Blueprint reading is a crucial skill for many careers, including building inspectors, construction managers, electricians, and professionals involved in Building Information Modeling (BIM). Numerous accredited institutions such as the Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI), Noble Desktop, and the University of the District of Columbia offer classes and training programs in blueprint reading, equipping professionals with the necessary skills to interpret and analyze various types of blueprints.
Key Insights
- Blueprints, also known as construction documents, include design plans, maps, and drawings, and are typically created by architects, drafters, and structural engineers.
- Professionals such as building inspectors, construction managers, and electricians often require blueprint reading skills for their careers.
- The Virtual Design and Construction Institute offers specialized training programs in blueprint reading for residential and commercial construction.
- Noble Desktop offers an intensive AutoCAD Certification Program, which includes training in blueprint reading.
- Contractors State License Schools and the University of the District of Columbia offer blueprint reading courses that help prepare students for building contractor license exams.
- Blueprint reading training equips professionals to evaluate, analyze, and understand different types of blueprints, benefiting a wide range of professionals, from civil engineers to quality inspectors.
What is Blueprint Reading?
Most people think they know what blueprints are, but technology has changed the way they are produced and interpreted. Blueprints—also called construction documents—include design plans, maps, and drawings. Architects, Drafters, and Structural Engineers create most blueprints, but many other BIM (building information modeling) professionals must know how to read them. Knowing how to read a blueprint is helpful, or even required, for careers like:
- Building Inspector
- Construction Manager
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Property Manager
- Site Foreman
- Subcontractor
Essential components for blueprints vary but typically include legends, specifications, and scales. Read on to learn more about blueprint reading and how to master it.
Blueprint Reading Classes in Washington, D.C.
The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) is one of the only accredited course providers for students who plan to work in the design and construction industry. VDCI offers software training programs to help you gain blueprint reading expertise for multiple fields. Their Blueprint Reading for Residential Construction course, taught by a licensed architect, features online training in construction documents. It includes topics like documentation, drawings, and specifications.
Learn Blueprint Reading
- Nationally accredited
- Create your own portfolio
- Free student software
- Learn at your convenience
- Authorized Autodesk training center
VDCI also offers a comparable course for larger projects, the immersive Blueprint Reading for Commercial Construction course. This self-paced 20-hour program covers construction documents for mixed-use commercial projects alongside architectural and engineering documents.
Noble Desktop offers immersive classes for those who need to build their blueprint-reading expertise. They provide various CAD training programs, including their intensive AutoCAD Certification Program. The 48-hour curriculum also includes six hours of private tutoring and administration of the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting exam.
Another respected provider, Contractors State License Schools, provides a beginner-friendly Introduction to Blueprint Reading class for students ages 22 and above. The program prepares attendees for building contractor license exams and is available online via teleconferencing. Check course listings for more details, including prerequisite information.
The University of the District of Columbia, in collaboration with Ed2Go, hosts an online Blueprint Reading Basics course. This self-paced program covers 30 hours of training, including blueprint reading for residential and commercial instruction. Online learners may need to update their systems or download materials, so read hardware and software requirements with care.
ABC of Metro Washington CraftMasters Training Academy hosts its Introduction to Blueprint Reading course in nearby Beltsville, MD. The program covers standard construction drawing types and elements, essential components, and measurement tools.
What Can You Do with Blueprint Reading Training?
Blueprint training can prepare professionals for multiple tasks. While reading and interpreting blueprint packages does not necessarily lead to creating new projects, it can help the reader evaluate, analyze, and understand the different types of blueprints related to an existing project.
Popular applications of this essential skill typically divide into two categories: residential and commercial properties. However, blueprints are crucial to other categories, too, including large infrastructure projects and manufacturing designs. Anyone from Civil Engineers to Quality Inspectors can benefit from blueprint reading proficiency, whether or not they design or draw parts or components.
What Will I Learn in a Blueprint Reading Class?
