Blueprint Reading for Construction Projects
Gold Seal: 4 Credits * BC Housing: 12 CPD Points
Description
This course is set up as a live instructor-led online training session that will occur over 4 weeks ( 3 hours, once per week). There is no opportunity to reschedule or request a partial refund if a student cannot attend both sessions. Please plan to be fully engaged in the class and clear your work schedule just as you would for the in-class program.
In this course, participants will learn the functions of different plan views, elevations, sections, details, and schedules presented on Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) drawings. Participants will practice identifying standard construction graphics and interpreting specifications and key terminology relevant to interpreting graphical and written construction documents.
This course would be considered intermediate. Participants are expected to have a basic understanding of construction concepts and terminology. The course will build on foundational knowledge, focusing on practical skills for interpreting and using construction drawings effectively in real-world projects.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Interpret graphical information shown on construction drawings.
- Identify different types of construction drawings: architectural, structural, and MEP.
- Determine where information is located on a set of construction drawings.
- Interpret various drawing views - plans, elevations, sections, and details.
- Assess information on schedules relative to plans, elevations, sections, and details.
Topics and Schedule:
Week 1: Introduction to Construction Drawings
- Module 1:
- Overview of reading construction drawings
- Construction Drawings by Discipline
- Practice: Plan Interpretation – Imperial and Metric Units
Week 2: Construction Graphics and Specifications
- Module 2:
- Construction Graphics and Specifications
- Practice: Interpreting Construction Drawings (Plans, Elevations, and Details)
Week 3: Introduction to MEP Drawings
- Module 3:
- Introduction to MEP Drawings
- Practice: Interpreting Construction Drawings (Plans, Elevations, Details, and Schedules)
Week 4: Comprehensive Practice and Evaluation
- Practice:
- Interpreting Construction Drawings (Plans, Elevations, Details, and Schedules)
- Exam and Course Evaluation
Delivery Method: Virtual Session – Zoom Meetings
Course Fee Includes: Access to the course, course materials, and a digital certificate upon completion.
This course is delivered in partnership with local and provincial construction associations across Canada. You will be participating with a group of industry peers from multiple regions.
Sharing a single registration between two or more individuals is not permitted. Please register each person who will be in attendance.
Prerequisites
There are no mandatory prerequisites for this course, however it would be of benefit to the participant to have:
- Basic knowledge of construction terminology and processes.
- Familiarity with general construction documents and their purposes.
- Prior exposure to construction projects or related coursework is beneficial but not mandatory.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for individuals who are involved in construction projects and need to interpret construction drawings. The ideal participants include:
- Construction Managers: Responsible for overseeing construction projects and ensuring that the plans are followed accurately.
- Site Supervisors and Foremen: Need to understand and implement construction plans on site.
- Architectural and Engineering Technicians: Assist in the preparation and interpretation of construction documents.
- Tradespeople (Electricians, Plumbers, HVAC Technicians): Need to read and understand MEP drawings to perform their work correctly.
- Project Coordinators and Estimators: Require a solid understanding of construction drawings to coordinate projects and estimate costs accurately.
- Students in Construction-Related Programs: Looking to gain practical skills in reading construction blueprints.
Technical Requirements
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Computer or laptop
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This course will involve on-screen interaction with your instructor and classmates, reading/viewing on-screen content (slides or videos), and interacting via typing with questions or responses. For this reason, cellphones may not be adequate.
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Windows 10 or Mac iOS.
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Webcam (Mandatory)– in order to engage and collaborate, participants will be expected to have their webcams on for the duration of the class
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Microphone (Mandatory)
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Internet connection- For best results, you will want to ensure you have an internet connection with an upload/download speed of 3-5 Mbps. You can test your internet speed here. The minimum recommended speed is 1.5 Mbps, but anything below 3 Mbps may result in loss of quality or buffering. Ideally hardwired connection versus wireless for stability - connect your computer directly to your router using an ethernet cable, rather than using your home wi-fi.
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A quiet space with minimal distractions –The microphone will be engaged for interactive sessions. Please plan to be fully engaged in the class and clear your work schedule just as you would for the in-class program.
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Comfortable chair
Course Credit Information
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This course is eligible for 4 CCA Gold Seal education credits and 12 BC Housing CPD credits upon completion.
Registrants seeking BC Housing CPD credits for this course must complete all course components before a certificate showing BC Housing CPD credits earned will be issued.
Registrants seeking gold seal credits for this course will be required to complete an assessment during the course to qualify to have the gold seal credit endorsement appear on their certificate of completion.