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 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. 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, the final in the Construction Fundamentals course 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.

• 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.
• Documenting system performance and ensuring quality assurance.
• Troubleshooting and resolving issues during system commissioning.
• Communicating effectively 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.

In this course, you’ll learn how to build connections, make requests, engage in conflict management, and negotiate effectively. Focus on developing Emotional Intelligence and enhancing communication skills with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in mind. You’ll also learn the art of public speaking and how to use body language to communicate more effectively.

This course is designed to strengthen your ability to solve problems, collaborate in teams, and lead with confidence. With group discussions and interactive forums, you’ll engage with instructors and classmates to refine these essential, often overlooked skills.

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.

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. This 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.