Register for career-boosting courses today!
Choose the classes that will fast-track your career and put you in the driver’s seat of your next decision
Advance your career. Brush up your skills in estimating, supervision, leadership, blueprint reading, project management, heavy civil site work and more. 10-week paced classes are $800, 6-week seminars at $400.
Contact us for course scheduling and more information.
FITS YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE
All classes are online and available 24/7. Set your weekly schedule.
ALL CLASSES ARE ONLINE
Study anytime, anywhere. Choose your schedule and maximize your impact.
LEARN FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Gain insights from our industry experts. Construction professionals answer your questions.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS BUILD CAREERS
Earn certificates that advance your career and add value to your workday.
Unlock Learning on Your Time: Flexible Online
Construction Courses for Your Busy Schedule
Browse Our Courses Below
UPCOMING PACED & Certificate Program TERM DATES
The dates shown below indicate when paced classes start and end.
Be sure to register ahead of time so you are ready when class starts.
Self-paced courses start anytime!
SEP 14 – NOV 22 ’26
JAN 18 – MAR 28 ’27
APR 05 – JUN 13 ’27
JUN 21 – AUG 30 ’27
SELF-PACED COURSES
Self-paced online courses start at any time. Convenient courses at your pace that work with most schedules.
View our offerings below.
SPS10 Introduction to Concrete $400
start anytime
Gain an understanding of the materials and properties of each type of concrete. Understand its uses, installation techniques, and manipulators.
- Uses of concrete & manipulators
- Differences & applications of PCC & Asphaltic concrete
- Impacts of weather, water, & additives
- Use in tilt-up construction
SPS11 Introduction to Construction $400
start anytime
Understand construction industry fundamentals: professions, people, processes, & organizations. Communicate confidently with your construction peers and gain insight into this large industry.
- Learn professions and project types
- Construction materials, agencies, & administration
- Contract documents, plans and specifications
- Roles and responsibilities & careers in construction
SPE01 Introduction to Construction Estimating $800
start anytime
Understand the fundamentals of construction estimating, the different types of estimates, and the tools estimators use to estimate various projects.
- Discover tools and resources used by estimators
- Understand the different levels of the estimate
- Learn how to organize the estimate
- Learn to estimate materials, labor & equipment
SPE02 Essential Construction Math $800
start anytime
Join a self-paced class that will set the foundation for many estimating classes. Learn key formulas, measurement techniques, and key strategies for mathematical accuracy.
- Practice measuring regular & irregular shapes
- Practice calculations to account for materials
- Learn to calculate for framing and slopes
- Demonstrate simple and complex construction math
PACED COURSES
PACED ONLINE COURSES are 10-week structured online classes that provide the opportunity to learn, practice, and assess skills, discuss best practices, problem solving, and resources. Learn alongside a community of your peers and the in-class construction expert. View our offerings below.
G03 Construction Blueprint Reading $800
OFFERED EVERY TERM
Learn to read, discuss, analyze, and find trade information on architectural, structural, and civil plans. Evaluate mechanical, roofing, and electrical blueprints independently.
- Learn blueprint reading fundamentals
- Find trade information about the superstructure
- Identify strengths & weaknesses of blueprints
- Review exterior & interior finishes on residential & commercial plans
E05 Estimating and Bidding 1
$800
OFFERED EVERY TERM
Engage in hands-on estimating and takeoff for general conditions, site work, concrete, formwork, and masonry. Learn through lectures, discussions, instructor feedback, and weekly assessments.
- Prepare quantity takeoff for excavation & backfill
- Prepare quantity takeoff for concrete & formwork
- Use unit prices to price your estimate
- Prepare a quantity takeoff & estimate for masonry work
E06 Estimating and Bidding 2
$800
OFFERED EVERY TERM
Engage in hands-on estimating and quantity takeoff for metals, wood, doors, windows, finishes, electrical, and mechanical systems, while also preparing workplace-ready estimating documents.
- Prepare quantity takeoff & estimate for rough carpentry
- Prepare quantity takeoff for roofing & waterproofing
- Use unit prices to price doors & windows
- Prepare quantity takeoff & estimate for electrical systems
G07 Construction Materials and Processes $800
OFFERED EVERY TERM
Each week in this building construction class focus on one material category, one construction process, and how it fits into the overall sustainable construction system.
- Understand how materials are used in construction
- Know where to find information about materials
- Understand regulations for manufacturing & incorporating materials
- Know the important aspects of how each material is used
CSM08 Construction Equipment and Methods $800
OFFERED EVERY TERM
Learn all about construction equipment and heavy civil construction methods, including equipment economy, selection, productivity, and site development procedures.
