Lesson Plan
9 Video Lessons · 2H 9M
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1. Course Overview
A blueprint is the fundamental plan for the construction of any structure. In this lesson, Jordan provides a basic overview of the class, outlining the objectives and skills mastered in this online course.
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2. Scales & Measurement
Using a simple plan for the shed in his backyard as a guide, Jordan shares how to use an architect's ruler to make reading scales easy.
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3. Title Sheets & Site Plans
A title sheet gives you information about the property, a building's location on that property, the team involved in the project, and how to navigate the whole set of residential blueprints.
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4. Floor Plans
Part of the architectural drawings within your set of residential blueprints, the floor plans provide a bird's eye view of the interior plan for a house.
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5. Elevations & Sectional Views
Elevations and sections are two-dimensional views of the vertical interior and exterior surfaces of a house.
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6. Details & Schedules
Rounding out the architectural drawings within your set of residential blueprints, details are just what they sound like: specific looks at detailed components of the building. Schedules are tables that help you accurately order and use doors, windows, and more.
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7. Structural Drawings
Structural drawings show how the design for a building can maintain the structural integrity of the home in normal and hazardous weather conditions. Jordan shows you how to understand the key components of a house's structure from the perspective of a builder and an engineer.
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8. Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP)
No modern home is complete without the systems that make it function: HVAC (mechanical), electrical, and plumbing. As a builder or framer, it’s important to know where those systems will be routed so you can leave space for them to be laid in. Learn how.
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9. Putting It All Together
Learn how to put what you've learned to practice by reading a title page and navigating a complete set of residential blueprints.
Who it's for: This course is for those beginning in the trades, or anyone who wants to brush up on reading blueprints.
Key Topics
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How to use architect’s ruler
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How to read site and floor plans
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How to read elevations and sections
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How to read details and schedules
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How to read structural drawings
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How to read mep drawings
5 stars
Overall rating of 150 students
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5 out of 5
Graciela C.,
Jun 04, 2023
Very Helpful
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5 out of 5
Nathan C.,
Jun 01, 2023
This is a great course. It does a good job at explaining the information in layman's terms and gives a good framework for how to read plans.
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5 out of 5
Colby W.,
May 28, 2023
If you or someone you know is interested in leaning construction drawings, this is the course to start on, very well done.
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5 out of 5
Christopher M.,
May 26, 2023
Everything was explained in a great way. Learned a lot from this course! Thanks appreciate it!
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5 out of 5
Joseph L.,
May 25, 2023
Appreciate you breaking it down into the various segments. Super helpful and filled with great information.
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5 out of 5
Carlos F.,
May 09, 2023
Great study
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5 out of 5
Avenir T.,
May 09, 2023
I had a great experience learning this program. He very detailed explained how to read blueprints and now when I sit down and look at blueprints I know what to look for instead of being overwhelmed.
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5 out of 5
Israel C.,
Mar 23, 2023
Gooddd
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5 out of 5
BJ R.,
Mar 06, 2023
4
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5 out of 5
manuel G.,
Feb 28, 2023
good
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5 out of 5
jose R.,
Feb 24, 2023
However I would appreciate more information on details on elevations and foundations etc etc
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5 out of 5
Maria O.,
Feb 15, 2023
Course was highly informative
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5 out of 5
Dante C.,
Feb 09, 2023
Great intro
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5 out of 5
`David L.,
Feb 08, 2023
Good intro course, definitely need a next level course or two focusing in on the detail pages of a blueprint and what they mean.
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5 out of 5
Adison T.,
Feb 08, 2023
This is exactly where you should start.
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5 out of 5
Stephen Z.,
Feb 07, 2023
quiz was picky
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5 out of 5
Caitlin W.,
Jan 21, 2023
excellent instruction
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5 out of 5
Bill D.,
Jan 21, 2023
3
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5 out of 5
Michael W.,
Jan 16, 2023
Good help
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5 out of 5
Cristina V.,
Jan 15, 2023
Very clear instructions
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5 out of 5
Kelly G.,
Jan 14, 2023
it helped me so much
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5 out of 5
Taylor K.,
Dec 27, 2022
Good information on general knowledge on Blueprint reading.
