Construction Professional Course Online

Master the foundational knowledge and skills needed to excel in construction site preparation and foundation placement. In this first course of the Construction Fundamentals course series, you will learn about the construction team and the on-site construction activities, different types of soils and subsurface conditions, the equipment and the heavy equipment we use on a site, installing the site utilities, preparing for our building, with Earth work and excavation support, and installing foundations. You will also learn about the history of concrete, concrete as a material, and grade beams and foundations. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge necessary to tackle real-world challenges. 

• Key concepts of site utilities, including water, sewer, and drainage systems.
• Best practices for planning and performing earthwork, such as excavation, soil compaction, and grading.
• Detailed overview of foundation systems, including shallow and deep foundations.
• How to analyze and interpret soil reports to guide foundational decisions.
• Methods for ensuring site safety and compliance with construction codes and standards.
• Techniques for coordinating utility installations with other site development activities.
• Insights into sustainable site development to minimize environmental impact.

Strengthen your understanding of building structures with this course, part of the Construction Fundamentals course series. You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of structural systems, including techniques and best practices for design and evaluation. Learn how to assess structural components, make informed design decisions, and apply industry standards to ensure safety, stability, and efficiency.

• Understand how structural systems support and distribute loads.
• Key concepts of material properties, such as strength, durability, and load-bearing capacities.  
• Techniques for assessing structural stability and identifying potential risks.  
• How to interpret structural drawings and effectively communicate with engineers and construction teams.  
• The principles of sustainable building practices to optimize performance and reduce environmental impact.  
• Real-world applications of structural codes and regulations for safety and compliance. 

Enhance your construction expertise by mastering the critical element of building enclosures. This course, part of the Construction Fundamentals course series, teaches you how to design and construct durable, energy-efficient building enclosures that maintain structural integrity, comfort, and environmental control. You’ll learn about key components like exterior walls, cladding systems, roofing, and curtain walls, along with strategies for moisture and thermal control.

• Understanding the primary functions and components of building enclosures (walls, roofs, foundations).
• Controlling thermal, moisture, and air flow to improve energy efficiency.
• Selecting appropriate materials based on climate, budget, and building use.
• Identifying and addressing common issues like moisture intrusion and thermal bridging.
• Implementing sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact.
• Collaborating effectively with professionals to optimize building enclosure performance.

This course focuses on the detailed work that brings a project to completion, emphasizing both interior finishes and site components for buildings, the fourth course of the Construction Fundamentals course series. You will learn about the different types of walls and interior partitions, the sequence of building interior partitions, different types of drywall and drywall finishes, the construction sequence for finishes, different options for paint, flooring, ceilings, and casework, and the sequence for installing specialties and furniture options. 

• Overview of Building Interiors and Finish Processes: Learn about the intricate steps involved in completing building interiors, from drywall installation to painting, millwork, and flooring.
• Site Finishing Components and Landscaping: Understand the principles of exterior site work, including paving, hardscapes, landscaping, and site furniture installation.
• Material Selection and Application: Explore the variety of materials used in finishes, their properties, and their best applications to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Coordination and Communication Skills: Master the techniques needed to communicate effectively with design, construction, and subcontractor teams to execute finishing phases seamlessly.
• Quality Assurance and Inspection Standards: Gain expertise in assessing project quality, ensuring compliance with design specifications, and performing final inspections.
• Budgeting and Scheduling for Finishes: Learn to manage budgets and timelines specific to the finishing phases of a construction project.

Understanding MEP systems is a critical foundation for the success of any construction or design project. This is the fifth course of our Construction Fundamentals course series. This course introduces the essentials of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems, crucial elements that ensure building functionality, energy efficiency, and structural safety. You will learn about thermal comfort, indoor air quality, the types and major components of a mechanical system, the purpose of HVAC controls, how plumbing systems function, domestic water, drain, waste, and vent lines, common electrical terminology, components of the electrical distribution system, and emergency and standby power. 

• Mechanical Systems: Discover the fundamentals of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and how these systems contribute to occupant comfort and building performance.  
• Electrical Systems: Explore the components of building electrical systems, including power distribution, lighting, and low voltage systems such as AV, telecom, and data.  
• Plumbing Systems: Learn the principles of water supply, drainage, and waste systems and their role in maintaining hygiene and safety in buildings.  
• Design Coordination: Understand how MEP systems integrate within a project and the importance of designing for efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness 

This course, the final course in the Construction Fundamentals Series, covers the critical startup, testing, and closeout phases of fire protection systems in building construction. You’ll learn to ensure fire suppression and alarm systems are designed, installed, and maintained according to industry standards. Key topics include wet-pipe and dry-pipe fire suppression systems, fire alarm components, life-safety requirements, and final MEP activities. By the end of the course, you’ll gain practical knowledge of compliance with fire safety codes and regulations.

Key Skills You'll Gain:

• Designing and installing fire protection systems, including wet-pipe and dry-pipe suppression systems.
• Conducting startup, testing, and inspection of fire protection systems.
• Understanding fire safety regulations and ensuring compliance.

Taught by a licensed architect, this Residential Blueprint Reading Course is designed to provide you with a thorough understanding of how to interpret and analyze residential construction blueprints. This comprehensive, instructor-led course is ideal for beginners looking to gain essential skills for a career in construction, as well as for seasoned professionals seeking to improve their ability to collaborate on residential projects.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationship between the drawings included in a set of Construction Documents (blueprints).
• Analyze different drawings and see how scale is presented throughout a set of Construction Documents.
• Evaluate the similarities between all sets of blueprint construction documents submitted for building permits.
• Recognize the need for consistency in presenting information in all types of Construction Documents in this online blueprint reading course.

