Construction drawings use scales, lines, and symbols to translate a physical building into a two-dimensional plan. In this module, you’ll learn how to read these visual codes so you can accurately interpret what the drawings are communicating. You’ll explore graphic and numeric scales, practice converting between them, and see how different disciplines use symbols in their plans. You’ll also learn how legends tie it all together, giving you a quick reference for interpreting information consistently. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently read and apply scales, lines, and symbols to extract key details from a set of drawings.

Drawings show you the “what” and “where” of a building—but specifications provide the critical “how” and “with what.” In this module, you’ll explore how specifications complement plans by describing materials, installation methods, and performance requirements. You’ll learn how specifications are structured, how to locate key information in a section, and how to connect those requirements back to the drawings. We’ll also introduce you to common construction materials and their basic properties, helping you see how choices in specs influence both design and cost. By the end, you’ll be able to read a sample specification section, identify essential material requirements, and explain how specifications work together with plans to communicate the full project scope.

Every construction project involves multiple disciplines, and each has its own way of communicating critical information through drawings. In this module, you’ll explore how to read and interpret general, civil, landscape, and architectural sheets, paying close attention to the similarities and differences across each discipline. You’ll practice identifying standard views such as floor plans, site plans, sections, and elevations, and learn to extract information about layout, orientation, materials, and spatial relationships. By the end, you’ll be able to navigate these sheets with greater confidence and connect them back to specifications and the broader project scope.

In this module, you’ll dive into the technical heart of construction drawings: the structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire sprinkler systems. Each discipline brings unique information essential to understanding how a building is designed and constructed. You’ll learn to identify structural components like beams and columns, follow ductwork and piping routes, interpret electrical layouts, and recognize fire protection systems. You’ll also practice looking for conflicts and overlaps, building on the coordination skills from Module 4. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to navigate these critical systems with greater confidence, interpret their symbols and line types, and understand how they integrate with architectural plans to form a complete picture of the project.

In this module, you’ll explore the critical role of trade coordination and learn how Division 09 (Finishes) connects across multiple disciplines. Finishes may look simple on the surface—paint, flooring, ceilings—but in reality, they require tight coordination with framing, MEP, and structural elements to ensure everything fits and functions as intended. You’ll practice reading and interpreting finish schedules, symbols, and notes, and see how they tie into both drawings and specifications. By the end of this module, you’ll understand how Division 09 documents guide the selection and installation of finishes, and why accurate coordination across trades is essential to achieving quality and efficiency on a project.

In this final module, you’ll learn how to interpret keynotes, details, and elevations — three essential tools that add precision to construction documentation. Keynotes tie symbols and notes to specific requirements; details zoom in on connections, assemblies, and critical conditions; and elevations show vertical relationships that aren’t always clear in plan views. Together, they provide the depth needed to fully understand how a project will be built. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to connect keynotes and details back to plans and specifications, and confidently read elevations to see how design intent translates into real-world construction.