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5 out of 5
Jorge L.,
Dec 15, 2022
Happy I am able to really use this in the field when needed and really enjoyed learning new things I didn’t have a clue about prior to this class
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5 out of 5
Cristian S.,
Dec 13, 2022
Good
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5 out of 5
Andrew M.,
Dec 12, 2022
Would recommend to the novice plan reader
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5 out of 5
Sita K.,
Dec 07, 2022
Jordan makes things easy to understand. Very articulate.
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5 out of 5
Bobby G.,
Nov 29, 2022
Great introductory course to begin learning!
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5 out of 5
Jared V.,
Nov 21, 2022
Do a pt.2 !
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5 out of 5
Darwin C.,
Nov 13, 2022
I like this curso. More schematic please
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5 out of 5
John M.,
Nov 11, 2022
5
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5 out of 5
Alyssa C.,
Nov 07, 2022
Very detailed loved it
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5 out of 5
GRETA S.,
Oct 25, 2022
Super clear, to the point, amazing general knowledge overview.
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5 out of 5
Aprile M.,
Oct 21, 2022
Very informatinve
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5 out of 5
Hector S.,
Oct 18, 2022
5
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5 out of 5
Mark J.,
Oct 17, 2022
educational
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5 out of 5
Mareina H.,
Oct 12, 2022
I learned a lot in this course, I wish they went a little more in-depth of construction math, but I also understand there is a separate course for that. this course was great to learn the basics on...
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5 out of 5
Toni M.,
Sep 25, 2022
This course gives you a great idea on what to expect in furthering your learning in blueprint reading. It gave me plenty of information for the administrative aspect of blueprint reading and the type...
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5 out of 5
Russell P.,
Sep 23, 2022
Thought it was helpfull
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5 out of 5
Christi F.,
Sep 20, 2022
na
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5 out of 5
Sergio A.,
Sep 11, 2022
Blueprint Reading
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5 out of 5
tim C.,
Aug 20, 2022
i have abetter understanding of blueprints
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5 out of 5
Mark H.,
Aug 12, 2022
Good
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5 out of 5
Alex G.,
Aug 04, 2022
The course was great. Some of the test questions were worded oddly so my only advice would to create clearer questions and keep the language succinct with the course material.
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5 out of 5
John M.,
Jul 29, 2022
I found this very informative & straight to the point. Helpful for me in taking N.C. state Residential Building Contractors exam. I've been in construction for 37 years, 27 years as a custom home...
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5 out of 5
Andrew B.,
Jul 17, 2022
Excellent course with a wealth of knowledge. It has provided much of what I needed to begin my career in construction. The course was well constructed and offered thorough explanations of complex...
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5 out of 5
Donan J.,
Jul 11, 2022
Excelente
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5 out of 5
Sebastian G.,
Jul 11, 2022
Good
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5 out of 5
julian P.,
Jul 08, 2022
Very good learning experience!
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5 out of 5
Michel B.,
Jun 30, 2022
I feel like the question on the exam can trick you a little which is nice to keep you more on your toes
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5 out of 5
Aridio M F.,
Jun 29, 2022
Very good
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5 out of 5
Antone L.,
Jun 24, 2022
Blue print
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5 out of 5
Karen S.,
Jun 10, 2022
*****
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5 out of 5
Tara B.,
Jun 10, 2022
Good
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5 out of 5
Haxel O.,
Jun 08, 2022
This course has the very basics to understand how to read blueprints, excellent.
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5 out of 5
Justin L.,
May 24, 2022
I loved everything about this course!
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5 out of 5
Charles N.,
May 17, 2022
Great!!
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5 out of 5
Scott W.,
May 16, 2022
This course is really great for beginners.
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5 out of 5
Antonio M.,
Apr 26, 2022
75%
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5 out of 5
Andrew M.,
Apr 21, 2022
I've never took an architectural or engineering course and I took this out of curiosity. This course was a great introduction to symbols, building plans, and how to interpret everything in the...
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5 out of 5
Chris C.,
Apr 19, 2022
This course is a great introduction to reading blueprints. It's very clearly laid out, very thorough, and well presented. I had no experience prior to the course, but now feel more equipped to...
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5 out of 5
william S.,
Apr 12, 2022
Awesome course design. tons of information and easy to navigate through.
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5 out of 5
dylan H.,
Apr 12, 2022
I’ve looked over blueprints for a long time and before referring someone to the course decided to take it for myself. It’s basic but covers all you need and teaches in the way that doesn’t give...
