Autodesk Revit training is a versatile, in-demand skill set that can open many professional doors in fields like engineering, interior design, urban planning, architecture, and contracting. Those who know how to work with this industry-standard software can use it to create accurate models of shapes, structures, and systems in 3D for building-related projects. Before you get started studying Revit, you may wonder if it’s possible to learn this tool on your own. Because of how popular Revit has grown (it’s the primary building information modeling tool used by 45% of Architects), many self-teaching resources are available, including YouTube videos, on-demand classes, and free online tutorials. While these can be a good starting point when studying Revit and provide an overview of the software as well as answers to specific usage questions, most individuals will find that it takes much longer and is more difficult to learn Revit without access to a live instructor. 

Keep reading to learn more about the resources available to help students learn Revit independently and the advantages and drawbacks of this type of study.

Advantages of Self-Teaching Revit 

Independent learners who want to learn how to create 3D models of building spaces don’t have to enroll in live classes to do so. Instead, they can learn basic Revit skills and find answers to specific Revit-related questions through self-teaching resources.

One of the main advantages of learning Revit through self-teaching resources is the flexibility this pedagogical approach affords learners. Unlike live Revit training, which requires that students be available at set times to attend class, and in-person courses, for which students must commute to a designated training facility, independently learning Revit requires no commute or pre-scheduled class meetings. Instead, the student can access resources like YouTube videos, online tutorials, or on-demand classes at their own convenience. All training can be completed remotely from any location with a secure internet connection. The student can determine their own learning pace and choose when to pause, rewind, or rewatch lessons. Each learner can select the material that’s most in line with their training needs and combine multiple self-teaching resources, as necessary, to learn Revit.

Live study may not be feasible for those who work full-time or have busy personal lives. Because self-teaching resources are pre-recorded, they’re always available. Each student can determine for themself whether to devote an entire weekend to studying Revit families or spread their learning out over weeks. Typically, self-teaching resources are also a more affordable alternative to live study; some training material is even available for free. This makes them an appealing option for students on a budget or who want to explore Revit basics before committing to live training.

Revit Self-Teaching Tools 

Several types of self-teaching resources are available for studying Revit, including on-demand classes, YouTube channels, and free online articles and tutorials.

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On-Demand Revit Classes

On-demand Revit training is the most flexible way to study this popular BIM software. Unlike live training options that entail attending classes in real time, on-demand classes are pre-recorded and made available online. This asynchronous training format affords learners at all levels the power to decide how much time and when they wish to devote to their training. They can pause or rewatch entire lessons, as necessary, to facilitate note-taking or to ensure the content is being absorbed. 

There are many types of on-demand classes. Some take just an hour or two to complete, whereas others require months of self-paced study. Students can find free classes from providers like Udemy or Coursera. Coursera offers BIM Fundamentals, a free, self-paced program that teaches students how to retrieve information from Revit models and use essential modeling tools. Coursera also has an Applications for Engineers program in which students complete six modules that teach them how to create BIM models. Udemy also has a range of free and for-pay self-paced classes. In its free program, How-To-Revit (Beginner Course), students receive two hours of self-paced Revit instruction on topics like how to create 3D models from 2D drawings. Additionally, Pluralsight offers Revit videos and courses that can be accessed for free for ten days before a monthly subscription is required. In its class, Collaboration in Revit, students explore how to set up worksets and work with Revit’s management utilities for collaboration.

Those seeking self-paced Revit training can also enroll in one of the VCD Institute’s on-demand Revit training options. This fully accredited educator offers self-paced courses for students at all levels. Those who want to explore Revit basics can enroll in Introduction to Revit. This program includes training on how to design 3D models and document their progress. This educator also offers Revit Plumbing, a program that prepares learners to work with Revit to design and manage plumbing systems and then link them to architectural models.

YouTube Channels 

YouTube is also a rich resource for Revit-related content. Because building information modeling (BIM) software and tools are so popular, learners can find all types of videos related to Revit. Some content is relatively short and requires just a few minutes to watch, whereas other videos are longer and more involved. Skills Factory offers a range of short Revit videos that can be watched in ten minutes or less. CAD in Black offers Revit users several hours of beginner-friendly videos. 

