Commercial Blueprint Reading Certificate
This VDCI certificate focuses on reading commercial construction documents across architectural, MEP and structural disciplines. Students examine how drawing sets describe offices, retail spaces and hospitality projects, and how the different systems fit together. The curriculum emphasizes interpreting coordinated project information rather than producing CAD drawings or estimating construction costs.
What's included
- Software access during the course
- 60 hours of project-based instruction
- 176 training videos
- Instructor support for questions during the course
- Verified digital certificate of completion
- Instruction at an ACCET-accredited school
Overview
A 60-hour bundle covering commercial construction drawings across three disciplines. It begins with architectural drawing sets for projects such as office buildings, retail spaces, and hospitality developments, then moves into mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans and how HVAC, electrical, and plumbing drawings are organized within a full document set.
The final course covers structural drawings, including foundations, slabs, framing systems, and the details that show how a building carries load. The emphasis throughout is on how the disciplines connect across a project, which is what makes it possible to spot conflicts between trades early.
Who this course is for
Construction and design professionals who work on commercial projects and need to read architectural, MEP, and structural drawings as one coordinated set.
Tuition & enrollment
Enroll with Virtual Design and Construction Institute, the course provider.
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Preview the course
Watch free previews and explore the lessons included with enrollment at VDCI.
Commercial Blueprint Reading Course Online
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Welcome to the Course
Lesson 1: Foundation Walls and Basement Columns
1:09
Study a seven-story mixed-use commercial project for commercial construction, reviewing architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, and plumbing plans, along with interior design and technology drawings, and project specifications.
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Symbols
Lesson 1: Foundation Walls and Basement Columns
8:08
Identify and interpret symbols on floor plans.
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Enrollment required
Doors and Windows
Lesson 1: Foundation Walls and Basement Columns
5:17
Analyze floor plan details for doors and windows.
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Enrollment required
Dimensions Part 1
Lesson 1: Foundation Walls and Basement Columns
3:23
Discussing dimensions in architectural and engineering drawings, including the use of extension lines, dimension lines, indicators, and dimension text, as well as differences in representation between architect and engineer drawings.
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Enrollment required
Dimensions Part 2
Lesson 1: Foundation Walls and Basement Columns
5:58
Study and analyze the dimensions of the building to understand the measurements and layout effectively.
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Enrollment required
Standard Views
Lesson 1: Foundation Walls and Basement Columns
3:23
Differentiate between floor plans, elevations, building sections, wall sections, and details in architectural drawings.
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Enrollment required
Construction Document Set Organization
Lesson 1: Foundation Walls and Basement Columns
4:13
Organize blueprints in a sequence from general notes to engineering drawings, including site plan, floor plan elevation sections, enlarged sections, detail drawings, interior elevations, and engineering drawings.
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Stairs
Lesson 1: Foundation Walls and Basement Columns
7:01
Examine stair drawings to understand layout and spatial relationship.
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Paper Size
Lesson 1: Foundation Walls and Basement Columns
3:23
Utilize standard paper sizes in architecture engineering contracting offices, including 8.5 by 11, 11 by 17, 22 by 34, and 30 by 42 for various printing needs.
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Scale
Lesson 1: Foundation Walls and Basement Columns
5:47
Study and apply architectural scale factors for accurate blueprint design.
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Architectural Cover Sheet
Topic 2: Cover Sheet & Floor Plan
10:00
Examine the cover sheet for key project details, including project name, address, professionals involved, revisions, and building codes.
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Architectural Sheet Index
Topic 2: Cover Sheet & Floor Plan
4:04
Review and follow the sheet index page for organizational guidance.
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Architectural Abbreviations
Topic 2: Cover Sheet & Floor Plan
4:31
Review architectural abbreviations, symbols, sheet identification, material legend, and general notes to understand construction document conventions.
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Enrollment required
Architectural Floor Plans 01
Topic 2: Cover Sheet & Floor Plan
8:27
Examine floor plan details, including key plan, structural grids, dimensions, wall patterns, and room sections.
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Enrollment required
Architectural Floor Plans 02
Topic 2: Cover Sheet & Floor Plan
5:42
Review and analyze the sheet for structural grid consistency and detailed information inclusion.
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Enrollment required
Architectural Floor Plans 03
Topic 2: Cover Sheet & Floor Plan
4:18
Examine building sections, floor plans, and dimensions in the drawing.
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Architectural Reflected Ceiling Plans
Topic 3: Elevations, Sections & Wall Types
4:07
Review the Reflected Ceiling Plan drawing for public areas, identify ceiling types, heights above the finished floor, and lighting fixtures.
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Architectural Building Elevations
Topic 3: Elevations, Sections & Wall Types
6:08
Examine building elevation drawings to understand materials, dimensions, and design details.
