openBIM Practitioner Certification enters full-scale implementation across Chapters

The openBIM Practitioner Certification is now rolling out across the buildingSMART community, as part of the ongoing expansion of the Professional Certification Program, marking a major milestone in professional development for the built environment.

Launched earlier this year, the program comes at a time of growing demand for skilled professionals in digital delivery and openBIM. Several Chapters have already translated the program content, set up infrastructure, and Registered Training Providers are preparing or delivering courses. The Practitioner level builds on the global success of the Foundation certification, which introduced a shared understanding of openBIM principles to professionals worldwide.

From knowledge to competence

While Foundation verifies essential knowledge, the Practitioner level focuses on the consistent application of openBIM principles in practical project contexts.

Candidates are tested on how well they can:

· Define information requirements

· Produce and deliver openBIM-compliant models

· Validate IFC/IDS datasets

· Use tools like bSDD, BCF in collaborative workflows

To take the exam, candidates need to:

· Hold a valid Foundation certificate

· Complete a training course (min. 24 hours) with a Registered Training Provider

· Have at least two years of practical experience using buildingSMART tools and standards

 

Flexible, consistent, and globally relevant

The Practitioner Certification is designed for a wide range of professionals involved in creating, coordinating, and managing information across the project lifecycle.

The Practitioner level is based on a shared international core defining learning objectives, content, and assessment structure. Chapters may extend this core with additional national content or assessment elements where required to reflect local standards and regulatory frameworks.

"I’m honoured to be among the first to receive the buildingSMART Practitioner Certification. This achievement strengthens my confidence in applying openBIM principles in practice and motivates me to continue learning and sharing knowledge. I sincerely hope more professionals will join this open journey to shape the future of our digital built environment together."

Yuefeng Tian, BIM Consultant, CCCC First Highway Consultants Co.,Ltd

 

Why it matters

For professionals: it’s an internationally recognised way to demonstrate openBIM competence beyond foundational knowledge. For employers: it helps identify and grow capability aligned with best practices in digital project delivery.

 

Ready to take the next step?

The openBIM Practitioner Certification is currently being implemented by multiple Chapters, with further rollouts planned. Visit the Professional Certification Program page to learn more and get started.

 

Author: Marina Korol

Published on 8 Dec 2025