Free Online Articles & Tutorials

Those interested in exploring basic Revit and AutoCAD concepts can read well-researched articles from Noble Desktop. Noble has a hub of AutoCAD tutorials, articles, and resources that are intended to help learners get started and learn the basics, including what AutoCAD is and its professional applications. In addition to Noble, other top educators offer free beginner-level Revit classes and resources. Autodesk has free online tutorials and webinars on its site. These cover basic concepts, including tips, tricks, and best practices. Autodesk offers a free Revit trial for those who want to explore this software before paying for a monthly or yearly subscription plan. 

Drawbacks to Learning Revit on Your Own 

Because of the sheer amount of content that’s posted online pertaining to Revit, some learners may find it overwhelming to decide which is the best to use for their training needs. It also can be hard to tell what is the most up-to-date and reflects the current best practices with BIM. Learners who want to self-teach Revit should research the content they’re selecting before they trust it. It’s always a good idea to look up the individual or educator who has posted it, read reviews from other learners who have used the resource, and check the date when it was posted to make sure it’s current enough to be relevant.

Self-teaching resources are a good option for those who are just getting started in their Revit learning journey. They offer a flexible, cost-effective (or free) way to learn Revit basics or to find answers to specific Revit-related questions without having to enroll in formal training. However, for those who are interested in using Revit for professional purposes, such as to complete an upcoming work project at their current job or to pursue an entirely new career path, it will be important at some point during training to have an expert instructor available, who is well-versed in using Revit and can provide them with the most up-to-date, relevant information and training. Self-teaching materials do not afford learners the option of asking questions, and it’s up to them to make it through any roadblocks they encounter on their own while studying. Most individuals benefit more from the real-time support that’s included in live training.

Alternatives to Learning Revit on Your Own

While learning Revit on your own is possible, this option isn’t for everyone. Most individuals will find that studying Revit through live training is the most effective and interactive way to fully learn this software. Live training options are available in the form of short skills classes, bootcamps, certificates, and certification programs that range in length from just a day to eight months. Live training is available from many top educators around the US. Students at all levels can opt for in-person classes that take place at a designated training facility in or near a major city. Live online courses are taught using Zoom or a similar teleconferencing platform. They also take place in real-time, which means all participants connect with an expert instructor and can receive immediate clarification and guidance as they explore Revit concepts. Those who attend live online classes can even grant the instructor permission to share their screen if they need more individualized help.

One of the main incentives of live study is that it can significantly reduce the amount of time required to learn Revit. Relying solely on self-teaching materials requires that students perform research on the material they select, piecing together study plans and finding answers to any questions they have. These factors add time to the length of study. Enrolling in a live bootcamp provides learners with a condensed and supportive way to learn Revit in just two weeks. While live training usually entails a greater financial investment, most individuals will find that the benefits pay for themself because it expedites the learning process and ensures that students are learning the most relevant Revit skills.

Learn Revit with Noble Desktop

VDCI's BIM Certificate program offers comprehensive training in Building Information Modeling through intensive, small-group classes led by industry expert instructors. Students master essential skills through hands-on experience with real-world commercial construction projects, learning everything from 3D modeling in Revit Architecture to creating detailed construction documentation and specializing in MEP or structural design. The program stands out for its practical approach and student-friendly policies, including free course retake options to ensure mastery of the material.

Noble Desktop, an educational provider based in Manhattan, offers a range of hands-on classes intended for those who want to learn AutoCAD. Its AutoCAD Level 1 is a short skills course in which participants learn how to work with AutoCAD to make drawings of architectural and mechanical objects. Coursework covers topics like how to create or edit drawings, work with tracking and object snaps, and insert blocks.

Noble also offers an AutoCAD Bootcamp that provides learners with in-depth training on basic techniques for drawing and modifying technical drawings, as well as how to use this software to make 2D drawings. In this bootcamp, participants design and edit a basic drawing to practice with AutoCAD tools. Learners should be aware that this course was designed for PC users; Mac users can attend this program live online.

Noble also offers an AutoCAD Masterclass for those interested in upgrading their existing skills. This intensive program provides small-group instruction and hands-on training on topics like navigating the software’s interface, making basic drawings, and working with essential editing commands. Students then receive intermediate-level training that includes lessons on using layouts, templates, and styles. The final course component covers advanced AutoCAD skills like using dynamic blocks, attributes, and tables.

In addition, those who want to sit for the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting exam can sign up for Noble’s AutoCAD Certification. This intensive class provides learners with a combination of private tutoring and live AutoCAD training. 

All Noble courses are taught by expert instructors with industry experience. They each include a free retake option for up to one year. Participants can complete their training live online or in New York City.