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What is Blueprint Reading?

Blueprint reading is essential to roles in nearly every industry and sector, from commercial and residential construction to manufacturing. The history of building plans goes back to antiquity, but blueprints did not come into common use until the invention of the cyanotype process in the 1840s.

Modern blueprints still consist of blue-lined drawings on white backgrounds, though they now make up digital packages of blueprint sheets. These contain drawings with numerous pieces of information, including measurements, specifications, scales, and legends, to name a few. Read on to learn more about this crucial skill set.

What Can You Do with Blueprint Reading Training?

Building inspectors, construction workers, electricians, and plumbers are among the many professionals who need blueprint reading expertise. However, learning to read blueprints can happen within a course or series of courses, on the job, or some combination. Blueprint reading encompasses multiple topics, and many training programs prepare their attendees for a certification or licensing exam.

Blueprints are essential for designing and building residential and commercial properties. Manufacturing products requires a different type of blueprint. Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) professionals use blueprints to understand design processes, whether for welding, machining, or other manufacturing capabilities.

Reading blueprints correctly can assist in evaluating, analyzing, and understanding large-scale projects, too. These include bridges, roads, and railways, as well as office parks and large architectural construction designs.

What Will I Learn in a Blueprint Reading Class?

As in other wide-ranging fields, the skills and tools you gain through a blueprint reading course depend on multiple factors. The length of the program, whether you are training live online or on-demand, and the emphasis on various topics can all be relevant.

Many blueprint reading courses emphasize high-level training in the skill, whereas others include other elements of construction, manufacturing, or other fields. However, you can also find blueprint reading courses that are both beginner-friendly and comprehensive. Whether you are looking for a broad curriculum or a narrowly focused class, consider the following topics you might learn in a blueprint reading program.

Understanding The Title Block

The title block is an essential feature that appears on every sheet of a blueprint package. It typically includes components like the project name and location, the production or revision date, contact information for the architect or designer, and the scale used for drawings, to name a few.

Contrasting Units of Measure

Blueprint packages usually contain a Key, often called a Legend or Notes section. Units of measure for blueprints can be architectural, decimal, engineering, fractional, or scientific. Learning to compare and contrast them helps blueprint readers with analysis and planning.

Creating Orthographic Projections

Orthographic projections are standard features in blueprints. They represent 3D objects through multiple 2D views. Understanding how they exist in space helps with the overall understanding of a blueprint, though you might not have to create them in a beginner-level course.

Reviewing Specifications

Blueprint packages contain many specifications, including materials, methods, and standards. While construction blueprints may feature aspects like the landscape or topography, manufacturing blueprints may note surface finishes, tolerances, and materials.

How Hard is it to Learn Blueprint Reading?

Blueprint reading is a deceptively complex skill set, and becoming familiar with blueprints is far from becoming an expert. Blueprint packages include numerous features, from the title block and legend to a grid system, scale, and notations. Their complexity also depends on what blueprints are for, that is, a commercial or residential property or a manufacturing blueprint. The following plan types commonly comprise blueprints:

A Sheets - Architectural Plans
E Sheets - Electrical Plans
G Sheets - General Sheets
L Sheets - Landscape Plans
M Sheets - Mechanical Plans
P Sheets - Plumbing Plans
S Sheets - Structural Engineering Plans

Finally, there are two additional types of “S” documents: schedules and specifications sheets. If you take a comprehensive course covering them all, you will be on your way to learning how to read blueprints properly.

What are the most challenging parts of learning Blueprint Reading?

As with other disciplines, the most challenging parts of learning blueprint reading depend on the individual. Many beginners approach blueprint reading from a design or Autodesk AutoCAD background, which can help, but not necessarily. Some experts believe blueprint reading is not taught often enough in the digital age. Entry-level manufacturing or construction professionals may come to a new job with AutoCAD experience but no knowledge of how to read blueprints. The two can go hand in hand, and someone who knows how to draw in AutoCAD and read a blueprint can have a considerable advantage in today’s job market. Consider learning both where available in a comprehensive curriculum.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Blueprint Reading?

