Getting Started with BIM Certificate & Certification Programs
Knowledge in BIM involves creating 3D models for work on construction projects with Engineers, Architects, and other construction professionals through a shared database or the cloud. These professionals use BIM tools for collaborating on construction documents, infrastructure management, and decision-making.
Training in BIM involves learning tools like Revit, which is a building information modeling software used by Architects, Contractors, Mechanical Engineers, Structural Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and Plumbing Engineers for modeling shapes, structures, and systems in 3D. Revit helps streamline projects with plans, elevations, sheets, schedules, and 3D visualizations.
Revit helps Architects, Engineers, and Designers with modeling shapes, structures, and systems in 3D with parametric accuracy, precision, and ease. Revit also facilitates streamlining in project management with instant revisions for planning, evaluating, and scheduling on construction projects with 3D visualization. Additionally, Revit MEP is another BIM application. MEP stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing, which construction professionals can access through the Autodesk Revit suite for designing detailed and accurate models on construction projects.
Top Live Online BIM Certificate Programs
Learning BIM through live online courses can teach anyone who is interested in working in architecture, building construction, or structural design, with knowledge of software and procedures that facilitate efficiency and productivity. Training in BIM involves working with Autodesk software, which could mean enrolling for online courses at VDCI. VDCI stands for the Virtual Design & Construction Institute, which is an authorized Autodesk training center that provides education and certification in a variety of software. Additionally, Noble Desktop offers training options for learning Autodesk tools like AutoCAD, which is a computer-aided design (CAD) tool that provides functions similar to BIM.
VDCI: BIM Certificate Program
People can learn BIM for knowledge to provide workflows using Revit, which is the industry standard software program for creating 3D models on commercial building projects. This BIM Certificate Program involves a series of courses where students will learn how to create a 3D model for a commercial project and construction documents using BIM. Courses include getting an introduction to Revit, followed by intermediate training with the software. Training involves working on BIM construction documents to gain expertise.
VDCI: CAD/BIM Certificate Program
This VDCI advanced CAD/BIM Certificate Program combines training in AutoCAD with learning Revit to work with BIM. This program focuses on providing more specialized training for working in construction and architectural design with the goal of students becoming Designers, Architects, or Engineers involved in building construction and architecture. The certificate program aims to train new learners who have no background in CAD or other design tools and techniques. Courses included in this program provide hands-on skills training through real-world experience from working on design projects that should demonstrate an individual’s abilities to potential employers.
VDCI: AutoCAD Fundamentals
Students who are looking for accelerated training to learn AutoCAD can take advantage of this AutoCAD Fundamentals course from VDCI. Through this course, students can learn the basics of working with AutoCAD. AutoCAD is commonly used in engineering, interior design, manufacturing, and architecture for creating blueprints and schematics, as well as 3D printing for building 3D objects. Knowledge of AutoCAD can serve as an important skill for training in BIM. Engineers, Interior Designers, Architects, and Contractors depend on AutoCAD to use in project management, architectural design, and engineering for creating 2D and 3D designs. Mainly, AutoCAD can help with increasing productivity and efficiency in the workplace by more easily and reliably completing design projects than using pen-and-paper drawings. This means that Architects, Interior Designers, and other design professionals can more readily demonstrate a design to clients.
AutoCAD Classes from Noble Desktop
Noble Desktop provides industry-relevant training inside state-of-the-art classrooms for people living in New York City, along with courses available through virtual learning to train from anywhere in the world. While the school does not currently offer training in BIM, Noble Desktop does have courses for learning AutoCAD, which serves in a similar capacity for working in construction design. Knowledge of computer-aided design can contribute to learning BIM. Through AutoCAD courses, bootcamps, and certificate programs at Noble Desktop, students can either initiate training in software like AutoCAD for moving on to expanding their knowledge for eventually learning Building Information Modeling after training in AutoCAD courses from introductory classes through certificate programs.
Noble Desktop AutoCAD courses have been designed for PC users. Mac users may enroll in these courses, but must be aware that the Mac AutoCAD interface differs from the PC interface, which will be the version used for training.
