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 – scrapers, dozers, excavators and more, clearing and grubbing the 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. Learn how to evaluate structural components, make informed design decisions, and apply industry standards to ensure safety, stability, and efficiency.  

• 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 knowledge of building structures and lay a solid foundation for your professional success in the construction industry. The second course of the Construction Fundamentals course series provides an in-depth overview of key concepts, techniques, and best practices for understanding and designing structural systems. The Building Structure course provides an in-depth overview of key concepts, techniques, and best practices for understanding and designing structural systems. Whether you are an aspiring professional or looking to enhance your current expertise, this course is designed to equip you with the knowledge necessary to tackle real-world challenges. Learn how to evaluate structural components, make informed design decisions, and apply industry standards to ensure safety, stability, and efficiency.  

• The fundamentals of structural systems and how they support and distribute loads in a building.  
• Key concepts of material properties, such as strength, durability, and load-bearing capacities.  
• Techniques for analyzing 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 expertise in construction by understanding one of the most critical aspects of any building—its enclosure. The building enclosure, often called the building envelope, is a vital element in maintaining comfort, energy efficiency, and structural integrity. This is the third course of the Construction Fundamentals course series designed to equip you with comprehensive knowledge of how to create reliable, durable, and efficient building enclosures that protect and perform. You will learn about the building envelope, maintaining the integrity of the building, keeping water out, ultimately controlling the building's temperature and humidity, and the most commonly used cold-formed steel stud systems for exterior walls. You will also learn valuable information about cladding systems and curtain walls, roofing systems, and glass window systems. By the end of this course, you’ll know how to approach a building enclosure project holistically while considering sustainability, environmental factors, and industry best practices. 

• The primary functions and components of a building enclosure, including walls, roofs, and foundations.
• The principles of thermal, moisture, and air control to create energy-efficient enclosures.
• How to select appropriate materials and systems based on climate, budget, and building use.
• Techniques to identify and mitigate common problems in building enclosures, such as moisture intrusion and thermal bridging.
• Best practices for sustainable design and construction of enclosures to reduce environmental impact.
• Collaboration and coordination among professionals to optimize the building enclosure's performance during different phases of construction.
• Real-world case studies of building enclosures to illustrate challenges, solutions, and successful outcomes.

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. You will also learn valuable information about variables to consider when designing asphalt paving, construction sequences for curb, gutter, and asphalt paving, hardscape options including paths, drives and walls, construction sequencing for landscaping, and other items to complete the site work.

• 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, emergency and standby power. Whether you're new to the industry or seeking to deepen your knowledge, this course covers key concepts and practices used in the design and construction of modern buildings. 

• 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 is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of fire protection systems in the context of building construction. This is the last course of the Construction Fundamentals course series. Focused on startup, testing, and closeout phases of construction, the course equips you with the knowledge and skills required to ensure fire protection systems are designed, installed, and maintained to industry standards. You will learn about wet-pipe fire suppression systems, dry-pipe fire suppression systems, the purpose and components of a fire alarm system, fire alarm inputs, controls, and outputs, typical life-safety requirements, elevator types and construction sequencing, final MEP system activities, and the purpose of commissioning. Through practical applications and detailed discussions, you will explore the critical role of fire protection in construction projects and gain insight into compliance with safety codes and regulations. 

• Essentials of fire protection system design and installation.  
• The process of startup, testing, and inspection of fire protection systems.  
• Key regulatory requirements and standards for fire safety compliance.  
• Techniques for documenting system performance and ensuring quality assurance.  
• Troubleshooting and resolving common issues during system commissioning.  
• Communication strategies for collaborating with engineers, inspectors, and stakeholders.  

Gain a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practices of construction management with our Intro Construction Management course, the first of a two-part Construction Management course series. Learn how a construction project is managed from start to finish. Designed for aspiring professionals and those looking to enter the construction management field, this course focuses on essential topics such as project planning, scheduling, cost estimation, and effective communication with project stakeholders. You'll learn how to manage construction projects efficiently through real-world examples and hands-on exercises, ensuring successful project delivery. Key areas of study include an introduction to construction technology, understanding construction documents, and the fundamentals of contract administration. Whether you're new to the industry or transitioning into a management role, this course equips you with the critical knowledge needed to succeed in this fast-paced field.

