Why Learn Revit MEP?

Explore the Benefits of Learning Revit MEP and How This Knowledge Can Open Doors to New Careers

First released in 2006, Revit MEP filled a need among Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Engineers for a tool that was designed specifically to fulfill needs, and has become very popular. This application is widely used by professionals in these fields, as well as many other professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. It is used for design, revisions, and documentation for a variety of different types of MEP projects. In addition, it supports BIM workflows, integrates with other Autodesk apps, and helps engineers work more efficiently and accurately. This article contains more information about how this application is used and details some reasons you might want to learn it. It also discusses some of the different class options and offers tips on how to find one that fits your needs and learning style.

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.

Revit MEP Careers

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 the American Society of Plumbing Engineers in an article titled, “What Is a Plumbing Engineer?” “PLUMBING ENGINEERS are a vital part of design/build construction teams for residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. They interact with other construction trades to provide building owners with efficient, functional, and sustainable plumbing systems that protect the health, welfare, and safety of the public and prevent environmental contamination.” Indeed reports that the average yearly salary for a Plumbing Engineer is $95,000.

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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.” 

According to the BLS, the largest employers of Mechanical Engineers are architectural, engineering, and related services (20 percent), machinery manufacturing (15 percent), transportation equipment manufacturing (10 percent), scientific research and development services (7 percent), and computer and electronic product manufacturing (7 percent). It says that Michigan, California, Texas, and Pennsylvania employ the most Mechanical Engineers. the BLS 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.” 

According to the BLS, about 20 percent of Electrical Engineers work for engineering services, and about 10 percent in electric power generation, transmission and distribution. California, Texas, Michigan, and Washington employ the most Electrical Engineers. the BLS reports that the median pay for this job is $109,000 per year.

Reasons to Learn Revit MEP

Learn an Industry Standard Tool

Revit MEP is an industry-standard tool for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering. If you plan to work in any of these fields or will be involved with professionals who work in these fields, fluency in Revit MEP is likely to be beneficial. This application has become popular with Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing engineers because it provides tools specifically designed for the types of jobs that they do.

More Accurately and More Efficiently

Revit MEP is designed to help you create and edit your designs more efficiently and accurately. It has a large number of different automated tools that help speed up the design process. For example, there are tools that automatically generate layouts and tools that automate calculations and placement of elements. Revit MEP also lets you see detailed representations of your designs as you work. You can easily analyze them for functionality and you’ll be able to find any problems with the design before construction begins, rather than after. You can also use the application to create comprehensive and accurate documentation for your designs. In addition, this application allows easy design revisions and lets you see how your changes will affect the complete design. Finally, Revit MEP has tools to make cost estimation simple.

Easily Collaborate with Team Members

Revit MEP is designed to make it easy to collaborate with team members. It lets multiple people work in the same model at the same time. Users can share and receive changes at any time by syncing with a central model. This format lets MEP Engineers coordinate with other designers and team members, and it helps reduce potential errors and miscommunication. For instance, Revit MEP can help users find and resolve conflicts between MEP elements and other building elements. Another benefit of working from a central model is that all stakeholders have a complete understanding of the design.

Use BIM

Revit MEP is designed for building information modeling (BIM), which has become important in the AEC industry. In an article titled, “What Are the Benefits of BIM?” Autodesk explains that BIM is beneficial in every stage of a project. It says, “Using BIM gives you greater visibility, better decision-making, more sustainable options, and cost-savings on architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects.” In an article titled, “What Are the Benefits of BIM?” Autodesk argues that the focus on BIM is likely to increase further in the future, stating, “The global AEC industry must look to smarter, more efficient ways to design and build not just as a means to keep up with global demand but to help create spaces that are smarter and more resilient too. BIM not only allows design and construction teams to work more efficiently, but it allows them to capture the data they create during the process to benefit operations and maintenance activities.”

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.

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.

There is also a course called Fire Protection Design, where you can learn about building commissioning, certificate of occupancy, life-safety requirements, and fire suppression systems. You’ll learn about sprinkler system overview and sheet setup, modeling sprinklers and piping in classrooms. The class also covers corridors, and creating annotations and construction documents. You’ll create a coordinated model of a fire sprinkler system. To take this class, you should have previous experience with 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.

How to Learn Revit MEP

Specialize in MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems within Revit for advanced design solutions.

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