Blueprint Reading Course Online with Certificate

This course includes

30 hours of project-based training from experts
154 training videos
Learn from a Licensed Architect
1-on-1 bonus training
Verified digital certificate of completion
Learn at an accredited institution
Credits: 3.0 CEUs
Quizzes to reinforce learning

Learn blueprint reading fundamentals from a licensed architect in this comprehensive Blueprint Reading Course. Master key concepts such as drawing types, scale, and the relationships between architectural and engineering construction documents. Gain practical skills to interpret project specifications and navigate complete sets of construction documents for mixed-use developments.

This course is ideal for trades professionals, journey workers, drafters, designers, and architectural or engineering interns seeking to improve their ability to read and understand blueprints and construction drawings. By the end, you will confidently analyze and use construction documents on the job. This blueprint reading course is also available in Spanish.

Courses & Videos in This Package

Download Syllabus PDF

Unit 1 10 Hours

Residential Blueprint Reading Course Online

Taught by a licensed architect, this Residential Blueprint Reading Course is designed to provide you with a thorough understanding of how to interpret and analyze residential construction blueprints. This comprehensive, instructor-led course is ideal for beginners looking to gain essential skills for a career in construction, as well as for seasoned professionals seeking to improve their ability to collaborate on residential projects. You will explore the fundamental elements of blueprint reading, including architectural symbols, abbreviations, and scales. The course also dives into key components such as floor plans, elevations, sections, and details, ensuring learners gain a complete understanding of how to visualize and execute residential structures based on design documents. Through a structured, hands-on approach, you will work with real-world examples and residential project plans to reinforce their learning. This residential blueprint reading course is also available in Spanish.

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.

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

Unit 2 20 Hours

Commercial Blueprint Reading Course Online

Learn to interpret and analyze commercial construction blueprints in this Commercial Blueprint Reading Course taught by a licensed architect. Designed for construction professionals and students, this course focuses on mixed-use commercial projects including hotel, retail, and parking structures. You’ll develop skills to read architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical plans, enhancing your ability to communicate and contribute effectively throughout the construction process. This course is also available in Spanish.

Blueprint Essentials: Gain a comprehensive understanding of architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical plans as applied to Mixed-Use Commercial construction project.
Industry Standards: 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.
Hands-On Learning: Work with real-world construction drawings and documents to build practical skills.
Application of Knowledge: Understand how blueprints are used to estimate costs, plan projects, and ensure on-site accuracy during construction.

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

Program Reviews

From our immersive, hands-on training and world-class instructors to our meticulously crafted curriculum, we consistently deliver results that our alumni proudly endorse.

I enjoyed the easy to understand nature of the presentation. Nothing was passed over. Allows for a proper foundation of terms to be built. The course gave me a foundation to be able to read plans. I am new to the industry, and I went from not contributing to being able to simply read and begin to mark up plans. This course helped turn a “foreign language” into something I am comfortable navigating.

Joe B.

My experience with the Blueprint reading courses was truly enlightening! I had several "aha" moments as what was previously gibberish to me became a language.

Glenda Martin

This course has been instrumental in moving me to the next step in my career that will serve as the basis for my ultimate career goal.

Brittany Tyrrell

It helped my career a lot by helping me understand and to better communicate with others. I had plenty of time to train and understand the course.

Jose Ordonez

I really enjoyed how informative the course was. It was very clear the instructor was quite knowledgeable.

Samuel Eli

It has helped me immensely when working with architects and engineers in my sales career. Knowing and understanding my way around blueprints has helped me in sales when communicating about specifics on a project.

Steven Negahbani

The training has helped me to understand how to read commercial blueprints in my day to day job. I use the skills I've learned everyday to easily dissect blueprints quickly and efficiently.

Lisa Bromberg

The commercial side was definitely more challenging for me, but I learned a lot and am so glad I took these courses!

Dawn Wright

This course was very informative to me and definitely helped broaden my knowledge of how blueprints are interpreted. I enjoyed learning the different types of callouts and symbols associated with a blueprint and how its used.

Andrea Reyes

I'm a marketing guy and had never read a blueprint before. I am grateful my employer encouraged me to take this excellent course, as it will help me succeed in my new career in window and door sales. The instructor responded promptly to an issue I had. Overall, I was very impressed!

