These professional, technical drawings may initially seem indecipherable, but the trained eye can tell a lot about a design concept, construction plan, or engineering solution through this universal communication method. A blueprint shares the overall vision for the project and provides workers with the specific instructions needed to get the project done. It also ensures the project adheres to safety regulations, industry standards, and building requirements. There’s a lot to consider when reading a blueprint -- not to mention the many different types of blueprints and various symbols associated with reading a blueprint.

These professional, technical drawings may initially seem indecipherable, but the trained eye can tell a lot about a design concept, construction plan, or engineering solution through this universal communication method. A blueprint shares the overall vision for the project and provides workers with the specific instructions needed to get the project done. It also ensures the project adheres to safety regulations, industry standards, and building requirements. There’s a lot to consider when reading a blueprint -- not to mention the many different types of blueprints and various symbols associated with reading a blueprint.

Although the concept of a blueprint has been around since the Ancient and Medieval periods, the first person to develop the blueprint process was Sir John Herschel in 1842. With this innovation, the world of engineering and construction shifted entirely. Technical drawings were able to be reproduced at much more accurate and rapid rates which improved and streamlined the entire construction process. Today, blueprint reading is essential across numerous industries and job positions, but also incorporates many modern advancements like software and other digital processes.

Why Become Certified in Blueprint Reading?

Becoming certified in blueprint reading comes with many advantages and opens numerous doors that can enhance your career. First, becoming certified in blueprint reading will give you a competitive advantage against other candidates, particularly in positions and industries where blueprint reading is required or preferred. Plus, having additional or foundational skills (and the credentials to back them up) could lead to a quicker career progression and thus a higher earning potential.

Having proven skills is a huge benefit as it allows employers and colleagues to trust you and consider you a consistent, precise, and efficient worker. Although gaining a certificate or certification allows your peers to have confidence in your skills, it can also lead to increased self-confidence. This will translate through the decisions you make, the way you communicate with your team, and the problems you solve. 

Above all else, it’s important to check whether you are required to have certifications before applying for a job. Some companies require certain job positions to acquire and regularly update certifications to ensure their employees are in compliance with codes and regulations. Obtaining certification ensures each employee is knowledgeable and capable of following industry standards, codes, and safe practices. Whether your certification is required or serves as a benchmark for professionalism, you will benefit greatly by becoming certified in blueprint reading.

Live Online Blueprint Reading Certificates and Classes

If you want to learn blueprint reading in a live online format, several providers stand out among the rest. For instance, the three-week Blueprint Reading for Residential Construction from VDCI is available live online, in English or Spanish, and offers a deep dive into the history of blueprints and their various uses as well as interactive practices where you learn how to read blueprints. Specifically, you’ll study drawing types and learn how project information is conveyed in a set of residential construction documents. Through lectures, group discussions, and projects, you will be able to read through a set of construction documents without struggle and confidently work on a new residential construction project. Students who complete the course with satisfactory grades and participation will earn a certificate of completion.

VDCI also offers a Blueprint Reading for Commercial Construction course. In this course, you’ll gain an understanding of the interrelationship between drawings for mixed-use commercial construction and be able to evaluate construction documents to submit for a building permit. This three-week course covers architectural and engineering construction documents and offers projects and group discussions that will enable you to read blueprints and complete projects like hotels, retailers, parking lots, and other commercial construction projects. Those who end the course with adequate grades will earn a certificate of completion. 

Lastly, the Introduction to Construction Estimating course from VDCI covers the purposes of construction estimates, including ways to determine prices based on estimated quantities and how to create the estimate. In addition, you’ll learn estimating tools and the specific techniques for construction estimating. Over three weeks, you’ll learn to analyze components of a construction cost estimate, perform quantity surveying, and become incredibly thorough when preparing construction cost estimates. Once you complete the course with successful grades, you will receive a certificate of completion.