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5 out of 5
Rhenan B.,
Apr 10, 2022
The price is worth it and you actually learn what a blueprint consist of: site plan, architectural (floor plan, elevations, sections, schedules) Structural (Details), MEP (Electrical, Plumbing, Air...
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5 out of 5
Adam A.,
Apr 04, 2022
Very informative course.
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5 out of 5
James B.,
Apr 01, 2022
The course was very informative and I highly recommend it for anyone trying to gain further knowledge in building construction.
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5 out of 5
Elkin V.,
Mar 30, 2022
It is very interesting and pleasant, I would like to take another more advanced course. thanks for the shared knowledge.
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5 out of 5
Travis S.,
Mar 14, 2022
Helpful in looking at the plans holistically and guides the student through the many types of plans and how they interact. Some of the links are no longer working in the pdf and there’s a spelling...
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5 out of 5
Sol F.,
Mar 13, 2022
Good course! I enjoyed it.
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5 out of 5
Tanner M.,
Mar 13, 2022
Clear and concise introduction.
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5 out of 5
Edwin C.,
Mar 07, 2022
The course is easy and clear, it explains in a good way all what I needed to star in the blueprints filed, thanks a lot
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5 out of 5
Guadalupe O.,
Mar 06, 2022
Awesome
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5 out of 5
Nicholas G.,
Feb 22, 2022
Very helpful
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5 out of 5
reese L.,
Feb 20, 2022
great break down and structure to the course, lots of good information!
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5 out of 5
Guillermo A.,
Feb 19, 2022
excellent
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5 out of 5
Ricardo C.,
Feb 15, 2022
5 stars
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5 out of 5
Joseph G.,
Feb 15, 2022
This course was well informative and give me the extra knowledge that I need to better at reading blueprints. I would recommend this for anyone in the construction and maintenance field.
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5 out of 5
Edward W.,
Feb 10, 2022
This course was a great way to familiarize myself with reading blueprints
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5 out of 5
Martin R.,
Feb 04, 2022
Enjoyed the course. Will take more courses on MTCopeland
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5 out of 5
Brandon K.,
Jan 20, 2022
This was a great course for refreshing the old skills.
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5 out of 5
Miguel A F.,
Jan 17, 2022
Thanks for the opportunity. I learned a lot in the course. thank you for your dedication
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5 out of 5
Ovidio A.,
Jan 03, 2022
A good basic over look on how to read blueprints. Learned a lot thanks to Jordan Smith.
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5 out of 5
Lauren N.,
Dec 10, 2021
This course was great for first timers. It was easy to follow along. I felt like I learned a lot and have the knowledge I need to move forward.
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5 out of 5
Ali B.,
Dec 08, 2021
Informative and helpful!
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5 out of 5
Mallory F.,
Dec 08, 2021
Insightful!
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5 out of 5
bruce O.,
Dec 07, 2021
It was very informative
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5 out of 5
Gerald B.,
Dec 06, 2021
8036879143
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5 out of 5
Eric S.,
Dec 03, 2021
Well put together with a great teacher.
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5 out of 5
Katie H.,
Dec 03, 2021
Great course with perfect level of explanation and detail
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5 out of 5
Kevin G.,
Nov 28, 2021
basic training expected a bit more.
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5 out of 5
Donna H.,
Nov 23, 2021
Would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn how to read blueprints!
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5 out of 5
Gary M.,
Nov 04, 2021
Good job.
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5 out of 5
Lane W.,
Nov 04, 2021
Jordan is informative and detail oriented. You can definitely tell he used to be an engineer. I wish there were more quizzes throughout the course chapters to stay engaged, but the main quiz at the...
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5 out of 5
Jodi B.,
Nov 02, 2021
Really w
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5 out of 5
Eric T.,
Nov 01, 2021
Great Course
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5 out of 5
Jordan C.,
Oct 24, 2021
good
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5 out of 5
Joe W.,
Oct 19, 2021
course was great for getting understanding on blueprints, if you haven't already known
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5 out of 5
Travis B.,
Oct 16, 2021
The course walked me through the blueprints, and with my perspective as a beginner, I really appreciated the in depth discussions and the course materials that were provided. I thought the teacher...
