# Blueprint Reading Certification Course Online

Canonical URL: <https://vdci.edu/certificates/blueprint-reading-certification-course-online>

## Overview

This program teaches you how to read and interpret construction blueprints across every major discipline. You start with residential drawings and the fundamentals of how a full set of construction documents fits together, then move into mixed-use commercial projects like hotels, retail spaces, and parking structures. From there you dig into the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems that bring a building to life, and finish with the structural drawings that hold everything up, from foundations and footings to steel framing and connections.

Along the way you learn to decipher the symbols, notes, scales, schedules, and technical details that make up professional construction documents, and you see how different plan sets connect for permitting and construction. The training is hands-on and built around real projects, taught online with live support from expert instructors at an accredited institution. By the end you can confidently navigate a complete set of drawings and apply that knowledge to estimating, project planning, coordination, and the day-to-day work that happens in the field, with an industry-recognized certificate to show for it.

## What you'll learn

- Interpret a complete set of construction documents and understand how individual drawings, scales, and sheets relate to one another.
- Read residential plans with confidence, including title sheets, floor plans, elevations, building sections, schedules, and details.
- Break down mixed-use commercial drawings for projects like hotels, retail spaces, and parking structures, including occupancy and egress plans.
- Identify and analyze mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, from HVAC and lighting layouts to plumbing and riser diagrams.
- Interpret structural drawings, including general notes, inspection requirements, foundations, footings, slabs on grade, and steel framing.
- Analyze structural details and sections, including steel connections, weld symbols, bolt schedules, and rebar layouts.
- Recognize the symbols, abbreviations, legends, schedules, and technical notes used across professional construction documents.
- Apply your blueprint knowledge to cost estimating, project planning, permitting, and on-site coordination.

## Curriculum
1. **Residential Blueprint Reading Course Online**
2. **Commercial Blueprint Reading Course Online**
3. **MEP Blueprint Reading Course Online**
4. **Structural Blueprint Reading Course Online**

## Instructors

### Luis Hernandez — Instructor

Luis has a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the University of Southern California and over 10 years of professional AEC industry experience. He has made extensive use of AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit and Photoshop in his work, and is happiest when helping others achieve success. He’s an avid traveler who has run 10 marathons and enjoys reading, yoga, camping, volunteering and attending music festivals all over the world.

### David Nguyen — Instructor

David is the AEC Software Specialist at VDCI, with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and an Associate’s degree of science in Drafting and General Design from ITT Technical Institute. A San Diego native with over 12 years working in the Design Industry and construction industry, David brings his construction and design expertise to help all students achieve their goals in the field. Outside of his professional life, David loves attending concerts, festivals, playing his guitar and restoring and repairing all types of vehicles.

**Credentials:**

- OSHA 30 hr. Construction Safety Certified
- Construction Software: SketchUp, Bluebeam Revu, Autodesk Suite (AutoCAD, Fusion, Revit)
- Mechanical Software: PTC Creo Parametric, SOLIDWORKS, Mastercam

### Matt F. — Instructor

Matt F. is a well-rounded construction professional with a diverse background of construction industry experience. Matt has strong experience working on major commercial and residential construction projects, overseeing projects from pre-construction through to closeout. He also has a deep knowledge of the construction technology space, having hands-on experience with many of the major players in the construction technology landscape. Matt loves sharing his industry knowledge with others and continuing to learn about the newest trends in construction technology.

## FAQ

### Who is the target audience for this course?

This program is built for students, tradespeople, and working professionals who want to read construction drawings with confidence, from drafters, designers, and project managers to contractors, MEP technicians, estimators, and inspectors. It is equally useful for builders, developers, and facility managers who need to understand project plans to oversee scope, budgets, and construction. Whether you are just entering the industry or sharpening skills you already use on the job, it gives you a practical command of a full set of construction documents.

### Is this course open to beginners?

Yes, this course is open to beginners. Students must be comfortable using a computer. No other prior knowledge is required.

### Do you offer payment plans or student financing for this course?

This course does not qualify for payment plans or student financing. See our Payment Options FAQ to find related programs that qualify.

### How long do I have access to the course materials?

This program is available for 120 days. You can choose when to start your access period. Once you activate, you will have 120 days to complete it (access the course materials, quizzes, projects and videos). You may request one extension of seven (7) days. Other extension requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Videos are not downloadable.

### What’s included with my tuition?

A hands-on learning experience working on projects and exercises, which is proven to boost comprehension, retention, and engagement Expert instructors who are industry professionals and experienced educators that are driven to help you succeed A comprehensive program with 4 in-depth course modules designed to build your skills progressively Extensive video training resources to support your learning journey Expert support with answers to your questions from real instructors throughout your learning journey Top-notch curricula that have been tried and tested over many years and are consistently improved for an optimal learning experience 30-day access to class recordings to review material at your own pace A certificate of completion to verify your accomplishment The confidence of learning at an accredited institution

### Are there any additional fees or expenses?

There are no extra fees or taxes for our courses. The price you see on this page is the maximum you’ll pay us.

### Do you offer any discounts for this course?

This program has a single package price. Additional discounts do not apply.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $799