Noble Desktop: AutoCAD Certification Program
The AutoCAD Certification Program aims to train you from beginner-level to advanced-level in AutoCAD to pass the Autodesk Certified Professionals AutoCAD for Design and Drafting exam, which includes a free retake. Your training will begin with learning basic drawing and editing commands before moving on to learning higher-level techniques with collaboration tools, customizing, and macros. Upon completing this course, you will possess advanced knowledge of AutoCAD for attempting the Autodesk Certificate Professional exam.
Noble Desktop: AutoCAD Bootcamp
The AutoCAD Bootcamp will teach you the fundamentals of technical drawing to gain skills for creating 2D drawings using AutoCAD. Lessons cover learning basic AutoCAD functions as well as advanced drafting techniques. Training begins at the beginner level of AutoCAD, where you will learn basic drawing and modifying techniques for creating drawings with building physical objects for mechanical and architectural projects. The immediate portion of the class will teach you how to create 2D basic drawings using AutoCAD software, starting with the basic tools used for creating and editing simple drawings. This bootcamp will introduce you to basic design tools throughout the course.
Noble Desktop: AutoCAD Level I
The introductory AutoCAD Level I course will train you in fundamental skills with AutoCAD. Lessons will cover printing and plotting layouts and sheets, creating and editing drawings, using object snaps and tracking, organizing drawings with layers, and inserting blocks. Training includes learning how to create text, design dimensional drawings, and work with layers and templates. Upon completing this course, you will know how to create dimensional drawings, work with layers and templates, and insert blocks.
Noble Desktop: AutoCAD Level II
This intermediate AutoCAD Level II design training course builds on your skills and experience with AutoCAD. Your training includes learning how to create templates using defined layouts for printing sheets through setting units, drawing limits, and using scales, as well as learning how to use the AutoCAD interface for completing advanced layer and block techniques. Upon completing this course, you will know advanced layering, styling, and blocking techniques for creating quality templates and layouts for printing, as well as using the AutoCAD interface for working on complex projects.
Noble Desktop: AutoCAD Level III
This advanced AutoCAD Level III program will train you for working with the design application on more complicated projects. Lessons cover learning about annotation, dynamic blocks and attributes, collaboration and publishing, and customization. Upon completing this course, students will know how to recognize and use the appropriate AutoCAD tools for completing any project. This course aims to help participants enhance productivity and efficiency with design projects and in the workplace through improving their skills with AutoCAD.
Why Become Certified in BIM?
When people think about digital technology, their minds go to video games or streaming visual media. However, digital technology has become a part of nearly every aspect of life, including business, commerce, and design. This includes construction design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software that helps Architects, Engineers, and Contractors with creating precise and accurate designs on construction projects. BIM certification can provide an advantage for careers in construction design. Knowledge of BIM can contribute to collaborating on construction projects by enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Becoming a Certified BIM Professional involves implementing BIM processes for enhancing results with building and infrastructure projects. Becoming a BIM-trained professional involves creating and maintaining models related to construction projects that not only include working with precision and detail but also complying with appropriate local standards and codes. BIM also facilitates Architects, Engineers, and contractors to collaborate and communicate seamlessly. Expertises with BIM also provide skills for quality control with project specifications, including managing project data for informing clients and stakeholders about a project from the planning stages through completion.
BIM can open up career options in construction for working in architecture, engineering, and design. As digital technology continues to affect every aspect of life nowadays, gaining expertise with BIM software provides skills for being able to take advantage of an in-demand technology by applying that knowledge to a career in architectural design and construction.
What You’ll Learn While Becoming BIM Certified
Through becoming BIM certified, a professional can gain a variety of skills that can pave the path to careers related to architecture, engineering, and construction. Skills in BIM can help with automating a variety of tasks that had been performed manually in the past. BIM helps reduce errors and repetition during the development stage of construction projects. Certification with BIM can facilitate streamlining construction projects and workflow by centralizing the process through improving collaboration among Architects, Engineers, and contractors. Listed below are several skills and categories that can benefit someone who achieves BIM certification:
Architecture
Knowledge of BIM software offers a modeling tool that can enhance working in architectural design by providing a greater level of detail with results. Drafting designs using BIM involves creating drawings and technical models for working on building designs, floor plans, and blueprints. Drafts can be used by construction teams, Architects, and Engineers, as well as a variety of other construction professionals, for designing models destined to be developed into buildings and other physical structures. BIM software can be used in drafting to convert designs used in architecture or engineering into technically sound drawings and blueprints.
