BIM and digital design competence is demonstrated through Autodesk's ACP (Autodesk Certified Professional) program and the ISO 19650-aligned buildingSMART credentials. This overview covers the Revit ACP for Architectural Design, the BIM Manager ACP, and the ISO 19650 BIM Fundamentals credential — what each covers, who issues it, and how to prepare.
There is no government license for BIM management, but three credential tracks matter most: the Autodesk ACP program (Revit, BIM Manager) for software proficiency, the buildingSMART/ISO 19650 certificate track for information management standards, and specialist credentials (LEED, BREEAM) that intersect with BIM workflows. Autodesk ACPs are exam-based and software-version specific; buildingSMART credentials focus on process and interoperability.
Validates professional-level Revit skills for architects and BIM designers.
Validates BIM management and project workflow expertise in Revit.
Credential in ISO 19650 information management and open BIM standards.
| Credential | Prerequisite | Typical experience | Administered by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revit ACP (Architectural Design) | 3+ years Revit experience recommended | Professional experience | Autodesk / Certiport |
| BIM Manager ACP | BIM management experience; Revit ACP recommended | Professional experience | Autodesk / Certiport |
| ISO 19650 BIM Fundamentals | No formal prerequisite; BIM project exposure helpful | Project experience | buildingSMART / RICS |
* Experience hours and prerequisites vary significantly by state, jurisdiction and credential level. Figures shown are typical ranges, not legal requirements.
Autodesk ACP exams are version-specific (e.g., Revit 2024). Install and practice in the exam version. Know the ribbon location of every key command — the exam tests workflow, not just concepts.
For the BIM Manager ACP, hands-on experience matters more than theory. Build practice projects that use worksharing, view templates, shared parameters, Dynamo scripts, and IFC export — and know why each workflow decision was made.
For the buildingSMART/ISO 19650 credential, read Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the standard (freely available for personal study in many countries). Focus on the CDE state workflow, naming convention structure, EIR/BEP relationship, and role definitions.
Most of these are computer-based at proctored centers. Take full-length, timed practice exams on screen so pacing and exam-day logistics aren’t a surprise.
Many exam questions are calculation problems you can rehearse right now with the free tools in the BIM, CAD & Digital Design Studio: