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VDCI

Construction Professional

via VDCI

Overview

This course is a comprehensive set of online modules designed for individuals who want to build or advance a career in the construction industry. This program brings together essential training across construction fundamentals, project management, blueprint reading, scheduling, materials, and estimating to deliver industry-relevant education.

Students will also develop a strong understanding of site utilities, foundations, structures, enclosures, interiors, MEP systems, and fire protection. The construction management courses build leadership, scheduling, and cost control skills, while blueprint reading and estimating courses strengthen document interpretation and financial analysis abilities. Additionally, the optional professional development electives allow students to enhance communication, teamwork, and self-management skills.

Syllabus

Site Utilities & Foundation Construction Course Online

  • Key concepts of site utilities, including water, sewer, and drainage systems.
  • Best practices for planning and performing earthwork, such as excavation, soil compaction, and grading.
  • Detailed overview of foundation systems, including shallow and deep foundations.
  • How to analyze and interpret soil reports to guide foundational decisions.
  • Methods for ensuring site safety and compliance with construction codes and standards.
  • Techniques for coordinating utility installations with other site development activities.
  • Insights into sustainable site development to minimize environmental impact.

Building Structure Course Online

  • Understand how structural systems support and distribute loads.
  • Key concepts of material properties, such as strength, durability, and load-bearing capacities.
  • Techniques for assessing structural stability and identifying potential risks.
  • How to interpret structural drawings and effectively communicate with engineers and construction teams.
  • The principles of sustainable building practices to optimize performance and reduce environmental impact.
  • Real-world applications of structural codes and regulations for safety and compliance.

Building Enclosure Course Online

  • Understanding the primary functions and components of building enclosures (walls, roofs, foundations).
  • Controlling thermal, moisture, and air flow to improve energy efficiency.
  • Selecting appropriate materials based on climate, budget, and building use.
  • Identifying and addressing common issues like moisture intrusion and thermal bridging.
  • Implementing sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact.
  • Collaborating effectively with professionals to optimize building enclosure performance.

Interiors & Finish Work Course Online

  • Learn about the intricate steps involved in completing building interiors, from drywall installation to painting, millwork, and flooring.
  • Understand the principles of exterior site work, including paving, hardscapes, landscaping, and site furniture installation.
  • Explore the variety of materials used in finishes, their properties, and their best applications to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal.
  • Master the techniques needed to communicate effectively with design, construction, and subcontractor teams to execute finishing phases seamlessly.
  • Gain expertise in assessing project quality, ensuring compliance with design specifications, and performing final inspections.
  • Learn to manage budgets and timelines specific to the finishing phases of a construction project.

Fundamentals of MEP for Buildings Course Online

  • Discover the fundamentals of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and how these mechanical systems contribute to occupant comfort and building performance.
  • Explore the components of building electrical systems, including power distribution, lighting, and low-voltage systems such as AV, telecom, and data.
  • Learn the principles of plumbing systems, including water supply, drainage, and waste systems, and their role in maintaining hygiene and safety in buildings.
  • Understand how MEP systems integrate within a project and the importance of designing them for efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness

Building Construction Fire Protection Course Online

  • Designing and installing fire protection systems, including wet-pipe and dry-pipe suppression systems.
  • Conducting startup, testing, and inspection of fire protection systems.
  • Understanding fire safety regulations and ensuring compliance.
  • Documenting system performance and ensuring quality assurance.
  • Troubleshooting and resolving issues during system commissioning.
  • Communicating effectively with engineers, inspectors, and stakeholders.

Residential Blueprint Reading Course Online

  • 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 Documents in this online blueprint reading course.

Commercial Blueprint Reading Course Online

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical plans as applied to a mixed-use commercial construction project.
  • Learn to read and interpret symbols, notations, and technical details in accordance with industry standards. Evaluate the similarities between all sets of construction documents submitted for building permits.
  • Work with real-world construction drawings and documents to build practical skills.
  • Understand how blueprints are used to estimate costs, plan projects, and ensure on-site accuracy during construction.

