There are many ways to learn Revit. From in-person classes to live online, self-paced, and on-demand, each learning option has pros and cons that you’ll want to consider. This article will explore all the available options, including their benefits and limitations, and walk you through how to choose the right course for you. Keep reading below to learn more.
What is Revit?
Revit is a commercial building information modeling (BIM) software by the company Autodesk. It’s generally used by architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, designers, and contractors. Autodesk Revit allows users to create, edit, and review 3D models in exceptional detail. Revit is often compared to AutoCAD, Autodesk’s CAD software that is also used in the AEC industry. However, while most AEC professionals use Revit and AutoCAD at the same time, these two are quite different. Revit was originally called Charles River Software and was founded in Newton, Massachusetts, on October 31,1997, by Leoind Razi and Irwin Jungreis.
What makes Revit so amazing is that it can do more than just create models of buildings, structure, and products. Revit also allows users to annotate models with 2D drawings, access building information from the model's database, plan and track a building's life cycle, and create designs that comply with codes. It comes with some pretty amazing features, too, which are outlined below:
Design Creativity
Revit’s parametric components are highly customisable and allow for intricate adjustments. When a component parameter is modified such as the dimensions of a door or window, Revit automatically updates all related elements throughout the model. This ensures consistency, reduces errors, and saves significant time during the design process.
Learn Revit
- Nationally accredited
- Create your own portfolio
- Free student software
- Learn at your convenience
- Authorized Autodesk training center
Software Interoperability
Revit supports various file formats, including DWG, DGN, and IFC. This interoperability is crucial for enhancing collaboration between teams working on different software and tools. It helps architects, engineers, and contractors to exchange information without the hassle of file incompatibility. This is one of the most likeable features of Revit as it helps ensure that everyone is on the same page, reducing miscommunication and streamlining the workflow.
Efficient Documentation
The Revit features allow users to create detailed project sheets, manage revisions, and track quantities conveniently. Its documentation tools ensure that all project information is accurately recorded and easily accessible, maintaining organized project records but also in complying with regulatory requirements and standards. This feature of Revit reduces the time spent on manual documentation tasks, aiding users to focus more on design and innovation.
Collaboration
A model created on Revit acts as a shared project database. Each team member can work on different project parts, and their changes are incorporated in real time. This collaborative environment encourages better communication, reduces the risk of conflicts, and ensures everyone is working with the most up-to-date information.
Why Learn Revit?
Revit training can help you do many things. You can create detailed 3D models of buildings, including walls, floors, roofs, stairs, and other elements, and can manipulate and modify them parametrically. You can also create detailed and coordinated models that generate 2D drawings like floor plans, elevations, and sections, enabling efficient project documentation and collaboration across different disciplines (like structural, mechanical, and electrical) within the AEC industry. For example, you can create, model, and document mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems that will be presented in the context of a full BIM project that includes architectural and structural components. This way, your documentation will be thorough and accurate.
Revit training can also help you generate high-quality 3D renderings and virtual tours to effectively communicate design concepts to clients and stakeholders. The software helps connect you with all key partners in a project, allowing you to create easy to understand blueprints and renderings that can improve visibility, trust, and communication between you and those you work with.
Finally, Revit training can help you create detailed schedules of building components (doors, windows, finishes) with quantities and other relevant information for project estimating and procurement. For example, Revit helps MEP engineers create fabrication-ready models so they can immediately be aware of the materials and equipment needed for the production process. This improves the workflow by reducing the communication chain and helps ensure your projects are completed on time and within scope and budget.
How Can I Learn Revit?
There are four main ways to learn Revit: live in-person classes, live online courses, on-demand classes, and self-directed classes. Each one has been outlined below so that you can consider the pros and cons.
In-Person Classes
In-person classes are held on location at scheduled times and offer face-to-face interaction with your fellow students and your expert instructor. If you encounter any challenging material, you can ask questions in real time instead of spending unnecessary time figuring it out on your own. You are also able to work with other students, allowing you to practice teamwork skills and build relationships. This collaborative environment is available for both full-time and part-time classes and provides structure and accountability, two things that can help you succeed.
Live Online Classes
Live virtual courses are considered the middle ground between on-demand and in-person classes. You’ll attend scheduled class times from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you choose) to learn from an expert instructor. Live online classes offer instant feedback from your teacher and interactions with other students, creating the opportunity for a deeper understanding of the coursework. These classes are ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment but perhaps don’t live near any in-person offerings. Or, if you simply prefer online learning, then a live virtual class could be for you.