Designers can use BIM software for creating 2D and 3D models that produce detailed images used in interior design, which include color schemes, spacing, and furniture placement. BIM allows Designers to create accurate drawings and designs that help with getting concepts constructed. Architects can apply BIM in designing a variety of construction projects. BIM allows Designers to see how a concept might look or function in the real world, along with helping design teams figure out how to efficiently and productively approach getting a project completed.
Engineering
Engineers can use AutoCAD with BIM for working on a variety of construction projects. BIM helps Engineers with creating concrete designs for seeing how a structure will look in the real world through 3D modeling. Structural Engineers, for example, can apply BIM for designing, detailing, fabricating, and documenting structural systems. BIM software facilitates collaboration among design professionals for working as a team on construction projects to optimize designs, improve efficiency, and fabricate.
BIM also helps Civil Engineers work with digital technology to create detailed designs, along with coordinating construction projects. Knowledge of BIM provides skills for working more accurately and efficiently on construction projects. Engineers are able to use BIM software for designing construction projects in areas such as building structures, elevators, bridges, roads, plumbing systems, and electrical grids. BIM helps Engineers with getting a clearer vision about how a design might perform in the real world. Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and Industrial Engineers can work with BIM in several capacities for developing, building, and testing designs.
Design
Expertise in BIM helps with developing 2D and 3D models by creating detailed images to use in interior design with color schemes, spacing, and furniture placement. Architects and Engineers can use BIM to create precise 2D and 3D designs that help with getting a clearer picture of construction projects. Industrial Designers can use BIM software with AutoCAD for designing building structures. BIM especially helps Designers see how a concept will look or function in the real world, along with helping figure out how that concept may better appeal to clients and customers.
Drafting
Drafting with BIM involves creating 2D and 3D models for working on designing buildings, layouts, and blueprints. BIM can be used in drafting by construction teams that include Architects, Engineers, contractors, and other construction professionals for designing blueprints to develop buildings and other physical structures. BIM facilitates drafting for converting designs into technically sound and accurate drawings, blueprints, and models. Drawings and blueprints developed using AutoCAD and BIM can be used for working on concepts as varied as buildings, automobiles, and tools.
MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)
Knowledge in BIM can provide skills for working in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing aspects of construction for designing, detailing, documenting, and fabricating building systems. BIM facilitates collaboration among Architects, Engineers, and contractors for reducing risk, sharing data, and optimizing designs for getting construction projects off the ground and completed. Designing building structures involves more than what meets the eye. Efficient electrical systems and plumbing are essential in any structure.
Industries That Benefit from BIM
There are several industries for applying BIM software in the design process. Professionals working in various industries related to construction can benefit from knowledge in BIM combined with skills in other areas of design technology and engineering for creating designs, 3D models, schematics, and scaled drawings associated with construction and interior design.
Construction Industry
The construction industry uses BIM for making design concepts into reality through a variety of visual approaches that provide contractors, Engineers, and Architects with a vision of a physical structure. BIM software helps reduce uncertainty when designing buildings, improving safety, or identifying potential problems by simulating and analyzing design concepts. Construction companies can benefit from using BIM to create accurate 3D models of building projects before construction even begins. Engineers and Architects can use BIM to improve existing structures by using collected data in structural analysis. The construction industry also uses BIM as a management tool that facilitates efficiency and productivity during the overall process through modeling.
Architecture
Architectural firms use BIM software for creating and maintaining designs during the development stage of construction projects. BIM allows Architects to connect various ecosystems, solutions, disciplines, and clients through modeling that provides everyone with a roadmap that involves a collaborative process among Engineers, contractors, and real estate developers during the early stages through completion. Architectural firms can use BIM software for planning, designing, and constructing buildings by applying 2D and 3D modeling.
Engineering
Engineering firms use BIM software in civil engineering and structural engineering by taking advantage of digital technology that allows them to create 3D models for building and infrastructure construction projects. Engineers can work with BIM along with CAD tools for designing and prototyping on construction projects. BIM also allows Engineers to evaluate structural design for adhering to safety and compliance with local regulations and codes. BIM can help with incorporating detailed data on physical and functional aspects of structural design by helping Engineers to visualize and prototype on construction projects through providing 2D and 3D models in presenting designs.
