# Blueprint Reading & Construction Estimating Certification Course Online

100% online with live support, exam, and industry-recognized certificate

Canonical URL: <https://vdci.edu/courses/blueprint-reading-construction-estimating-course>

## Overview

Reading construction documents and estimating costs go hand in hand, and this course teaches you how to do both with confidence. You'll analyze drawings and budgets together, using Bluebeam to connect what's on the plans to real project costs. Whether you're brand new or building on existing experience, you'll walk away with a practical foundation in construction documentation and cost management.

Rather than just reading blueprints, you'll work through plans, elevations, and sections to determine material quantities and overall project costs. By practicing document analysis and budgeting side by side, you'll develop the skills to plan projects accurately and make informed estimating decisions on real jobs.

## What you'll learn

- Read and interpret construction blueprints, including plans, elevations, sections, and details
- Create accurate material takeoffs and calculate quantities for residential and commercial projects
- Understand common construction materials and how they're used across project phases
- Communicate clearly with clients, contractors, and other project stakeholders
- Build foundational skills in cost estimating, budgeting, and document analysis to identify project requirements
- Use Bluebeam software for estimating and project documentation

## Curriculum
1. **Residential Blueprint Reading Course Online**
2. **Commercial Blueprint Reading Course Online**
3. **Intro to Construction Estimating Course Online**
4. **Construction Estimating with Bluebeam Course Online**
5. **Construction Materials Course Online**
6. **AI Construction Estimating with Togal.AI Course Online**
7. **MEP Blueprint Reading Course Online**
8. **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.

### Ed Wenz — Instructor

Ed started Wenz Consulting after 35 years as a professional construction estimator. He continues to work on various projects while also dedicating time to teaching and training through Wenz Consulting and VDCI. Ed has over 10 years of experience in Sage Estimating Development and Digital Takeoff Systems and has an extensive background in Construction Software and Communications Technology. Ed enjoys spending his free time with his wife and grandchildren in San Diego.

**Credentials:**

- Sage Estimating Certified Instructor
- Construction Cost Estimating

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $1499

Payment options: pay-as-you-go installments.