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Enrollment required
Architectural Building Axonometrics
Topic 3: Elevations, Sections & Wall Types
1:15
Examine building axonometrics modeled in Revit software, showcasing detailed construction documents and design enhancements.
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Architectural Building Sections
Topic 3: Elevations, Sections & Wall Types
3:06
Review the building section sheet with axonometric, key plan, and building section details, including column grid, room names, and pochade walls, along with references to wall sections on adjacent pages.
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Architectural Wall Sections
Topic 3: Elevations, Sections & Wall Types
7:21
Examine detailed wall sections with keynotes and material annotations, showing specific construction elements at a larger scale than building sections.
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Architectural Interior Wall Types 01
Topic 3: Elevations, Sections & Wall Types
5:55
Review the enlarged plans and sections for stairway number two, focusing on key dimensions, materials, and details at each level of the building.
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Architectural Interior Wall Types 02
Topic 3: Elevations, Sections & Wall Types
3:51
Study the interior wall types and sections drawing to understand the different wall configurations and materials used.
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Architectural Interior Wall Types 03
Topic 3: Elevations, Sections & Wall Types
3:27
Review the detailed floor plan layout, noting key indicators for wall types, fire ratings, ADA clearances, structural grid lines, and building sections.
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Architectural Enlarged Unit Plans A
Topic 4: Enlarged Drawings & Occupancy/Egress
7:15
Reviewing and analyzing detailed guest room suite drawings, including floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, electrical plans, furniture plans, axonometrics, and interior elevations.
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Architectural Enlarged Bathroom Plans
Topic 4: Enlarged Drawings & Occupancy/Egress
7:30
Review enlarged public restroom drawings including floor plan, interior elevations, cabinetry, and fixtures.
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Enrollment required
Architectural Enlarged Lobby Drawings
Topic 4: Enlarged Drawings & Occupancy/Egress
2:21
Study the enlarged lobby space plan drawing showing wall sections and elevation views.
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Architectural Door Schedule And Door Types
Topic 4: Enlarged Drawings & Occupancy/Egress
3:47
Review the door schedule to identify details such as room number, door type, fire rating, width, height, material, head and jam details, and hardware set numbers for each door.
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Architectural Enlarged Stair Plans And Sections
Topic 4: Enlarged Drawings & Occupancy/Egress
5:55
Examine enlarged plans and sections for stairway number two depicting details and dimensions on each level of the building.
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Enrollment required
Architectural Elevator Drawings
Topic 4: Enlarged Drawings & Occupancy/Egress
4:58
Analyze the Passenger and Service Elevator plans and elevations for dimensional consistency and referencing.
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Architectural Enlarged Elevator Drawings
Topic 4: Enlarged Drawings & Occupancy/Egress
4:21
Reviewing and detailing the elevator plans, reflected ceiling plans, and elevations to ensure accurate representation in construction documents.
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Enrollment required
Architectural Parking Lot Striping Plans
Topic 4: Enlarged Drawings & Occupancy/Egress
3:07
Review the striping plan for parking part B, highlighting the designated paths of travel, ADA parking requirements, column grids, and parking spot dimensions.
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Architectural Occupancy/Egress 01
Topic 4: Enlarged Drawings & Occupancy/Egress
12:34
Explain egress plans and occupancy load calculations in a San Diego building renovation.
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Architectural Occupancy/Egress 02
Topic 4: Enlarged Drawings & Occupancy/Egress
5:08
Summarize means of egress and occupancy load drawings for a specific office suite in a building, focusing on safety and building code compliance.
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Interior Design Finish Schedule
Topic 5: Interior Design & Civil
1:17
Review the finish schedule for the interior design drawings, identifying tags, specifying items, determining materials, and establishing sources for procurement.
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Interior Design Ceiling Wall Finish Plan
Topic 5: Interior Design & Civil
2:07
Summarize the Lobby Level, Ceiling, and Wall Finish Plans in Interior Design Drawing ID 102, detailing the extent of finishes and specifying materials for different areas of the lobby and public spaces.
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Enrollment required
Interior Design Millwork Details 01
Topic 5: Interior Design & Civil
3:32
Review millwork details for half of the registration desk in the lobby, including section cuts, dimensions, and elevations.
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Interior Design Millwork Details 02
Topic 5: Interior Design & Civil
6:30
Review and analyze the millwork drawings for the bar area.
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Enrollment required
Civil Demolition Plan
Topic 5: Interior Design & Civil
2:59
Review the civil engineering demolition plan drawing, noting key items like property lines, demolition legends, notes on removal of various elements, spot elevations, construction site extents, and entrance location.
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Enrollment required
Civil Metes and Bounds
Topic 5: Interior Design & Civil
8:48
Civil engineers use decimal units and surveyor's angles to create site plans with precision and accuracy.
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Enrollment required
Civil Site Plan
Topic 5: Interior Design & Civil
4:33
Examine the site plan drawing for building footprint and parking layout details.
