- Getting Started with Drawings
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Introduction
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Construction drawings
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The purpose of construction drawings
- Drawing views
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Elevation
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Floor plan
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Reflected ceiling plan
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Section view
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Detail
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Site plan
- Wrapping up drawings
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How drawings are organized
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Key drawing takeaways
- Specifications
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Specifications
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Types of specifications and how they’re organized
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Key specification takeaways
- 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
Drawings & Specifications -- Construction Bootcamp (Part 4)
Learn to interpret essential project documents.
Instructor: Ben Ashburn
1 hour
Last reviewed 12/2025
Video Content
Course Description
This course is an introduction to construction drawings and specifications, key parts of any construction contract. Perfect for construction professionals new to the field or those wanting a quick refresh, it teaches how these documents define a project's full scope, from first ideas to the final build. The course provides a strong foundation in these essential documents, vital for any successful construction project.
You will explore construction drawings, seeing their evolution from blueprints to 3D models, and learn who creates these plans, including architects and various engineers (electrical, civil, structural, mechanical). The course explains crucial design stages: schematic, design development, bid, permit, and construction sets. You will understand different drawing views like elevation, floor plans, section views, and site plans, plus how these architectural and engineering plans are organized by discipline and updated with revisions.
The course also covers specifications, known as the project manual. These written documents add details not on drawings, covering materials, systems, building codes, and quality standards. Discover types like prescriptive, performance, and proprietary specifications.
After completing this course, you will understand how drawings (visuals) and specifications (details) work together to give builders a complete project picture.
Learning Objectives
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Define construction drawings and specifications.
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Describe how drawings and specifications are developed and organized.
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Identify common types of construction drawings and specifications.
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Discuss how drawings and specifications work together.
Prerequisites
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Learning Level: Beginner
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Prerequisite Knowledge: Completion of Construction Phases & Project Delivery Methods.
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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 practical skills will I gain from this course that are directly applicable to a construction site or office job?
This course provides foundational practical skills essential for anyone in the construction industry. You will learn to interpret various types of construction drawings and how to track changes and revisions using methods like "clouds" and numbered triangles. For specifications, you'll gain the ability to navigate the CSI MasterFormat, which is the standardized numbering system used to organize detailed information on materials, workmanship, and methods. This comprehensive understanding allows you to find specific information easily and comprehend how drawings and specifications work together to provide the "total picture" of a project.
How will this training specifically help me quickly locate and utilize detailed information within project specifications in a real-world scenario?
This course provides direct training on how to effectively use the CSI MasterFormat, which is the standardized numbering system used to organize specifications into fifty distinct divisions. This systematic organization taught in the course makes it easier to flip around and go to the exact section to find the information you need, significantly enhancing your ability to quickly access details on material quality, workmanship standards, installation methods, and quality control procedures.
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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Construction Phases & Project Delivery Methods
View Course PageUnderstand how projects are organized and executed.
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You are here!
Drawings & Specifications
Learn 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.