Noble Desktop has an AutoCAD Certification Program that takes you through three in-depth levels of AutoCAD training. You’ll spend 54 total hours completing the course. You’ll learn everything from basic AutoCAD tools and editing techniques to customizing layers in layout viewports and using text objects to annotate projects. Plus, you’ll receive an additional six hours of private tutoring, protectoring for the Autodesk Certified Professional exam, and earn a free retake of the group class within one year and a free retake of the exam.

However, if you just want a bootcamp experience, consider exploring Noble Desktop’s other options. For instance, the Project Management Bootcamp covers the five phases of project management (initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing) and the most foundational terms, concepts, methodologies, and processes. You’ll learn to utilize and monitor your resources accordingly, plan and adjust a schedule as needed, and balance different tasks at once. Between projects rooted in risk management, budgeting, and Agile Project Management frameworks like Scrum, Kansan, and Extreme Programming (XP), you will feel well-equipped to manage different projects, whether you’re reading blueprints for a commercial or residential project.

If you want to start slowly and gradually progress, consider the Project Management Level I and Project Management Level II courses from Noble Desktop. The first level of this course dives into concepts like the five phases of project management, basic terms, scheduling and resource management techniques, and the average weekly tasks of a Project Manager. You may stop there or advance to the second level, where you’ll practice more advanced concepts like risk management, budgeting, and error response. Moreover, you’ll expand upon the last three phases of project management, focusing heavily on execution, monitoring, and closing. You will also explore Agile project management frameworks like Scrum, Kansan, and XP.

To master project management, you may want to learn Microsoft Project, a project management software. In Noble Desktop’s Microsoft Project Level I course, you will learn foundational project management concepts and learn how to navigate the interface. This includes entering tasks, examining task relationships, and managing resources according to each project. Moreover, you’ll learn how to set a baseline for projects, optimize the daily tasks, and share project plans with others in the department and beyond. 

NYIM Training offers an AutoCAD Bootcamp as well, which covers this widely used design software in 30 total hours. You’ll learn the basics of drawing and editing commands and using advanced layering techniques. Moreover, the instructor will show you how to work with tracking points and construction lines, as well as create, edit, and export tool palettes for storing and inserting blocks. Beyond that, you’ll explore the more advanced interface techniques as well as work with external references and create data tables. This bootcamp is hands-on and immersive, so get ready to learn and explore CAD software at a professional-grade level.

Skills You’ll Learn While Studying Blueprint Reading

Studying blueprint reading involves learning a unique blend of skills that are useful for a broad range of positions and industries. You’ll not only get better at reading designs but you’ll also learn some handy tricks and tools for solving problems, managing projects, and improving designs. While each blueprint reading course differs based on the provider, length, depth, and purpose, here are a few key skills that you will likely learn in a blueprint reading certificate or class.

Architectural Design and Different Kinds of Drawings

Blueprint reading is more than just one type of drawing. Depending on the course, you could learn about structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing drawings. Structural drawings consist of floor plans including everything from walls and windows to elevations and doors. You’ll learn to read the height and profile of certain building design elements and details related to materials and the assembly process. In electrical and plumbing drawings, you’ll study different fixtures, wiring diagrams, and pipes to ensure systems run correctly during construction. There’s a broad range of blueprints out there, so depending on your goals, you may want to focus on one type over the other.

Symbols and Notations

Additionally, blueprints use standardized symbols for things like electrical fixtures, plumbing components, and mechanical parts. For instance, architectural blueprints often use a series of lined symbols to indicate where a door will go versus a window. This ensures everything will be constructed precisely where it’s supposed to be. On the other hand, electrical symbols are often rounded and vary in shading or consist of small icon images. Each symbol represents a different light fixture, switch, or circuit breaker which makes it easier to understand what parts go together.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Because digital blueprints are far more common now than ever, familiarity with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software is likely required. Understanding how to navigate, modify, and interpret CAD drawings can enhance the blueprint reading and making process. You’ll likely learn CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or Vectorworks and practice visualizing the project in 3D renderings, making changes to the dimensions, and sharing CAD files with other team members.

