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.
Industries That Make Use of Revit
Architecture
The U.S. architectural services market size was valued at $73.01 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow 4.2% from 2024 to 2030. Increasing construction activities in the United States is the primary driver of the growth of architectural services. Both residential and commercial construction projects are on the rise, specifically within big cities growing mid-size cities. Revit is widely used by architects to create detailed 3D models of buildings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and other design elements.
Construction
The construction industry in the United States is a major contributor to the economy and was valued at around $2.1 trillion in 2024. Employing millions of professionals across a variety of trades and specialties, the construction industry relies on Blueprint Readers to ensure that building, bridge, and roadway designs meet safety standards and are built to code. Contractors can leverage Revit models for clash detection, quantity takeoffs, and coordination with other project disciplines, improving construction efficiency.
Manufacturing
The U.S. manufacturing industry is one of the largest in the world, second only to China. In 2023, manufacturing contributed $2.3 trillion to the U.S. GDP. The industry employs 8.41% of the nation’s workforce, too, with 15.6 million employees nationwide. Manufacturing companies use Revit for better design collaboration with architects and engineers, precise material quantity calculations, early identification of potential manufacturing issues, and streamlined production by providing accurate data for fabrication and assembly, minimizing waste and optimizing costs.
Engineering
The engineering field also relies heavily on Revit. The U.S. engineering services market generated $387.9 billion in revenue in 2023. And, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in architecture and engineering will grow faster than average from 2023 to 2033. Structural engineers utilize Revit to model structural components like beams, columns, and slabs, analyzing their load-bearing capacity.
Interior Design
In 2023, the US interior design industry was valued at $39,362.72 million with a projected growth of 4.5% by 2032. The popularity of sustainable and energy-efficient designs is growing, creating an emphasis on using materials that reduce carbon footprints. Revit is used in interior design for sustainability by enabling detailed 3D modeling, which allows designers to analyze energy performance through simulations, identify potential clashes, and optimize material selections.
Common Revit Job Titles
There are many job titles that you can look for as a Revit expert thanks to its versatility as a tool. A few of these roles are outlined below so you can get an idea for the variety in applications as well as the potential fields you could work in as a Revit professional.
Architectural Designer
Architectural Designers, as an example, use Revit to develop 3D models and produce construction documents. This role demands a thorough grasp of architectural concepts. As of January 2025, the average salary for an architectural designer in the United States is between $72,000 and $75,000 per year.
BIM Specialist
A BIM Specialist oversees and coordinates BIM models to maintain accuracy and optimize efficiency. BIM Specialists are also responsible for resolving issues and upholding project standards. Revit is essential for this role, making it a key skill for anyone looking to work in BIM. You can expect to make between $72,000 and $94,000 per year as a BIM Specialist.
Structural Engineer
You could also consider becoming a Structural Engineer and use Revit to create detailed 3D models of building structures that incorporate structural elements like beams, columns, and slabs. You’d use Revit to analyze the design, generate reinforcement details for concrete components, design steel connections, and produce comprehensive construction documentation, facilitating efficient design and coordination with other disciplines on a project. Structural Engineers earn up to $116,000 in the United States, well above the national average salary.
Interior Designer
As an Interior Designer, you could use Revit to create 3D models of interior spaces, plan layouts, and collaborate with other team members Revit also helps Interior Designers to create virtual walkthroughs that help clients understand their design, and generate detailed documentation like floor plans, sections, and schedules. As an Interior Designer, you can make around $69,000 per year.
Construction Manager
A Construction Manager primarily uses Revit to visualize the construction process, plan construction sequences, coordinate activities between different trades, detect clashes between design elements, and communicate project information to stakeholders through a detailed 3D model, allowing for better decision-making and improved project efficiency throughout the construction phase. Construction Managers typically make around $105,000.
Urban Planner
As an Urban Planner, you could use Revit to create detailed 3D models of urban areas so you can visualize the impact of different design choices on a project, including building placement, public spaces, transportation systems, and utilities. Revit helps an Urban Planner to identify potential issues and optimize designs before construction begins. The majority of Urban Planners earn between $59,000 and $84,500, while the top 10% earn over $105,500.
How to Learn Revit
There are four main ways to learn Revit: live in-person classes, live online courses, on-demand 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.
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.)