The learning content and exam for the buildingSMART entry level certification are available as a free, online, self-paced education program. Participants can register for the exam at their convenience upon completing the course. The course and exam cover three key areas:

  • overview of the built asset industry and the factors driving its transformation
  • introduction to information management in accordance with ISO 19650 standards
  • introduction to Building Information Modelling (BIM) and openBIM principles
The Entry Level exam consists of five multiple-choice questions, to be completed within a five-minute timeframe. A passing score of 75% is required to achieve certification. If a participant fails the exam on their first attempt, they are eligible to retake it the following day, with unlimited retakes permitted. Upon successfully completing the exam, participants earn an "Entry" level badge, signifying their proficiency in the foundational aspects of BIM and openBIM."

The Foundation level addresses the needs of individuals operating at a basic level. The training helps building owners, designers, consultants, builders and project managers understand the opportunities collaboration within a virtual, openBIM environment offers. Upon successful completion of the training, participants can pursue the online assessment to attain buildingSMART certification. The Foundation level training serves as a valuable tool for building owners, design consultants, contractors, and project managers, equipping them to grasp the transformative power of collaboration within virtual, openBIM environments. The Foundation level is structured into distinct learning curricula, each addressing a specific domain. The Basic curriculum serves as the foundation for all the other curricula (e.g. Owner/Operator, Contractor, Designer, Project Management, Manufacture, Building Performance, COBie) and is a prerequisite for advanced Foundation level training.

Management level is aimed at industry professionals involved in the management of digitally empowered projects. It provides fundamental knowledge and insight at strategic and operative levels, without descending into technical detail. Upon successful completion of the training, the participant can undertake the online exam to become buildingSMART certified. This level targets poject managers and other stakeholders with responsibilities that require more knowledge than the Foundation level, yet need not master detailed and hands-on skills developed for the Practitioner level.

The Practitioner level is a universally recognized certification, designed specifically for individuals actively engaged in BIM implementation, provides individuals with comprehensive training to stay abreast of industry standards, technical solutions, and best practices. Whether they are experienced practitioners seeking to refine their expertise or newcomers eager to enhance their skillset, this program equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver open-standards-driven projects with competence and efficiency. Upon successful completion, individuals earn the distinction of becoming members of a prestigious group of BIM professionals, recognized for their substantial theoretical and technical expertise, backed by a minimum level of project experience. This certification, a gateway to a world of opportunities in the field of BIM, empowers individuals to take their careers to new heights.

In reference to the Blooms Taxonomy the level of learning are defined as shown in the figure below.


The two levels of Professional Certification focus on different learning outcome:

  • The Foundation level is the first release, designed to satisfy basic knowledge requirements around BIM; specifically the knowledge and comprehension learning levels of the Bloom’s Taxonomy.
  • The Practitioner level, is a more comprehensive approach that addresses applied learning and practical expertise (including the application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation requirements of the Blooms taxonomy).

Last modified: Sunday, 28 January 2024, 12:55 AM