Like many aspiring Architects or Contractors, you might want to learn Revit but worry that it will take too much time. Revit is the industry-standard tool for building information modeling (BIM) tasks like modeling systems and structural elements for buildings in 3D, as well as annotating them with 2D drafting tools. Those who work with Revit can make real-time revisions to plans, schedules, sheets, and visualizations, and they’re immediately incorporated into the model so that all team members involved with the project are working with the most up-to-date version. The average individual who wants to learn Revit will find that the process takes about a year for them to have the skills necessary to complete small and large projects. Of course, this depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn Revit and some resources to help speed the process along.
What is Revit?
Autodesk Revit is popular building information modeling (BIM) software that professionals like Contractors, Engineers, and Architects use to perform a range of essential building-related tasks. This tool can easily and accurately model structures, systems, and shapes in 3D. It also helps users create the structural elements of a building in 3D and then annotate them using 2D drafting tools. Revit users can make instant revisions to plans, visualizations, schedules, sheets, or elevations, which are updated in real time so that all team members are working with the most current information.
One of the main benefits of using Revit is that it can unite team members working on multidisciplinary projects, leading to better collaborative practices and higher overall efficiency.
This software provides users with tools for annotating, visualizing, sketching, scheduling, and sharing work. Revit offers users tools for integrated analysis and features for uniting multiple file types and datasets, which allows them to create designs with accuracy and confidence. It also has tools for fabrication, cost analysis, and quantity takeoffs.
Read more about what Revit is and why you should learn it.
What Can You Do with Revit?
Revit training has applications for construction projects of all sizes and types. This commercial BIM software helps professionals like Structural Engineers, Designers, Mechanical Engineers, Architects, and Contractors design, edit, review, and share detailed 3D models. Revit users can place building elements like doors, walls, and windows into their drawings, which helps their drawings be precise and exact. It helps generate floor plans, sections, details, and schedules. Before the advent of this BIM software, the design process was much more tedious and time-consuming.
Revit offers advanced analysis engines and can access performance data. It can also run extremely accurate cost estimates and help professionals monitor a building or project’s performance throughout its lifecycle. This tool’s 3D visualization capabilities can be used to create construction project documentation that features stereo panoramas, 3D views, and cutaways. Those who work with Autodesk’s 3Ds Max software and Revit Interoperability can even view their building in virtual reality.
Revit is a multidisciplinary platform that allows different team members who are involved with a construction project to share their work in real time. Architects can share the models they create in Revit with Structural Engineers and other team members as they’re updated. This not only significantly expedites the design process but also helps create a more accurate and affordable final product.
Average Time it Takes to Learn Revit
No two learners are the same in terms of the timeframe it will take them to learn Revit. On average, the learning process will take about a year for most Revit students. Some can acquire basic Revit knowledge in as little as a few weeks, whereas others may need much longer than a year to fully master this tool. Learners should keep in mind that Revit was created for use in complex architectural projects. Therefore, it has a steeper learning curve than comparable modeling software.
Typically, it takes students who are consistently practicing with this tool about one to two weeks to become familiar with this software’s interface and drawing tools. Then, it takes three months to learn how to work with this tool’s core 3D modeling features. Students can then build on this basic knowledge and acquire intermediate-level training in another three to four months. After learning the foundational knowledge necessary to complete small building projects, students can then progress into more advanced jobs. This phase of study takes the average learner an additional five to six months of practice and training.
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Other Factors
No two learners are exactly the same in terms of how quickly they acquire new skills. Revit training is no different. The Revit learning process is largely subjective, and the speed at which the average individual can learn Revit depends on variables like their learning style and commitment to training, prior experience with BIM software, understanding of architectural design, and ultimate goals for learning this tool. Read on to learn more about each of these factors so you can prepare to optimize your training.
Learning Style
Regardless of the training approach you select for learning Revit, the amount of time you spend practicing and reinforcing your skills is a significant determinant of the speed you’ll master this software. Those motivated to practice the skills they’re learning outside of the classroom setting and who are willing to devote time each day to learning new Revit features will find that they’re able to use Revit sooner than those who don’t continue reinforcing their knowledge. Even setting aside fifteen minutes each night for practice can help students learn Revit much faster than sporadically studying this software.
Prior Experience with BIM Software
Students who have prior experience working with BIM software will find that this knowledge can make it much easier to learn Revit than those new to BIM tools. Because the workflow and basic concepts are mostly consistent across different BIM platforms, students who already work with Blender or ArchiCAD will 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.