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Enrollment required
Civil Grading and Drainage Plan
Topic 5: Interior Design & Civil
3:30
Review the Civil Sheet C4.1 Grading and Drainage Plan, focusing on keynotes, spot elevations, and water management on the project site.
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Enrollment required
Civil Utilities Plan
Topic 5: Interior Design & Civil
3:15
Review the Utilities Plan drawing showing water systems and sanitary systems, noting connections, layouts, and key details for reference.
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Civil Details
Topic 5: Interior Design & Civil
2:51
Examine the civil site details in drawing C6.2, focusing on various sections and elements like curbs, walls, structures, and elevations for a parking garage.
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Civil Landscape Plan
Topic 5: Interior Design & Civil
2:17
Review LS.1 landscape plan drawing showing plant schedule, symbols, codes, quantities, and areas for trees, shrubs, ground covers, and flowers with plants to be removed.
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Structural Structural General Notes
Topic 6: Structural
4:30
Examine the structural engineering drawings for specific design criteria and load requirements, including dead loads, live loads, wind loads, foundations, reinforced concrete, structural steel, and post-installed anchors.
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Structural Structural 3D View
Topic 6: Structural
2:42
Create 3D models of structures using programs like Revit for collaborative analysis and visualization by the construction team.
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Enrollment required
Structural Foundation Plan
Topic 6: Structural
3:31
Review foundation plan details, including footing sizes, elevations, control joints, and slab details.
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Structural Structural Framing Reinforcement
Topic 6: Structural
2:59
Review page S105B for the Level 2 Hotel Framing and Reinforcing Plan, focusing on the structural details of the concrete slab and reinforcing bars, including the expansion joint, rebar configurations, and grid dimensions.
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Structural Structural Sections Details
Topic 6: Structural
6:18
Review sheet S202 for typical sections and details, noting that all drawings are not to scale with consistent text size and clear instructions for construction details.
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Structural Foundation Schedule Details
Topic 6: Structural
6:55
Review sheet S-301, focusing on the foundation schedule and details, including spread footing sizes, reinforcement spacing, column and beam details, rebar placements, and slab dimensions, for accurate construction execution.
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Structural Schedule Sections Details
Topic 6: Structural
6:05
Review beam schedule, sections, and details in sheet S401, analyzing dimensions, reinforcing, and placement of rebar and stirrups for beams and columns.
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Structural Slab Sections Details
Topic 6: Structural
3:26
Review sheet S-503 for slab sections and details, focusing on balcony, pour strip, transitions at the ramp, shear walls, openings, suspended CMU masonry wall, and tenons at ramp.
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Structural Sections Details
Topic 6: Structural
3:46
Review the structural drawings, focusing on sheet S604, Sections and Details, for analysis and detailing.
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Mechanical M Abbreviations Legend Notes
Topic 7: Mechanical
1:34
Review the Mechanical Abbreviations, Legends, and Notes page for important details on ductwork, equipment, piping, and graphical standards. Pay specific attention to the Ductwork Legend and Abbreviations for key symbols like air registers and return air grills.
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Mechanical Mechanical Plan 01
Topic 7: Mechanical
2:28
Revit was used to model the project in 3D, allowing for efficient resolution of duct placement and clear organization of information in the mechanical drawing.
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Enrollment required
Mechanical Mechanical Plan 02
Topic 7: Mechanical
7:13
Examine the detailed mechanical system layout on the floor plan for various areas of the building, including the pool, guest suites, bathrooms, fitness area, and meeting rooms.
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Mechanical Mechanical Plan 03
Topic 7: Mechanical
1:21
Detailing the mechanical features of Level 4 in Area A of the building, including ducting, fire smoke dampers, airflow into the guest rooms, and fire detectors.
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Mechanical Mechanical Guest Room Plan
Topic 7: Mechanical
2:04
Review the mechanical guest room plans focusing on suite types, noting key features such as vertical conditioning units, air supply and return, passive ventilation systems, and thermostat locations.
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Mechanical Mechanical Schedules
Topic 7: Mechanical
3:16
Reviewing the mechanical schedules reveals detailed information about fan coil units, condensing units, ERUs, and other HVAC components based on specific manufacturer models such as Trane and Aeon.
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Mechanical Mechanical Details
Topic 7: Mechanical
0:59
Review mechanical detail sheet for project-specific and manufacturer-provided details on filling voids, back drafts, fire stops, and exhaust pipes through walls.
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Electrical Electrical Notes Legends
Topic 8: Electrical
2:08
Review electrical notes and legends including lighting fixtures, fire alarm system legends, electrical symbol legends, and abbreviations provided by the engineer, among other content.
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Electrical Power Plan 01
Topic 8: Electrical
3:25
Review the power plant building layout, highlighting the electrical connections and panel box locations.
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Electrical Power Plan 02
Topic 8: Electrical
1:43
Review the power drawing for the hotel area to identify junction boxes and electrical wiring details for different locations.