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5 out of 5
Marvin R.,
Oct 15, 2021
plans
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5 out of 5
Austin S.,
Oct 08, 2021
the class was easy to follow for the most part, however I think a review at the end would be helpful because I took the course over a couple months and some of it was foggy by the end...that being...
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5 out of 5
Thomas C.,
Oct 02, 2021
Very good course covered alot
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5 out of 5
Terrence M.,
Sep 30, 2021
Excellent refresher course for those that may have been away from the trade for a minute and also excellent for introduction and general overview.
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5 out of 5
Chris G.,
Sep 26, 2021
Ok
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5 out of 5
Nettie D.,
Sep 23, 2021
Hi Ms Copeland would like to provide some feedback on this course. Nettie
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5 out of 5
Justin A.,
Sep 20, 2021
Really enjoyed the lass and how easy it was to view material.
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5 out of 5
Gerson C.,
Sep 06, 2021
very good course .!! i learnt a lot from it
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5 out of 5
Nelson L.,
Sep 01, 2021
perferct
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5 out of 5
Thomas B.,
Aug 30, 2021
This course was super helpful. Thank you!
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5 out of 5
Jovan H.,
Aug 14, 2021
This is a must take course for any contractors to be or real estate investor or flipper like myself! I now feel comfortable looking at a blue print and making out almost all of the details min a...
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5 out of 5
Ismael R.,
Aug 12, 2021
Easy, self paced program with a lot to learn!!!
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5 out of 5
Luis P.,
Aug 07, 2021
very good
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5 out of 5
Nicole S.,
Aug 05, 2021
Thanks for this course! I'm interested in professional development and this course was just what I needed to get a jumpstart. Good information and charismatic teacher. The situations he presents...
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5 out of 5
Bianca B.,
Jul 30, 2021
knew nothing about blueprints and this was a good course to get some basic understanding
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5 out of 5
Marc J.,
Jul 27, 2021
Got some blueprints to a Restarunt remodel and needed to freshen up. this was perfect for understanding the basic. Ive worked off plans before but was never the General on the job, looking forward to...
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5 out of 5
Jerrett D.,
Jul 22, 2021
Overall a great introduction to blueprint reading for any and all that are looking to get into the construction industry or for those that are looking to brush up on it all.
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5 out of 5
Marisol C.,
Jul 19, 2021
Great
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5 out of 5
Mayro M.,
Jul 12, 2021
Excellent course, learned so much congrats
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5 out of 5
Sofia M.,
Jul 06, 2021
Jordan did a really good job of explaining everything that I needed to brush up on as an Interior Designer. This helped me more with drawing more precise and effective drawings and how I can follow...
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5 out of 5
Breyner S.,
Jul 05, 2021
I guess it is still missing a bit more information, but overall it was good
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5 out of 5
Dave M.,
Jun 29, 2021
Class was very helpful, just wish they would have touched on reading topography a little.
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5 out of 5
Edgar C.,
Jun 21, 2021
Amazing teaching and easy to learn
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5 out of 5
Jamie C.,
Jun 09, 2021
The course was great review and a refresher.
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5 out of 5
Dustin H.,
Jun 04, 2021
I bought this course as the homeowner of a new construction home that is currently under construction. I bought the course so that I could better understand and interact with the professionals...
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5 out of 5
Francisco L.,
May 29, 2021
Francisco Lopez
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5 out of 5
Shea S.,
May 27, 2021
Very informative
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5 out of 5
Colt W.,
May 27, 2021
This was a great introduction to reading blueprints!
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5 out of 5
Nathanael G.,
May 01, 2021
The teacher did a great job at covering so much of blueprint reading in 2 hours! It was definitely very informative and helpful.
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5 out of 5
Ed H.,
Apr 23, 2021
Easy to follow.
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5 out of 5
Tristan B.,
Apr 20, 2021
I had never looked at a blueprint before this, now I have some idea of how to use one. The lessons were well delivered and the reference material high quality. I liked it.
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5 out of 5
Andres D.,
Apr 12, 2021
Excellent
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5 out of 5
Nathan D.,
Apr 02, 2021
Very good class and well taught. It was very helpful and informative. The instructor was very detailed and was not dry.