Mathematics

Foundational arithmetic skills are needed in blueprint reading, particularly for tasks like taking measurements and scaling objects. For example, you need to know how to take measurements from scale and multiply them to get the actual dimensions. Moreover, geometric principles are required to interpret angels, curves, and more complex shapes. This helps with design elements like arches, roofs, and angled walls just as much as pipes and pathways. Conversations are important as well to determine the real-life dimensions of the product or part, so working with ratios is a must.

Project Management

Beyond the technical skills, you’ll want to adopt some adjacent skills that help you keep projects running smoothly. It will likely benefit you to manage your time, budget, and problems accordingly so project management skills are useful. Identifying issues or conflicts within the blueprints is essential but your role may also require you to delegate tasks, put in place a timeline, and find solutions before construction begins. This requires leadership, conflict resolution, and communication skills which are all central parts of project management.

Blueprint Reading in Various Industries

After proper training, you can find a job in numerous fields and industries. A certificate program may be especially beneficial to complete before the job search since the live, hands-on training offers a realistic glimpse into the field but there are other reasons too. Between flexible delivery methods and direct guidance from an instructor, you’ll have everything you need to begin a career in one of these industries.

  • Architecture: In architecture, blueprint reading is essential for Architects, Interior Designers, and Contractors. Architects use blueprints to plan out the style, dimensions, and layout of a building while an Interior Designer may use blueprints to understand structural and spatial arrangements. Ultimately, this industry relies on professionals who can develop, read, and interpret blueprints with ease.
  • Construction: The construction industry utilizes blueprints heavily, particularly those in civil engineering roles. Managers and engineers alike rely on blueprints to understand the technical aspects and details behind an infrastructure. Whether the project includes building a bridge or a building, blueprints help to ensure the project is safe, stays within the budget and schedule, and adheres to industry standards, codes, and regulations. 
  • Engineering: Most professionals in the engineering business learn how to read a blueprint. Mechanical Engineers use blueprints to plan machines and tools, Electrical Engineers use them to wire buildings, and Structural Engineers rely on blueprints to ensure the infrastructure is supported and safe. Therefore, accurate blueprint reading is essential for those in this industry.
  • Defense: Blueprints are used in the defense industry by military professionals and engineers. Military engineers use blueprints to plan out the layout of bases, bunkers, and defense structures whereas some may use blueprints to create precise weaponry designs. From vehicles and ammunition to shelters and living spaces, blueprints help keep the defense industry strong, secure, and streamlined.
  • Manufacturing: In manufacturing, blueprints help turn technical drawings into real-life products. For instance, apparel and automotive manufacturers use blueprints to create patterns, note any precise measurements, and cut pieces so they fit and operate as intended. Although both are vastly different, blueprints are used for similar purposes in this industry.

Blueprint Reading Careers

Several notable career paths require blueprint reading skills, including those in design, construction, engineering, and manufacturing. Professionals in these fields use their ability to interpret detailed technical drawings and follow along with their specifications to build and maintain a complex project, whether that entails a building or a piece of machinery. If you have considered a field that will involve blueprint reading, here are a few fields where this skill is an absolute must.

  • Architect: As the master behind any structural design, an Architect will have to read blueprints to create detailed design ideas for residential, commercial, and structural projects. These professionals rely on blueprints to designate the amount of space needed, determine the structural requirements, and collaborate with construction professionals to determine whether the building is designed and created as intended.
  • Civil Engineer: A Civil Engineer will use blueprints to design and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects such as highways, roads, bridges, and dams. Civil Engineers will read and interpret the blueprints to complete a project that is safe, meets regulatory standards, is structurally sound, and completed within a specified schedule and budget. Blueprints help these engineers understand the technical details and make adjustments as needed.
  • Project Manager: In certain fields, such as construction, a Project Manager must learn how to read blueprints. These experts are responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing the entire lifecycle of a project which means they will inevitably have to read and understand blueprints at the beginning stages of the process. They use blueprints to understand what resources are necessary and to track progress as the project progresses. If any issues pop up, they are the ones tasked with resolving them before the construction begins or continues, so they likely understand how to adjust blueprints as well.
  • Interior Designer: In interior design, blueprints indicate the spatial arrangement of a space. Interior Designers read blueprints to make sure all the furniture, fixtures, and other design pieces fit in the room or building precisely and perfectly. They also use blueprints to communicate their plans to contracting, engineering, or architectural professionals so every team is on the same page.
  • Drafter: A Drafter works closely with an Architect to create detailed drawings known as blueprints. They take rough sketches from Architects and put them to paper. They’ll adjust the steps as needed to guide others throughout the construction process without issue. Drafters need strong blueprint reading skills to ensure all technical specifications are correct.

