Course List

Become familiar with the industry knowledge, skill sets, and resources that will increase productivity, enhance communication and improve your performance by taking our online construction courses!

ONLINE CONSTRUCTION COURSES: 24/7

Our online construction courses are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and offered 4 times a year. They are designed to work with your busy schedule. Advancing your career and make a plan for your professional development or the development of your crew. Use our course descriptions provided below to determine the best sequence of online construction courses. What you learn in class today, you will be using tomorrow.

SEMINAR SERIES

Our introductory seminars include Introduction to Construction, a primer for anyone getting started in the industry or looking to understand the industry and its key players better.
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100 SERIES

These online construction courses are the foundation for your construction career. Blueprint reading classes, estimating classes, construction materials and processes , and construction equipment and methods are just some of the classes that have added to the career success of many of our students.
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200 SERIES

These courses focus on the skills construction supervisors need and are found in the supervisory training program.
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300 SERIES

These courses focus on green construction, project management, and construction law.
View 300 Series

ADVANCE YOUR CONSTRUCTION CAREER WITH CEI

SEMINAR SERIES

INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION SEMINARS

Take this self-paced seminar is to understand the major roles, players, and processes in the construction industry. Become familiar with the types of construction and the processes of a construction project.

"The course was a well laid out comprehensive look at what is involved in the world of concrete. The modules break down the information in a concise fashion and are just the right size to process the information."

"This is a solid course to give you the foundation needed when working with concrete."

"The videos were very helpful. Wish my college courses had more visual aids like this."

Learn the basics of working with concrete in this self-paced seminar. Develop a deeper understanding of the most commonly used construction material.

"This is a solid course to give you the foundation needed when working with concrete."

"The videos were very helpful. Wish my college courses had more visual aids like this."

BLUEPRINT READING, ESTIMATING CLASSES, MATERIALS AND PROCESSES, EQUIPMENT, AND CIVIL SITEWORK COURSES

ESTIMATE & BLUEPRINT READING

In 101 students develop foundational knowledge of the procedures, materials, equipment, and practices needed in estimating. This estimating course provides an excellent introduction to the trade-specific construction estimating courses Estimating and Bidding 1 and Estimating and Bidding 2. The information from this course can be used in estimating any trade or type of construction.

"The nature of it being a self paced course given the subject is a great strength. While still allowing 4-6 hrs per in class week, being able to complete 2-3 lessons in a calendar week (with still dedicating the appropriate time for comprehension) has allowed me the flexibility to set the course down when life gets hectic and my attention is needed elsewhere for a week. I also appreciate being able to study Saturday and Sunday."

"The key strengths to this course was getting a base understanding of the beginning for estimating. It was slow at first but it showed you what estimating starts off with and then get into real math estimating problems. good basic outline of construction estimating."

"Thank you for a great course. I can't wait to get started on the next class."

In 102 students develop mathematical skills through practice and application to the construction trades in this self-paced online construction course. Calculation of board feet, area, volume of shapes and concrete footings, slabs, and unit of measurement conversions are practiced. While this class is not a prerequisite for any other classes, it does provide a foundation for them.

"The course as well as the instructor were great, all information that was provided was very helpful and useful. I am very happy with the material and will reference to it for future use, due to how well it explains the basics of construction math."

"Overall, it is a great class."

“Very well-presented information that is relevant to the field I am studying for and also great response time from the course instructor!”

In 103 students learn how to read architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, roofing, and electrical blueprints in this online blueprint reading class. Practice looking up information and solving common construction problems by reading the blueprints. Of all the construction blueprint reading classes, this online blueprint reading class gives you independent practice, opportunities to solve problems as a group, and flex your plan reading muscles in many ways.

"This class exceeded my expectations. I have taken a blueprint reading class already through our local AGC and I was not very impressed with it. I only took this one because it is one of the classes needed to complete the Estimating certificate, but I am glad I did because it was a good refresher. I will recommend it to my company to use for first time blueprint readers. This course was full of good information."

"This class exceeded my expectations. It was my first blueprint reading course and I learned a lot of information. The change order problems were helpful. They required careful review of the plans and critical thinking of everything impacted by the change. I think the amount of effort I've spent for the class is about perfect for something while also working full time. Too much more and I would probably have fallen behind!"

“ I learned the most from the practice quiz and the tests. I was able to get immediate feedback on my answers. I know if I’m doing things correctly."

