Curriculum

Online Construction Course Curriculum

As part of our online Construction Training courses, you'll develop the skills and knowledge required to begin an entry-level career in carpentry.

Construction Trades

Career Diploma

3 months

As low as $59/mo

Full Program Overview

1-800-275-4410 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Online Construction Course Curriculum

4 courses
26.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
17 exams

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 3 months
Average time = 6 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

In this course, you’ll develop the necessary skills to ensure your success in the program. Starting Your Program is designed to help you make a smooth transition to Penn Foster, including learning how to use all the tools and resources that are available to you, get help when you need it, understand the Code of Conduct, and improve your study skills and time management. The goal is to help you become a confident, independent learner.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify skills needed to be a confident and independent online learner
In this course, you'll start by reviewing different career paths, certifications, and safe work practices in the building trade and discover how math and science play a big role in the industry. You’ll then learn about the field of carpentry, including training and career paths. You’ll study various building materials and discover the importance of building plans and building codes. You’ll also familiarize yourself with tools of the trade and standard safety practices.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Describe the concepts, technologies, safe work practices, and protective gear used by those in the construction technology field
- Describe the carpentry training process, the career paths available to carpenters, standard safety practices in the carpentry field, and the qualities employers seek
- Describe common types of building materials, including wood, lumber, engineered wood products, concrete, fasteners, and adhesives
- Explain how to interpret building plans, the purpose and applications of building codes, and the process of obtaining building permits
- Identify various types of hand tools and how to maintain them
- Identify various types of power tools and their applications
In this course, you’ll learn both manual and automated techniques for laying out a foundation to begin the building process. You’ll examine different materials and processes used to build foundations, footings, walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs. You’ll also learn about ladders—including how to identify, inspect, carry, and store common job-site ladders — and scaffold assemblies. You’ll learn how to differentiate among different roof styles and how to construct them.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Explain the steps required to lay out the foundation of a structure, including manual and automated techniques
- Describe common materials used to construct building foundations and the carpenter’s role in foundation development
- Describe the materials, layout, and assembly techniques used to construct walls, floors, and ceilings
- Identify different types of ladders and scaffold assemblies used on job sites
- Describe the configurations of different roof styles and the layout and assembly processes use to construct each style
In this course, you’ll learn framing techniques for constructing stairs. You’ll learn how to properly insulate and ventilate buildings. You’ll examine various materials and techniques used to finish the exteriors of buildings, from roofs to siding, porches, and decks. You’ll also learn how to finish the interiors of buildings, including walls, ceilings, doors, and moldings. Finally, you’ll learn how to create finished floors and select and install cabinets in kitchens and baths.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Describe the steps involved in the proper construction of stairs, the insulation and ventilation of buildings, and the application of common roofing materials and gutter systems
- Explain the process of installing standard windows and doors and identify the materials used to weatherize and customize the exteriors of buildings
- Identify materials and tools used to finish the interiors of buildings, including walls, ceilings, doors, and trim
- Describe the processes and materials involved in finish flooring and the installation of cabinetry
- Demonstrate an understanding of the different processes within the building trade by completing a final exam

Note: We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.