If you’re planning to learn Revit MEP, it’s nice to know what kind of experience lies ahead of you. Beginning students often wonder how difficult they will find it to master this application. Revit MEP can definitely be challenging, but almost anyone will be able to learn it, particularly if they select the right type of class. This article contains more information about what Revit MEP is, some of the factors that influence the learning experience, and how to choose a Revit MEP class that is the perfect fit for your learning goals.
What is Revit MEP?
Revit MEP is a specialized version of Revit, which is a building information modeling (BIM) application owned by Autodesk, which was released in 2000 and is widely used within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Architects, Engineers, and Contractors use Revit to design, document, and analyze many different types of structures and systems. The name “Revit” is a contraction of the words “revise” and “instantly” and is meant to convey the ease with which designers can make changes within the application.
Revit MEP is designed for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Engineers. It was released in 2006 and contains tools created specifically for the tasks that MEP professionals need to accomplish, such as tools for modeling plumbing pipes, HVAC systems, and electrical wiring. With Revit MEP, Engineers can design building systems and analyze functionalities. They can work more accurately and efficiently, and easily make revisions and analyze costs. This application also contains a toolset that can be used to create documentation for designs. In addition, Revit MEP facilitates the BIM process, which means that everyone involved in the project can see and understand what the finished project will look like.
What Factors Impact How Hard It Is to Learn Revit MEP?
How hard it is to learn Revit MEP will depend in part on how much existing experience you have. This application is a version of Revit, so if you already know how to use Revit, you’re likely to find the learning process a lot easier. In addition, you’re likely to learn more quickly if you already have experience with mechanical, electrical, or plumbing engineering, since this is what Revit MEP is designed for. Plumbing engineering involves the design and maintenance of plumbing systems for buildings, mechanical engineering is focused on machines and other systems that have moving components, and electrical engineering involves the design and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems.
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You’re also likely to find it a lot easier to learn Revit MEP if you already have an understanding of building information modeling (BIM). Revit MEP is a BIM application. Autodesk explains BIM on its website. It says, “Building information modeling (BIM) is the holistic process of creating and managing information for a built asset. Based on an intelligent model and enabled by a cloud platform, BIM integrates structured, multi-disciplinary data to produce a digital representation of an asset across its lifecycle, from planning and design to construction and operations.” Since BIM is so integral to this application, some classes actually require BIM experience for students who want to take a Revit MEP class. If you don’t have any BIM skills, the Virtual and Design Construction Institute offers a number of different BIM courses.
Whether you have existing experience or not, your learning experience will also be impacted by how much time you devote to practice. Practice is a critical part of successfully learning a new skill, particularly one as complex as Revit MEP. Practice is beneficial to learners in many ways. It strengthens their conceptual understanding, teaches them to apply their knowledge, builds muscle memory for common tasks, and reveals areas where additional practice is needed. Overall, the more time you devote to practice, the easier you’re likely to find the learning process.
What Other Factors Should I Consider When Learning Revit MEP?
In addition to the technical difficulties associated with learning Revit MEP, most people will need to consider the cost of learning. Revit MEP is a specialized module of Revit, which is offered by Autodesk. Students and educators can get free access for one year. Additionally, if you take a class, you may get access through the class. Autodesk also offers a free trial of Revit. After that, to access the application you’ll need to subscribe. Autodesk offers monthly or yearly subscription options. It also offers a flex plan where you can buy tokens that can be used to access Civil 3D for 24 hours at a time. Another cost associated with learning Revit MEP is the cost of taking a class. Class prices vary, but they can be between several hundred dollars--for a basic class--to several thousand for a more comprehensive course like a certificate program. You’ll often receive free access to Revit MEP while you take a class.
There is also the cost of taking a class, which will differ from school to school and will also vary depending on the type of class you take. Short Revit MEP classes may take only a day or two and cost several hundred dollars. However, in most cases, you’ll get what you pay for, with a short class only covering a limited number of skills. A more comprehensive option is a bootcamp or certificate course, which is designed to cover everything you’ll need to learn to attain mastery of Revit MEP. These types of classes may cost thousands of dollars and most take a number of weeks or months to complete.
How Can I Learn Revit MEP?
Revit MEP classes come in a number of different formats. The most common are in-person, live online (virtual), on-demand, and self-paced learning, each of which has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. For an in-person class, an instructor and a group of students meet face-to-face, at a specific time, in a classroom that is dedicated to learning. The instructor leads the class through the curriculum, answers questions, and offers feedback on student progress. Students interact with one another through group discussions and exercises. Benefits of in-person learning include the engaging and interactive nature of this format, the ability to receive immediate attention from the instructor, and the opportunity to create networking relationships with students. A disadvantage is that you’ll have to commute to class, which can be expensive, inconvenient, and/or stressful for some people. Additionally, if you want to learn in person, you’ll typically have access to a limited number of classes, since your only option will be classes that you can physically get to.