- Learn how to use heavy machinery
- Properly select equipment based on applications, etc
- Calculate equipment cost utilizing the CAT Handbook
- Demonstrate awareness of construction safety
CS09 Practical Applications of Civil Site Work Construction $800
OFFERED in April & SEPT. terms
Learn about heavy civil construction methods, procedures, and techniques, including civil site preparation and grading, excavation, backfill, compaction, trenching, paving, and dewatering.
- Understand methods & procedures of civil construction
- Explain the properties of civil construction materials
- Discuss a variety of horizontal drilling & tunneling systems
- Distinguish between asphalt & concrete paving methods
CS10 Civil Blueprint Reading and Materials $800
OFFERED in JAN. & JUNE TERMS
Interpret civil blueprints, specifications, and learn about civil construction materials like aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and pipe. Analyze construction documents.
- Utilize plan sheets to define work scopes & quantities
- Comprehend the production process of aggregates
- Clarify concrete & asphalt mix designs & their application
- Distinguish between various pipe materials & fittings
CSE14 Estimating Civil and Site Work Construction $800
OFFERED in JAN. & JUNE TERMS
Estimate heavy civil construction and site work projects, interpret civil construction plans, calculate earthwork quantities, and the basics of estimating different civil and site work components.
- Understand & apply standard terminology in civil construction
- Conduct quantity take-offs for civil construction projects
- Calculate labor, equipment, & material costs for civil projects
- Prepare a final civil project estimate
CS21 Leadership and Motivation $800
OFFERED in April & SEPT. terms
Learn to enhance job performance and positively impact attitudes and abilities. Explore different roles of a leader and apply these roles effectively on the job site.
- Determine type of leadership for various situations
- Understand the fundamentals of human motivation
- Lead setting goals, communicating, & setting positive example
- Coach team to achieve desired outcomes
- Secure commitment & maintain control of work crews
CS22 Oral and Written Communication $800
OFFERED in JAN. & JUNE TERMS
Develop skills in effective direct communication, enhance listening abilities, address difficult interactions, and improve negotiation and communication across all organizational levels.
- Understand various forms of communication
- Master communication within your company’s system
- Identify and overcome communication barriers
- Develop active listening techniques
- Use listening skills as a management tool
CS23 Risk Management & Problem Solving $800
OFFERED in April & SEPT. terms
Manage and proactively reduce risk in the construction work environment, learn to overcome barriers to creative problem-solving and foster a problem-solving atmosphere at the job site.
- Understand risk management responsibilities of construction supervisor
- Explain indirect & hidden costs of construction accidents
- Establish effective safety program for crew & job site
- Understand the importance of a successful safety program
- Explain hazards & how to prevent them
CSM24 Contract Documents & Construction Law $800
OFFERED in JAN. & JUNE TERMS
Learn to manage and prepare for construction disputes such as differing site conditions, claims, delays, and construction defects.
- Understand the significance of contract documents
- Familiarize yourself with common legal terms
- Learn about various formal dispute resolution methods
- Differentiate between various contractual relationships
- Understand contracts & impacts on construction supervisors
SEM25 Planning and Scheduling $800
OFFERED EVERY TERM
Create bar chart schedules, and critical path schedules, interpret complex project schedules, grasp basic project management principles and through scheduling, and apply acceleration techniques.
- Define schedule activities & assign durations to them
- Develop a short procurement schedule
- Understand schedule float & optimize manpower requirements
- Comprehend resources & how to coordinate schedules
- Implement methods for managing the project schedule
SMP26 Construction Productivity & Cost Management $800
OFFERED in April & SEPT. terms
Study the cost control cycle and methods for ensuring effective production control for both the project & corporate levels. Focus on organizing projects to improve productivity.
- Examine cost control procedures to improve productivity
- Study cost control cycle for project & corporate levels
- Study cost control cycle & production control methods
- Focus on organizing projects to improve productivity
- Gain insights into planning labor crews & costs
SMP35 Building Green Buildings $800
OFFERED in JAN. & JUNE TERMS
Examine the green building process from the perspectives of both contractors and subcontractor.
- Grasp green procurement processes & contractor’s responsibilities
- Recognize how green building influences construction processes
- Comprehend how green building affects construction scheduling
- Be familiar with risks associated with green construction
- Understand procedures for green project close-out & commissioning
MS38 Construction Project Management $800
OFFERED in April & SEPT. terms
Study construction project stages, dispute resolution, and project financing. Discuss feasibility, bidding, contracting, and management procedures. Engage in active discussions on project management.
