Construction Course Online (Self-Paced)

Self-paced online training with expert support 10 modules

Gain a thorough understanding of the building construction process, from initial site work to final system installations. This bundle equips you with the essential skills to navigate every phase of construction and prepares students for careers in the construction industry.

Offered by our affiliate school, Virtual Design & Construction Institute

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$1,499 100 clock hours Live Support Start anytime

This course includes

  • 100 hours of project-based training from experts
  • 602 training videos
  • 2 additional elective courses
  • Answers from real instructors
  • 1-on-1 bonus training
  • Retake for free within 1 year
  • Access to class recordings (30 days)
  • Verified digital certificate of completion

The Construction Fundamentals course offers a comprehensive overview of the building construction process, covering everything from site utilities and earthwork to fire protection systems. Learn how multiple construction disciplines collaborate to bring a building to life, with practical instruction from industry professionals.

Understand Site Utilities, Earthwork, and Foundations:
Discover how a site is prepared for construction, including excavation and foundation installation. Explore soil conditions, the equipment used on-site, and the role of site utilities in the building process.

Explore the Building Structure and Systems:
Learn about the role of cranes, concrete, steel, and other structural materials in the creation of a building. Gain insight into the design and integration of load-bearing systems for structural safety and stability.

Dive into Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), and AV Systems:
Understand the design and installation of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and AV systems that ensure comfort and functionality. Explore topics such as indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and emergency power systems.

Gain Expertise in Fire Protection and Project Closeout:
Study fire suppression systems, life safety requirements, and the commissioning process. Understand the final phases of a construction project, including building turnover, obtaining a certificate of occupancy, and post-occupancy procedures.

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Courses & Videos in This Package

Download Syllabus PDF

Unit 1 10 Hours

Site Utilities, Earthwork & Foundation (Self-Paced)

Learn about the roles played by the design & construction team. Learn how the site is prepared, the types of equipment used, different types of soil conditions & why various building foundations are used.

  • The construction team and the on-site construction activities
  • Different types of soils and subsurface conditions.
  • The equipment and the heavy equipment we use on a site – scrapers, dozers, excavators and more.
  • Clearing and grubbing the site.
  • Installing the site utilities.
  • Preparing for our building, with Earth work and excavation support.
  • Installing foundations.
Video Training Preview
Topic 1: Building Construction Overview
Topic 2: Soils and Subsurface Conditions
Topic 3: Equipment
Topic 4: Clearing and Grubbing
Topic 5: Site Utilities
Topic 6: Earthwork and Excavation Support
Topic 7: Foundations
Topic 8: Concrete
Topic 9: Grade Beams & Foundation Walls

Unit 2 10 Hours

Building Structure Course (Self-Paced)
  • The construction team and the on-site construction activities
  • Different types of soils and subsurface conditions.
  • The equipment and the heavy equipment we use on a site – scrapers, dozers, excavators and more.
  • Clearing and grubbing the site.
  • Installing the site utilities.
  • Preparing for our building, with Earth work and excavation support.
  • Installing foundations.
Video Training Preview
Topic 1: Structures
Topic 2: Cranes
Topic 3: Cast-In-Place Structure
Topic 4: Precast Concrete
Topic 5: History of Steel
Topic 6: Steel Structures
Topic 7: Masonry, Tilt-Up Concrete
Topic 8: Structures Summary

Unit 3 10 Hours

Building Enclosure Course (Self-Paced)

Learn about the building envelope, cold-formed steel stud systems, cladding systems, curtain walls, roofing systems and glass window systems. Learn how the building envelope keeps water out and controls temperature & humidity.

  • The building envelope.
  • Maintaining the integrity of the building.
  • Keeping water out.
  • Ultimately controlling the building’s temperature and humidity.
  • The most commonly used cold-formed steel stud systems for exterior walls.
  • Cladding systems and curtain walls.
  • Roofing systems.
  • Glass window systems.
Video Training Preview
Topic 1: Enclosure Overview
Topic 2: Cold-Formed Steel Studs
Topic 3: Cladding
Topic 4: Curtain Wall
Topic 5: Roofing
Topic 6: Doors, Frames & Hardware
Topic 7: Windows, Glass & Glazing

Unit 4 10 Hours

Interiors and Finish Site Work (Self-Paced)

Learn about wall types, interior partitions, drywall and drywall finishes and construction sequencing. Learn about construction sequences for curbs, asphalt paving & landscaping.

  • The different types of wall and interior partitions.
  • The sequence of building interior partitions.
  • Different types of drywall and drywall finishes.
  • The construction sequence for finishes.
  • Different options for paint, flooring, ceilings and casework.
  • The sequence for installing specialties and furniture options.
Video Training Preview
Topic 1: Partitions
Topic 2: Finishes
Topic 3: Flooring
Topic 4: Casework & Millwork
Topic 5: Specialties
Topic 6: Furnishings
Topic 7: Paving
Topic 8: Hardscape
Topic 9: Landscaping

Unit 5 20 Hours

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing & AV-Tel-Data (Self-Paced)

This course is an in-depth study about MEP and building systems, including thermal comfort, indoor air quality, HVAC controls & how plumbing, electrical & emergency distribution systems function.

  • Thermal comfort.
  • Indoor air quality.
  • The types and major components of a mechanical system.
  • The purpose of HVAC controls.
  • How plumbing systems function.
  • Domestic water, drain, waste and vent lines.
  • Components of the electrical distribution system.
  • Emergency and standby power.
Video Training Preview
Topic 1: Thermal Comfort
Topic 2: Indoor Air Quality
Topic 3: Mechanical Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Topic 4: Plumbing
Topic 5: Electrical
Topic 6: Low Voltage

Unit 6 10 Hours

Fire Protection, Startup/Testing & Closeout (Self-Paced)

Learn many details about fire suppression systems, life-safety requirements, installing elevators, building commissioning, certificate of occupancy and project closeout.

