Revit is a popular tool that’s available from Autodesk to help professionals like Engineers, Architects, and Contractors plan, coordinate, execute, and monitor the stages of a building project, from its conception to eventual demolition. This popular software has applications for modeling the structural elements and components of a building in 3D, as well as adding annotations to these models with 2D drafting tools. When comparing types of Revit training, there are many factors to consider. Everyone learns differently, and choosing the right kind of training is critical to your experience.
Keep reading to find out more about the different formats of Revit training, how they compare to each other, and how to determine which is best for you.
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.
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Training Formats for Revit
Once you’re ready to learn Revit, the next step is deciding which training format is right for you. The good news is that there are several excellent options from which to select. In-person training is available at designated training facilities around the country. Live online coursework is conducted in real-time, remotely, using a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. On-demand programs are pre-recorded and placed online for students to complete at their own pace. Finally, free online resources and tutorials like blogs, articles, webinars, and YouTube channels are also readily available and can provide a basic overview of how to use Revit, as well as answers to specific questions.
In-Person Revit Training
Most learners will find that in-person training is an effective and engaging way to learn Revit or project management. Students attend courses at a designated training facility located in or near a major US city. These facilities include computers that have the most current BIM software already installed and ready to use. In addition to benefiting from real-time instruction from an expert instructor, participants also receive support from other students in their cohort. It’s important for students interested in in-person Revit training to keep in mind that they will have to attend classes that take place regularly at training facilities. This type of study can pose challenges for students who live far from training centers or who don’t have access to a reliable form of transportation.
Top educators around the country offer in-person courses in Revit, AutoCAD, and project management. Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool is an excellent way to search for Revit training options close to home. Those who want to study AutoCAD can receive in-person training in New York City by enrolling in Noble’s AutoCAD Masterclass, a hands-on program that provides students with in-depth instruction on how to work with this popular computer-aided design software to create drawings and advanced layouts. Noble also offers an AutoCAD Certification, a rigorous course that combines live AutoCAD training with private tutoring. This class is intended to prepare learners to pass the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting exam.
In-person Revit training is also available from The Knowledge Academy in its Revit Architecture Masterclass. This program teaches students how to design their own intricate architectural models using this software. Those who live in or near New York City can receive introductory-level AutoCAD instruction in NYIM Training’s Beginner AutoCAD. This short program covers the basic techniques needed to create and modify technical drawings, scale them, and print work.
Live Online Revit Training
One popular alternative to in-person Revit training is live online coursework. Similar to in-person classes, live online study provides learners with real-time access to an instructor with expertise and professional experience with BIM software. Instead of requiring that students commute to attend classes, all training can be completed remotely from the comfort of their own space using a live teleconferencing platform. Participants can ask questions as they arise and receive immediate support and clarification. They can even grant the instructor permission to share their screen for additional help with Revit. One point to consider with live online training is that it requires that students have a flexible enough schedule to attend classes that meet regularly, often multiple times a week. Therefore, this training format can pose challenges for those who have busy professional or personal lives.
Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool is a great way to search for live online Revit courses. Noble’s AutoCAD Bootcamp is available for those who want to acquire training in technical drawing and the advanced skills needed to create 2D AutoCAD drawings. Noble also has AutoCAD Level 1, an introductory-level program that covers the basics of how to work with AutoCAD to design and edit drawings, work with tracking and object snaps, and insert blocks. Noble’s AutoCAD Level 2 is also offered by Noble for those looking to build on their foundational AutoCAD skills and explore topics like advanced styling, layering, and blocking techniques. All Noble classes include a free retake option for up to a year.
In addition to Noble’s classes, D3 Technologies offers Revit Details and Keynotes, which is available for those who want to learn how to use Revit to import details, use title block revisions, and work with this app’s Keynote and Details features. This provider also offers Revit Annotation Families, which is available for learners interested in learning how to use Revit for annotation-related tasks. Those enrolled create custom annotation families like tags, title blocks, and symbols. In Kelar Pacific’s REVIT Architecture Essentials 2022, students explore how to read, create, and edit design elements like sections or floor plans, then transform them into 3D renders and views. NYIM Training also offers a Project Management Bootcamp for those interested in learning the five phases of construction management.
Free Online Courses & Tutorials
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.
In addition to Noble’s free resources, other top educators provide free online content to help learners at all levels become familiar with Revit and use its basic modeling tools and functions:
- Autodesk provides learners with free online tutorials and webinars that cover topics like creating building pads and terrain, floors, roofs, and walls, as well as where to add elements like stairs, railings, and doors.
- Pluralsight has Revit videos available on a range of relevant topics. Its course, Collaboration in Revit, includes training on what worksets are, how to set them up, and the various management utilities available to facilitate collaboration among team members. Users can access this platform for free for ten days before purchasing a monthly subscription.
- In Udemy’s How-To-Revit (Beginner Course), participants receive two hours of instruction at no cost on how to use Revit’s basic tools, create 3D models from 2D drawings, and incorporate cosmetic elements into these models.
- In Coursera’s BIM Fundamentals class, students learn to retrieve essential information from their Revit models and use common modeling tools.
- Another great place for Revit learners to find free content is YouTube. Many people post useful Revit training on their channels. Learners can choose from content from Skills Factory, which has short Revit video tutorials (ten minutes or less), and CAD in Black, which offers several hours of introductory-level Revit content.