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Electrical Power Plan 03
Topic 8: Electrical
2:11
Review the power drawing for consistency and clarity, noting the key elements such as power notes, fire alarm details, junction boxes, outlets, and electrical panel connections within guest suites and shared corridors.
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Electrical Lighting Plan
Topic 8: Electrical
3:07
Review lighting drawing showing different light fixtures in various areas, including lobby, meeting rooms, corridors, trellis, egress hall, and bathrooms, with no dimensioning of fixtures.
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Electrical Guest Room Plan
Topic 8: Electrical
3:16
Review electrical guest room plans, noting circuitry, fixtures, keynotes, junction boxes, outlets, smoke detectors, and fire alarm details for various suite types.
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Electrical Power Lighting Partial Plan
Topic 8: Electrical
1:25
Review power and lighting partial plans for the building, focusing on electrical stations, panels, and data stations.
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Electrical Electrical Riser
Topic 8: Electrical
3:47
Study the electrical riser drawing to understand the organization and distribution of the electrical system in the building, starting from the bottom with utility transformers and power distribution.
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Electrical Electrical Schedules
Topic 8: Electrical
1:48
Review electrical schedules to identify circuits plugged into panel boxes in the building, noting circuit numbers, breaker numbers, KVA load factors, and total KVA demand for each panel.
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Electrical Electrical Details
Topic 8: Electrical
2:49
Review standard electrical details for project scope and size, focusing on specific requirements for accessibility and safety compliance.
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Plumbing Legend Notes
Topic 9: Plumbing
1:32
Review and reference plumbing legends and notes to understand the symbols used in plumbing drawings.
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Plumbing Plumbing Plan 01
Topic 9: Plumbing
4:12
Review underground plumbing drawings to understand the sanitary and stormwater systems, tracing various pipe sizes and connections leading to a main manhole for waste disposal.
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Plumbing Plumbing Plan 02
Topic 9: Plumbing
3:45
Review the P1 parking plumbing drawings, noting the keynotes legend and general notes, highlighting the relationship between the lines coming down to feed into sanitary and storm lines, identifying various pipes and their functions, and emphasizing the need to pay attention to detail and the legend for clarity.
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Plumbing Plumbing Plan 03
Topic 9: Plumbing
1:40
Analyze plumbing floor plan for hotel guest suites on level one, highlighting piping layout, legend, and 3D models in Revit.
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Plumbing Plumbing Plan 04
Topic 9: Plumbing
3:15
Examine plumbing drawing on level 4 showing storm drains and sanitary drains with keynotes and general notes.
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Plumbing Plumbing Plan 05
Topic 9: Plumbing
2:26
Review the plumbing drawings for the roof to identify roof drains, gas lines, mechanical systems, and architectural scuppers for water control.
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Plumbing Guest Room
Topic 9: Plumbing
1:47
Examine plumbing guest room plans for higher-end suites, focusing on hot and cold water lines and drain configurations.
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Enrollment required
Plumbing Enlarged Laundry
Topic 9: Plumbing
3:35
Examine the plumbing plan for the laundry area showing gas lines, sanitary connections, and riser diagrams.
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Plumbing Riser Designation Areas
Topic 9: Plumbing
1:18
Review the riser designation area drawing for Part B of the building to prepare for the subsequent riser diagrams.
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Plumbing Sanitary Riser
Topic 9: Plumbing
4:08
Show risers for area B, sections F and F1 depicting 3D grease waste, public restrooms, and sanitary risers with labeled traps, ventilation, and clean outs.
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Plumbing Partial Plans And Risers
Topic 9: Plumbing
3:54
Review the plumbing partial plans riser diagram for the public bathroom on the first level of the hotel.
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Plumbing Schedules
Topic 9: Plumbing
3:09
Review plumbing schedules for water heater, sump pump, fire pump, jockey pump, domestic water booster pump, circulation pump, storage tank, gas pressure regulator, grease trap, plumbing specialties, and plumbing fixtures.
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Plumbing Details
Topic 9: Plumbing
2:28
Examine plumbing details for key information and components to understand how they fit together and function.
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Technology Legends Symbols
Topic 10: Technology & Project Specifications
1:23
Examine the legends and symbols page of the technology systems drawings to understand the information presented, including mounting heights and raceway details.
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Technology Technology Plans 01
Topic 10: Technology & Project Specifications
2:36
Review the building technology drawing for part B of the building down in the parking lot, focusing on conduits, connections, access points, card readers, and intercom stations for a comprehensive understanding.
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Technology Technology Plans 02
Topic 10: Technology & Project Specifications
3:36
Reviewing the lobby level technology drawings for audiovisual and security features.
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Technology Technology Plans 03
Topic 10: Technology & Project Specifications
1:43
Summarize the technology drawings for the third level, showing common space information and individual guest suites with details such as IT closets, telecom backboards, racks for voice data terminations, wireless access points in corridors, and ADA two-way communication for wheelchair access.
