Best Revit Classes in Washington, D.C.

What is Revit?

Revit is an essential building information modeling (BIM) software program in the Autodesk AEC Collection (Architecture, Engineering & Construction). This software is a tool for many professionals in these fields, including:

• Architects
• BIM Modelers
• BIM Managers
• CAD Managers
• Civil Engineers
• Designers
• Drafters
• Mechanical Engineers
• Structural Engineers

Revit originated with Charles River Software, later renamed Revit Technology Corporation. Autodesk acquired the company in 2002, and the software has since become a standard in industries ranging from infrastructure planning to interior design. Read on to learn more about the software and what users can do with it.

Revit Classes in Washington, D.C.

The Virtual Design & Construction Institute (VDCI) offers multiple Revit training options, including course bundles and certificate programs for beginners and experienced users. Their BIM Certificate Program is an immersive eight-month course covering Revit for Architects, Engineers, Construction Professionals, and others who want to go from beginner to expert. The program includes BIM Construction and Detailing, MEP, Structure, or SketchUp electives, and Civil 3D electives.

Learn Revit

• Nationally accredited
• Create your own portfolio
• Free student software
• Learn at your convenience
• Authorized Autodesk training center

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Another option for beginners is the Revit Fundamentals Course Bundle. This introductory course covers essential concepts like how to document projects in Revit Architecture, build customized schedules, and explore BIM project management techniques. You can save by taking the Fundamentals courses as part of the BIM Certificate or CAD/BIM Certificate programs.

Revit novices interested in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems can prepare for the Autodesk Certified Professional in Revit for Mechanical Design exam by taking the Revit MEP Certification Training Bundle. This specialized package includes five courses covering topics like Revit Plumbing, Revit Mechanical, and Navisworks, to name a few. Check course listings for more detailed information.

Revit pros looking to learn more about how to use the software for annotation can get their training through a seven-hour course from D3 Technologies. The program is entitled Revit Annotation Families. It includes instructions on how to build custom annotation families like symbols, tags, and title blocks.

Another respected provider, Future Media Concepts, offers Revit Architecture training through their Autodesk Revit Architecture class. This online class includes 30 hours of training, encompassing topics like how to navigate the Revit interface, manage views, and add components, to name a few.

Lastly, ONLC Training Centers offers live online training in numerous subjects, with optional use of their computer labs for those in select locations who need it. Their Revit classes in D.C. include Autodesk Revit Architecture Fundamentals, a beginner-friendly 27-hour program for students ages 18 and older.

What Can You Do with Revit Training?

What you do with Revit depends on multiple factors, from whether you work in architecture, construction, or engineering to your current skill set and experience. Revit integrates with multiple Autodesk programs. However, initial training typically focuses on using Revit in introductory and intermediate building information modeling (BIM). Consider the following high-level projects you can do with Revit during training.

Design A 3D Model

Revit novices can explore the software interface with Revit Architecture to make 3D building models. A hands-on project in a bootcamp or certificate program might also include documentation, an explanation of how the information is interrelated, and other essential design tasks.

Create Construction Documents

Revit Architecture documentation demands intermediate to advanced skills, and a bootcamp that includes 3D modeling also covers 2D documentation methods. For example, consider estimating costs, floor plans, and schedules as essential elements of a documentation set.

What Will I Learn in a Revit Class?

Revit classes vary in emphasis, length, and method, so what you learn there depends on these and other potential factors. Some focus on building information modeling (BIM), some on Revit Structure, and others on Revit MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing). Consider the following skills and tools you can learn in a Revit course.

Work with Templates

Revit includes multiple pre-made templates. Revit training for beginners typically starts with these easy-to-use tools. Novice users can create a building information model, floor plan, or other 3D presentation view as part of their first Revit capstone project.

Integrate Autodesk Tools

Every Revit professional works best when integrating the software with other Autodesk tools and external plugins. For example, two of the best-known Autodesk programs are AutoCAD and Navisworks. Users can combine Revit with them, whether they specialize in AutoCAD Construction, Revit MEP, or Revit Structure.

Collaborate with Teams

Soft skills for Revit pros include problem-solving, critical thinking, and especially collaboration. With BIM Collaborate and BIM Collaborate Pro, Autodesk makes it easy to collaborate with colleagues and other key stakeholders. Consider integrating one of these products with your Revit and AutoCAD subscriptions if you use the Autodesk AEC Collection.

Additional soft skills for Revit professionals include adaptability, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

What Kinds of Training Options Are Available to Learn Revit?

Revit beginners often wonder how and when to learn the platform, especially if they use it within the Autodesk AEC Collection. Consider the following four methods for learning introductory, intermediate, or advanced Revit skills:

In-Person

While some students prefer the engagement of the traditional classroom, in-person Revit programs are few and far between. However, many training options are available live online, and these are the best bet for many Revit novices.

Live Online

Some providers also make their Revit programs available live online through teleconferencing platforms like Zoom. If they host in-person training, their virtual classes typically present the same materials, but students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. These online programs have become extremely popular.

On-Demand/Asynchronous

On-demand training, also called asynchronous learning, typically consists of pre-recorded videos. However, some course providers may also include student chat groups or written materials with tuition. Top on-demand providers include Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare, but there are many others.