While free resources can be a great way to find tips and tricks about using Revit, learn how to navigate its interface, or find answers to questions, these resources alone typically don’t suffice for providing learners with a robust knowledge of this software. Most individuals, especially those who intend to use Revit at the workplace, will ultimately benefit more from more structured, live coursework.
On-Demand Classes
On-demand Revit training is the most flexible way to learn this popular BIM software. Unlike live training, which requires attending classes in real-time, on-demand study is pre-recorded and loaded online. This asynchronous study format affords all learners the power to decide how much time, and when, they wish to devote to their training. They can pause, rewind, or rewatch entire lessons to ensure they’re fully grasping the material. On-demand training is available in many forms. Students can find free courses from providers like Udemy or Coursera, as well as paid training options from educators like The VCD Institute. Courses are offered for learners at all levels. Those interested in self-paced Revit training should consider that no instructor will be available for training. It is up to each student to find answers to questions on their own. For this reason, on-demand training can be challenging for those who are new to BIM software or learning it for professional purposes.
Those interested in self-paced Revit training can 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. Those interested in learning how to set up and manage mechanical systems can do so in Revit Mechanical, which is also offered by this provider. This self-paced course offers training on how to handle system clashes, configure mechanical equipment, and align rooftop systems and ducts.
Coursera offers a free, self-paced class for those interested in using Revit for engineering. In its BIM Applications for Engineers program, students complete six modules that teach them how to create BIM models.
Comparison of Revit Training Formats
Before you decide whether to enroll in an in-person or online Revit course, you may wonder which training format is best for you. Each has its own considerations to weigh.
Most learners will find that studying Revit through live coursework is the most interactive, engaging way to fully master this tool. Both in-person and live online training options afford the learner the power to ask questions in the moment and receive immediate guidance and support. In addition to benefiting from the knowledge the expert instructor shares, participants also experience a sense of community and camaraderie from learning alongside others in their cohort. In-person training also often includes additional benefits, such as access to networking events with alumni, as well as the use of a computer lab with the most current BIM software installed and ready to use. Those who opt for live online Revit training don’t even have to leave home to complete their studies; they can connect for classes from the comfort of home using a live teleconferencing platform.
For some students, especially those who have busy schedules, live study may not be possible. On-demand training is a good alternative because it affords each learner the flexibility to decide on their own when to complete classes and how much time to spend on their training. All course content is pre-recorded and students can access it as their schedules permit. Since no instructor is present for asynchronous coursework, it’s often a more cost-effective study method to live training (some classes are even available for free). While self-paced courses can be a good place to start in a longer learning journey, they’re rarely sufficient on their own to prepare learners to use Revit in a professional setting. Some content can quickly become outdated. This is why most individuals will benefit from enrolling in a more structured, live course to fully master this software’s advanced capabilities.
Is it Possible to Teach Yourself Revit?
Before you invest hundreds or thousands of dollars in studying Revit, you may wonder if it’s possible to teach yourself to use this popular software. Most learners will find that they can learn Revit fundamental concepts on their own as they follow along with videos and tutorials online. This type of training can provide a basic understanding of this software’s interface and core capabilities. Some individuals may opt to combine resources to get the most out of self-study. For example, they may work with YouTube videos, read online tutorials and articles, and enroll in self-paced courses with educators like the VCD Institute, Coursera, or Udemy. Although self-teaching requires individuals to be independently motivated learners, this training approach can provide the flexibility of learning Revit for those who have busy work or personal schedules and cannot attend classes that meet at regular intervals.
Because of the sheer amount of content that’s posted online pertaining to Revit, it can be overwhelming for some learners to decide which is the best to use. 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 do some research on 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 viable option for starting your Revit learning journey. They provide a cost-effective, flexible way to explore this software and learn the basics. However, for those who are learning 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.
How to Decide the Best Way to Learn Revit
Before you get started learning Revit, you may wonder which learning method is best for you. The answer to this question is largely subjective and will depend on your ultimate goals for learning this tool.
Those who are new to BIM software like Revit and aren’t ready to invest hundreds or even thousands on training can get started with free introductory courses. These provide a comprehensive overview of Revit’s basic features and capabilities and provide students with a low-stakes way to acquire basic knowledge. Interested learners can also download a free Revit trial so they can explore this software’s interface before investing in a subscription. Free classes are usually available on-demand online and can be completed on the learner’s own time, as their schedule permits.
For learners who want to develop a solid working knowledge of Revit for their current career or to plug a skill gap, bootcamp study is typically a more effective alternative to free resources. These comprehensive classes are available on topics like project management, AutoCAD, and Revit and allow learners to devote several days or weeks to learning essential BIM skills. These programs are available in person around the country, as well as live online. They provide learners with real-time access to instructors and ensure they receive individualized support and guidance.
The most comprehensive form of instruction available in Revit is certificate study. Certificate programs like Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD Masterclass are a great opportunity for learners to fully immerse in their studies so they can pursue a new career path or pivot to a new industry. Certificate programs usually take several weeks (or longer) to complete and are offered in the live format, either in-person or online. While certificate programs are usually the most expensive and extensive training format, the additional financial investment often includes additional educational incentives, such as career counseling, mentoring sessions, or access to networking events.
Learn Revit with Hands-on Training at 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 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.