The amount of time it takes to get comfortable experimenting with blueprint reading can be much less than it will take to learn blueprint reading at a professional level. While becoming an expert in reading blueprint packages can require years of experience, a good introductory course can take someone from beginner to comfortable with fundamentals in as little as 20 hours.

Should I Learn Blueprint Reading In Person or Online?

Whether to learn blueprint reading in person or live online is often not a matter of choice: few course providers offer in-person blueprint reading training. For those who prefer learning in a traditional classroom setting, it may be worth seeking local training programs. For everyone else, online options will work just as well. Consider the following types of training.

In-Person: Training in a traditional classroom offers the highest possible level of engagement. However, few schools provide this method for learning blueprint reading. The only other disadvantage to it is commuting and finding parking.
Live Online: Today’s workforce spends more time online than ever. Training via teleconferencing has thereby become more popular than ever. Live online coursework provides engagement comparable to in-person training, and students can learn from the comfort of home or office. If learning online has a disadvantage, it is the need to avoid distractions not found in an in-person classroom.
On-Demand: Learning blueprint reading on-demand (or asynchronous learning) is another training alternative. Most of these programs consist of pre-recorded videos, although many offer additional mentoring and career support. On-demand videos can also feature a lower entry cost and the ability to watch at any hour.

Can I Learn Blueprint Reading Free Online?

The inherent complexity of a blueprint package demands expertise from those who will read it. Unfortunately, many skilled workers have experience but no knowledge of how to read blueprints. While learning basics from free online resources like YouTube or the Noble Desktop blog is helpful, mastering blueprint reading through professional training saves time and money.

What Should I Learn Alongside Blueprint Reading?

What you learn alongside blueprint reading depends on your previous experience and the type of training you get. Some blueprint reading courses include additional subjects like estimating construction costs or project management. Another consideration is whether you need to learn to read residential property, commercial property, or manufacturing blueprint packages. Consider the following tools that can be essential to various roles in fields requiring blueprint reading expertise.

AutoCAD

Among the best-known AEC tools, AutoCAD is popular among numerous professionals like Drafters, Civil Engineers, and Architects, to name a few. If you learn AutoCAD, you will most likely benefit from learning how to read blueprint packages.

Estimates

Depending on your current role and career goals, you might need to learn how to estimate costs. Subcontractors, Construction Estimators, and Project Managers are all examples of positions where cost estimates and budgeting are just as important, if not more so, than blueprint reading.

Revit

Like AutoCAD, Revit is another essential tool in the Autodesk AEC collection. The popular BIM tool can be a staple in the tool belts of Architects, Project Managers, and Engineers. It is helpful for modeling, streamlining project management, and collaboration among key stakeholders.

Industries that Use Blueprint Reading

Many jobs require blueprint reading skills from varying professionals, especially in commercial and residential properties and manufacturing. Consider the following industries that can require blueprint reading expertise.

Advanced Manufacturing

Today’s manufacturing industries require computer numerical control (CNC). This advanced process is part of the day-to-day tasks for many workers, including welders, machinists, toolmakers, and engineers, to name a few. While not every manufacturing pro knows how to read blueprints, it can give those who do a significant advantage in the job market.

Construction

The construction industry requires many skilled blueprint readers, and they interact with other professionals who also need blueprint reading skills. All construction pros should have blueprint reading skills, from Project Managers and Site Managers to Estimators, Contractors, Plumbers, and Electricians.

Engineering

While engineering is often considered part of construction, the area is specialized enough to warrant a separate category. Civil, Structural, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) Engineers are all examples of professionals who use blueprints, and they may also use different tools in the Autodesk AEC Collection from their construction counterparts.

Real Estate

Closely tied to construction, commercial and residential real estate are both areas where blueprint reading is essential. The professionals in this industry who do not also fall under the categories of construction or engineering include realtors, building inspectors, and even property managers.

Blueprint Reading Job Titles and Salaries

Blueprint reading titles and salaries vary—especially because many subcontractors are self-employed. However, numerous employees also must learn to read blueprint packages. Consider the average salaries of some of the following positions.