• 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 our Intermediate Construction Management Course, the second course of our Construction Management course series. 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 to build connection, make requests, engage in conflict management and negotiate. Build your Emotional Intelligence. Communicate and collaborate with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in mind. Learn the art of public speaking and body language. Problems are rarely 100% technical. They require communication, connection, self-management, teamwork and collaboration. Learn the essential skills that are often overlooked. These skills are not taught in school. Improve your ability to solve problems, thrive on teams and lead others. Learn to build connection, make requests, engage in conflict management, and negotiate. Build your Emotional Intelligence. Communicate and collaborate with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in mind. Learn the art of public speaking and body language. You will participate in group discussion forums, connect with your instructor and message your classmates. 

• How to build connections
• Make requests
• Engage in conflict management and negotiation
• How to build your Emotional Intelligence
• Collaboration with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• The art of public speaking and body language

Learn the essential skills that are often overlooked in this soft skills course designed for construction professionals. Learn to evaluate your time, improve efficiency, prioritize what matters, learn how to establish a positive frame of mind, and set goals in your career and life. Problems are rarely 100% technical. They require communication, connection, self-management, teamwork, and collaboration.  These skills are not taught in school. Improve your ability to solve problems, thrive on teams, and lead others. Learn to evaluate your time, improve efficiency, prioritize what matters, learn how to establish a positive frame of mind, and set goals in your career and life. In addition, you will learn a framework to make decisions and avoid common pitfalls. Lastly, you will learn how you can prioritize your ethics and integrity to build trust. You will participate in group discussion forums, connect with your instructor, and message your classmates. 

• Evaluate your time
• Improve efficiency
• Prioritize what matters
• Establish a positive frame of mind and set career and life goals
• Form a framework to make decisions
• Prioritize ethics and integrity to build trust

Teamwork, Collaboration & Leadership will help you learn the essential skills which are often overlooked and will improve your ability to solve problems, thrive on teams, and lead others. This course focuses on planning and conducting meetings to build collaboration. Learn the principles needed to thrive as a team and make decisions as a group to move an idea forward. You will also learn to inspire others by applying the fundamentals of leadership, regardless of which position you hold at your organization. You will participate in group discussion forums, connect with your instructor, and message your classmates. 

• Effectively conduct meetings
• Build collaboration
• Thrive as a team and make decisions as a group
• Encourage teams to buy into an idea or plan
• Move an idea forward in a group setting
• Inspire others through leadership

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. You will explore the fundamental elements of blueprint reading, including architectural symbols, abbreviations, and scales. The course also dives into key components such as floor plans, elevations, sections, and details, ensuring learners gain a complete understanding of how to visualize and execute residential structures based on design documents. Through a structured, hands-on approach, you will work with real-world examples and residential project plans to reinforce their learning. This residential blueprint reading course is also available in Spanish. 

• 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.

This Commercial Blueprint Reading course is designed to provide students with the foundational skills and insights necessary to efficiently interpret and analyze commercial construction drawings. Whether you're a professional in the construction industry or an aspiring student, this course will enhance your ability to read and understand blueprints, empowering you to communicate effectively and contribute to various stages of the construction process. Learn from a licensed architect how to read blueprint drawings for a mixed-use commercial project that includes hotel, retail, and parking. This commercial blueprint reading course is also available in Spanish. 

• Blueprint Essentials: Gain a comprehensive understanding of architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical plans as applied to  Mixed-Use Commercial construction project.
• Industry Standards: 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.
• Hands-On Learning: Work with real-world construction drawings and documents to build practical skills.
• Application of Knowledge: Understand how blueprints are used to estimate costs, plan projects, and ensure on-site accuracy during construction.

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. Estimating is a core competency for professionals across the construction industry, from contractors to project managers. This course is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their professional expertise in construction project management, aspiring estimators, or those transitioning into a construction-focused career. By the end of the course, students will have the confidence and technical ability to create comprehensive cost estimates that align with professional industry standards. Learn from experienced professionals and prepare to advance in the dynamic field of construction.

• 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.