Learn to interpret and analyze commercial construction blueprints in this Commercial Blueprint Reading Course taught by a licensed architect. Designed for construction professionals and students, this course focuses on mixed-use commercial projects, including hotel, retail, and parking structures. You’ll develop skills to read architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical plans, enhancing your ability to communicate and contribute effectively throughout the construction process.

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical plans as applied to a mixed-use commercial construction project.
• Learn to read and interpret symbols, notations, and technical details in accordance with industry standards. Evaluate the similarities between all sets of construction documents submitted for building permits.
• Work with real-world construction drawings and documents to build practical skills.
• Understand how blueprints are used to estimate costs, plan projects, and ensure on-site accuracy during construction.

This course offers a solid foundation in construction management, covering everything from project planning to completion. Ideal for aspiring professionals or those transitioning into the field, you'll learn key skills like scheduling, cost estimation, and effective communication with stakeholders. Through real-world examples and hands-on exercises, you’ll gain practical experience in managing construction projects successfully. Topics include construction technology, reading construction documents, and contract administration. Whether you're new to the industry or moving into a management role, this course gives you the knowledge needed to succeed.

• Key principles of construction management and project organization
• Essentials of construction technology and how it applies to the industry
• How to interpret and analyze construction documents effectively
• Fundamentals of contract administration and legal requirements in construction
• Practical strategies for managing resources, schedules, and budgets
• Communication and leadership skills to manage teams and stakeholders
• Insight into industry best practices and real-world applications
• Overview of the key parties involved, industry sectors, design vs. construction
• Overview of the major project delivery systems, payment/procurement options, bonds, and insurance

Take your construction management skills to the next level with this intermediate course. This course is designed for individuals with a foundational knowledge of construction management and aims to expand your expertise through practical applications and advanced concepts. You will learn how a construction project is managed from start to finish. You'll learn about cost estimating and scheduling concepts, earthwork estimating, and contracts. Get a head start in the construction industry with these useful insights, tips, and terminology.

• Advanced project scheduling and resource allocation strategies.
• Budget estimation and cost control techniques.
• Risk assessment and management in construction projects.
• Effective communication and collaboration in multidisciplinary construction teams.
• Insights into regulatory compliance and contract administration.
• Overview of safety plans, quality plans, site logistics plans, phasing plans, and stormwater management plans.
• Overview of document control, submittals, RFI's, issue management, and jobsite records.

Learn the essential skills to plan, organize, and manage construction projects effectively with Smartsheet. From understanding scheduling basics to creating detailed project timelines, this course provides hands-on experience using Smartsheet to build and maintain professional construction schedules. By the end, you’ll be prepared to confidently manage project milestones, dependencies, and updates throughout the project lifecycle. The course will cover the following: 

• The fundamentals of creating effective construction schedules tailored to project requirements
• Techniques for utilizing scheduling software to streamline project timelines and workflows
• Strategies for identifying and managing critical paths to avoid delays and ensure timely completion
• Best practices for resource allocation and balancing workloads across project teams
• Methods for monitoring progress and updating schedules to adapt to changing project conditions
• Tips for communicating schedules effectively with stakeholders and maintaining transparency throughout the project lifecycle

The course provides a comprehensive overview of the materials and systems used in both residential and commercial construction. From concrete foundations to roofing systems, this course covers the properties, applications, and sustainability of essential construction materials; the knowledge you need to make informed decisions in construction projects. Below are some of the topics this course covers: 

• Understand the properties and uses of essential construction materials, including concrete, steel, wood, and more
• Explore the latest innovations in sustainable and green construction materials
• Learn how to evaluate and select the appropriate materials for various project requirements
• Gain practical knowledge on applying materials effectively in both residential and commercial contexts
• Develop skills to assess material performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness
• Discover industry trends and best practices for using materials in modern construction projects

Taught by a professional construction estimator, this Construction Estimating Course will show you the purposes of construction estimating, the estimating tools used, and the skills required for construction estimating. You will go over quantity takeoffs and how to determine prices based on estimated quantities. The course wraps up discussing cost estimate proposals and what is included and excluded when creating an estimate. 

• Understand the fundamentals of construction estimating for residential and commercial projects.
• Learn to interpret architectural and structural plans to extract relevant cost-related data.
• Master different types of estimates, such as conceptual, preliminary, and detailed estimating.
• Gain insight into quantity surveying, estimating takeoffs, labor costs, equipment costs, and contingency planning.
• Explore industry-standard tools and software used for creating precise cost estimations.
• Develop problem-solving skills to analyze discrepancies and mitigate cost overruns effectively.

Learn how to perform accurate digital takeoffs and organize construction estimates in this hands-on Bluebeam Estimating course. Designed for contractors, estimators, and construction professionals, this course focuses on using Bluebeam Revu to generate quantity reports, streamline workflows, and prepare data for project proposals. You’ll work directly with construction drawings to master core estimating skills from measurement to final reporting.

• Build a solid foundation in digital estimating by learning key concepts such as takeoffs, quantities, and bid preparation using Bluebeam Revu.
• Practice using Bluebeam’s measurement, markup, and dynamic fill tools to calculate quantities across all building systems, including walls, windows, flooring, and roofing.
• Learn to manage data using tool chests, layers, spaces, and customizable columns. Export your takeoffs into shareable, editable reports for clients or team use.
• Apply your skills to real project drawings with structured exercises and assignments that mirror professional estimating workflows.