Blueprint Reading Classes & Bootcamps Washington, D.C.

Learn More About Blueprint Reading Classes in Washington, D.C.

Blueprints are technical drawings that contain detailed information about the way something will be constructed. They show things like dimensions and materials and are created to scale. Blueprints can be hand-drawn, or they can be created with an application like Revit or AutoCAD. Blueprint reading is the art of reading and understanding blueprints. It is a fundamental skill for people who work in the construction industry.

What Can You Do with Blueprint Reading Training?

If you plan to work in any type of construction-related job, blueprint reading can be an asset, since blueprints are a central part of this industry. In an Indeed article titled, “How To Read Blueprints in 5 Steps, ” the author explains that blueprints are the fundamental piece that helps everyone involved in the construction process understand what they are constructing and how to do so. He says, “A blueprint… represents how the carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and other skilled specialists can construct parts of the building. It shows dimensions, materials, building methods, and all other vital details a building crew needs to create the building according to the plan.” In order to participate in any part of the construction process, you’ll need to learn how to read these fundamental documents.

What Will I Learn in a Blueprint Reading Class?

Every blueprint reading class is unique, so there is no single set of skills that you’ll learn. However, most classes do cover the same set of fundamentals. For instance, you’re likely to learn about scale, blueprint lines, and views. You’ll also likely learn some basic industry terminology. In addition, when you take a blueprint reading class, you’re likely to gain several soft skills, including attention to detail.

Scale

In most blueprints, drawings are made to scale. This means that each unit on a blueprint represents a larger unit. You might also find several different scales in one set of blueprints. When you take a class, you will learn how to understand the scale that is used.

Blueprint Lines

Another skill you’ll learn in a blueprint reading class is understanding blueprint lines. You will likely see a variety of different types of lines on a blueprint such as straight lines, curved lines, solid lines, and dashed lines. These different types of lines all represent specific information about the building or object that is represented.

View

When you look at a set of blueprints, you’ll likely see multiple views of the building or object to be constructed. For instance, you may see a plan view, which is a view from above, and you might see elevations, which are views from the front, back, and sides. You will learn how to understand these different types of views when you take a class.

Industry Terminology

A class is also likely to cover some basic industry terminology. The construction industry has its own unique terminology, and you will need to understand some of it if you want to properly read a set of blueprints.

Attention to Detail

When you take a blueprint reading class, you’ll also develop several soft skills, including attention to detail. By learning to pay attention to small details, you can better understand all the information presented in a blueprint.

How Hard is It to Learn Blueprint Reading?

Most blueprints contain a lot of detailed and complex information, which is noted in a relatively small space. As a result, many people find blueprint reading challenging at first. However, almost anyone can master this skill if they take the time to learn all the basics and then spend time practicing their skills on real blueprints. If you already have construction-related experience, you may find the learning process easier.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Blueprint Reading?

Compared to some other skills, blueprint reading can be relatively quick to learn. Most people say that you can pick up some basic skills within only a few days and can master blueprint reading within months. A paid class is likely to help you learn more quickly since you will get guidance and feedback from an expert.

Should I Learn Blueprint Reading in Person or Online?

If you want to learn blueprint reading, you may find that there are several different formats. Each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. You can learn blueprint reading in-person, live online, or on-demand. The decision about which format is best will depend on a variety of factors, including your personal learning style, where you live, and how busy you are. In-person learning is one popular blueprint reading class format. When you take an in-person class, you learn face-to-face, in a classroom with an instructor and a group of students. This format often involves minimal distractions since you are in an environment dedicated to learning. In addition, you’ll be able to ask questions and get feedback whenever you want to. With an in-person class, you may also find it easier to network with other students. A downside is that you’ll need to travel to the class location, which can be costly and time-consuming. You’ll also be limited to classes located in your geographic area.

If you sign up for a live online class, you won’t need to commute. To attend, you simply log in from your home or any other location with an internet connection. Instruction for this class format is live, just like with in-person learning, and instructors can provide feedback and answer questions in real-time. In addition, for many live online classes, interaction between students is also encouraged, which means you may still have access to networking opportunities. A benefit to a live online class is that since you can attend from any location and don’t need to worry about a commute, you will often have more class options. A downside is that you will usually need to supply your own software and equipment.

A third option for learning blueprint reading is an on-demand class. This format is asynchronous, meaning there is no live instructor. In most cases, course material is prerecorded, and you work through it at your own pace. That means you’re able to stop and start whenever you need to, and you can even rewatch sections that you need to or skip through content that you already understand. This is often the cheapest class option, since there is no live instructor, and is definitely the most flexible. However, if you’re not good at working alone, this format may not be the best choice, since it requires motivation and discipline.

Can I Learn Blueprint Reading Free Online?

If you’re trying to learn more about reading blueprints, free online resources can be beneficial. You will find free resources in many different places. For instance, YouTube contains short tutorials that can help you pick up a new skill or troubleshoot a specific problem. You can also find free resources on some school websites. For instance, Noble Desktop offers a variety of free seminars, including some on design-related topics. If you’re serious about learning to read blueprints, though, free resources are unlikely to be comprehensive enough. Instead, you will probably want to invest in a paid class where you can follow a curriculum that covers all the skills that you will need, and you can be sure that what you’re learning is accurate and up-to-date. With a paid class, you can also get feedback and answers to your questions.