Self-Directed
Self-directed courses are a flexible online option for those with complicated schedules. You can attend from anywhere you choose and complete each lesson on your own time, so you can speed through easy sections and spend more time on challenging ones. But, like a live online class, you’ll still have additional support and guidance from instructors or mentors, albeit with slightly more of a delay.
On-Demand Classes
On-demand classes offer the most flexibility of any class option but don’t win any awards for speed. They do have quite a few benefits for busy professionals, though. Not only can you learn from wherever you want, you can also learn whenever you want. There are no due dates or scheduled class times, so you can take your time on challenging topics or skip over ones you’ve already mastered.
These classes are ideal for learners with complicated schedules who need to squeeze their studying in around their work and other obligations. You’ll need to be an independent and self-motivated student to succeed in an on-demand class.
Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites and Cost to Learn Revit
Generally speaking, the Revit learning process should be straightforward and very doable if it’s approached in phases. Students are encouraged to begin working with Revit by exploring its layout and core tools. Once you’re familiar with the Revit layout and core features, you can try your hand at small projects.
The only prerequisites to Revit are system requirements. You’ll want to make sure your computer is equipped with 2.5 GHz or higher as Autodesk® Revit® software products will use multiple cores for many tasks. Aside from these technological requirements, it can be helpful to have experience with architectural theories and concepts such as spatial relationships, design principles, construction methods, and building components. Additionally, any experience with any form of CAD software will serve you well.
When it comes to cost, you’ll find that pricing may vary widely depending on the type and depth of the class you attend. Online platforms like Udemy or Coursera might offer more affordable options compared to dedicated training centers or professional organizations, but these classes may lack the robust curriculum you’d find in other programs. Similarly, basic introductory courses are usually cheaper than in-depth programs, and courses designed specifically to prepare for Autodesk Revit certification exams may be more expensive. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the course you choose.
Advantages of Learning in a Self-Paced Environment?
The main perk of these classes is the flexibility. You can choose where and when you learn and control the pace at which your learning progresses. There’s no need to rush through challenging sections or linger on ones you’ve mastered easily.
When it comes to disadvantages, there are a few to consider. If you rely on the accountability of live online or in-person class schedules, you may struggle to stay focused in a self-paced course. Live online classes provide you with set class times and (usually) due dates for assignments, but self-paced courses typically don’t require these. (Some courses may come with an expiration date, giving you six months to complete, but this is rare for self-direc.)
These classes also lack the ability to ask questions and receive feedback in real time. Luckily, VDCI courses offer a 24-hour instructor response time and personalized assignment feedback to offset this disadvantage. Even in a self-paced learning environment, no student is left without support, thanks to the ongoing encouragement to ensure every student fully grasps the course material.
Finally, if you value a collaborative learning environment, online courses may not be the best fit for you. These classes can have limited to no contact with your fellow students, making any sort of learning collaboration your responsibility through chats and forums you may find online.
Advantages of Learning in a Live Online Environment?
Live virtual courses are considered the middle ground between on-demand and in-person classes. You’ll attend scheduled class times from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you choose) to learn from an expert instructor. Live online classes offer instant feedback from your teacher and interactions with other students, creating the opportunity for a deeper understanding of the coursework.
Live online classes also offer an extra layer of accountability. You’ll be expected to show up at set times to cover set lessons, and your absence will be noted if you don’t show. This provides a level of motivation for students who struggle with time management or accountability. These classes are ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment but perhaps don’t live near any in-person offerings. Or, if you simply prefer online learning, then a live virtual class could be for you.
What About Free Resources
You could take advantage of free resources like Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel, making the most of the insights, tools, and short tutorials made available by industry experts. Coursera also boasts hundreds of various training sessions and videos lasting from just a few minutes to a few days. While free resources are financially helpful, this method can take the most time. You’ll be responsible for sourcing all your learning materials and ensuring that you’ve covered all the important subjects of Revit, and this process can take a substantial amount of time. Additionally, like on-demand courses, it’s easy to lose motivation and fall behind with free resources.
What Training Method is Best for Me?
It can be challenging to decide which learning method is right for you. It’s best to focus on your top priorities and preferred learning environment to guide your decision making.
Most learners reported that studying Revit through live coursework is the most interactive, engaging way to fully master this tool. Both in-person and live online training options afford the learner the power to ask questions in the moment and receive immediate guidance and support. You can ask yourself questions like “Do I learn best in-person?” or “Do I prefer instant feedback and collaboration with other students?”
If you find out that you don’t learn best in-person or that in-person classes don’t meet your preferences, the next question to ask is “What are my priorities for a learning environment?”