  • Wet-pipe fire suppression system.
  • Dry-pipe fire suppression system.
  • The purpose and components of a fire alarm system.
  • Fire alarm inputs, controls and outputs.
  • Elevator types and construction sequencing.
  • Final MEP system activities.
  • The purpose of commissioning.
  • The process to turnover a building and the requirements for post-occupancy.
Video Training Preview
Topic 1: Fire Suppression
Topic 2: Fire Alarm
Topic 3: Life Safety
Topic 4: Conveying Equipment - Elevators
Topic 5: MEP Trim, Startup and Commissioning
Topic 6: Project Closeout, Turnover and Post-Occupancy

Unit 7 30 Hours

Construction Materials Course (Self-Paced)

This course offers a practical overview of the materials and systems used in residential and commercial construction, from concrete foundations through roofing systems. You’ll examine how core materials are used, their key properties, and sustainability considerations to support informed decision-making on construction projects.

  • Understand the properties and applications of core construction materials, including concrete, steel, and wood
  • Explore sustainable and innovative materials used in modern construction
  • Learn how to evaluate and select materials based on project requirements
  • Apply material knowledge to both residential and commercial construction scenarios
  • Assess material performance, durability, and cost considerations
  • Identify industry trends and best practices in material selection and use

Attend up to two (2) of these elective courses for free (all are optional).

Bonus 20 Hours

Blueprint Reading Course - Commercial Construction (Self-Paced)

This is an online blueprint reading course for commercial projects. Learn from a licensed architect how to read blueprint drawings for a mixed-use commercial project that includes hotel, retail and parking.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationship between the drawings included in a set of Construction Documents (blueprints) for a Mixed-Use Commercial project.
  • Analyze different drawings and see how information is referenced throughout a set of Construction Documents.
  • Evaluate the similarities between all sets of construction documents submitted for building permits.
  • Recognize the need for consistency in presenting information in all types of Construction Documents.
  • Gain experience understanding how 3D model presentations within a set of construction documents make the construction documents easier to understand the project.

So what is blueprint reading and why is it necessary in the construction industry? Many people in the construction industry can benefit professionally by learning how to read a set of blueprints, also known as construction documents (CDs). “Blueprint” is the historic name for construction documents. Contractors build the design and follow the drawings included in the set of “blueprints.”

Video Training Preview
Lesson 1: Foundation Walls and Basement Columns
Topic 2: Cover Sheet & Floor Plan
Topic 3: Elevations, Sections & Wall Types
Topic 4: Enlarged Drawings & Occupancy/Egress
Topic 5: Interior Design & Civil
Topic 6: Structural
Topic 7: Mechanical
Topic 8: Electrical
Topic 9: Plumbing
Topic 10: Technology & Project Specifications

Bonus 10 Hours

Blueprint Reading Course - Residential Construction (Self-Paced)

This is an online blueprint reading class for residential construction projects. Learn from a licensed architect about drawing types, scale and about the relationships between drawings.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationship between the drawings included in a set of Construction Documents (blueprints).
  • Analyze different drawings and see how scale is presented throughout a set of Construction Documents.
  • Evaluate the similarities between all sets of blueprint construction documents submitted for building permits.
  • Recognize the need for consistency in presenting information in all types of Construction Document in this online blueprint reading course.

So what is blueprint reading and why is it necessary in the construction industry? Many people in the construction industry can benefit professionally by learning how to read a set of blueprints, also known as construction documents (CDs). “Blueprint” is the historic name for construction documents. Contractors build the design and follow the drawings included in the set of “blueprints.”

The blueprint reading class is 100% online and references a real-world project. VDCI encourages strong online engagement, participation in group discussion forums, and connecting with your instructor and classmates. Join us in the VDCI Student Lounge, where our current students and alumni share information about the industry and help one another.

Video Training Preview
Topic 1: Blueprint Reading Basics
Topic 2: Title Sheet & Floor Plans
Topic 3: Elevations, Sections & Schedules
Topic 4: Wall Sections & Details
Topic 5: Structural Drawings
Topic 6: Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing
Topic 7: Title Sheet
Topic 8: Architectural Site Plans
Topic 9: Floor Plans
Topic 10: Building Sections & Elevations
Topic 11: Interior Elevations & Roof Plan
Topic 12: Details, Schedules & Electrical

Bonus 20 Hours

Intro to Construction Estimating Course (Self-Paced)

This online construction estimator course is taught by a professional construction estimator. You will learn about the types of estimates and how an estimate is organized. The components and sub-components of an estimate will be addressed – you will learn how to become an estimator.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relationship between the construction drawings and a quantity-takeoff cost estimate.
  • Analyze the components of a construction cost estimate and learn how a quantity-takeoff cost estimate is created.
  • Master an understanding of quantity surveying, estimating takeoffs and pricing estimated quantities.
  • Recognize the need for thoroughness and attention to detail when preparing construction cost estimates.
Video Training Preview
Topic 1: Introduction - What is Estimating?
Topic 2: Definitions & Abbreviations
Topic 3: Units of Measure
Topic 4: The Takeoff
Topic 5: Pricing Resources
Topic 6: Cost Categories
Topic 7: The Estimate
Topic 8: Project Considerations
Topic 9: Validation
Topic 10: Estimate Cover Sheet, Recap & Instructor Thoughts
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