Industries That Use Blueprint Reading

Washington, D.C. is the U.S. capital and home to many industries where blueprint reading is used. As stated on DC.gov, “Washington, DC is the economic engine of a metropolitan region with a population of more than six million residents. DC's daytime population swells to more than one million, has one of the highest-educated workforces in the country, and is a top destination for international travelers.” According to the DC Workforce Investment Council website, more than 28,000 people are employed in the construction industry in Washington, D.C. It says, “The top 10 employers for the Construction industry in the last 12 months are: GPAC, Georgetown University, M.C. Deam, Consigli Construction Co. Actalent, United States Congress, CyberCoders, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.”

Blueprint Reading Job Titles and Salaries

Construction Manager

A Construction Manager manages construction. They prepare budgets, schedules, and cost estimates. They also collaborate with specialists and hire and manage staff. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS) is a federal agency that gathers and analyzes labor market data. It predicts that over the next ten years, Construction Manager jobs will grow by 9 percent, which is much faster than the average job growth rate of 4 percent. The agency says, “Population and business growth will result in the construction of new residences, office buildings, retail outlets, hospitals, schools, restaurants, and other structures. Also, the need to improve portions of the national infrastructure may spur employment growth as roads, bridges, and sewer pipe systems are upgraded or replaced.” In Washington, D.C., the average yearly salary for a Construction Manager is $108,000, as reported by Indeed.

Architect

An Architect designs houses and other types of buildings, and also oversees their construction. Between 2023 and 2033, the BLS predicts 8 percent job growth for this profession. It notes, “Improved building information modeling (BIM) software and measuring technology are expected to allow architects to take on activities once performed by other workers such as architectural and civil drafters, interior designers, and engineers.” Indeed reports that the average yearly salary for a Washington, D.C. Architect is $130,000.

Electrician

Electricians often need to read blueprints as part of their job of installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems. Over the next decade, the BLS predicts that there will be rapid job growth in this field, at 11 percent, stating, “Nearly every building has electricity. Electricians are needed to install and replace these power systems.” According to Indeed, the average yearly salary for a Washington, D.C. Electrician is $73,000.

Drafter

A Drafter creates technical plans and drawings that are used to guide construction. Drafters work in several different fields, including engineering, construction, architecture, and manufacturing. According to the BLS, more than half of all Drafters in the United States are Architectural and Civil Drafters. As reported by Indeed, the average salary for a Drafter in Washington, D.C. is $77,000.

Blueprint Reading Classes Near Me

The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers a variety of training options for AEC professionals, including blueprint reading classes. This school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Its online, self-paced classes allow you to create your own learning schedule. You will also be able to get advice and feedback on your submissions and projects and interact with peers in discussion forums. VDCI classes are approved by Autodesk, Adobe, Trimble, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for e-learning.

If you’re interested in learning blueprint reading, one popular option is Blueprint Reading Course—Residential Construction. This class is taught by a licensed Architect. You will learn about how project information is conveyed in construction documents. You will also learn about different drawing types and gain an understanding of how scale is presented in construction documents. In addition, this class covers the interrelationships between drawings and the need for consistency in construction documents.

Another VDCI option is Blueprint Reading & Construction Estimating Course Bundle. In this class, you will review construction documents for a real-world, mixed-use commercial project that includes retail, hotel, and parking. You will learn how to analyze different drawings and will gain an understanding of how 3D models in a set of construction documents make it easier to understand the project.

VDCI also offers a class called Introduction to Construction Estimating, where you can learn how to become an Estimator. This class covers the different types of estimates, components, and sub-components, and how an estimate is organized. You will also learn about the purposes of construction estimating and the estimating tools used. In addition, the course covers quantity takeoffs and determining prices based on estimated quantities.

You can also take a blueprint reading class through Lower Columbia College. Blueprint Reading Basics is a self-paced course that covers a variety of blueprint reading skills, both for residential construction and commercial construction. This class is designed for beginners, and there are no prerequisites. You will gain the skills needed to read and understand construction documents and will develop an understanding of construction industry jargon and terminology.

If you want to learn more about blueprints, you might also be interested in an AutoCAD class. Noble Desktop offers a variety of AutoCAD classes, which run in-person at its New York City location or live online. This school is licensed by the New York State Education Department and all of its classes come with a certificate of completion and the option of a free retake within one year. Noble offers three shorter multi-day AutoCAD classes. In AutoCAD Level 1, you can learn to use AutoCAD’s basic drawing and editing tools to create drawings for architectural and mechanical objects. AutoCAD Level 2 is an intermediate class, where you will work on more advanced and technical projects. You will also learn how to create templates by setting units, drawing limits, and scales, and how to use the interface to complete advanced layer and block techniques. AutoCAD Level 3 is an advanced course where you will learn about annotation, dynamic blocks and attributes, collaboration and publishing, and customization. In this class, you will learn to execute advanced AutoCAD projects from start to finish as well as how to use the program’s tools to increase efficiency. If you would like a longer class, Noble also offers the AutoCAD Bootcamp, which is a combination of its beginner and intermediate classes at a 10 percent discount.

Blueprint Reading Corporate Training

Some businesses can benefit from training a group of employees in blueprint reading. Noble Desktop offers corporate blueprint reading training through its affiliate, the Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI). Programs are project-based and take place online. Employees can learn blueprint reading in a matter of weeks without affecting their daily work schedule. Corporate training courses are provided at a discount and can be taken once or as an ongoing partnership. Both options include a dedicated support coordinator. Contact us for more information about corporate training options.