New framework to promote consistent training

Training in BIM varies from country to country, and even within countries, so when a company recruits a qualified BIM manager, how does it judge the value of that qualification?

With the globalisation of the industry comes the need for global standards of training. So the launch of bSI’s professional certification – developed to meet this need – is significant. ‘There is excellent BIM training in many countries, but what we have lacked is a framework for ensuring consistent scope and standards of training,’ explains Mark Baldwin, from buildingSMART Switzerland, who leads the professional certification program.

BuildingSMART, recognised as the international home of openBIM, is uniquely placed to provide a global framework for BIM training. Bringing together representatives of several chapters, a working group has developed a ‘learning outcome framework’ (LOF) which sets out the scope and depth of BIM training for individuals. Learning objectives for each element are set out. Training providers can adopt the framework, using their own course materials but ensuring that the course content meets the requirements of the framework. Trainers can also add country-specific material in an additional module.

‘We are talking here about short courses lasting 1–3 days,’ says Mark. ‘This is what we call individual qualification and have labelled Phase 1 of the professional certification. Phase 2, the certification of companies practising BIM, is to follow.’

The video below is the launch of the initiative at the October 2017 International Summit in London.