Live online classes are another popular learning format. This type of class has many things in common with in-person learning; you learn in real-time, you can ask questions and get immediate feedback, and you can interact with classmates. Rather than travelling to a classroom, however, with a live online class you attend remotely through Zoom or a similar platform. Since you don’t have to commute, you’ll probably have access to more class options if you’re willing to learn virtually. Some students also say that virtual classes tend to be more diverse since they often contain students from all over the country. A potential downside to live online learning is that you’ll need to supply your own equipment. Additionally, some students find that they have to solve technical issues like internet connection problems or challenges setting up software.
For students who can’t--or don’t want to--attend class at a specifically mandated time, another learning option is to take an asynchronous class. This type of learning is not live like an in-person or virtual class, so you won’t be able to interact with an instructor in real-time. Instead, when you enroll, you receive access to a series of lessons and exercises that you can work through at your own pace, without a live instructor. Asynchronous learning provides a lot of flexibility; not only can you learn when and where you want, but you can control how quickly, or slowly, you progress through the material. Additionally, you can start your course whenever you want to; you don’t have to wait for a session to begin. An on-demand class is one common type of asynchronous learning. On-demand classes tend to be the cheapest type of asynchronous class, but they usually don’t include much interaction or feedback with an instructor.
Self-paced learning is another asynchronous format. Like an on-demand class, a self-paced class is made up of pre-recorded material that you can work through as quickly, or slowly, as you want. The biggest difference between these two formats is that self-paced classes usually come with regular communication with an instructor who will grade your work and offer feedback. Many self-paced classes also include interaction with other students, such as through online discussions. A potential downside to self-paced learning is that because you create your own learning schedule and move at your own pace, it can be easier to procrastinate or get side-tracked.
Learn Revit MEP with Hands-on Training at VDCI
If you want to learn Revit MEP, the Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers a number of training options, with course offerings for beginners and for students with more experience. This school is specifically focused on providing comprehensive training for professionals in the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) industry. It is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), and its classes are approved by Autodesk, Adobe, Trimble, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for eLearning. VDCI’s online, self-paced classes allow you to start learning right away and to create a personalized learning schedule that fits your needs. You’ll also be able to get advice and feedback on your submissions and projects and interact with peers in discussion forums.
Revit Mechanical is one popular VDCI offering. This is a multi-week course designed to help you gain expertise in managing mechanical systems within Revit MEP. As with all VDCI courses, your work will be graded and you’ll be able to communicate with your instructor whenever you need to. In this class you’ll learn configuration, coordination, and workflows. Covered skills include creating, aligning, and replicating mechanical systems; ensuring proper airflow; and coordination across floors. You’ll also learn to resolve system clashes. In addition, you’ll practice creating detailed mechanical sheets, refining tags, and adjusting view ranges. If you want to take this class, you should have some existing Revit experience.
Revit Plumbing is focused on creating and managing plumbing systems. This is also a multi-week course. You’ll learn to set up sections, create efficient piping layouts, and determine points of contact for hot and cold water systems. Covered skills include adjusting pipe sizes, detailing piping systems, refining system layouts, and adding connectors for fixtures. This course also requires prior knowledge of Revit.
VDCI also offers a Revit MEP Certification Course. This class covers fundamental mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design skills and prepares you to pass the exam for Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit for Mechanical Design. It starts with fundamental Revit and BIM skills, then focuses specifically on Revit MEP skills. You’ll also learn to use Navisworks to integrate Revit and other compatible programs into a 3D model. The course includes access to Revit and Navisworks software and the Revit Certified User Exam with a retake. You’ll also get a one-on-one bonus training session.
If you need to learn the basics of Revit, another option is the Revit Fundamentals Course, which covers fundamental 3D modeling, architectural design, and project documentation skills. This course starts with an introductory unit, where you’ll learn about the interface and workflow. You’ll also learn about building information modeling (BIM). After that, you’ll learn how to design a 3D building model, and you’ll work on a project that includes floors, windows, ceilings, stairs, and other elements. In addition, you’ll create architectural graphics. This course also includes an intermediate unit that covers more advanced skills including using the family editor, scheduling building components, and refining graphics. A one-on-one bonus training session is included.
Another VDCI offering is the Essential Skills Course, which can be beneficial in any Revit-related career. This bundle is a great way to improve your communication, teamwork, collaboration, and self-management skills. Three classes are included. In Communication and Connection, you’ll learn a variety of communication skills including negotiation and conflict management. You’ll also work on your emotional intelligence and learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Self-Management Skills covers skills such as prioritizing, improving efficiency, focusing on ethics and integrity, and setting goals. Finally, in Teamwork, Collaboration & Leadership, you’ll learn to build collaboration, conduct meetings effectively, inspire other people, and make decisions as a group.