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4 out of 5
Julia D.,
Feb 14, 2023
Informative, but wish it was more interactive
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4 out of 5
Anthony U.,
Jan 15, 2023
Great Inro Course
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4 out of 5
victor N.,
Oct 23, 2022
Little more detail on finding ridge heights and if the number that’s givin is it rough or is the roofing materials accounted for in the number provided
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4 out of 5
Paul G.,
Jul 15, 2022
Good
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4 out of 5
Tanner F.,
May 25, 2022
This was a good introduction for anyone who has little/no experience in the industry.
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4 out of 5
Madison M.,
Feb 16, 2022
very good session including lots of information for anybody willing to get a stepping stone on learning about blueprint reading.
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4 out of 5
Ben R.,
Feb 01, 2022
N/A
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4 out of 5
Willis B.,
Jan 19, 2022
Would be nice to know before hand what would be needed to help with the class. Or maybe offer the printable once purchase is completed.
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4 out of 5
Zachary P.,
Jan 04, 2022
Great course
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4 out of 5
Dustin T.,
Nov 10, 2021
Good course, but needs more in-depth training or follow up courses
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4 out of 5
Steve H.,
Sep 25, 2021
I enjoyed the good sound and quality video. The MEP section could be presented better I think. I also would like to see some pictures rather than just plans of how it is all put together. Presented...
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4 out of 5
Austin H.,
Sep 18, 2021
Using to learn additional information about plans and M.E.Ps. I would say that for the cost it is somewhat too general and short. However there is value to the course.
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4 out of 5
Edwin C.,
Aug 29, 2021
Easy to understand and the video shows every detail.
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4 out of 5
jorge S.,
Jul 12, 2021
very good thanks until nex time
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4 out of 5
Ben M.,
Jun 25, 2021
good
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4 out of 5
Omer B.,
Jun 09, 2021
all were good
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4 out of 5
Timothy F.,
May 24, 2021
How to Read Blueprints Copeland May 24, 2021 • Overall the class is well done. • It seems a reasonable value for $75 • It would benefit new designers.. • I didn’t care for...
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4 out of 5
Patricia N.,
Mar 07, 2021
hallo? what is this for?
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3 out of 5
Harrison P.,
Jan 22, 2023
Review
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3 out of 5
jerome G.,
Aug 07, 2021
Good
Jordan Smith
CEO of Smith House Company

Your Instructor
Jordan Smith is the CEO and Founder of Smith House Company, a design+build firm based in Austin, Texas. He learned to build and weld while working on the farm with his grandad, and after earning a degree in Welding and Materials Engineering, he spent the next 10 years working in the heavy construction building everything from robots to ships to offshore oil rigs before transitioning to residential construction. After spending a couple of years working with industry leading builders in Austin, Jordan and his wife Veronica struck out on their own to form Smith House Co.
Smith House Co. strives to build more beautiful, functional and resilient spaces which are self sustaining and harmonize with their natural surroundings.
Become Job Ready
This course will increase your knowledge for jobs like:
Carpenter
Apprentice Carpenter
Construction Laborer
Carpenter's Assistant
Carpenter Helper
Remodeler
For more information on these roles, visit our career page.
Search for these jobs at:
Common Questions
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What is MT Copeland?
MT Copeland helps you further your career in the building industry with expert-led online education that will make you a better, smarter tradesperson.
Our training courses give you a foundation in construction fundamentals and trade skills with real-world applications and best practices to help you grow on the job.What do courses include?
Online courses include professionally produced videos taught by leaders in the trades and supplementary learning material such as quizzes, assessments and downloadable materials to help you acquire new skills. Watch anywhere, always at your own pace. We keep lesson videos short so they’re easy to watch after work or on your lunch break. You can finish a course in one sitting, or space it out over a week or two.
How does the 30-day guarantee work?
If you’re not happy with a course, let us know within 30 days for a full refund. Our goal is to provide maximum value for your career. If we haven’t delivered on that promise, let us know.
Can you learn with MT Copeland outside of the u.s.?
Yes! You can take MT Copeland courses from anywhere in the world. Our courses are online, so if you have access to the Internet, you can watch our training videos. Courses are taught in English, with English captions and Spanish subtitles available.
Where did the name MT Copeland come from?
MT Copeland was named after a legendary educator who promoted the idea that training in a specific trade paired with a knowledge of general business principles opens up a whole new world of career possibilities. We believe in the same powerful combination of skills and knowledge.