Live online training has become a popular way to learn software applications like Revit MEP. This format has many similarities to in-person training—for instance, students attend class at a specific time and interact with their instructor in real time—but it offers more convenience and flexibility. With live online training, you learn in a virtual classroom rather than a physical one. There is no time or money wasted on a commute and no need to limit yourself to classes that are located in your geographic vicinity.
If you want to learn Revit MEP, live online training can be a convenient, efficient, and affordable option. This article offers an overview of live online Revit MEP training and discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages associated with this format. It also includes a discussion of things to consider before signing up for a live online class and a discussion of which types of students are likely to benefit most from live online training.
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,000 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.
Learn Revit MEP
- Nationally accredited
- Create your own portfolio
- Free student software
- Learn at your convenience
- Authorized Autodesk training center
Why Learn Revit MEP?
Revit MEP can help users work more efficiently and accurately. It contains many automated tools that speed up the design process such as tools that automatically generate layouts and tools that automate calculations and placement of elements. In addition, it allows users to see detailed representations of their designs, which can be analyzed for functionality and to catch any problems before construction begins. Users can also create comprehensive and accurate documentation with Revit MEP. In addition, this application allows easy design revisions and lets designers see how their changes will affect the complete design. Revit MEP also makes cost estimation quicker and easier. Users can easily calculate the materials and equipment that are needed to complete the project.
Another benefit of using Revit MEP is that it makes collaboration easy. Multiple users can work in the same model at the same time. They can share and receive changes at any time, by syncing with a central model. This allows MEP Engineers to coordinate with other designers and also helps reduce potential errors and miscommunication. For example, Revit MEP can help users find and resolve conflicts between MEP elements and other building elements. In addition, this easy collaboration ensures that all stakeholders have a complete understanding of the design.
Revit MEP also facilitates building information modeling (BIM), which has become increasingly important in the AEC industry. In an article titled, “What Are the Benefits of BIM?” Autodesk explains that BIM is beneficial to every stage of a project, from planning to design to building to operation. It says, “Using BIM gives you greater visibility, better decision-making, more sustainable options, and cost-savings on architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects.” It argues that the focus on BIM is likely to increase further in the future.
Why Learn in a Live Online Class?
There are many reasons you might want to learn in a live online class. One is the highly interactive nature of this learning format. A live online class is led by a live instructor who leads you through structured lessons, answers questions along the way, and provides feedback on your progress. When you take a live online class, you’ll be able to interact with your instructor any time during class. You can get immediate answers to your questions and you’ll also be able to understand whether you’re doing things correctly and how you can improve. You won’t waste time using the wrong techniques or searching for answers to your questions.
You’ll also have lots of opportunities to interact with a group of classmates. This makes your experience less isolating and it can be beneficial to the learning process too. For example, group discussions and projects can enhance your ability to work with others and expand your knowledge and perspectives related to what you are learning. It will also give you the opportunity to develop valuable networking relationships. In addition to intellectual benefits, there is also the moral support that comes from being part of a group of students who are all working to master the same set of skills.
Live online classes can also be a lot more convenient. You won’t have to commute to class, which can save you time and money and reduce your stress level. In addition, you can learn from anywhere with an internet connection. For many people, this means learning from the comfort of home, but there are also many other options such as the office or your favorite coffee shop. You can even attend class if you’re out of town. Additionally, many live online classes offer recordings of class lectures that you can access if you do need to miss a class.
What Careers Use Revit MEP?
Revit MEP is used by a variety of professionals within the architecture, engineering, and construction industry (AEC), however, it is specifically designed for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Engineers. Plumbing Engineers design and maintain plumbing systems for buildings. They may focus on a specific type of plumbing such as bathroom plumbing or stormwater drainage, or they may be skilled in numerous aspects of plumbing. According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a Plumbing Engineer is $95,000.
Mechanical Engineers design and maintain machines and other types of systems that contain moving components. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS), between 2023 and 2033, mechanical engineering jobs will increase by 11 percent, which is much faster than the average job growth rate of 4 percent. More than 19,000 job openings are projected each year on average. The agency says, “Employment of mechanical engineers is expected to increase as automation and innovation create demand for these workers to design, develop, test, and maintain a variety of products and systems. As manufacturing processes incorporate more complex automation machinery, mechanical engineers are expected to be needed to help integrate this equipment into existing systems.” It finds that the median pay for this role is about $99,000 per year.