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Technology Guestroom Plans
Topic 10: Technology & Project Specifications
2:57
Examine guest room technology drawings for cabling and raceway keynotes, noting cable quantities and locations for voice, data, and TV connections.
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Technology Details
Topic 10: Technology & Project Specifications
3:45
Review the cabling and construction details sheet, identifying keynotes and symbols for different technology cablings and installations.
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Technology Coax Cable Riser Diagrams
Topic 10: Technology & Project Specifications
2:36
Review the coax cabling riser diagram and understand the distribution of coax cables throughout the building.
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Specifications Standard Specifications Format
Topic 10: Technology & Project Specifications
5:01
Discuss the organization of project specifications using Master Format, which categorizes construction requirements, products, and activities into 48 divisions for communication and coordination among industry professionals.
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Specifications Standard Specifications Part 01
Topic 10: Technology & Project Specifications
1:59
Review the specifications document, focusing on the general section, references codes, quality assurance, warranties, and project conditions.
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Specifications Standard Specifications Part 02
Topic 10: Technology & Project Specifications
3:19
Detailing approved products for concrete applications, including concrete cleaning, patch repair, overlays, casting, accessories, pigmentation, and coatings.
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Specifications Standard Specifications Part 03
Topic 10: Technology & Project Specifications
2:06
Summarize project specifications into three sections: general, product, and execution, covering topics like installation, examination, coordination, field quality control, final cleaning, protection, and maintenance.
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Closing Instructor Thoughts
Topic 10: Technology & Project Specifications
1:51
Complete the course completion survey and provide feedback to help improve future courses.
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MEP Blueprint Reading Course Online
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Course Overview
Lesson 1: MEP Systems Fundamentals
1:07
Explore how mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems support overall building performance and how to recognize basic system symbols on construction drawings.
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What Does MEP Mean?
Lesson 1: MEP Systems Fundamentals
4:20
Understand the scope of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and how each discipline supports comfort, safety, daily operations, and construction cost.
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MEP Systems
Lesson 1: MEP Systems Fundamentals
6:28
Review the core functions of MEP systems, identify common equipment, and see how each system is represented on blueprints.
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MEP in Construction
Lesson 1: MEP Systems Fundamentals
4:21
Follow how MEP systems are coordinated from design through installation, commissioning, and as-built documentation.
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Mechanical Overview
Lesson 2: Mechanical Blueprint Reading Basics
5:17
Examine the structure of a mechanical plan set, including floor plans, sections, schematics, controls, and schedules.
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Mechanical Legend & General Notes Part 1
Lesson 2: Mechanical Blueprint Reading Basics
Review the purpose and contractual importance of mechanical general notes and how they affect coordination, cost, and schedule.
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Mechanical Legend & General Notes Part 2
Lesson 2: Mechanical Blueprint Reading Basics
7:59
Dive deeper into mechanical general notes covering conflict resolution, specifications, substitutions, and contractor responsibility.
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Symbols & Abbreviations Part 1
Lesson 2: Mechanical Blueprint Reading Basics
5:07
Identify air distribution symbols for diffusers, grilles, registers, ductwork, and airflow direction on mechanical plans.
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Symbols & Abbreviations Part 2
Lesson 2: Mechanical Blueprint Reading Basics
4:07
Read mechanical piping symbols, valve types, abbreviations, and line conventions for hydronic and condensate systems.
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HVAC Mechanical Set
Lesson 3: HVAC Systems & Air Distribution Plans
7:50
Walk through a complete HVAC mechanical plan set and see how air, hydronic, roof, section, schematic, and schedule drawings work together.
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Mechanical Schedule Part 1
Lesson 3: HVAC Systems & Air Distribution Plans
4:13
Understand how mechanical schedules organize HVAC equipment information for coordination and procurement.
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Mechanical Schedule Part 2
Lesson 3: HVAC Systems & Air Distribution Plans
2:44
Connect air distribution floor plans to mechanical schedules using duct sizes, airflow types, and labeling conventions.
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Air Design & Ductwork Part 1
Lesson 3: HVAC Systems & Air Distribution Plans
2:44
Interpret air distribution floor plans by tracing duct sizes, airflow direction, and system routing to occupied spaces.
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Air Design & Ductwork Part 2
Lesson 3: HVAC Systems & Air Distribution Plans
7:05
Analyze vertical duct transitions by tracing ductwork from mechanical rooms to diffusers and identifying key components.
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Air Design & Ductwork Part 3
Lesson 3: HVAC Systems & Air Distribution Plans
5:31
Review diffuser schedules to understand airflow requirements, branch duct sizing, and system balancing.
