When it comes to professional development, learning difficulty is almost always top of mind for students. The faster you master new professional skills, the sooner you can see notable growth in your career, but educational challenges can slow you down. When it comes to learning Revit, several factors may impact how hard it is for you to master the software. You’ll want to consider the type of class, whether you’ll attend full-time or part-time, and what previous experience you bring to the table.
With all these factors in mind, choosing the right Revit training course for you will be crucial to how easily you can master this industry-standard program and catapult your career to the next level. This article will outline all the factors that can impact the level of difficulty to learn Revit so that you can make the best choices for you and your circumstances.
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 Factors Impact How Hard It is 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. Those who come from a tech-heavy background or who have experience working with other BIM tools like Blender will find this portion of the process easier than it is for others.
Learn Revit
- Nationally accredited
- Create your own portfolio
- Free student software
- Learn at your convenience
- Authorized Autodesk training center
Once you’re familiar with the Revit layout and core features, you can try your hand at small projects. It takes most learners several months (or longer) before they can attempt to complete large projects with this tool. Revit was designed to assist with large, complex building projects. This means that the software has a steeper learning curve for most learners than other modeling software.
One of the most common challenges is making the leap from traditional drafting tools and methods into working with 3D parameters. When using 3D models, even one minute change to one detail can significantly affect the entire design. Beginners may struggle to do so while manipulating model elements at the same time. One of the most effective ways to tackle the challenges of learning Revit is to enroll in a live course that provides hands-on instruction with an expert instructor in a small class setting.
What Other Factors Should I Consider When Learning Revit
You’ll also want to consider factors like prerequisites, cost, and part-time vs. full-time class structures. 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.
When considering class structure, part-time classes require less of an up front time commitment, but do take much longer over time. Typically, they take twice as long as a full-time course to complete, which can mean the difference between completing your course in a few weeks or several months. Full-time courses do allow you to finish much sooner, but they require a more substantial commitment of your time while learning. Full-time classes typically require eight-hour days for at least a week, maybe more. These programs require working professionals to take time off from their jobs, so they might not be the best fit for most working professionals. If you can allocate your vacation days or PTO though, these classes can be worth it to some.
It’s worth noting that the speed of full-time classes may put too much pressure on you, especially if you need to take more time to master certain skills or subjects. Part-time classes offer a slower pace so you can tackle any challenging topics before rushing to the next one.
How Can I Learn Revit?
There are five main ways to learn Revit: live in-person classes, live online courses, on-demand classes, self-directed classes, and free resources. 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.
Free Resources
While not the best method for full mastery, free resources can be a great way to dip your toes into the world of Revit. If you’re unsure about if Revit is for you, free resources can be a great way to explore the basic concepts and tools of Revit before you commit to a time-consuming and costly training course. Additionally, you can use free resources as a supplement to your training course. Stuck on a specific topic? Free resources found on YouTube, Reddit, or blogs may provide helpful insight from professionals who have been in your shoes before. It’s important to note that free resources lack the accountability of a professional training course, so you’ll need to be very motivated and responsible if you choose to use free resources as your sole training source.
Can I Learn Revit Free Online?
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.
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.