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. Plus, its parametric components are highly customisable and allow for intricate adjustments. Revit also supports various file formats, including DWG, DGN, and IFC, enhancing collaboration between teams working on different software and tools. Finally, the Revit features allow users to create detailed project sheets, manage revisions, and track quantities conveniently, ensuring that all project information is accurately recorded and easily accessible.
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.
Learn Revit
- Nationally accredited
- Create your own portfolio
- Free student software
- Learn at your convenience
- Authorized Autodesk training center
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 Much Revit Can I Learn in 3 Months?
Each individual’s timeframe for learning Revit is dependent on several key factors such as the training format they select, their prior experience with design concepts and building intelligence modeling (BIM), their learning style, and their ultimate goals for studying Revit. Although no two learners are the same, most Revit students will find that they can learn how to work with this software’s basic features and tools in three months or less.
You could develop a solid grasp of how to navigate Revit and get started learning basic competencies, including how to create and manipulate core design elements such as walls, floors, and roofs. These skills can typically be learned within a few weeks.
After you’ve mastered the basics, you can then acquire intermediate-level Revit skills in a few additional months. This includes how to switch between different views, pan and zoom, and incorporate essential building elements like windows and doors into their Revit models. Intermediate-level Revit knowledge also entails skills like adding dimensions, tags, or annotations to models. Generally speaking, advanced-level Revit skills will take longer than three months for the average beginner to acquire.
What Will Impact How Quickly I Learn Revit?
Several factors can impact how quickly you can learn Revit. Regardless of the training approach you select for learning Revit, the amount of time you spend practicing and reinforcing your skills is crucial to how quickly you’ll master this software. Just setting aside fifteen minutes each night for practice can help students learn Revit much faster than sporadically studying this software.
Prior experience working with BIM software will also make it much easier to learn Revit. Because the workflow and basic concepts are mostly consistent across different BIM platforms, students who already work other BIM software programs typically have a smoother transition to Revit. Prior training with BIM concepts like object-oriented design, parametric modeling, and information linking are all useful when preparing to learn Revit.
Along the same line, knowledge of architectural elements like roofs, spaces, walls, and floors prepares Revit users to accurately translate these details into a 3D model. Prior experience with the typical architectural design process can prepare Revit users to progress from site planning to creating intricate drawings and documentation. A background in architecture is also useful for Revit students because it helps them make sound decisions about modeling different structural elements with this software.
Finally, the type of training you choose to learn Revit matters as well. Those who choose to study Revit through free online content and self-paced courses will likely require a longer timeframe to learn Revit than those who enroll in a live bootcamp, certificate program, or self-paced \course. Ths structured educational environment helps students immerse fully in their training and acquire skills faster.
What Should I Learn Beyond 30 Days?
At the 30-mark, you might be ready to begin to explore advanced Revit topics. A few of these are outlined below:
Modelling Methods
Revit’s advanced modelling methods empower users to create intricate and efficient designs. From creating complex geometries to adaptive components to advanced curtain systems, these skills can take your Revit designs to the next level
Parametric Families
Parametric families are the reasons for Revit’s excellent modelling system and help create elements that can change in size, shape, and configuration based on predefined parameters.
Collaboration and Coordination
Collaboration and coordination help ensure that all stakeholders are aligned and the project runs smoothly. Revit's work-sharing capabilities allow multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. Users can divide the project into manageable sections using worksheets, facilitating efficient teamwork and reducing conflicts. Revit also supports various file formats and integrates with tools like AutoCAD, Navisworks, and InfraWorks. This ensures that data can be exchanged and utilised across different platforms, enhancing the overall project workflow.
Data Management and Analysis
Data visualisation tools in Revit help users better understand and communicate project information. You can use color schemes, filters, and graphic overrides to highlight specific data points or project elements to make your data easier to read and understand. Additionally, Dynamo for Revit is a visual programming tool that enhances Revit's capabilities by allowing users to create custom scripts and automate repetitive tasks like batch editing parameters, generating complex geometries, and analysing model data. Dynamo extends Revit's functionality, enabling users to tailor the software to their specific needs.
Accelerated Revit Classes
You could attend an accelerated course to master Revit as quickly as possible, but it’s important to note that these courses have both pros and cons. The obvious major advantage is speed, since you can typically master Revit skills in half the amount of time as other slower-paced courses. This speed can also be a con though; the pace may end up being too quick for you or there could be specific topics that require more of your time to master. These accelerated classes can be a higher stress environment as well, so it’s important to consider if that’s something you’re comfortable with.
Accelerated courses are typically the full-time courses you’ll see listed online. These classes are held live in-person or online and consist of eight-hour days for typically a week or longer. Due to this, you’ll need to have your weekdays free from other commitments. For some, this can mean using valuable PTO or vacation days to attend. These courses are often best suited for individuals in between jobs or freshly graduated students, but you will find full-time employed professionals enrolled in these courses as well.
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.
Learn Revit with Self-Paced VDCI Courses
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 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.
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.)