Should You Pursue a Certificate or Certification?

Once you decide to pursue continuing education, you may wonder whether a certificate or certification program aligns more with your needs and goals. When looking into online training options in particular, it’s important to understand that certificates and certifications are not the same thing. They sound similar and have some overlap, but ultimately they serve different purposes and mean different things.

What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?

Either option is advantageous in several ways. Of course, both show that you are competent in the material and have acquired a particular set of valuable skills. Beyond that, they both help you build your skills in a practical, career-driven way. In either a certificate or certification program, you will learn to read blueprints through realistic projects and activities instead of simply reading course material and taking a quiz.

The difference between the two lies in the outcome. A certificate course is completion-based whereas a certification is exam-based. To earn a certificate, you have to complete coursework and projects as well as attend and participate in lectures. It’s a recognition of your participation and completion of the course, indicating you’ve left with the relevant skills. On the other hand, a certification requires you to complete a course and then pass an exam that shows you are capable of following industry standards. It signifies a slightly higher level of expertise and can be valuable in the workplace. 

The difference is slight but stark. If you’re looking to stand out in your field or enter a particular field, you may want to pursue a certification program. Achieving this proves you have a standardized level of knowledge related to blueprint reading and can keep up with industry standards. Plus, some careers require regular upkeep of certifications, depending on the company. For example, several construction and engineering roles require employees to become certified to be considered for higher-level roles and promotions. Certificate courses are thorough and sometimes relatively shorter than a certification program. 

In the end, your goals determine whether a certificate or certification would be best for you. Both enhance your qualifications but offer different benefits. Consider your aspirations and where you would like to be five or ten years down the road. Depending on what you intend to pursue after your training, one or both options may benefit you greatly.

Why Learn Blueprint Reading Online?

Learning blueprint reading online offers tons of benefits that make it an appealing option for busy professionals or those who live in smaller areas without access to a training center location. The biggest bonus is the flexibility since you can learn from anywhere and choose from times that suit the average person’s schedule. Live online programs are still hands-on and effective, offering a chance to enhance your skills or acquire new ones. All in all, learning blueprint reading online can help you take the next step in your career or continue your learning journey even further. You can start with simple short courses and work your way up to certificate programs and even pass a certification exam.

While the virtual learning environment may not be traditional, the beauty of a live online course is that you can choose where you study. It’s easier now more than ever to wake up, roll out of bed, and log into the classroom. On the other hand, you may need to squeeze classes in after the workday. Or, you may prefer to take classes over the weekend. The beauty of a live online certificate course or class is that you get to choose. You should opt for a comfortable place where you can avoid any distractions and really lock in throughout the session. Plus, you get to save some outside costs (such as gasoline or public transportation costs) by avoiding a commute. This makes it a cost-effective option that not only saves time but also money.

Live online certificates and certifications offer an added benefit that no in-person training center can offer -- variety. The range of course providers is unfathomable when you opt for live online classes since you can take the course from anywhere. This means your options for programs, bootcamps, and classes are vast and allow you to choose the best option to suit your needs. For example, the Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers courses in blueprint reading and CAD software. Noble Desktop offers courses in AutoCAD, various design tools, programming languages, and project management, to name a few subjects. There are numerous options so it’s worth spending the time finding the perfect fit for you.