For some students, especially those who have busy schedules, flexibility is a top priority. In that case, an online class, whether it’s live, on-demand, or self-paced, is better suited for you.
Live classes can still provide instant feedback but if that isn’t a concern for you, you may be choosing between self-paced and on-demand. On-demand classes offer the most flexibility but with the least amount of accountability. Since no instructor is present for asynchronous coursework, it’s often a more cost-effective study method to live training (some classes are even available for free). Questions to ask yourself here are “How strong are my time management skills?” “Do I easily lose focus?” and “Can I hold myself accountable to complete the work in a timely fashion?”
If your honest answers show you that you lack the personal accountability for on-demand, then self-paced could be best for you. The self-paced classes at VDCI offer just as much flexibility but with additional benefits like a 24-hour response rate and one-on-one mentoring to help keep you on track.
Learn Revit with Hands-on Training at VDCI
CAD/BIM Certificate Program
This VDCI certificate program is a great option to help you develop these soft skills and learn two of the most popular tools in the AEC industry. You’ll start with foundational AutoCAD training before advancing into Revit’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities. This program includes specialization options in Revit MEP, Revit Structure, or AutoCAD Construction Documents, allowing you to tailor your expertise.
Revit Certification Training Bundle
VDCI’s training bundleis a compilation of five courses covering beginner to advanced skills, including these crucial soft skills. Courses are hands-on, real-world, and project-based. Using the Revit Architecture tools, you will learn how information is inter-related throughout the Revit (BIM) model. This course examines how Revit users design 3D models that simultaneously document the project and generate 2D architectural drawings containing floor plans, elevations, and 3D perspective views.
BIM Certificate Program
This course from VDCI will help you gain expertise in (BIM) by teaching you how to use Revit Architecture to create 3D models for commercial building projects. Professionals across architecture, engineering, and construction can enhance their career prospects by gaining expertise in BIM. This program is taught by experienced professionals who apply real-world workflows to help you develop practical skills. You’ll begin by learning the fundamentals of Revit and progress to advanced techniques, including modeling complex commercial projects, generating construction documents, and refining architectural details.
Revit Structure I
You could also attend individual structure-focused Revit courses. This one from VDCI can help you develop the highly desirable skills that you can add to your portfolio and resume. This course uses the Revit Structure tools to create an accurate structural model of a real-world, four-story commercial project. You will develop a structural project from the very beginning and see its completion through all aspects of BIM modeling. You will gain an understanding of real-world practices for the effective integration of an interactive project with other disciplines. Your work from this class can be added to your portfolio.
Revit Structure II
From there, you could explore this more challenging course and advance your skills in structural modeling. You will continue the structural project started in Revit STructure I using the Revit Structure tools. This course teaches you how to update the Revit Structure model elements, add annotations, set up detail sheets, create framing elevations and to create a completed set of structural construction documents for this four-story commercial project. Students complete project-based exercises that will teach them how to develop a structural model of a commercial project from the very beginning of the project to completion of the final 3D model. (You must complete Revit Structure I before attending this course.)
Revit Fundamentals Bundle
Consisting of two Revit classes, this VDCI program is designed to develop your understanding of Revit and its involvement in Building Information Modeling (BIM). You’ll be introduced to Revit and how information is interrelated throughout the Revit (BIM) model to design 3D models, generate 2D architectural drawings and create 3D perspective views. You’ll master Revit with the help of an expert instructor and hands-on, real-world, project-based training.
Revit MEP Professional Fast-Track Program
This VDCI program is geared towards students who want to pursue careers in the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) fields. You’ll begin with the fundamentals of Revit and BIM and progress into the MEP-specifics of using Revit MEP tools in the BIM process. These courses will also prepare you to take the Revit MEP Certified User Certification Exam. You will learn the skills and workflows which are practiced professionally by MEP engineers and support staff.
Revit Architectural Professional Fast-Track Program
This bundle from VDCI helps to prepare you for taking the Revit Architecture Certification Exam. Start at the beginning. You’ll learn how information is related throughout the Revit (BIM) model. This course examines how Revit users design 3D models that simultaneously document the project and generate 2D architectural drawings containing floor plans, elevations, and 3D perspective views.
Revit Structural Professional Fast-Track Program
Also from VDCI, this training is geared towards students who want to pursue careers in the Structural Engineering field. You’ll begin with the fundamentals of Revit and BIM, then progress into the structural specifics of using Revit Structure in the BIM process. You will also learn the professional workflows used in structural engineering offices. This series of courses will also prepare you for the Revit Certified User Certification Exam.