Ken Lukaska

I was personally struggling with reading blueprints but now i better understand them and what's going on in the detail.

Dylan Blickemstaff

I would rate this course a 5 out of 5 because of its comprehensive and well-structured content. The self-paced format allowed me to balance work and other commitments while completing the course on time, and the clear, beginner-friendly videos made learning straightforward and approachable. Taking this course helped me in my career by providing me guidance for the requirements of the job. VDCI truly was the best choice for me and would definitely recommend to others that I know who decide to choose the same path as me!

Cristian Hernandez

I give this course a 5 out of 5. It was amazing! What I enjoyed the most is that the videos weren't too long but very informative and simple. It helped me grasp the basics of engineering construction documents beyond just architectural ones and improved my understanding of how to navigate through a blueprint.

Edward Arroyo

What I enjoyed most about learning with VDCI was the vast knowledge that I gained from the instructor and class materials, and of course, scoring well on the tests! After earning my Blueprint Reading Certification with VDCI, I received a promotion and a sizable raise. Thank You!!!

Carlos Escobar Guillen

Amazing. What I enjoyed the most was the practical, real-world focus of the training. The content was well organized, easy to follow, and directly related to what I encounter on the job site. The flexibility of the program also allowed me to balance training with my full-time responsibilities in construction. As a foreman in the construction industry, VDCI’s training has helped me improve my understanding of construction documents, digital drafting, and project coordination. It gave me the tools to better communicate with architects and engineers, review plans more efficiently, and guide my crew with greater precision. This training added real value to my role and made me more effective in managing complex projects.

Gustavo S.

What I appreciated most about VDCI's Blueprint Reading training was how clearly the concepts were explained and how practical the examples were. The course layout was intuitive, and the hands-on approach made it easy to stay engaged. I especially valued how it broke down construction drawings in a way that felt accessible yet thorough. The training gave me the confidence to interpret blueprints more efficiently on the job site, which directly improved communication with subcontractors and allowed me to catch potential issues earlier. It also strengthened my project planning skills, giving me an edge in managing scope, schedules, and budgets. Thanks again for a great learning experience!

Jose B.

I enjoyed learning more about commercial construction and all the planning that goes into the mechanical systems. I was assigned a remodel that included a lot of new structural steel. I was able to identify it and was able to ask appropriate follow up questions.

Nety C.

Easy to understand. Broke it down so a layman with no experience could learn the material. Videos were excellent. As a new building inspector and never having had to read blueprints before this job, the training definitely helped me to read and understand blueprints.

Travers H.

I am rating this class a 5. I enjoyed how the class was structured and how each section built on one another. I also enjoyed that it was self paced so I could take notes and review videos as needed. This training helped me in my career because now, I can take on more responsibility on job sites and further my career to becoming a project manager.

Lauren H.

I enjoyed the easy to understand nature of the presentation. Nothing was passed over. Allows for a proper foundation of terms to be built. The course gave me a foundation to be able to read plans. I am new to the industry, and I went from not contributing to being able to simply read and begin to mark up plans. This course helped turn a “foreign language” into something I am comfortable navigating.

Joe B.

My experience with the Blueprint reading courses was truly enlightening! I had several "aha" moments as what was previously gibberish to me became a language.

Glenda Martin

Nicole Whitehead-Tolles Jul 18, 2025

VDCI’s training helped my career by giving me the confidence to understand all the aspects of the plans I have for my projects. I enjoyed that I was able to go at my own pace, and rewatch a lesson that I may have not understood very well.
Brianna Holmes Jul 18, 2025

Amazing course! I enjoyed the instructor’s clarity, interaction with fellow students and ease of completing the course. The knowledge I gained helps me in my daily work environment, which consists of analyzing blueprints for bidding jobs within various trades, such as HVAC, electrical and plumbing.
Jennifer Sloan Jul 18, 2025

I took the blueprints reading class and it was a 5-star class for sure. It gave me the knowledge I needed to help redline plans, help with the design of our client's homes, and made me more of an asset to the company I'm working for!
Gerald Jaramillo Jul 18, 2025

I really enjoyed learning about commercial blueprints and it was an easy process. It has helped me with pursuing my career in commercial construction
Wendy Hernandez Jul 18, 2025