While different blueprint reading classes provide different topics, many aspects of this essential skill benefit from standardization across multiple industries. Whether you plan to work as an Architect or a Civil Engineer, consider the following skills you may gain from blueprint reading training:
Analyzing Views
Many blueprint packages have multiple pages of drawings, also called views. View analysis includes everything from decoding symbols to navigating references. This task can comprise a major portion of a blueprint reading class.
Reading Legends
Every blueprint package contains a Legend, sometimes called a Key or Notes. Comparing and contrasting measurement options like architectural, decimal, engineering, or scientific, helps blueprint readers with their analysis and planning.
Reviewing Specs
Blueprints contain numerous specifications, from topography to how the project fits into the landscape. Construction blueprints include specifications like building materials and installation methods, while manufacturing specs can include details like tolerances and surface finishes.
Understanding Plans
Above all, understanding plans is the primary goal of reading blueprints. Construction documents or blueprints feature various types of plans, including architectural, civil, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and landscape.
What Kinds of Training Options Are Available to Learn Blueprint Reading?
Those new to blueprint reading may wonder what type of training to choose. Consider the following four popular methods for blueprint reading education:
In-Person
Many blueprint reading beginners choose the traditional classroom for training if it is available. However, in-person blueprint reading programs are few and far between. Consider widening the search for training options to include online coursework.
Live Online/Virtual
Some course providers make their blueprint reading programs available live online through teleconferencing. If they host in-person training, their virtual classes typically present the same materials, but students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.
On-Demand
On-demand training, also called asynchronous learning, usually consists of pre-recorded videos. However, some on-demand providers include student chat groups or written materials as additional resources. Popular on-demand course providers include Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare, but there are many others.
Self-Directed
Many providers offer self-directed courses or course bundles with additional support and guidance from expert instructors or mentors. For example, the Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) hosts multiple self-directed blueprint reading course bundles and certificate programs. They include beginner-friendly materials, instructors available to answer questions, and online support forums for additional support.
Choosing the Right Training Method for You
Selecting the best method to meet your availability, budget, and training needs can be challenging, especially for busy professionals and those with family obligations. Full-time or part-time courses that require commuting can pose a challenge, and most trainees cannot take time off work for a lengthy course. Although live training offers high engagement, few providers host live in-person or online blueprint reading instruction.
However, an on-demand or self-directed course from a respected provider can deliver high-level training in a self-paced format. Many such programs feature student software, mentoring sessions with expert instructors, and digital certificates of completion. The only disadvantage to training that isn’t available in real-time is the lower level of student engagement. However, dedicated participants can make up for this by studying the materials and contacting the instructor when questions arise.
The many available options can make selecting one of them seem overwhelming. Nonetheless, with care and research, you can discover the perfect course that fits your experience level, scheduling needs, and budget.
How Hard is It to Learn Blueprint Reading?
Blueprint reading is a complex skill set, and getting familiar with blueprints is far from becoming an expert reader. Blueprint packages include a legend or key, a title block, a revision block, a grid system, and drawings or plans. The complexity of a blueprint package also depends on what it is for such as a commercial or residential property or a manufacturing blueprint. Consider the following types of sheets that commonly come with a construction blueprint package:
- A Sheets—Architectural
- E Sheets—Electrical
- G Sheets—General
- L Sheets—Landscaping
- M Sheets—Mechanical
- P Sheets—Plumbing
- S Sheets—Structural
Lastly, there may be two additional “S” sheets: schedules and specifications. If your blueprint reading class features these, you will be on your way to blueprint reading proficiency.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Blueprint Reading?
As in other technical skills, the most challenging parts of mastering blueprint reading depend on the individual learner. Multiple factors can influence the experience, including skill set, industry, and the type and length of the training. Blueprint reading beginners with AutoCAD or design experience may find it easier, but some students come to blueprint packages with no relevant experience. This is not necessarily an obstacle to learning, however. Some experts write that blueprint reading is not emphasized enough in modern curricula. For example, many manufacturing and construction professionals start careers with AutoCAD knowledge but no knowledge of blueprint reading. An entry-level worker who knows AutoCAD and blueprint reading can have a notable advantage in the job market.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Blueprint Reading?