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Hydronic Systems Part 1
Lesson 3: HVAC Systems & Air Distribution Plans
5:47
Explore hydronic piping plans and see how liquid-based HVAC systems are represented through pipe sizing, abbreviations, and condensate drainage.
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Hydronic Systems Part 2
Lesson 3: HVAC Systems & Air Distribution Plans
4:42
Interpret hydronic plans by identifying valves, gauges, fittings, control devices, and tagged notes.
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Mechanical Roof Plan
Lesson 3: HVAC Systems & Air Distribution Plans
2:57
Review mechanical roof plans showing rooftop equipment, exhaust systems, penetrations, and placement requirements.
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Enlarged Mechanical Plans
Lesson 3: HVAC Systems & Air Distribution Plans
3:04
Examine enlarged mechanical plans to understand detailed layouts in mechanical rooms and high-density equipment areas.
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Mechanical Plan View
Lesson 3: HVAC Systems & Air Distribution Plans
3:12
Read mechanical plan views by interpreting line types and understanding spatial relationships between systems.
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Enrollment required
Mechanical Isometric View
Lesson 3: HVAC Systems & Air Distribution Plans
7:08
Visualize mechanical systems in three dimensions using isometric views that show routing, clearances, and equipment size.
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Enrollment required
Mechanical Sections
Lesson 3: HVAC Systems & Air Distribution Plans
8:03
Interpret mechanical section cuts to understand vertical relationships, elevations, and system transitions.
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Enrollment required
HVAC Conclusion
Lesson 3: HVAC Systems & Air Distribution Plans
2:38
See how plans, sections, isometrics, schedules, and notes work together to fully describe HVAC systems.
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Electrical Overview
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
2:58
Explore the structure and purpose of electrical plan sets covering power, lighting, and life safety systems.
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Electrical Legend & General Notes Part 1
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
6:38
Review electrical general notes to understand code requirements, responsibilities, and delegated design elements.
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Enrollment required
Electrical Legend & General Notes Part 2
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
4:19
Examine electrical general notes addressing generators, grounding, penetrations, and specialty systems.
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Enrollment required
Electrical Symbols
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
7:21
Identify common electrical symbols for receptacles, switches, panels, circuits, and fire alarm devices.
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Enrollment required
Electrical Site Plan
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
4:21
Read electrical site plans showing incoming utility power, transformers, generators, switchgear, and duct banks.
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Enrollment required
Electrical Power Plan
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
9:14
Interpret electrical power floor plans showing receptacles, equipment connections, panel names, circuits, and mounting heights.
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Enrollment required
Electrical Roof and Fire Plans
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
5:32
Understand how electrical power is distributed to rooftop equipment and how fire alarm systems are shown on plans.
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Enrollment required
Enlarged Electrical Room & Kitchen Plans
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
6:09
Review enlarged electrical plans showing panels, transformers, switchboards, and dense equipment layouts.
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Enrollment required
Electrical Power Riser Plans Part 1
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
7:20
Trace power flow through a building using electrical power riser diagrams from the utility service to the distribution panels.
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Enrollment required
Electrical Power Riser Plans Part 2
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
4:14
Interpret power risers by reviewing feeder schedules, conduit sizes, wiring types, and supporting notes.
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Enrollment required
Fire Alarm Riser Diagram
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
3:47
Explore fire alarm riser diagrams to understand system architecture, device connectivity, and code compliance.
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Enrollment required
Fire Alarm Annunciator Panel Plan
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
2:49
Review annunciator panel matrices to understand alarm inputs, outputs, zones, and response logic.
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Enrollment required
Electrical Schedules
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
5:35
Examine electrical schedules that consolidate power requirements, emergency designations, and disconnects.
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Enrollment required
Electrical Details
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
2:56
Interpret electrical details related to mounting heights, penetrations, accessibility, and specialty systems.
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Enrollment required
Roof Lightning Protection System
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
3:28
Review roof-mounted lightning protection systems, including grounding components and surge protection coordination.
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Enrollment required
Lighting Plan
Lesson 4: Electrical & Lighting Blueprint Reading
6:12
Understand how lighting plans identify fixtures, switches, sensors, exit devices, circuits, and control logic.
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Plumbing Overview
Lesson 5: Plumbing Systems & Riser Diagrams
3:43
Explore the structure of plumbing plan sets covering water, drainage, storm, and gas systems.
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Plumbing Legend & General Notes
Lesson 5: Plumbing Systems & Riser Diagrams
8:07
Review plumbing general notes to understand installation requirements, coordination rules, and cost impacts.
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Enrollment required
Plumbing Symbols Part 1
Lesson 5: Plumbing Systems & Riser Diagrams
3:53
Identify plumbing symbols for drains, cleanouts, meters, annotations, and riser references.
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Enrollment required
Plumbing Symbols Part 2
Lesson 5: Plumbing Systems & Riser Diagrams
7:09
Distinguish plumbing piping systems using line conventions for domestic water, sanitary, storm, gas, and vent systems.
