With the BIM level exam approaching, more people are showing interest in BIM exams and certifications. Today, I want to address the questions you care about most: What types of BIM certificates are available? Which ones carry the most authority? I hope this overview will be helpful! Previously, I wrote an article titled “One Article Explains the Types of BIM Certificates in China”, which introduced the main BIM certificates at that time. As the BIM market continues to grow, new certifications have emerged. Let’s take a closer look at the current key BIM certificates:
1. BIM Modeling Engineer Certificate
Issuing Agencies: Jointly awarded by the Chinese Society of Cartography and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of China.
This certificate is offered in three levels: Level 1 BIM Modeler, Level 2 Senior BIM Modeler, and Level 3 BIM Design Application Modeler.
This is one of the earliest BIM certifications in China, alongside Autodesk’s Revit Engineer certification. It has been available for over six years and has held more than 10 exam sessions. It enjoys a strong reputation and wide recognition across China. Exams are held twice a year, in June and December.
Many companies require this certificate during BIM project bidding, and some organizations even offer salary subsidies or bonuses for employees who hold it, fueling its popularity and demand.
2. National BIM Professional Skills Series Job Examination
Issuing Agencies: Jointly issued by the Electronic Industry Vocational Appraisal Center of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China and the Beijing Green Building Industry Alliance.
This certification covers three areas: BIM Modeling Technology, BIM Project Management, and BIM Strategic Planning.
While I haven’t personally taken this exam, friends who have shared that it focuses mainly on theory, with a strong emphasis on BIM project management applications. It aims to deepen candidates’ theoretical understanding of BIM.
The exam is held twice annually—in June and December—with a unified nationwide schedule. Additionally, there is a special channel for college students to apply for the BIM Modeling Technology exam, allowing testing dates to be arranged separately by the college exam center.
3. BIM Engineer Certificate
Issuing Agency: Talent Exchange Center of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
This certificate is divided into three levels: BIM Engineer, BIM Project Manager, and BIM Senior Engineer. Launched in 2018, the first exam took place on June 25, 2018.
I have not had direct experience with this certification, so I am not very familiar with its details. Please forgive the limited insight here!
4. National BIM Application Certificate
Issuing Agency: China Construction Education Association.
This certificate includes three levels: Level 1 BIM Modeling Engineer, Level 2 Professional BIM Application Specialist, and Level 3 Comprehensive BIM Application Specialist.
Currently, this certificate serves a niche market in China, with limited demand and recognition. Therefore, I won’t provide extensive evaluation here.
5. Other BIM Certifications
1. Revit Engineer Certification Exam: Issued by Autodesk, this is considered an entry-level BIM certification.
2. ICM Certificate: Issued by the International Construction Management (ICM) Society, it includes BIM Engineer and BIM Project Management Director tracks. This is one of the earlier BIM certifications in China but is now relatively rare.
That concludes the introduction to these certificates. Regarding authority, as described above, BIM certifications have yet to reach a unified national standard comparable to other construction certifications. Their value is largely determined by current market recognition.
When choosing which certificate to pursue, consider your own needs. One important piece of advice: it’s better to obtain a certification sooner rather than later. Having a certificate is always better than not having one at all!
That’s all for today’s discussion on the types of BIM certificates and their authority. I hope this article helps you in your BIM certification journey!
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