I enjoyed the confidence and ease the coursework provided. The instructor who taught in the videos brought great perspective to assist with retaining new information. Many of the terms I could not understand when reading blueprints, were easy to catch on after doing the training and finishing the quizzes. This way of teaching made learning enjoyable and empowering enough for me to enroll in another course soon as I am able to! VDCI's training has assisted me in my career with being able to understand blueprints a bit more fluently to where I can assist the civil engineer with bidding opportunities which has helped amplify the pace of being awarded more projects. Having said that, It has also helped me with a raise in my salary and has helped me with communicating with subcontractors and my own co-workers.
Mathew Pelrine Jul 18, 2025

I was able to read blueprints at work immediately after learning the material. I mostly enjoyed the efficient yet thorough material covered in the course.
Will Katz Jul 18, 2025

The video tutorials and application of real-life plans was immensely helpful in learning both the theory and real practice of reading blueprints. VDCI's training directly impacted my career as a residential superintendent. There were consistent learnings and takeaways from the class that translated directly into my day-to-day work of reading, interpreting, and building per drawings.
Haven Edgemon Jul 18, 2025

I enjoyed learning the differences between details on commercial and residential plans. As an estimator, the training helped me to be more efficient and detail oriented at my job.
Scott DeShazo Jul 18, 2025

5/5 rating! Clear and concise training sessions. The training has propelled my career immensely, as reading blueprints are imperative as a Project Manager in architectural precast.
Ben Rimkus Jul 18, 2025

I learned a lot about the smaller details in a set of blueprints. I knew a lot about the big picture overall, but learning about the fine details and how to break everything down was very helpful. This program allowed me to get a promotion in my career. Thanks!
Dominik Narbuntowicz Jul 18, 2025

What I liked most about my VDCI training is the ability to do it on my own time and in the comfort of my own home. As well as the website ease of use. This course allowed me to brush up on situations I do not commonly deal with in my place of employment. It enabled me to deal with these situations in my workplace in real time with the confidence that I got from the training.
Orion Rains Jul 15, 2025

I was very hesitant at first, but after starting the courses and going through the motions of the lessons, flowed very well. Never felt rushed to get through my courses and received constant communication from professors letting me know I can ask them any question I had.
Sean McIntyre Jul 11, 2025

Working as a finishing carpenter, I previously knew about details, but moving into a higher position, I needed to know everything I could about blueprints. This course was not a hard course and was easy to follow.
Cristina C. Jul 8, 2025

Great course.
Kaitlyn Divilbiss Jul 1, 2025

I enjoyed how knowledgeable the instructors were and how informative the content was. I thought the videos were very thorough and well made. This course helped my career by increasing my knowledge of how to read plans and how to navigate them more quickly.
Samuel Suegart Jul 1, 2025

Amazing! I liked how easy it was for me to understand the content, and the way it was organized. I come from south America and I’m developing as an APM in the US and this helped me a lot to understand more about construction in the US.
Sandy Robertson Jun 30, 2025

I liked this course because it was online and I was able to do it at my own pace on my own time anytime of day! This course gave me confidence in doing SketchUp drawings for clients and when reading blueprints.
Trudy Batista Jun 30, 2025

I enjoyed that you can work on your own time, and repeat the items you have doubts about.
Madeline Inge Jun 30, 2025

I was very pleased with how the instructor explained everything and the level of detail throughout the courses. I work for a General Contractor and use blueprints every day. These courses taught me everything I need to look for when reviewing a set of plans on the job and the meaning of different symbols architects use that aren’t necessarily explained in a legend or schedule. I have now been able to detail our scope of work more thoroughly and accurately because of these courses.
Christopher Melendez Jun 28, 2025

I liked how the course taught us about details. It helped me understand plans more in depth.
Mathew Pelrine Jun 27, 2025

Amazing! I really enjoyed the efficient approach to learning blueprint reading, it covered everything I needed and was easy to digest. This course helped me considerably with my project management training.
Juanita Leeks Jun 27, 2025

I liked that it touched on different disciplines; it began teaching me the "lingo" of construction and it challenged me to ask outside questions to different people in the different fields to get clarification. As it relates to how it helped my career, it sparked a desire to learn more and in an interview for a Permit Technician position, there was a set of plans that was put before me, and was asked what would I do with them - I was hired for the position!
Larry Leach Jun 27, 2025