Familiarity with Architectural Design Concepts
Those who have prior experience with architectural design will find it much easier and faster to learn how to use Revit than individuals who are new to architecture. Because Revit is mainly used for BIM and architectural design-related endeavors, those who are familiar with fundamental design principles and architectural concepts will be more able to optimize this software than learners who must acquire these skills.
Knowledge of architectural elements like roofs, spaces, walls, and floors prepares Revit users to accurately translate these details into a 3D model. Similarly, 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.
Training Approach
The type of training approach you select to learn Revit will not only determine how quickly you’re able to master this software but also how comprehensive your knowledge is. 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 or certificate program. The condensed educational environment in live study helps students immerse fully in their training and acquire skills faster than they’d be able to through self-directed training.
Ultimate Goals for Learning Revit
Students who are interested in learning Revit for personal use will typically find it easier (and faster) to become familiar with Revit than individuals who are learning it for their current career or to pivot into a new professional focus. This is because it’s much easier to learn to navigate the Revit interface and work with its basic functions for small projects than it is to learn this software’s full capabilities for large-scale professional use. Non-professionals looking to Revit may be able to acquire enough knowledge by watching YouTube videos, reading online tutorials, and completing self-paced classes. On the other hand, Architects who will be working with this software for an impending commercial construction project will have to be able to use it for advanced tasks like creating complex families for compound walls and stairs, working with project parameters or night renderings, and designing new curtain wall systems. This type of advanced knowledge is much easier to acquire through live study than it is through self-directed resources.
Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost
For most learners, studying Revit is a relatively straightforward and easy process when approached in phases. Those who have prior tech training or knowledge of BIM tools or AutoCAD will usually find the process easier and faster than novices. After learning the software’s layout and basic tools, most individuals can start working on small projects. These will be much easier for the average learner than larger, more complex endeavors. The main struggle most encounter when studying Revit is pivoting from working with traditional drafting methods to using 3D parameters.
There are no formal prerequisites for learning Revit. Learners don’t even have to have prior experience with BIM software to get started with this tool. However, knowledge of basic architectural design principles and concepts like elevations and floor plans can help most students effectively apply their Revit skills. Basic computer literacy and access to this software are also a must.
In terms of cost, Revit is available through subscription as well as through flex plans. Subscriptions to Revit are available for one person for $365 a month, $2,910 a year, or $8,730 for three years. Autodesk also offers flex plans, which are pay-as-you-go options in which the user pre-purchases tokens for an Autodesk product like Revit and then can access that product on a daily basis. The flex option requires a minimum $300 purchase. This option is a good alternative for individuals or team members interested in trying the product or who only require periodic access. Additionally, a free Revit trial is also available from Autodesk.
Read about how difficult it is to learn Revit.
Watch a Free Revit Online Course
If you want to learn Revit basics but aren’t ready to dive into a full course, you can start learning Revit for free online. Noble Desktop has a hub of AutoCAD tutorials, resources, and articles that contain relevant information to help you get started.
Other providers also have introductory-level coursework in Revit available for no cost. Autodesk has free online webinars and tutorials on its website that teach basic Revit concepts, best practices, and tips and tricks. Udemy offers a free class, How-To-Revit (Beginner Course), that provides learners with more than two hours of self-paced instruction on how to use this software’s basic drafting capabilities and tools, as well as how to transform 2D drawings into 3D models. Those who want to explore how to retrieve information from a Revit model and work with common modeling tools can learn to do so in Coursera’s BIM Fundamentals.
In addition to live and on-demand Revit training, educators like Noble Desktop offer free seminars on Revit and a range of related topics.
Read about more free Revit videos and online tutorials.
Learn Revit with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop offers several hands-on classes for those interested in learning how to work with AutoCAD. The AutoCAD Bootcamp provides learners with comprehensive training on basic techniques for drawing and modifying technical drawings, as well as how to use this software to make 2D drawings. During this program, students design and edit a basic drawing to practice with AutoCAD tools. This bootcamp is designed for PC users, though Mac users can attend this program live online.
Noble also has an AutoCAD Masterclass. This rigorous program provides small class instruction and is a great opportunity for learners to acquire in-depth AutoCAD skills. Coursework begins with an introduction to AutoCAD basics, such as how to navigate its interface, create basic drawings, and use core editing commands. Training then progresses into intermediate-level AutoCAD training that focuses on accurate positioning and effective working methods, such as how to use templates, layouts, and styles. In the final portion of this program, learners explore advanced topics like how to work with attributes, dynamic blocks, and tables. Those interested in sitting for the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting exam can enroll in Noble’s AutoCAD Certification. This rigorous class provides students with a combination of private tutoring and live AutoCAD training.
All Noble courses are taught by expert instructors and include a free retake option for up to one year. Students can complete their training live online or attend classes in New York City.