I have recently completed my masters in Architecture. I was wondering if getting a basic autodesk certification in Revit would make me stand out? Has anybody applied for autodesk certification? Will that really help?

No.

i second that notion

Third!

Probably not. I'm certified for 2009 because it was free. I wouldn't spend any money on it though.

To my knowledge, there is no such thing. Revit is not as complicated, customizable or flexible as Autocad. It would be like getting Microsoft certified in Internet Explorer. This is not meant as a bash on Revit. I use it almost exclusively. But, in my opinion the days of marketing software knowledge as something unique are over. Download the trial version. Get familiar with it. Maybe model an old studio project just to prove to yourself that you've got a working knowledge of the software. That should be more than enough for any potential employer.

while "using" the software is relatively easy, creating complex families is anything but easy.

Agreed. But few jobs are going to require you to come in the door with that kind of knowledge. So long as your goal is something other than being the CAD manager/BIM guru, I think a basic working knowledge is suffecient. Put another way, I don't think spending money to learn this stuff puts you ahead of the curve enough to warrant the effort, much less the cost.

Last two of my "interviews" encouraged me to take either take the class or be self taught....

I've actually seen more than one job post that not only required extensive knowledge of Revit but also required as part of the interview a Revit skill test to make sure you could jump right into using it.

Seems like more and more offices are going the Revit route and with still hundreds of people applying for each posted job I would think any advantage would be worth it. There's still plenty of applicants with years of experience with the software willing to work for intern pay.

As an EA firm, I know that some of our branches are looking for BIM modelers. I think that our firm has noticed that people that are more "architecturally-inclined" have had much better time grasping the concepts of BIM in general.

BUT... I don't think any kind of certificate will help getting the job. Its more about experience and your ability to think outside the box, initiate, investigate, create, and do more than what you can learn on training by Autodesk (or 3rd party resellers) that is often just as much about marketing than training. There is a bit of conflict of interest if they're selling the product.

I wouldn't focus on Revit specifically, but the BIM process, integrated project delivery, and kind of unrelated - scripting (or show skills in hacking/customizing/creating software).

as a hirer, i'd say it wouldn't hurt, but if you could otherwise show that you were proficient with Revit, that would be OK too. i'll just affirm what others have said above: don't spend money doing it, but if it's free and works into your schedule, go for it.

we don't ONLY look for Revit people but, since the learning curve for getting not just proficient but good runs pretty long, we certainly favor those who have a background.

slart's comments are right on.

Agreed. But few jobs are going to require you to come in the door with that kind of knowledge. So long as your goal is something other than being the CAD manager/BIM guru, I think a basic working knowledge is suffecient

When 300 people are applying for 1 job, this "good enough" attitude doesn't work.

make

you got that straight - I have 4 years of Revit experience and with 300 people/job - good enough gets deleted if you aren't in the top 2% - forget it - go back to school or get out - every interview I went to - expect total and thorough knowledge - and many firms will test you - You had better believe there is always someone who will ace the exam - skimming over - getting a basic knowledge won't do I know many people who tried this and are now on EDD.

thanks for asking this question arch08. i've been wondering the same thing. i've seen ads for some autodesk retailer that offers a discounted seminar for 3 days if you're unemployed.

i've noticed that lots of firms are asking for revit experience in their employment posts. seems to me that it couldn't hurt to have that extra credential just to open a door.

Anyone have any trouble getting Revit Architecture 2010 to install on a 32bit Vista machine? I know I don't have the newest computer but I haven't had trouble with anything quite like this. Aside from the installer crashing while installing design review (something about not being able to register DWF something or other) once Revit installs the program doesn't open. I'm getting pretty fed up with Autodesk and their janky software. I even downloaded it direct from Autodesk so I know it's not an issue with low-grade pirate software or anything.

I installed mine on a 2006 HP dv8000 with XP professional and it works great - Vista has been problematic with autodesk products - I wonder if Windows 7 might work? XP works for sure though.

I'm throwing in the towel on it. 3 days later and it still won't work. Got the software installed (and p.s. uninstalling Revit is no small task) but it just freezes up on the splash screen when it opens. I am continually amazed at how poorly made Autodesk products are made.

And rverk.ini, Vista has been the source of more than one problem for me. I curse the day I ever put it on this computer and would not be entirely surprised if Vista was the problem here. At this point it's a decision between $200 to upgrade a 3+ year old machine or just figuring that 3+ years in PC land is ancient and just getting a new computer. Leaning towards option B but lack of being able to hold down a job this year keeps getting in the way.

Finally installed!

Required activating the administrator account since Vista feels like you don't need this option, cleaning the registry, installing .net framework, then uninstalling .net framework and then reinstalling it and verifying it was activated in the user account controls, downloading a program to find and delete any instance of the previous Revit install and hunting down program folders on my C: drive and registry, deleting the windows temp folder contents, disabling firewall, updating my video card driver, reinstalling the Vista Service Pack 1, force quitting every other running program, restarting windows after each operation and then waiting for 3 hours while the program installed.

Thanks Autodesk. Your awesome. Although I think Microsoft is to blame.

Persistance pays off - sorry to hear about you going through the Vista inquisition torture chamber - You just passed your Revit certification test.

Oh if only it was that easy.

Oh Autodesk. How you make my life so hellish.

So like I said, got Revit 2010 installed, installed the service pack for it and so far the program works... until I need to save. It will only allow me to save directly into the Documents folder on my C: drive. As soon as I click any other folder... crash.

Anyone else have this problem. Let me guess... it's Vista.

Revit 2010 doesn't work in XP compatibility mode, FYI. Forgot I had done that earlier in the process to see if that was the problem since it fixed problems I had with Abode products.

I guess the fringe benefit is getting an IT degree!