Civil Engineer

Among the many engineering professionals who must use blueprints, Civil Engineers can have some of the most diverse responsibilities. Bridges, roads, dams, and water systems fall under the civil engineer’s purview. An experienced Civil Engineer in the US can expect to earn about $92,000 in average annual salary.

Electrician

Like plumbers, electricians are essential to building, and blueprint reading is one of their oft-used skill sets in cases where someone hires them for new construction projects. Experienced electricians can anticipate earning around $60,000 annually in the United States.

General Contractor

A General Contractor typically earns about $46,000 in average annual base pay in the US, not including 401(k) plans, bonuses, or other compensation. However, some contractors earn much higher incomes, especially in major metropolitan areas like St. Louis or Chicago.

Project Manager

Construction Project Managers organize and manage the design of multiple community projects, from individual buildings to full-scale infrastructure projects. They can expect to make around $94,000 annually in salary. Much like contractors, Project Managers can earn higher pay rates in major metro areas.

Blueprint Reading Classes Near Me

The Virtual Design & Construction Institute (VDCI) is one of the only accredited course providers for students who plan to work in the design and construction industry. VDCI offers multiple software training programs to help you gain blueprint reading expertise. Their Blueprint Reading for Residential Construction course features online training in construction documents. It includes topics like drawings, specifications, and documentation, to name a few. VDCI also offers a comparable course for larger projects, Blueprint Reading for Commercial Construction.

Noble Desktop is a respected course provider offering numerous coding, business, and design training programs. Their immersive AutoCAD Certification Program includes 48 hours of live online training in this essential Autodesk tool. The course also features six hours of private tutoring and administration of the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting certification exam.

Contractors State License Schools (CSLS) offers a live online Introduction to Blueprint Reading course. This live online 32-hour program includes blueprint reading for residential and light industrial construction projects and teaches subjects appropriate for those working to get a General B or other building trade license. Applicants must be 22 or older to attend.

Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) offers blueprint reading training to students in British Columbia. Their Blueprint Reading for Construction Projects course, available from ICBA Training, is an intermediate instructor-led program held live online. Topics include architectural, structural, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) blueprint packages, and graduates receive a digital certificate of completion.

The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Extension provides multiple programs for continuing education. Their Reading Construction Blueprint Drawings course runs for 11 weeks and is available in-person or live online via teleconferencing. This introductory program covers architectural and engineering plans and focuses on understanding real-world applications. Check course listings for availability and any enrollment specifications.

Blueprint Reading Corporate Training

Would your team benefit from corporate and onsite training? Noble Desktop offers multiple AutoCAD courses, and they can tailor a curriculum to your organization’s needs. Training options are available in-person at their state-of-the-art Manhattan headquarters or live online via teleconferencing. Courses include Introduction to AutoCAD, and AutoCAD Levels I, II, and III.

If you want your employees to have more flexibility with their training schedules, Noble Desktop also offers discounted vouchers for its open enrollment classes. Employers get a discount when purchasing in bulk. Contact Noble Desktop for more information and a free consultation.

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Learn More About Live Online Blueprint Reading Courses

What is Blueprint Reading?

What Can You Do with Blueprint Reading Training?

What Will I Learn in a Blueprint Reading Class?

Understanding The Title Block

Contrasting Units of Measure

Creating Orthographic Projections

Reviewing Specifications

How Hard is it to Learn Blueprint Reading?

What are the most challenging parts of learning Blueprint Reading?

How Long Does it Take to Learn Blueprint Reading?

Should I Learn Blueprint Reading In Person or Online?

Can I Learn Blueprint Reading Free Online?

What Should I Learn Alongside Blueprint Reading?

AutoCAD

Estimates

Revit

Industries that Use Blueprint Reading

Advanced Manufacturing

Construction

Engineering

Real Estate

Blueprint Reading Job Titles and Salaries

Civil Engineer

Electrician

General Contractor

Project Manager

Blueprint Reading Classes Near Me

Blueprint Reading Corporate Training

VDCI Blueprint Reading Fundamentals Bundle (Self-Paced)
Sponsored

Live Online Blueprint Reading
Corporate & Onsite Training