Although it takes no more than a few weeks to get comfortable learning blueprint basics, learning to read different types of blueprints at a professional level can take much longer. Consider blueprint expertise a skill to obtain in a week or more of intensive study. A good introductory course can take someone from beginner to comfortable with fundamentals in as little as 20 hours.
Can I Learn Blueprint Reading Free Online?
Most blueprint reading novices check free online resources to learn about this essential skill set. However, blueprint packages are complex, and gaining expertise by self-teaching is extremely difficult with a subject like this. Find a respected provider like VDCI that offers blueprint reading classes to get the highest level of proficiency in a concise timeframe.
What Should I Learn Alongside Blueprint Reading?
What you learn alongside blueprint reading also depends on multiple factors. These include the length and focus of the program, your industry or sector, and how you plan to use your newfound blueprint reading skills. Consider the following tools which are essential in many overlapping fields that require blueprint packages.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is an essential skill for numerous building and manufacturing roles. Architectural Designers, Civil Engineers, and Drafters are a few of the many professionals who use this popular Autodesk tool.
Navisworks
Another popular software is Navisworks, part of the Autodesk AEC Collection (architecture, engineering, construction). Structural Engineers, MEP Engineers, and Civil Engineers use Navisworks Manage to plan projects, coordinate disciplines, and resolve conflicts so they can finish projects on time.
Revit
The Autodesk AEC collection includes AutoCAD, Autodesk Docs, and Revit, a popular BIM (building information modeling) tool. Revit has become a standard skill for numerous AEC professionals, from architectural to construction, engineering, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), and structural design.
Industries That Use Blueprint Reading
The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is best known for its governmental agencies, but several industries besides the public sector are essential here:
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Media & Communications
- Real Estate
- Retail
- Technology
If you want to work in a career requiring blueprint reading skills, consider some of the following D.C. industries.
Government
Governmental services and enterprises add the most value to D.C.’s gross domestic product (GDP). At $45 billion annually, the government far outpaces other categories. Any federal government or government-funded building—or expansions to existing buildings—requires blueprint reading skills and expertise with idiosyncrasies specific to older properties.
Hospitality & Tourism
Tourism and hospitality are always in bloom here, whether or not the famous cherry blossom trees are. Visitors to D.C.-area attractions extend as far north as Germantown, MD, and west as Manassas, VA. Not every tourism-related job requires blueprint reading proficiency, but many hospitality industry roles do, from building hotels to expanding old ones.
Real Estate
Real estate is the obvious choice for industries requiring blueprint reading skills. Luckily, real estate is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the D.C. area. Property managers, builders, and subcontractors all need intermediate to advanced blueprint reading expertise. Read on to learn more about some of the highest-paying positions in D.C.
Blueprint Reading Job Titles and Salaries
Washington, D.C. careers requiring blueprint reading skills range from construction positions to roles in architecture, electrical engineering, and plumbing. Some of the best-paying jobs are in the first two categories, especially engineering. Consider the following job titles and their average annual salary in the D.C. metro area.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers can find work in multiple industries in Washington, D.C. These skilled professionals can expect to earn an average annual salary of about $105,000,14 percent above the national average.
Structural Engineer
Structural Engineers often make well over six figures, and this is the case in the nation's capital. A Structural Engineer here can anticipate making an average annual salary of around $113,000,11 percent higher than the national average.
Architect
Architects are among the best-paid industry professionals requiring blueprint skills. A D.C. Architect can expect to earn around $132,000 in this area—a stunning 22 percent above the national average for comparable positions.
Blueprint Reading Corporate Training
Would your team benefit from corporate and onsite blueprint reading instruction? VDCI offers in-person and online training and can customize a program to meet your organizational needs and preferences.
If you want your employees to have more flexibility in their training schedule, send them to VDCI group classes. They provide extensive offerings with flexible schedules. Subjects include blueprint reading for MEP, structural, or architecture. For more information, contact VDCI today.