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Enrollment required
Plumbing Floor Plans Part 1
Lesson 5: Plumbing Systems & Riser Diagrams
6:33
Interpret plumbing floor plans showing fixtures, pipe sizes, drainage routing, and below-slab piping.
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Enrollment required
Plumbing Floor Plans Part 2
Lesson 5: Plumbing Systems & Riser Diagrams
5:06
Trace plumbing mains, branches, valves, chases, and vertical transitions with an emphasis on maintenance access.
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Enrollment required
Plumbing Roof Plan
Lesson 5: Plumbing Systems & Riser Diagrams
1:16
Review roof plans showing storm drainage starting points, roof drains, and emergency drainage systems.
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Enrollment required
Enlarged Plumbing Plans
Lesson 5: Plumbing Systems & Riser Diagrams
7:52
Analyze enlarged plumbing plans by tracing supply, drainage, and vent piping in dense fixture areas.
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Enrollment required
Domestic Water Riser Diagram
Lesson 5: Plumbing Systems & Riser Diagrams
2:57
Follow domestic water distribution from municipal entry through pumps, heaters, valves, and fixtures.
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Enrollment required
Plumbing Riser Diagram Part 1
Lesson 5: Plumbing Systems & Riser Diagrams
3:27
Review plumbing riser diagrams to understand domestic water distribution across multiple floors.
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Enrollment required
Plumbing Riser Diagram Part 2
Lesson 5: Plumbing Systems & Riser Diagrams
6:27
Interpret sanitary riser diagrams showing waste and vent piping, fixture connections, and roof penetrations.
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Enrollment required
Gas & Storm Riser Diagram
Lesson 5: Plumbing Systems & Riser Diagrams
4:11
Explore gas and storm riser diagrams covering service entry, metering, regulation, and drainage paths.
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Enrollment required
Plumbing Schedule
Lesson 5: Plumbing Systems & Riser Diagrams
4:29
Review plumbing schedules consolidating fixture data, ADA requirements, rough-in sizes, and mounting details.
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Enrollment required
Plumbing Details
Lesson 5: Plumbing Systems & Riser Diagrams
5:35
Interpret plumbing details showing drains, hangers, cleanouts, heaters, and gas assemblies for inspection and long-term performance.
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Structural Blueprint Reading Course Online
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Structural Basics
Lesson 1: Structural Plan Fundamentals
10:00
Learn about the importance of structural blueprints in building design and construction.
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Structural Notes
Lesson 1: Structural Plan Fundamentals
10:00
Break down structural general notes and inspection tables found at the beginning of a structural drawing set.
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Enrollment required
Structural Standards
Lesson 1: Structural Plan Fundamentals
11:20
Analyze structural general notes with a focus on codes, material requirements, coordination rules, and contractor responsibilities. Emphasize how missed notes can lead to pricing errors, rework, or safety risks.
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Enrollment required
Inspection Overview
Lesson 1: Structural Plan Fundamentals
11:48
Define the role inspections play in structural integrity and code compliance.
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Enrollment required
Inspection Types
Lesson 1: Structural Plan Fundamentals
12:07
Learn to differentiate between continuous, periodic, and random inspections used on structural projects.
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Enrollment required
Structural Testing
Lesson 1: Structural Plan Fundamentals
9:48
Examine inspection requirements for concrete, masonry, steel welding, bolting, and framing systems.
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Foundation Layout
Lesson 2: Foundations and Slabs
7:22
Interpret foundation and slab-on-grade plans by identifying column lines, grid systems, and footing callouts.
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Structural Schedules
Lesson 2: Foundations and Slabs
6:35
Connect plan callouts to structural schedules to determine dimensions, reinforcement, and elevations.
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Enrollment required
Wall Footings
Lesson 2: Foundations and Slabs
8:06
Analyze continuous wall footings and perimeter foundation systems to show how footing tags, schedules, and section cuts define structural intent.
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Enrollment required
Foundation Details
Lesson 2: Foundations and Slabs
9:21
Learn to interpret section cuts and foundation details to understand how footings, walls, and reinforcement connect.
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Enrollment required
Slabs on Grade
Lesson 2: Foundations and Slabs
8:11
Examine how slabs-on-grade are specified, detailed, and coordinated within structural plans.
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Framing Overview
Lesson 3: Structural Framing Systems
10:00
Learn to identify common steel members and explain how framing plans communicate load paths and structural layout.
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Steel Identification
Lesson 3: Structural Framing Systems
5:00
Learn how to interpret joist, beam, and wide-flange designations on structural framing plans, including how sizes, weights, and spacing.
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Enrollment required
Joist Systems
Lesson 3: Structural Framing Systems
9:57
Differentiate between K-series, KCS, and other joist types used for varying load conditions.
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Enrollment required
Framing Coordination
Lesson 3: Structural Framing Systems
11:16
Analyze how beams, joists, and girders coordinate with column lines and building geometry.