Intro to Construction Management Course Online

  • Key principles of construction management and project organization
  • Essentials of construction technology and how it applies to the industry
  • How to interpret and analyze construction documents effectively
  • Fundamentals of contract administration and legal requirements in construction
  • Practical strategies for managing resources, schedules, and budgets
  • Communication and leadership skills to manage teams and stakeholders
  • Insight into industry best practices and real-world applications
  • Overview of the key parties involved, industry sectors, design vs. construction
  • Overview of the major project delivery systems, payment/procurement options, bonds, and insurance

Intermediate Construction Management Course Online

  • Advanced project scheduling and resource allocation strategies.
  • Budget estimation and cost control techniques.
  • Risk assessment and management in construction projects.
  • Effective communication and collaboration in multidisciplinary construction teams.
  • Insights into regulatory compliance and contract administration.
  • Overview of safety plans, quality plans, site logistics plans, phasing plans, and stormwater management plans.
  • Overview of document control, submittals, RFIs, issue management, and jobsite records.

Construction Scheduling Course Online

  • The fundamentals of creating construction schedules tailored to project requirements
  • Techniques for utilizing scheduling software to streamline project timelines and workflows
  • Strategies for identifying and managing critical paths to avoid delays and ensure timely completion
  • Best practices for resource allocation and balancing workloads across project teams
  • Methods for monitoring progress and updating schedules to adapt to changing project conditions
  • Tips for communicating schedules with stakeholders and maintaining transparency throughout the project lifecycle

Construction Materials Course Online

  • Understand the properties and uses of essential construction materials, including concrete, steel, wood, and more
  • Explore the latest innovations in sustainable and green construction materials
  • Learn how to evaluate and select the appropriate materials for various project requirements
  • Gain practical knowledge on applying materials in both residential and commercial contexts
  • Develop skills to assess material performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness
  • Discover industry trends and best practices for using materials in modern construction projects

Intro to Construction Estimating Course Online

  • Understand the fundamentals of construction estimating for residential and commercial projects.
  • Learn to interpret architectural and structural plans to extract relevant cost-related data.
  • Master different types of estimates, such as conceptual, preliminary, and detailed estimating.
  • Gain insight into quantity surveying, estimating takeoffs, labor costs, equipment costs, and contingency planning.
  • Explore industry-standard tools and software used for creating precise cost estimations.
  • Develop problem-solving skills to analyze discrepancies and mitigate cost overruns effectively.

Construction Estimating with Bluebeam Course Online

  • Build a solid foundation in digital estimating by learning key concepts such as takeoffs, quantities, and bid preparation using Bluebeam Revu.
  • Practice using Bluebeam’s measurement, markup, and dynamic fill tools to calculate quantities across all building systems, including walls, windows, flooring, and roofing.
  • Learn to manage data using tool chests, layers, spaces, and customizable columns. Export your takeoffs into shareable, editable reports for clients or team use.
  • Apply your skills to real project drawings with structured exercises and assignments that mirror professional estimating workflows.

Communication & Connection Course Online

  • Build connections and make requests effectively
  • Develop emotional intelligence and enhance communication skills
  • Focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in your interactions
  • Master conflict management and negotiation strategies
  • Learn the art of public speaking and how to use body language for better communication
  • Strengthen problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership skills
  • Engage in group discussions and interactive forums to refine these essential skills

Self-Management Skills Course Online

  • Evaluate your time
  • Improve efficiency
  • Prioritize what matters
  • Establish a positive frame of mind and set career and life goals
  • Form a framework to make decisions
  • Prioritize ethics and integrity to build trust

Teamwork, Collaboration & Leadership Course Online

  • Effectively conduct meetings
  • Build collaboration
  • Thrive as a team and make decisions as a group
  • Encourage teams to buy into an idea or plan
  • Move an idea forward in a group setting
  • Inspire others through leadership

AI Workflows for AEC Professionals Course Online

  • Use sophisticated prompting and scripting methods to extract and process information from AEC project documents and data.
  • Build and oversee automated processes using Python and AI APIs within the context of a professional firm.
  • Leverage generative and iterative AI tools to model and develop project criteria throughout the construction lifecycle.
  • Create industry-ready automation tools that support bidding, technical proposal writing, and project management.
  • Design and deploy custom interfaces built for practical, firm-wide use in a professional setting.
  • Apply AI tools to clean, process, and analyze complex project data across a range of file formats and document types.
  • Develop AI-powered tools for managing project schedules, analyzing field reports, and tracking budgets in real time.
  • Complete a polished, portfolio-ready web application that showcases applied competency in AEC automation and AI-driven workflows.

Taught by

David Nguyen, Luis Hernandez, Ed Wenz, Matt F., and Reid Johnson

Reviews

4.4 rating at VDCI based on 2176 ratings

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