In 105 students learn how to estimate general conditions, site work, excavation, concrete and masonry in this two part series of hands-on detailed estimating courses . Be sure to look over the prerequisites for this class here.

"Learned a lot in this course in regards to estimating charting mark up, material estimate and more. I am very satisfied with this class. I hope to use all I learn in this class in real life."

"I think the most useful thing i learned was to pay close attention to the details detail and don't be afraid to ask for help. it was useful to put the things we learned to work in the homework assignments .i think that is the best way to learn with a real world feel."

“Something I found very useful was figuring out what should go on the QTO and what should go on the Estimate Summary Sheet. Before, I was making a mass file that included everything. Now it’s easier organizing my thoughts. Also, becoming more familiar with excel and using formulas to keep my calculations organized as well. This way, if one number changes, I know my calculations will shift as well, making sure my numbers are accurate."

In 106 students practice estimating and quantity take off activities associated with Metals, Wood, Doors and Windows, Finishes, Electrical, and Mechanical Estimating. You may take Estimating and Bidding 1 and 2 in any order.

"I really enjoyed this course and really enjoyed the assignments. The assignments force the student to do critical thinking yet also pose real life examples. The use of spreadsheets is a vital tool, take offs, and estimates. I will definitely use these in the future to do my own estimates. I will definitely use what I have learned here to apply to my workplace."

"I decided to do Estimating 1 & 2 at the same time and found both of these extremely helpful. I really like the concepts in both courses!"

I enjoyed this course, it helped expand my understanding, adding to what I learned in estimating 1. I learned to become grateful of my mistakes along the way, better to make them here and learn from them, instead of learning them out in the field."

MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT

In 107 students develop foundational knowledge of construction materials and processes that utilize concrete, brick and CMU, metals, wood products, roofing, and more in this online construction course. Understand and report back on how materials and processes function in green construction. An overall construction system will be covered each week. Expand your studies to include materials and processes which are normally encountered by the student in his/her work place.

" I really liked learning about green buildings and how beneficial it is to the environment. I like how I know now what the stamps mean when you see it on lumbar material. I will take this skill in my job and inform my company what everything means. Overall I learned a lot, I am completely finished with the certification course and I am proud that I accomplished the full estimator certification."

In 108 students get an introduction to civil construction plans, determining earthwork quantities, equipment economics and utilization, equipment production rates, fundamentals of earthmoving and excavating, loading and hauling equipment in this self-paced online construction course.

"I enjoyed learning most about the different types of equipment, their capabilities, and in some cases, their versatility, and which one would be best for the work at hand."

"I enjoyed the estimating around earthwork volumes the most and doing the comparisons of the different equipment to find efficiency."

"I found the exercises that we did recently about selecting boom sizes helpful and I think I will be able to use this information when it comes to selecting cranes for rooftop equipment or creating a pick plan. I now know why choosing the proper piece of equipment for the application or manner in which you plan to use it is important to maintaining your project budget. I also know how to calculate production rates for equipment, which is useful. Not to mention I now have a clearer understanding of the plan sheets of civil drawings which I hope to be able to use in the near future."

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

In 109 students develop a deeper understanding of civil construction techniques in this online construction course. Students will discuss site preparation and grading, excavation, backfill, compaction, trenching, paving, and dewatering.

"The class met my expectations as I wanted an overview of civil construction processes. I enjoyed the discussions and learning about construction issues and processes in other areas of the country."

"The most useful thing I learned in this class was the asphalt module, since I am currently starting to help our estimator with some asphalt jobs it is good to learn more. I get to learn stuff I do not see everyday in the field here so it helps a lot. I have learned how to estimate for asphalt through here and am now using it in the field everyday."

"The most useful thing would be the asphalt and concrete paving. My company is starting to take over the site work and some highway projects. So anything dealing with paving or concrete work is extremely helpful i understand what some of the other superintendents with more experience in civil construction are talking about. I have not used what i have learned cause I am on a renovation job with no site work."

" I felt a lot more comfortable going out onto the field, and not just standing there with a clueless face."

In 110 students will gain an overall and elementary understanding of civil construction blueprints and materials in this blueprint reading class. This includes understanding and interpreting civil construction blueprints, reading specifications, manufacture and use of civil construction materials such as aggregates, concrete, asphalt, pipe, and geosynthetics.