- Understand project delivery systems and their impacts
- Learn to manage flow of project information
- Understand role of planning/scheduling in pre-construction phase
- Learn the principles and importance of estimating
- Be capable to organize project in the field
M31 Practical Applications of Construction Law $800
OFFERED in April & SEPT. terms
Learn contract stages, litigation avoidance, company protection strategies, and how to navigate job site legalities effectively.
- Determine the legitimacy of offers & counter-offers
- Explain contracts, change orders & unjust enrichments
- Explain Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) regulations
- Identify strategies commonly used to avoid litigation
- Understand protections provided by bonds, liens, & waivers
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Online Certificate Programs are a collection of courses in a single subject area. Certificate Programs range from 250 to 400 hours of study. Upon completion of the final class submit a message via the contact us form to confirm you’ve completed your last class. View details below.
Construction Estimating Certificate
Develop fundamental and advanced principles of construction estimating and bidding. Deep dive into the estimating process through each step, and use professional resources, templates, and feedback to effectively estimate commercial, civil, and residential projects.
Select 5 courses from the following list:
- SPE 01 Introduction to Construction Estimating
- SPE02 Essential Construction Math
- G03 Construction Blueprint Reading
- E05 Estimating & Bidding 1
- E06 Estimating & Bidding 2
- G07 Construction Materials & Processes
- CSE14 Estimating Civil & Site Work Construction
- SEM25 Planning & Scheduling
Construction Practice
Certificate
Develop a range of specializations in construction supervision, estimating, and project management Engage in online discussion forums to share resources, address common industry challenges, and exchange best practices.
Select 8 courses from the following list:
- SPE01 Introduction to Construction Estimating
- SPE02 Essential Construction Math
- G03 Construction Blueprint Reading
- G05 Estimating & Bidding 1
- G06 Estimating & Bidding 2
- G07 Construction Materials & Processes
- CSM24 Contract Documents & Construction Law
- SEM25 Planning & Scheduling
- SMP26 Construction Productivity & Cost Management
- SMP35 Building Green Building
Civil Site Work
Certificate
Gain an in-depth education on heavy civil construction practices and the connections between construction equipment selection, earthwork, underground utilities, and the features of heavy civil construction.
Complete 4 core classes from the following list + 1 elective:
- CSM08 Construction Equipment & Methods
- CS09 Practice Applications of Civil Site Work
- CS10 Civil Blueprint Reading & Materials
- CSE14 Estimating Civil & Site Work Construction
Choose one elective*
- *CSM24 Contract Documents & Construction Law
- *SEM25 Planning & Scheduling
Project Management
Certificate
Learn the fundamental principles of construction project management, including planning and scheduling, legal aspects of construction, contract development, insurance implementation, and equipment selection.
Complete 5 core classes + 1 elective:
- MS38 Construction Project Management
- M31 Practical Applications of Construction Law
- CSM08 Construction Equipment & Methods
- SEM25 Planning & Scheduling
- SMP35 Building Green Buildings
Choose one elective*
- *CS23 – Risk Management & Problem Solving
- *CSM24 – Contract Documents & Construction Law
- *SMP26 – Construction Productivity & Cost Management
Construction Supervision Certificate
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between contract documents and the construction project process. Enhance construction supervisory skills and scale up your career to construction supervisor. Choose Building Emphasis or Civil Emphasis.
Complete all 6 core classes + choose your emphasis:
Core Classes:
- CS21 Leadership & Motivation
- CS22 Oral & Written Communication
- CS23 Risk Management & Problem Solving
- CSM24 Contract Documents & Construction Law
- SEM25 Planning & Scheduling
- SMP26 Construction Productivity & Cost Management
Emphasis Classes:
Building Emphasis
Two required classes
- SMP35 Building Green Building
- MS38 Construction Project Management
Civil Emphasis
Two required classes
- CSM08 Construction Equipment & Methods
- CS09 Practice Applications of Civil Site Work
Get Started Today
Whether you’re looking to start a new career or elevate your current role, we’re here to help. Explore our classes, register today, and take the first step toward building your future in construction.
Virtual Construction Education – Building Knowledge, Building Futures
Call 858-321-5055 or Chat with Us
Student Reviews
"I have enjoyed seeing multiple versions of sample drawings that were provided in the class. This opens the door for me to review how my trades drawings are incorporated into a full set of drawings. For example, I was able to catch a plumping issue on the drawings before it occurred in the field and saved rework costs to my company and the plumping company.” (Summer 2024)
“Prior to enrolling in the estimating certificate program, I had no formal on-site experience in the construction industry. The online classes have really served as an alternative to that and helped me bridge the gap between where I am and where I want to be.”
(Summer 2024)
“It's been a great experience, and I've gained a lot of valuable knowledge from our discussions and collaboration.”
(Summer 2024)