Electrical Engineers design and maintain electrical equipment and systems. the BLS predicts 9 percent job growth for Electrical and Electronics Engineers over the next decade, with about 19,000 job openings per year. It says, “Employment growth is expected as companies increasingly utilize the expertise of engineers for projects involving electrical and electronic devices, systems, and infrastructure. These engineers are expected to have key roles in developing sophisticated consumer electronics, solar arrays, semiconductors, and communications technologies.” the BLS reports that the median pay for this job is $109,000 per year.
What Should I Know Before Enrolling in a Live Online Class?
While live online learning comes with lots of benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to be aware of. One is that when you learn this way, you won’t be physically present in the same room as your instructor or fellow students, and the learning experience can feel more isolated. To prevent this from being a problem, it can be helpful to make sure you take advantage of all the opportunities that your class does offer for interacting with other people. For example, you might be able to participate in discussions with other students or meet live online with your instructor for additional help.
Live online learning also comes with the potential for distractions. Since you’re on your screen, it can be easy to get distracted by other social media and other digital distractions. Depending on where you learn from, there can be other distractions too. For instance, many people learn from home, which can contain a wide variety of distractions such as chores, pets, and family members. To reduce the risk of distraction, some students advise creating a dedicated learning space where you can concentrate on your schoolwork. Another piece of advice is to set aside a specific time for learning and practice and make sure you stick to your schedule.
Who Stands to Benefit the Most from a Live Online Class?
If you’re looking for a structured, live learning experience, but you don’t want to commute to class or you don’t have a suitable class option to commute to, then you’re likely to benefit from a live online class. With a live online class, you’ll get many of the same benefits that come with in-person learning, but you can attend from a location of your choosing. Students on a budget, those who get stressed out by commuting, and those who live in rural areas without a lot of school options are just some of those likely to benefit from live online learning.
Live online learning can also be beneficial for students who like the live learning experience but don’t feel like they learn well in an in-person setting. This includes students who are uncomfortable being in the same room as a lot of other people or publicly speaking in this type of situation. It also includes students who feel like the in-person setting can be inefficient and distracting—for instance, they might feel like it’s hard to be heard above the rest of the class, or dislike when other students talk about unrelated topics during class time. Students like this may find that it is easier and more comfortable for them to participate in class from behind a screen.
Alternatives to Live Online Classes
Live online training is not the only way to learn Revit MEP. If you’re looking for even more flexibility, self-paced courses can be an excellent option. Unlike the live online format, with self-paced training there is no live instructor. Instead, when you sign up for this type of class you receive access to a series of lectures and other class material and you move through everything at your own pace. Your work will typically be reviewed by an instructor, who will provide feedback and answer any questions you have, but you won’t be interacting with the instructor in real-time. Self-paced learning offers a high level of learning flexibility and can be a good choice if you have a busy schedule or if you don’t like to be forced to follow along at the same pace as a large group of students.
Free resources can also help you learn about Revit MEP. For example, the Autodesk website has many short, free tutorials such as “Creating and editing duct and pipe types, ” and “Making changes to mechanical systems.” Autodesk also offers Autodesk University, which contains articles, blog posts, and industry talks from professionals. School websites are another place to find free learning resources. For instance, the Virtual Design and Construction Institute has a learning center with information about many design and construction industry topics including BIM, Revit, and 3D modeling. Free resources can help you understand general information about Revit MEP, learn a specific new skill, or troubleshoot, but if you want to master all of the functions and tools in Revit MEP, most free resources will not be comprehensive enough. Instead, you’ll probably need to enroll in a formal class.
Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites and Cost to Learn Revit MEP
Revit MEP is a technical application that can be relatively difficult to learn to use. One thing that many beginners find challenging is the sheer number of complex tools that need to be mastered. Another is mastering 3D modeling. Traditional drafting is done in 2D, where a designer makes a flat representation of their design. Revit is a 3D modeling application, and involves different tools and methods, and a different way of thinking. Ultimately though, with time and practice, almost anyone can master this application.
Many beginner Revit MEP classes have no prerequisites. More advanced classes may require existing experience with Revit. Even if there are no prerequisites, most people find that with some understanding of the standard version of Revit, the learning process is significantly easier. It is also likely to be easier to learn Revit MEP if you have engineering experience, particularly in mechanical, electrical, or plumbing engineering, which are what Revit MEP is designed for. Some knowledge of building information modeling (BIM) is also likely to be helpful, and may even be a prerequisite in some more advanced classes, since Revit is A BIM application.
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.
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 e-learning. 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 Construction Soft 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.