"I also find this coursework immediately useful! I think it helps the information to stick since I am able to apply it to my everyday life, and I love chiming in and surprising the crew when I know what they are talking about."

"I particularly enjoy the depth of the material in the lessons online, instead of just leaning on the reading which can be difficult to grasp without the practical scenarios you share."

"I’ve most benefited from further exposure to the language of civil construction. Choice of materials affects durability, cost, timeline depending on ease of acquiring materials."

In 114 students will develop foundational knowledge of estimating for heavy civil and site work construction projects. This course will cover reading and understanding civil construction plans, determining earthwork quantities, determining crew make-up, and fundamentals of estimating various civil and site work components.

"The most useful portion of the class for me was the section on estimating earthwork. Learning how to calculate the production of an earthmoving crew and their equipment was exactly the type of skill I was looking for when I signed up for this class."

"I'm more confident to do take-offs and understand civil drawings more prior to taking the class. Before it would take me a while to understand how to read them, but I'll definitely be finding more use out of the plans and understanding some of our subcontractor's scope of work when doing excavation, backfilling & trenching, etc. I found the class lectures to be more useful."

"The part I can use the most will be estimating underground. This class gave me more information on what to do in my bids."

SUPERVISORY TRAINING PROGRAM (STP)

In 201 Unit 1 students recognize their own style of leadership and how to utilize other styles when appropriate. Analyze worker needs and learn how these needs affect motivation.. Determine how to improve job performance and positively influence attitudes and abilities. Learn the various roles of the leader and how these roles can be applied at the job site.

"I have been starting to try to use some of the things learned here, and so far, so good. I also talk to some of my crew leaders about the knowledge that I'm getting from this and try to pass along a few things to them to try and implement as well."

"This course has change the way I work just the way I look at things and how I handled him with the guys trying to motivate them and giving them praise when they do well talking things out with them to resolve problems together instead of just coming on the job and say do this do that."

"This unit on leadership and motivation will change the way I look at things or do on my job now or in the future. It will definitely help guide me with working with others or crew members that work under my supervision."

In 202, Unit 2 students will acquire skills and understanding of positive direct communication with an emphasis on construction supervision. Grow in their abilities to help people communicate with them, listen better, and deal with difficult people. Develop their skills in negotiating and communicating with all organizational levels and groups.

"The most useful thing that I learned was the importance of a win-win negotiation. This new information will affect the way I do my job because I will be able to communicate more effectively."

"I definitely learned better techniques to listening better. I've been more cognizant of how I listen to others and have been a bit better at not multitasking and engaging in the conversation."

"I found the teaching and material presented in this course to be well thought ought and very on point with skills that a construction supervisor requires and is in need of."

In 203 Unit 6 students will practice Identifying, managing, and solving risk related construction problems. Students will understand how to solve and prevent problems and how to make decisions. Technical problems, human performance problems and scheduling problems will be reviewed. Safety in the construction industry is crucial. This class will focus on managing and proactively reducing risk within the construction work environment. Learn how to avoid barriers to creative problem solving and how to create a problem solving atmosphere at the jobsite.

"What struck me as especially valuable in this course wasn't a particular module, but the case studies that we did in each module. The case studies made me do research and create an action plan for that situation. It forced me to think about what was happening and how I would respond to it if that were me, which was very valuable."

"I was encouraged to really look at my projects and workplace in a different way. Especially in week 4, I thought it was very helpful to apply the problem-solving model to one of my projects, which then helped me to come up with solutions to an actual problem I was facing."

"I found this course to be helpful and enjoyed it. I also enjoyed the reading each week and really like the material the AGC provides. The main takeaway I have from the class is the importance of proactive problem solving. Problem solving seems to be inevitable in construction but preparing and doing your best to minimize these issues is so important for a successful project manager."

In 204 Unit 4 students learn about common construction contract clauses and how to read a contract in this online construction course. Construction disputes, including differing site conditions, claims, delays and construction defects will be studied.

"Field documentation seems to be one of the most easily overlooked items so it's good to learn about best practices in that area. I've begun having my guys do daily logs of everything that happened through the course of the day and it's been very beneficial, even for our own reference and analysis later on."

"I handle most if not all of the documentation mentioned in this section on my projects, and thus helped me more reason behind everything I do. Some tasks can seem like a waste of my time, but now with a better understanding of how important some of the documentation can be I have a different attitude toward it."

"Of the four courses I've taken this one has provided as much applicable knowledge in the near term as any. Definitely opened my eyes to certain things to plan for, pay attention to, and contract."