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Enrollment required
Bearing Plates
Lesson 3: Structural Framing Systems
4:52
Learn the purpose and installation of bearing plates at structural support points.
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Enrollment required
Penthouse Framing
Lesson 3: Structural Framing Systems
15:10
Interpret penthouse and low-roof framing plans to understand structural transitions at upper levels.
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Enrollment required
Roof Framing
Lesson 3: Structural Framing Systems
26:42
Analyze roof framing plans with a focus on joist layout, beam slopes, and elevation changes.
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Enrollment required
Long Span Joists
Lesson 3: Structural Framing Systems
13:33
Examine long-span joist systems used in large open areas such as gyms or atriums.
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Structural Details
Lesson 4: Details, Connections & Sections
4:02
Learn how structural details can communicate constructability and design intent beyond plan views.
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Concrete Details
Lesson 4: Details, Connections & Sections
9:22
Gain insight into common concrete details such as step footings, construction joints, slab depressions, and stair footings to understand how dimensional limits help prevent structural failure.
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Enrollment required
Wall Reinforcement
Lesson 4: Details, Connections & Sections
8:47
Interpret reinforced concrete and ICF wall details used at openings, corners, and wall terminations.
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Enrollment required
Masonry Support
Lesson 4: Details, Connections & Sections
8:17
Analyze concrete masonry unit (CMU) details showing how beams, joists, and lintels bear on masonry walls.
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Enrollment required
Retaining Walls
Lesson 4: Details, Connections & Sections
8:23
Break down retaining wall sections and schedules used to resist soil pressure and elevation changes.
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Enrollment required
Steel Connections
Lesson 4: Details, Connections & Sections
3:24
Explore steel connection details, including bolted plates, angles, weld symbols, and load tables, while understanding how connection geometry influences structural capacity.
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Enrollment required
Composite Framing
Lesson 4: Details, Connections & Sections
6:30
Examine composite floor and roof framing systems using metal deck, shear studs, and concrete slabs, and see how layered assemblies define load paths.
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Enrollment required
Structural Sections
Lesson 4: Details, Connections & Sections
6:21
Analyze foundation, wall, slab, and roof sections to understand vertical relationships and construction sequencing.
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Curriculum
What you'll learn
- Interpret how architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings fit together within a complete set of commercial construction documents
- Read and analyze foundation plans, floor plans, elevations, sections, and detailed drawings to understand overall building design and construction intent
- Identify and interpret standard construction symbols, legends, schedules, notes, and abbreviations used across commercial blueprint sets
- Navigate MEP drawings, including HVAC layouts, electrical power and lighting plans, and plumbing systems, with confidence
- Understand structural plans such as general notes, footings, slabs, steel framing, and key connection details that define how a building is supported
- Apply blueprint reading skills to improve coordination, reduce errors, and communicate more effectively with project teams throughout the construction process
Course outline
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Commercial Blueprint Reading Course Online 20 hours
Gain the skills to read construction blueprints for mixed-use commercial projects, including hotels, retail spaces, and parking structures, with an emphasis on interrelationships between drawings and how 3D models simplify construction documents.
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical plans used in mixed-use commercial construction projects
- Learn to read and interpret industry-standard symbols, notations, legends, and technical details across construction documents
- Evaluate how different drawing sets relate to one another when submitted for building permits
- Work hands-on with real-world commercial construction drawings and documentation
- Apply blueprint knowledge to cost estimating, project planning, and maintaining on-site accuracy during construction
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MEP Blueprint Reading Course Online 20 hours
Gain essential skills in reading and interpreting MEP blueprints. Learn HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems to excel in construction and design projects.
- Understand the fundamentals of reading and interpreting MEP blueprints
- Identify and analyze key components in HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Learn how to apply blueprint knowledge to real-world construction projects
- Develop skills to accurately interpret symbols, scales, and technical drawings
- Gain confidence in collaborating with design and construction teams using MEP plans
- Explore troubleshooting techniques for common challenges in blueprint interpretation
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Structural Blueprint Reading Course Online 20 hours
Learn how to read and interpret structural blueprints, including notes, symbols, foundations, steel systems, and detailed construction sections.
- Interpret structural blueprints and understand their role in construction projects
- Read and apply General Notes and Inspection Requirements in structural plans
- Identify and interpret foundations, footings, and slab-on-grade information
- Recognize symbols and abbreviations related to concrete, rebar, and structural steel
- Interpret steel beams, steel joists, metal decking, and associated assemblies
- Analyze structural details and sections, including weld symbols, bolt schedules, and rebar layouts
Course Reviews
Is this course right for you?
Choose this track when your projects are commercial and you need to interpret several drawing disciplines together. The general blueprint reading course is a better comparison if you want an introductory mix of residential and commercial plans before specializing in commercial document sets.