Interior Design
BIM helps with interior design by creating precise and detailed space planning through designing 3D models of interior spaces that give Interior Designers, Architects, and contractors a clearer vision of how an interior design will look. BIM facilitates collaboration among professionals and clients on interior construction projects to enhance communication and understanding among the design team.
BIM Careers
BIM is an area of digital technology that has become highly popular within the construction industry. Skills with BIM can enhance career opportunities for people with the ability to create 3D models on construction projects due to how the software not only facilitates design but can open up avenues for collaboration among Architects, Engineers, and Project Managers, along with helping in recognizing trends or forecasting weather before beginning construction. Listed below are several professions that may benefit from knowledge of BIM software.
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BIM Manager: BIM Managers coordinate projects in various capacities in several industries connected to construction. BIM Managers are also known as BIM Coordinators who are responsible for fitting together people, designs, and models involving different areas related to construction projects, such as architecture, structural design, and MEP, by working disparate functions into a coherent, organized unit. The average annual income for a BIM Manager in the United States ranges from $57,000 to $121,000, depending, of course, on where individuals live, along with their level of experience. Responsibilities as a BIM Manager include coordinating with contractors, Engineers, Architects, and Project Managers, ensuring that BIM standards related to the project are followed, and preparing construction documents related to BIM modeling.
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Architect: Architects design construction plans based on client specifications that include developing designs for structural systems, central air, heating, and ventilation systems; electrical systems; and plumbing. Architects can apply skills with BIM software combined with AutoCAD for designing building structures as part of their job for creating construction drawings and blueprints. Working as an Architect requires being able to hand-draw plans as well as designing blueprints during the conceptual stages of a development project. Architects working throughout the country can make from $67,000 to $173,000 a year.
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BIM Modelers: These are the people who transform design concepts into vivid 3D models. BIM Modelers, of course, must be proficient in using BIM software such as Revit, along with possessing an understanding of architectural or engineering concepts. With the emergence of digital technology and its influence on every aspect of life nowadays, skills for working with BIM software can open up a myriad of career opportunities in design and the construction industry. The average salary for BIM Modelers in the United States ranges between $55,000 and $104,000 a year.
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Data Analyst: Skills with data analytics combined with training in BIM software can help with identifying trends, optimizing building models, and generating facilities management reports. Data analytics provides an understanding of historical data through finding patterns that help in clarifying the current status of a project or how problems related to a project might be solved, along with calculating risk assessment or weather forecasting. The yearly salary for a Data Analyst working in the United States ranges from $50,000 to $129,000 for working with data gathered from a variety of sources, maintaining databases, or using statistics gathered from that collected data.
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CAD Designer: A CAD Designer must have skills with AutoCAD for creating 2D and 3D models for working on a variety of design projects that provide similar functions as BIM. While CAD skills and BIM skills are not the same, knowledge of CAD can complement skills for working with BIM. Becoming a CAD Designer requires technical skills and expertise in designing and drafting. People who have skills with AutoCAD can work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, engineering, product development, and construction. A CAD Designer can earn between $43,000 and $109,000 a year throughout the country.
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Engineer: Leveraging skills with BIM software allows Engineers working in the construction industry to not only create 3D models in structural design but also to assess reliability and compliance, perform data analysis, and access predictive modeling. Several areas of engineering involve working in the construction industry. For instance, the average annual salary in the U.S. for working as a Structural Engineer ranges between $69,000 and $147,000, while a Civil Engineer can earn from $62,000 to $135,000 a year throughout the country.
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Cost Estimator: Expertise in BIM includes striving to provide efficiency in the construction industry. Cost Estimators leverage data embedded within BIM models for generating cost estimates on construction projects. Possessing knowledge of construction methods and cost databases is essential for working in the construction industry. BIM software helps with collecting detailed and accurate data. Cost Estimators can make salaries ranging from $55,000 to $149,000 a year in the United States.
Should You Pursue a BIM Certificate or Certification?
BIM certificate training and certification offer benefits and drawbacks due to the amount of time needed for investing in learning. Autodesk offers certificate training in BIM along with AutoCAD Certification that can certainly help with advancing a career in areas such as engineering, architecture, and design for working in industries like construction, manufacturing, or product development. The main benefit of BIM certification is developing a consistent method of working and designing models for data analysis with architecture, construction, and manufacturing. BIM certification provides expertise in BIM that is essential for working in many industries, with skills for applying digital technology through using BIM software for not only designing and shaping concepts for developing structures or designing products, but also analyzing trends or forecasting market tendencies or weather, as well as facilitating collaboration among the various parties involved on a project through sharing in the cloud.