In 205 Unit 3 students learn and apply basic construction planning and scheduling skills. Prepare bar chart schedules and critical path schedules. Read complex project schedules, and understand the basics of project management by scheduling, Employ acceleration techniques.

"Great interaction within every discussion! I had fun learning about other methods of planning and scheduling along with sharing my interpretations of the subject."

"I've had a great time discussing the content of this course each week and applying the knowledge to my role as a PM.. Everything in this course has some relation to my role, but a learning lesson that I am taking away from taking this course is to slow down, assess, and over-communicate."

"I liked that we had the ability to have exercises and training on some of the software available and enjoyed learning from others about the various options in the market today."

In 206 Unit 5 students study the construction cost control procedures and options to improve productivity. Cost control will be discussed at both the project level and the corporate level. You will learn about the cost control cycle and how to ensure effective production control. Organizing a project with a goal of productivity improvement will be studied. Students will learn how to calculate and measure worker productivity. Challenge the work process, learn about personnel management, and practice work improvement analysis. Find out more about STP Online.

"Everything I learned in this course will help me in my current role and career. I now have a much better understanding of how the GC manages the individual scopes of work from their end and how that now translates to the various cost events we review weekly, the CO requests, the monthly pay apps and forecasting. I also now "get" why the GC has a massive cost management team on staff - they have much to do!

"I feel more informed about how our team manages cost, and some of the areas that we may be lacking in."

"The most important think I learned in this course was how you can do a take off, and turn an estimate into man hours. This will help me substantially as I am in my current position as a labor manager."

PROJECT MANAGEMENT, BUILDING GREEN BUILDINGS, AND CONSTRUCTION LAW

GREEN CONSTRUCTION

In 305 students learn construction project management skills focused on green building projects. We will explore the green building process from the contractor’s and subcontractor’s point of view.

"My favorite unit of this course was discussing energy, and what types of energy would be best to use on any type of job site that is good for the environment."

"The main thing that I learned was on how to save energy. Now when I do residential remodeling I am constantly telling my clients of alternative forms of light and other materials that will help them reduce costs of energy in the long run. This has typically given me more work because I’m giving better suggestions to the clients like now."

"I learned so much about switches, solar powered lights, and monitoring. I spotted one of my ideas, making bathroom stalls individually monitored, in a restaurant two weeks ago. I love seeing something that I had researched be put into action."

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

In 308 students learn construction project management strategies, procedures, and systems used by project managers from the beginning of the project to the end. Students will actively take part in discussing the procedures involved in managing a construction project including planning and scheduling, estimating, and more.

"I really enjoyed the discussion where we had to research the zoning and variances where we lived/worked. It was super interesting to me to learn about the different ordinances."

"I truly enjoyed this course. I thought it was very informative and in line with my area of work. I'll be able to take a lot of the lessons learned in all the modules into my workplace. Accomplishing this course, I feel more informed with the areas of construction project management. This course will allow me to better understand the other departments I work with."

"I do feel that this class (along with others in the program) is giving me the foundation of skills to start my own business or transition into the management side of the industry."

"I thought this course covered all of the core bases of the industry, and supplied me with a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding of what it takes to build and run a successful project and construction business."

CONSTRUCTION LAW

Learn how to survey the legal environment to protect yourself as a construction professional. This online construction course will cover methods and strategies to avoid litigation, understand legal liabilities and protections, mitigate disputes and more!

"This class made me better at interpreting contracts and understanding the recourse that is available to me."

"This class made me more informed about how I look at relationships with GC's and vendors. I have a much better grasp of our obligations to one another. In fact, just today a coworker asked me to deny payment to a vendor. This was a brash statement made out of frustration. I was able to talk through the ramifications of non payment. In the end I was able to convince my coworker that we needed to clearly document the lack of performance and we probably had a good chance of reducing the payment amount. This is a conversation I would have been a lot less confident in before taking this class."

"This course helped me understand and interpret contract law. I have a better understanding on how to resolve issues using the contract, how to avoid disputes and analyze contracts."

Are you ready to continue on your path to success? Consult our class schedule here and sign up for classes today!

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STUDENT REVIEWS

‘The instructor wrote this course with simplicity in mind. Even little encouraging popups when you would select answers based on examples provided. That is a nice touch.” (101 Introduction to Construction Estimating, 2021)