Although building information modelling (BIM) is ubiquitous within the construction industry, a review analysis on critical success factors (CSFs) used to measure successful BIM implementation is not well established. This research conducts a comprehensive review and interpretivist study of published studies on CSFs for BIM implementation during the period 2005 to 2015. Analysis reveals that some countries (e.g. USA, UK and South Korea) have developed clear CSFs for measuring successful BIM implementation, although each country implements a different sets of CSFs, some universal CSFs are shared between these countries, namely: collaboration in design, engineering, and construction stakeholders; earlier and accurate 3D visualisation of design; coordination and planning of construction works; enhancing exchange of information and knowledge management; and improved site layout planning and site safety. These common factors provide a core basis for establishing a standard evaluation model for measuring the success of BIM implementation and serve to identify areas for further improvement. A checklist of CSFs for BIM implementation is developed, and could render new insight for researchers and practitioners to conduct further empirical studies. Display omitted •A review of critical success factors for BIM implementation is presented.•An interpretivist study of published literature was undertaken.•Universal critical success factors are reported upon.