It should be noted that while there are various types of BIM software available, BIM--building information modeling--is a methodology, not a software, which means that expertise for this method can provide knowledge for making better decisions related to choosing the appropriate software. This is important with how work gets done using BIM methodology, especially on construction projects, for not only developing blueprints or 3D models but also analyzing data or facilitating collaboration among Architects, Engineers, contractors, and clients involved on a construction project. BIM certification can also help with adhering to professional and community standards for applying disparate requirements, codes, and people involved with working on construction projects.
What Is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
Anyone thinking about training in BIM might want to consider enrolling in a certificate program or getting certification in the methodology. To be clear, certificate programs and certifications are not the same thing. Certificate programs provide hands-on training in BIM or AutoCAD that gives prospective Designers, Engineers, and Architects skills for working with the technology. Education providers like Noble Desktop offer a variety of AutoCAD-related courses and programs, including the AutoCAD Bootcamp, that can train you in the fundamentals of technical drawing along with advanced skills for creating 2D drawings using AutoCAD.
By contrast, achieving certification requires passing an exam administered by an industry-recognized organization. Anyone considering certification in BIM can do so through Autodesk, which offers several paths to certification contingent on a person’s career ambitions. The Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) confirms an individual's skills in AutoCAD, including capabilities for solving complex problems with workflows and design related to the software. People can gain certification for improving their career options through knowledge of CAD and BIM tools. An Architect working in BIM modeling for building structures can take on the Revit Certified Professional certification program to gain expertise in creating and managing architectural models using Revit software. While certificate programs and certifications are not the same, enrolling in certificate training can help with passing certification exams.
Why Learn BIM Online?
With the prevalence of digital technology involved in nearly every avenue of life nowadays, training to learn BIM is crucial for working in areas such as architecture, civil engineering, and construction. Learning BIM benefits anyone working in the design and construction process by providing the ability to apply digital technology for creating more efficient and collaborative workflows, as well as a variety of options for design and data analysis. There are a variety of online education providers that offer online courses for learning BIM to advance in careers in several industries and various occupations.
Learning Building Information Modeling provides skills for working in the construction industry in areas like architecture and engineering for developing blueprints and designs for modeling buildings and infrastructures through state-of-the-art technology. Knowledge of BIM allows for working seamlessly on construction projects with workflows and collaboration among the various parties involved.
Finding the right BIM courses for training in the methodology that fits a person’s schedule is the first step. Udemy, for example, offers several on-demand courses for learning BIM that allow people to train at their own pace and on their own time within the timeframe of a particular course. This includes the comprehensive BIM Modeling Project - Architectural + Structural + Mechanical course that provides participants with training in fundamental areas of BIM, such as architectural modeling for creating walls and false ceilings, as well as learning about structural modeling, foundations, substructures, columns, and beam elements. Udemy also offers the BIM - Revit Structure Full Course - from Beginner to Advanced course that focuses on learning Revit through hands-on projects, enabling users to get right to work in the construction industry. Lessons for this program cover designing walls, columns, beams, and floors, as well as developing structural designs using Revit.
Additionally, Kennesaw State University offers the live online Revit Architecture Essentials Certificate program that provides live online certificate-level training for learning Autodesk Revit for creating 3D architectural models. Lessons for this program focus on learning the design tool to work on architectural and construction projects for designing 3D models of walls, doors, windows, floors, ceilings, roofs, and stairs. Participants will learn how to navigate the Revit interface for drawing, editing, sketching, modifying, and viewing the tools available with the design software. Upon completing this course, students will know how to create levels and grids with modeling concepts, as well as component features that include placing furniture and equipment, along with setting up sheets for plotting with text, dimensions, details, tags, and scheduling.
Learning skills for working with BIM can enhance opportunities for working in design or engineering, and for applying that knowledge in the construction industry. Live online courses for learning BIM methodologies and related tools, such as Autodesk Revit, provide hands-on instruction for getting the same real-time feedback that students would get from learning inside a classroom without having to leave home.
