to designing, constructing, and managing buildings. While traditional blueprints create 2D renderings and plans for a building, BIM software allows users to create detailed 3D models that store valuable data about every aspect of a project. Architects, Engineers, and Contractors can utilize this software to make changes to the project as needed and use the models to visualize a structure before they build it to identify any potential issues. Since BIM integrates data from these different disciplines into a single shared model, it encourages seamless collaboration and reduces costly mistakes from misunderstandings. As more companies within the architecture, engineering and construction(AEC) industries adopt this technology, BIM stands at the forefront of innovation in modern construction.
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While one typically uses BIM to create a building design, its use extends throughout its entire lifecycle. Professionals can utilize BIM software when planning the structure, laying out timelines and production costs, and managing long-term maintenance. Facility Managers can utilize BIM models to monitor energy efficiency and plan renovations. Governments and large organizations increasingly require BIM for major projects because of its ability to improve sustainability and cost management. BIM evolves as technology advances, incorporating artificial intelligence and cloud-based collaboration tools to enhance efficiency. BIM reshapes the planning, building, and maintenance of structures; in an industry where precision and teamwork matter, it plays a crucial role.
How Hard is it to Learn BIM?
The answer is going to vary depending on the depth of your study and the approach that you take to learning these skills. Some classes are very accessible for beginners (with many of them designed specifically for beginners) while others will assume a great deal of pre-existing knowledge. In addition, the difficulty of learning BIM will depend on the kind of BIM skills that you are learning. Introductory skills are easy to acquire, but anyone looking to work on specialized construction projects will need to learn relevant associated skills that can be more or less complicated depending on the specialization in question.
What Factors Impact How Hard it is to Learn BIM?
For students to overcome any challenges that they may encounter while learning BIM, it is important to understand what factors play into the difficulty level of the skill. These various factors affect how easily a student can master BIM software and its concepts. Knowing what affects learning is key to overcoming challenges, whether you're an expert or just starting.
Background and Prior Knowledge
Everyone has different experiences and knowledge, so when it comes to learning BIM, some students may understand more than others, which can make it easier to learn for some students. A student who wants to learn BIM and is seeking to upskill and improve their position within the AEC industries will likely understand the fundamentals of BIM better than those who have a background in healthcare or technology. These students are already familiar with design principles and industry terms. Having knowledge in the industry allows students to jump over these topics and start learning more advanced tools and skills. These individuals might already know how to use technical software or work with building models. This experience helps them handle the complexity of BIM tools. However, people without technical or industry experience may struggle more. They have to learn both the software tools and the basic principles of BIM.
Training Method
How a student chooses to learn BIM can impact the difficulty of learning BIM. Some students may choose to start learning BIM by using free resources. These resources allow students to choose what they want to learn and when they want to learn it. They have complete control over their learning. However, without a structured plan or knowing what they need to learn, students may go down rabbit holes and learn unnecessary skills or find the learning curve to be too steep. If students need flexibility in their training but still want to have a structure to their learning, they can enroll in self-paced or on-demand courses. Live, instructor-led courses let students interact in real-time. They can actively participate with the material, peers, and instructor. This format helps reduce the complexity of the material, especially for those who learn best through guided instruction. With some structure, students can follow a clear path with their learning, yet with an instructor, they can minimize any confusion they face with the material.
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
When deciding to learn BIM, it is important to consider the difficulty level; however, when you incorporate various ways to make learning easier, you may want to take other aspects into consideration when deciding how you want to learn. When choosing the training method that is best for you, you will want to consider how long the training will last, and the cost of that training.
Experts say that mastering BIM can take six months to several years. Of course, you can decrease the amount of time it takes to learn BIM by enrolling in a more intensive training course. Some training programs only last a few weeks, while others can take several months to complete, especially if it involves a professional certification or advanced skills. If you want to enter the workforce in a timely manner, you do not want to spend years learning BIM. Bootcamps and Certificate level BIM programs teach you the necessary skills to enter a new career or upskill for your current position. However, these programs are more costly than others. If budget is an issue, you can enroll in individual skill courses, which cover one skillset at a time. This will increase the amount of time it takes to properly learn all of the skills necessary to enter into a new career, but it can save money upfront. Self-paced courses also provide students with a great way to learn BIM skills over a period of time. While these programs give students a date in which they need to complete the course, students can work on the course when they have the time to do so. This allows students more flexibility with their learning, but it also means that it may take longer to enter the workforce.
With each of the different training methods available, you will also want to consider the cost of these courses. Free resources can be a great place to start learning BIM, especially if you want to explore the skill before committing to the course or need a budget-friendly way to jump into the skill. However, they do lack the depth of the training that one will receive. Individual skills courses, on-demand, and self-paced courses provide a cheap way to learn BIM skills. These programs can range from $20 to $500, depending on the length and depth of the course. While these may seem like a great option to save money upfront, they can add up over time, especially if you need to enroll in multiple to achieve the skillset you want. The best bang for your buck in terms of cost and time is to enroll in a bootcamp or certificate course. While these are lengthy and costly upfront investments, they allow you to enter the workforce within a few months and provide you with the skills that will allow you to succeed in the position you want. Investing in one of these courses provides students with the best outcome, and the majority of the time, students recover the amount they spent on the course after a few months in their new position.
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!