The drawings used for the class gives a great example to use for a large project. It also utilized 3D rendering to help elaborate what the drawing versus what it should look like. This gives people with little to no experience in the field the ability to visualize what they are looking at. I am Retiring from the military and this class is helping me launch into my next chapter of life! I am due to start my next role as a project engineer next month and I am excited to utilize the tools I learned about in this class.
Kaylah O'Shields Jun 27, 2025

I enjoyed that this course was virtual, and I had the option to go at my own pace. I had 0 prior knowledge of how to read blueprints prior to taking the course. I can now confidently say that I am able to!
George Gough Jun 27, 2025

I really appreciated VDCI’s hands-on, project-based training style. It allowed me to immediately apply what I was learning, which made complex concepts easier to understand and retain. I was already working in the industry but needed to update my skills. VDCI’s training helped me stay competitive by getting up to speed with the latest software tools and workflows.

Showing 25 of 319 reviews

Tuition

As one of our smaller courses, tuition for this course is due in full before the start date.

Full Tuition

$608
$558
Due before the class starts

This course includes

30 hours of project-based training from experts
154 training videos
Learn from a Licensed Architect
1-on-1 bonus training
Verified digital certificate of completion
Learn at an accredited institution
Credits: 3.0 CEUs
Quizzes to reinforce learning

Why Learn at VDCI?

Hands-on training

Work on projects proven to boost retention

man studying on computer

Time-tested curriculum

Refined over many years for an optimal learning experience

The training has helped me to understand how to read commercial blueprints in my day to day job. I use the skills I've learned everyday to easily dissect blueprints quickly and efficiently.
- Lisa Bromberg

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Learn from AEC industry experts

Experienced educators who are driven to help you succeed

Receive support from course instructors

Get help when you need it

100% Online. Start Anytime

24/7 access to our premium course videos and projects.
Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
Participate in VDCI online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.
1-on-1 live training with an industry expert to review any course material or project.

Expert Instructors

Our instructors are industry experts and experienced educators, driven to help you succeed.

Luis Hernandez

Instructor

David Nguyen

Instructor

Ryan Marquette

Instructor

1-on-1 Bonus Training Included

We want you to leverage the skills you’ll learn. In addition to 30 hours of hands-on, self-paced training, you’ll receive one live 1-on-1 training session where you can:

Review any concepts or projects from class
Receive assistance applying skills to your own project

Learn more and see terms and conditions

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Earn a Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!

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Sample credential for completion of Blueprint Reading Course Online

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course open to beginners?

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Instructor answering question

Blueprint Reading Fundamentals Course Overview

What You Will Learn

The Blueprint Reading Course is a structured, self-paced training program designed to equip students with the skills needed to accurately interpret residential and commercial construction drawings. This hands-on course covers blueprint interpretation, architectural symbols, drawing scales, and technical documentation, ensuring that students develop a deep understanding of how construction projects are designed and executed.

By completing this course, you will:

Gain a strong understanding of construction document organization and how different drawing types relate to one another.
Learn to interpret blueprint symbols, legends, and notations to extract essential project details.
Analyze title sheets, site plans, floor plans, elevations, and structural drawings for residential and commercial buildings.
Master reading MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) layouts, understanding how these systems interact within a structure.
Study construction details, sections, and schedules, ensuring complete comprehension of material selection and assembly.
Develop proficiency in navigating multi-page drawing sets for complex building projects.
Recognize the role of blueprints in permit approvals, contractor coordination, and project management.
Apply blueprint reading skills through real-world residential and commercial project exercises.

Benefits of the Blueprint Reading Course

The Blueprint Reading Course provides structured, industry-aligned training for individuals looking to enhance their understanding of construction documents.

Flexible, Self-Paced Learning: Access course materials anytime, allowing you to study at your convenience.
Expert-Led Training: Learn from a licensed architect with hands-on construction and design experience.
Real-World Blueprint Interpretation: Work directly with actual residential and commercial construction documents.
Comprehensive Project-Based Learning: Apply blueprint reading skills to hands-on exercises and quizzes.
Personalized Instructor Support: Receive guidance from industry professionals through one-on-one mentoring.
Professional Documentation Proficiency: Develop confidence in reading, analyzing, and interpreting construction blueprints.
Digital Certificate: Earn a recognized credential that validates your expertise.

