Blueprint Reading Fundamentals for Construction

This online learning course was developed by the Toronto Construction Association (TCA)/The Construction Institute of Canada (TCIC) for the construction industry. Whether you are working in the field or in the office as an owner’s representative, an architect, an engineer, a construction professional (contractor, construction manager, project manager, site superintendent, estimator, project coordinator) a subcontractor, tradesperson, supplier or working in an administrative capacity in construction, you must know how to read blueprints.

In this course, you will learn the functions of different plan views, elevations, sections, details and schedules presented on Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) drawings as well as dimensions, basic design concepts, specifications and key terminology relevant to interpreting graphical and written construction information. The knowledge you gain will help you confidently interpret construction drawings to ensure an accurate and efficient completion of your projects.

This 7-week, 6 modules e-learning course is comprised of the following:

Module 1 – Principles of Blueprint Reading
Module 2 – Construction Graphics and Specifications
Module 3 – Architectural Drawings
Module 4 – Structural Drawings
Module 5 – Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Drawings
Module 6 – Site Plans and Landscaping Drawings
Week 7 – Course examination

Course modules will be made available to you at the beginning of each week. Each module must be completed by the following week. You will not be able to work ahead of the schedule and you will need to spend a minimum of 3 hours per week on each module. The course examination (2 hours) must be taken in Week 7. Actual dates that modules will become available will be posted in advance on the course web page.

Learning Outcomes:

• Interpret graphical information shown on drawings
• Identify different types of design and construction drawings – Architectural, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical.
• Identify the use of symbols, notations, abbreviations and schedules
• Determine where information is located on a set of construction drawings
• Visualize construction plans, elevations, section and details.

Course delivery method:

This is an online course delivered via TCIC Moodle School with block registrations every 2 weeks. Each block must have a minimum registration of 10. You will be advised of your start date, and you will have 7 weeks from the day you receive the course details to complete the course.

Duration: 7 weeks ( 20 hours in total)

Who should attend: Owner Representatives, Project Coordinators, Project Managers, Engineers, Architects and Contract Administrators, Site Superintendents and tradespersons.