Self-Directed

Some providers offer self-directed classes with additional support and guidance from instructors or mentors. For example, the Virtual Design & Construction Institute (VDCI) hosts multiple self-directed Revit course bundles, certificate programs, and certification training bundles. These include beginner-friendly materials, instructors available to answer questions, and online support forums for additional support.

Choosing the Right Training Method for You

Many Revit beginners wonder what learning method will meet their budget, schedule, and training needs. Not everyone can afford to take a leave of absence from work for a full-time training program, and part-time classes that require commuting can also prove challenging. Although live training offers high student engagement, few providers host live in-person or online Revit courses.

On-demand or self-directed courses from respected providers can deliver high-level training in a manageable format. These programs often include student software, mentoring, and digital credentials. While training unavailable in real-time has lower student engagement levels, conscientious attendees can make up for it by studying class materials and contacting instructors when questions arise.

The variety of available training options can make selecting one seem overwhelming. However, with care and research, Revit beginners can find the perfect course for their budget, experience level, and schedule.

How Hard is It to Learn Revit?

Revit is a complex BIM software that requires in-depth training. As part of the Autodesk AEC Collection, Revit has applications for multiple BIM professionals, from Construction Managers to Civil Engineers. Getting familiar with Revit is not hard, but there is a learning curve. Beginners can learn Revit fundamentals in as few as 20 to 30 hours, but gaining proficiency can take 300 hours or more.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Revit?

As with other high-level software, the difficulty in learning Revit depends on the user’s experience, skills, and how they must integrate the software with other Autodesk tools. Many beginners report a positive learning experience in bootcamps or certificate programs—especially when combining intermediate to advanced training in Revit MEP or Structural certification, Fire Protection Design, and Navisworks.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Revit?

The hours it takes to get comfortable experimenting with Revit are much fewer than it will take to learn Revit professionally. Self-directed Revit fundamentals classes can run as short as 60 hours, whereas a beginner-friendly BIM certificate or certification program that includes intermediate Revit training can take 300 to 400 hours. Consider multiple training options to find the one that works with your experience, availability, and budget.

Can I Learn Revit Free Online?

While you can learn basic information about Revit from free online resources like blog posts or the VDCI YouTube channel, professional skill development is not free. Check out a bootcamp or certificate program from a nationally accredited Autodesk Authorized Training Center like VDCI for the best results in a concise timeframe.

What Should I Learn Alongside Revit?

Multiple factors impact what skills you need to learn alongside Revit, from your previous experience and career goals to the length and focus of whatever training program you choose.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) professionals can have vastly different skill sets, but Revit is one skill many have in common. However, you should consider the following tools among the most essential in the many overlapping fields requiring Revit.

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is the closest thing to a universal skill among the tools and skills common to the building and manufacturing fields. Architectural Designers, Civil Engineers, and Drafters are examples of roles that may require expertise in this essential Autodesk software.

Blueprint Reading

Blueprint reading skills are crucial for many industries, including architecture, engineering, and construction. Residential and commercial property projects, infrastructure, railways, and roads are all examples of projects where BIM professionals need to know how to interpret blueprint packages. While not every role requires blueprint reading skills, having them will benefit any candidate in the job market.

Navisworks

If you learn Autodesk Revit for an architecture, engineering, or construction career, there's a better-than-average chance you will work with the AEC collection. This high-level software package includes AutoCAD, Autodesk Docs, and Navisworks Manage or Navisworks Simulate. Check the Autodesk website for more information on which tools they offer for design, analysis, and collaboration.

Industries That Use Revit

Washington, D.C., is home to multiple industries that require Autodesk Revit skills. The federal government adds the most value to D.C.’s gross domestic product (GDP), and several departments demand BIM (Building Information Modeling) expertise. Consider the following industries here where Revit can be essential.

Aerospace & Defense

About one-fourth of Washington, D.C., residents are federal government employees, and the aerospace and defense supersector is one of the top area industries. Revit professionals include Civil Engineers, Revit Technicians, and BIM Modelers, to name a few.

Construction

The construction industry includes commercial properties, residential properties, and larger projects like bridges, railways, and roads. In Washington, D.C., construction professionals with Revit proficiency range from Project Managers to Structural Engineers.

Real Estate

Real estate is another top Washington, D.C. industry. While not all real estate pros need Revit skills, developers and contractors often need multiple Autodesk programs to share with clients and key stakeholders.

Revit Job Titles and Salaries

Many Washington, D.C. jobs require Revit skills, some with high-paying salaries. If you are at the beginning of your career and looking for the best role, consider the following job titles and their average annual pay in the D.C. area.

• Architectural Designer- D.C. Architectural Designers can expect to earn around $84,000 in this area—an impressive 17 percent above the national average for comparable positions.
• Civil Engineer- The D.C. metro area has many Civil Engineers employed in different industries. These skilled pros typically make an average annual salary of about $105,000,14 percent above national averages.
• Structural Engineer- Structural Engineers often make well over six figures. In D.C., a Structural Engineer can anticipate earning an average annual salary of around $113,000, also above the national average, at about 11 percent higher.

Revit Corporate Training

Would your team benefit from corporate and onsite Revit instruction? VDCI offers in-person and online training and can customize a program to meet your organizational needs and preferences.

If you want your employees to have more flexibility in their training schedule, send them to VDCI group classes. They provide extensive offerings with flexible schedules. Subjects include Revit for MEP, structural, or architecture. For more information, contact VDCI today.