Course Lessons and Projects

Module 1: Blueprint Reading for Residential Construction

Learn to interpret and analyze blueprint sets used in residential building projects, including single-family homes and small-scale multi-family developments.

Skills Covered:

Identifying drawing types, symbols, and standard blueprint conventions.
Understanding floor plans, elevations, sections, and wall details.
Analyzing structural drawings, including foundation, framing, and roof plans.
Interpreting residential mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) layouts.
Recognizing dimensional consistency and material specifications in residential construction.

Project: Walk through a real residential construction blueprint set, identifying key architectural, structural, and MEP components

Module 2: Blueprint Reading for Commercial Construction

Expand your blueprint reading expertise by exploring commercial building plans, including mixed-use and multi-story developments.

Skills Covered:

Navigating cover sheets, title pages, and project specification documents.
Interpreting commercial building floor plans, sections, and elevation drawings.
Understanding structural systems for large-scale projects, including load-bearing walls, columns, and trusses.
Evaluating commercial MEP system layouts and how they integrate into the building framework.
Recognizing egress, occupancy classification, and accessibility compliance requirements.

Project: Analyze a seven-story commercial project, reviewing architectural, structural, and MEP documents for construction feasibility

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is designed for individuals looking to develop blueprint reading skills applicable to residential and commercial construction projects. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to refine your expertise, this program provides structured, real-world training to help you achieve your professional goals.

You work in construction or a related industry and need to interpret blueprints effectively for project coordination.
You are transitioning into architecture, engineering, or construction management and need a solid foundation in reading technical drawings.
You are a contractor, tradesperson, or field supervisor looking to improve your ability to navigate blueprint sets on the job.
You work in real estate, property development, or inspections and want to strengthen your understanding of construction documentation.
You have encountered blueprints before but struggle with deciphering details such as sections, elevations, and MEP systems.
You need a structured training program to build confidence in blueprint reading and apply these skills to professional projects.
You’re a self-taught learner seeking expert guidance and practical exercises to reinforce blueprint comprehension.

This course provides industry-standard training to help participants become proficient in blueprint interpretation and construction document navigation, ensuring they are well-prepared to apply these skills in real-world settings.

Industry Demand & Career Outlook

Blueprint reading is a critical skill in the construction, architecture, and engineering industries, as professionals across these fields rely on accurate interpretation of construction documents to bring projects to life.

Key Applications of Blueprint Reading Expertise

Pre-Construction Planning: Accurately interpret site plans, structural layouts, and zoning regulations.
Architectural & Engineering Collaboration: Improve workflow efficiency by coordinating between different design and construction disciplines.
Construction Execution: Ensure trades, contractors, and site managers have a clear understanding of project requirements.
Project Estimation & Bidding: Analyze construction drawings for material takeoffs, cost estimation, and contract proposals.
Building Inspections & Code Compliance: Verify building plans align with regulations, accessibility standards, and safety codes.

How Blueprint Reading Skills Improve Career Prospects

Enhances Job Opportunities: Professionals with blueprint reading expertise are in high demand across construction, design, and development sectors.
Improves Field Efficiency: The ability to quickly interpret plans helps ensure smooth project execution and minimizes costly errors.
Expands Skill Set for Career Advancement: Understanding how architectural, structural, and MEP plans work together enhances job performance in engineering, construction, and management roles.
Strengthens Communication Across Teams: Mastering blueprint interpretation allows for clearer coordination between project managers, engineers, contractors, and field workers.

Blueprint reading is an essential skill in today’s construction and design landscape, and professionals who master this ability gain a competitive edge in their field. This program provides practical training and expert-led guidance, helping students develop the confidence needed to read, analyze, and apply blueprint reading skills in real-world residential and commercial construction projects.

Installment Plan Breakdown for Blueprint Reading Course Online

Each installment is charged to your card on file every 30 days or before you begin your next class.

Installments		List Price
$55.80	10% non-refundable deposit	--
$279.00	Residential Blueprint Reading Course Online	$279
$223.20	Commercial Blueprint Reading Course Online	$329
▴ Your 10% deposit has been applied, as well as the certificate discount of $50
$558.00	Total You Pay

See the Installment plan FAQ for more information.