CNST 003 - Reading Plans and Specifications
Course Description
Need a quick primer or a refresher on how to interpret blueprints?
This 36-hour online course is designed for construction professionals with some field experience in residential and light commercial projects who want to strengthen their skills in reading and understanding blueprints using different types of documentation.
In this foundational course, you’ll gain essential knowledge about specifications and scope of work documents and how to apply them when interpreting blueprints. You’ll also develop the ability to transition from reading two-dimensional drawings to visualizing the final three-dimensional project. Along the way, you'll sharpen your problem-solving skills, learning to identify and address potential issues before they result in costly rework or mistakes.
With interactive, modular content and tools that can be immediately applied to real-world scenarios, you’ll benefit from practical, hands-on learning. Throughout the course, our industry-trained instructors will guide you, ensuring you gain the confidence and expertise needed to successfully navigate complex blueprints and contribute to project success.
This course is a required course for the Principles of Construction Management Certificate of Achievement and the Construction Estimating and Bid Preparation Certificate of Achievement.
Note: Registration for this course closes two days before the course start date.
This course is ideal if you:
- are a field supervisor, project manager or foreman who wants to improve your ability to interpret blueprints and supporting documentation
- are a tradesperson looking to transition into a management role and need a deeper understanding of project plans
- are a contractor or subcontractor looking to sharpen your skills in identifying potential issues from blueprints and documents before they escalate
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to:
- interpret the concept and principles of orthographic projection
- interpret the paper language used to produce a set of blueprints
- interpret information contained in the different pages in a set of blueprints
- interpret how specifications relate to the blueprints and other contract documents
- differentiate between residential and commercial requirements within a set of blueprints
- evaluate the level of information on a set of blueprints.
You’ll demonstrate your skill and knowledge acquisition through assignments, unit tests and a case study. All coursework must be completed as per the course schedule and no later than the course end date.
Earn a SAIT micro-credential
This course qualifies for the SAITMicro badge. Students who successfully complete this course with a final grade of B (75%) or higher will earn a micro-credential and receive a shareable digital badge. Learn more.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Funding Opportunities
Learn more about how to pay for or reduce your education/training costs with available awards, bursaries, loan options and grants, including the Canada Alberta Job Grant.
There are no specific admission requirements (academic and/or work experience). Any construction industry-related experience you already have will be beneficial.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Delivery formats: For your convenience, we offer delivery of this course in an online asynchronous format. Learn more about our delivery formats.
Course completion: Upon successful completion of this non-credit course, you’ll receive an electronic copy of your official transcript. You’ll also be able to self-print a proof of completion document from your Continuing Education student account. There is also the opportunity to earn a SAITMicro digital badge, if you have met the earning criteria. Complete all courses required for the Principles of Construction Management program or the Construction Estimating and Bid Preparation program to receive your SAIT certificate credential.
Popular Related Programs or Courses
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Construction Estimating and Bid Preparation Certificate of Achievement : Required Courses
- Principles of Construction Management Certificate of Achievement : Required Courses
Oki, Ãba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh'kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.