Is 30 Too Old to Learn Revit?

If you want to learn Revit but haven’t had a chance to yet, you may wonder if it’s too late. Learners who devote their time and energy toward training can learn this industry-standard tool, regardless of whether they’re 30 or 80. While it will take practice and commitment to do so, most individuals will find that they can learn Revit basics in just a few weeks and master this software in about a year. Live training is an excellent way to acquire hands-on training in a supportive, small-class environment. Read on to learn more about the benefits of learning Revit, the amount of time this process takes the average learner, and some tips that can make it easier.

Why Learn Revit at 30?

Learning Revit at any age is a great way to open professional doors. This popular building information modeling software is used by an estimated 45% of Architects and 4 million Engineers around the globe. Revit skills are in demand in many construction-related jobs. This software has applications for construction projects of all sizes and types. It helps professionals like Structural Engineers, Urban Planners, Mechanical Engineers, Architects, Interior Designers, 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. Those who work with Revit receive automatically generated drawings and schedules based on the 3D models they create. These are helpful for documenting project work throughout the building lifecycle. 

Revit is also a great tool for projects that involve multiple team members across disciplines. This multidisciplinary platform allows different team members 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. 

Revit also has 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.

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How Long Will it Take to Learn Revit?

All learners are unique with respect to the amount of time it will take them to learn Revit. On average, the learning process takes about a year for most Revit students, from basic Revit training up through advanced-level skills. 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. Learners 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. 

There are several factors that dictate the average individual’s Revit learning speed, including the knowledge they bring to the process. 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. Additionally, familiarity with architectural elements like roofs, spaces, walls, and floors prepares Revit users to accurately translate these details into a 3D model. Knowledge of the architectural design process can also prepare Revit users to progress from site planning to creating intricate drawings and documentation.

No matter which training format a student selects, those who are willing and able to devote the time necessary to practice with Revit and learn this tool’s features will find it much easier and faster to master Revit than those who are lax about practice. Learners who have prior experience working with BIM software are likely to find it easier to become familiar with Revit. Since the basic concepts and workflow remain fairly consistent across various BIM platforms, those who already have training with tools like Blender or ArchiCAD will typically have a smoother transition to Revit. Similarly, prior training with BIM concepts like object-oriented design, parametric modeling, and information linking are all useful when preparing to learn Revit.

Ways to Make Learning Revit Easier and Quicker

Enrolling in a live Revit course is an excellent way for learners of all ages to acquire hands-on training in a relatively short timeframe. Beginner-friendly, live courses are available in several formats, including introductory-level and skills classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs; they can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. 

Introductory-level Revit classes offer participants an overview of this software and training with its basic features and tools. In a beginner-level Revit program, students typically devote one or several days of full-time coursework to learning this software’s interface and exploring its basic features and functions. Participants leave these classes with a working knowledge of Revit basics but don’t necessarily have a firm understanding of its full capabilities or advanced features. 

Similarly, skills-focused Revit courses are short classes that usually focus on just one area of Revit knowledge, such as how it’s used for architecture or MEP projects. Some skills classes require just a few hours and deal only with one Revit competency, such as teaching learners how to work with this software’s tagging and schedules features, using details and keynotes, or leveraging this tool for fire protection-related models. Those who are just getting started with Revit can opt for one or multiple skills courses or introductory-level classes to gain a basic foundation of Revit on which to build other skills moving forward. 

More comprehensive Revit training is also available in the live format in the form of bootcamps and certificate programs. These intensive courses vary in length, though they typically require several weeks or months to complete, depending on the provider and the class scope. Students can opt to attend training at a designated facility located in or near a major US city or complete their studies remotely using a live teleconferencing platform like Zoom. One of the main benefits of live study is the supportive and individualized learning environment it affords students. Those enrolled can ask questions in real-time and receive immediate clarification from the instructor. Students who attend live online courses can even grant the instructor permission to share their screen for additional support. In addition to classroom instruction and hands-on lessons, students who opt for certificate programs also benefit from career-focused training. This type of Revit study often includes incentives like private mentoring sessions, career counseling, or assistance with resumes and LinkedIn profiles. 

Learners who opt for bootcamps or certificate programs will need to choose whether to attend these classes on a full-time or part-time basis. Each option has its own advantages. Full-time study offers a condensed and supportive learning environment in which the student can fully immerse in their training. These programs can be completed in a few weeks or months of coursework. During this time, those enrolled focus entirely on their Revit training without other distractions. This ensures that the training they receive will be directly applicable to their professional needs. Graduates can put their skills to use immediately in a real-world setting. 

Full-time Revit classes can be difficult to attend for those who have busy work schedules. Part-time study provides learners with the same training, which is spaced out over a longer timeframe. Instead of completing a bootcamp in two weeks of full-time study, part-time programs may take learners several months to complete. Classes are typically available on weeknights or weekends so that those who work full-time can attend training as their schedule permits. Although this study format requires a longer time commitment, students have more opportunities to practice their Revit skills than they would during full-time training. 

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.