- Getting Started: Phases & Project Setup
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Introduction
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Construction phases
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Project delivery methods
- Project delivery methods
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Design-Bid-Build (DBB)
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Design-Build (DB)
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Construction Manager At-Risk (CMaR)
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Public Private Partnership (PPP or P3)
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Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
- Conclusion
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Knowledge check
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Summary, resources, & what’s next?
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We want to hear from you!
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Conclusion
Construction Phases & Project Delivery Methods -- Construction Bootcamp (Part 3)
Understand how projects are organized and executed.
Instructor: Ben Ashburn
1 hour
Last reviewed 12/2025
Video Content
Course Description
This course is designed to help you understand not just who is involved in a construction project, but also how the entire process works from start to finish. You'll explore the typical steps a project takes, and also learn about the various ways teams can organize themselves to get the job done. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of how different roles fit together and how each part contributes to the bigger picture of a successful construction project.
The course breaks down construction project phases into simple, easy-to-understand segments. You'll start with preconstruction, which covers all the crucial planning and preparation before any building begins, including design, bidding, and materials buying. Next, you'll delve into the construction phase, where the physical building happens, leading up to the project being substantially complete. Finally, you'll learn about the post-construction phase, which includes important warranty periods and long-term operation and maintenance of the completed space. Understanding these construction project management stages is vital for any professional in the field.
Beyond the phases, this course will introduce you to several standard project delivery methods that define how teams are organized and how work flows. You'll gain insights into popular methods like Design-Bid-Build (DBB), the long-standing traditional approach, and Design-Build (DB), which is quickly becoming the most widely used method. The course also covers Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and Public-Private Partnerships (P3), explaining the unique features, benefits, and challenges of each. You'll walk away with the ability to define project phases, discuss delivery methods, and identify the specific roles and responsibilities of team members in these different project structures.
Learning Objectives
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Define construction project phases.
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Discuss the different delivery methods of the construction industry.
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Identify roles and responsibilities of each team member in various project delivery methods.
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Explain how different project delivery methods can affect cost, schedule, and risks.
Prerequisites
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Learning Level: Beginner
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Prerequisite Knowledge: Completion of Construction Industry Overview.
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Recommended Knowledge: None.
Continuing Education Course Credits
Course Title: Construction Bootcamp
Course Number: PC-01-061825
Session Number: 1
Curriculum Group Name: AIA Providers
Credit: 12.5 AIA LU
Course Expiration Date: 06/24/2028
Procore's Continuing Education courses may qualify for continuing education credits with other professional organizations or fulfill state licensing requirements. If you are a member of a different organization, you can download your course completion certificate from your learning profile and report your completion yourself to the organization for potential credit. Please refer to the organization's continuing education requirements for course eligibility information.
AIA CES Provider statement
Procore Technologies is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 40108059. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fundamental knowledge will I gain about construction projects by taking this course?
This course provides a clear breakdown of construction project phases from the very beginning stages before any physical work starts to the long-term operation of a built facility. You'll learn about the Preconstruction bucket, which encompasses all planning and preparation, including an owner identifying a business need and commissioning a design team. You'll then delve into the Construction phase, where the project is physically built by contractors according to drawings and specifications. Finally, the course covers the Post Construction phase, which includes the critical warranty or defect liability period where contractors are responsible for fixing any defects, as well as the long-term operation and maintenance of the project by the owner. Understanding these three main phases and their sub-phases (like planning and design, bidding, contracts, materials procurement, build, closeout, and warranty) provides a comprehensive overview of a project's lifecycle.
Why is understanding different project delivery methods crucial for my career in construction?
Understanding project delivery methods is vital because they define the entire structure for executing a construction project, including team organization, design workflow, construction workflow, and financial workflow. The course will explain how the roles and responsibilities of key players like the owner, general contractor, specialty contractors, and design team are established and when each gets involved.
What's Next
Continue your learning journey
This course is part of the Construction Bootcamp Learning Path. Explore and complete the additional courses in the path below to complete your journey.
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Construction Bootcamp: Program Intro
View Course PageKickstart your learning journey with the Construction Bootcamp program.
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Construction Bootcamp: Construction Industry Overview
View Course PageUnderstand the construction landscape, structure, and key players.
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You are here!
Construction Phases & Project Delivery Methods
Understand how projects are organized and executed.
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Drawings & Specifications
View Course PageLearn to interpret essential project documents.
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Construction Contracts
View Course PageGrasp the foundational elements of construction agreements.
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Estimating & Bidding
View Course PageDive into the critical process of costing and proposals.
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Scheduling
View Course PageMaster techniques for effective project timelines.
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Quality, Safety, & Risk
View Course PagePrioritize excellence, manage hazards, and mitigate project risks.
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Contract Administration (RFIs & Submittals)
View Course PageNavigate essential project communications.
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Contract Administration (Financials)
View Course PageControl costs and manage project scope.
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Construction Site Operations & Project Controls
View Course PageUnderstand day-to-day site management and oversight.
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BIM
View Course PageAn introduction to modern construction technology.
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Professional & Soft Skills For Construction Management
View Course PageDevelop crucial interpersonal and leadership abilities.
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Program Exam
View Course PageTest your knowledge with the final exam and explore pathways for continuous learning.
Related Resources
Instructors
Ben Ashburn
After a successful career as a construction estimator — working his way up from estimating manager to senior estimator — Ben has spent the most recent part of his career in construction sharing his skills with other as a construction educator. Ben has an extensive background in construction education: He has been an assistant professor in the Department of Construction Science at Texas A&M, and lectured about estimating, scheduling, management, and other related construction topics at Murray State University. He has been a construction training and learning development partner with Procore since 2019.
Reviewers
Janine Trinidad
Janine Trinidad is a Construction Educational professional for Procore Technologies. In previous roles, Janine managed all phases of construction on hotel, mixed-use, and institutional projects in the San Francisco Bay area. She was responsible for negotiating contract budgets and change orders, managing RFIs and submittals, and overseeing quality control, among other duties. She is also a certified transformational coach with a focus on women-centered and trauma-informed methods. She is passionate about transforming the construction industry to be a healthier, more successful and welcoming place to work and believes technology and education are allies in doing so.
Dr. Irish Horsey
Dr. Irish Horsey is a seasoned expert in the construction industry with over 25 years of experience. Currently, she serves as the Director of Industry Advancement at Procore, while also teaching part-time at the Georgia Institute of Technology. A former Assistant Professor at Kennesaw State University, Dr. Horsey specializes in project management, workforce development, and diversity and inclusion in construction. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education and a Master's in Construction Management. Her extensive industry experience and academic background make her a trusted leader in advancing best practices and innovative strategies in construction.