27201 Commercial Drawing
Course Syllabus: NCCER Module 27201 – Commercial Drawings
Course Information
- Course Title: Commercial Drawings
- Module Code: NCCER 27201 (also referenced as 27201-07 or 27201-13 in various editions)
- Level: Carpentry Level Two (or applicable in related crafts such as Weatherization Technician)
- Training Hours: 25–27.5 hours (recommended; includes classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and review)
- Format: Blended (lecture, discussion, drawing interpretation exercises, and performance tasks)
- Prerequisites: Completion of NCCER Core Curriculum and Carpentry Level One (or equivalent experience in basic construction drawings and safety)
Course Description
This module trains participants to read and interpret commercial construction drawings and specifications. Unlike residential drawings, commercial drawings are more complex and detailed, involving multiple disciplines. Participants will learn to identify and navigate various types of drawings, including civil, architectural, structural, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) plans, as well as schedules and symbols commonly used in commercial projects.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:
- Recognize key differences between commercial and residential construction drawings.
- Identify the components and organization of a typical set of commercial drawings (e.g., title sheet, index, and drawing sheets).
- Describe the purpose and content of civil drawings (site plans, grading, utilities).
- Describe the purpose and content of architectural drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections, details).
- Describe the purpose and content of structural drawings (foundations, framing, steel/concrete details).
- Describe the purpose and content of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) drawings, including riser diagrams and schedules.
- Interpret common symbols, abbreviations, scales, dimensions, and notes used in commercial drawings.
- Read and extract information from schedules (e.g., door, window, finish, and hardware schedules).
- Accurately interpret a full set of commercial drawings to locate specific information and answer project-related questions.
Performance Objectives
Participants must demonstrate proficiency in the following NCCER performance tasks (verified by instructor observation):
- Identify and describe elements from various types of commercial drawings.
- Locate and document specific items (e.g., doors, windows, fixtures) using provided schedules and plans.
- Interpret a set of commercial drawings to answer practical construction questions accurately.
Course Outline and Schedule
The module is divided into sessions based on typical NCCER Trainee Guide structure. Approximate time allocations are provided for a 25-hour course.
| Session | Topics Covered | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Commercial Drawings • Differences between commercial and residential drawings • Organization of a commercial drawing set (title sheet, sheet index, revisions) | 3 |
| 2 | Scales, Symbols, and Abbreviations • Common drawing conventions • Dimensioning and notes • Keys and legends | 4 |
| 3 | Civil Drawings • Site plans, plot plans, grading plans • Utilities and topography | 3 |
| 4 | Architectural Drawings • Floor plans, elevations, sections, details • Room finishes and partitioning | 5 |
| 5 | Structural Drawings • Foundations, framing plans • Steel and concrete details | 4 |
| 6 | MEP Drawings and Schedules • Mechanical (HVAC), electrical, and plumbing plans • Riser diagrams • Door, window, finish, and hardware schedules | 4 |
| 7 | Practical Application and Review • Interpreting full drawing sets • Hands-on exercises and case studies | 2 |
| 8 | Module Review and Assessment Preparation | 0.5–2 |
Note: Schedule may be adjusted based on class pace and access to sample drawing sets.
Required Materials
- NCCER Carpentry Level Two Trainee Guide (current edition)
- Set of sample commercial construction drawings (provided by instructor or training facility)
- Basic tools: Scale ruler (architectural and engineering scales), calculator, notebook, and pencils
- Access to NCCER online resources (if available through training provider)
Instructional Methods
- Lectures and presentations
- Group discussions
- Hands-on drawing interpretation exercises
- Review of real-world commercial project drawings
- Quizzes and practice questions
Assessment and Evaluation
- Formative Assessments: In-class exercises, quizzes, and participation in drawing interpretation activities (ongoing).
- Summative Assessments:
- Written module examination (multiple-choice; minimum passing score 70%).
- Performance profile verification (instructor evaluates hands-on tasks).
- Certification: Successful completion (passing exam and performance tasks) earns NCCER credential for Module 27201 and contributes to Carpentry Level Two certification.
- Grading Policy: Pass/Fail based on NCCER standards (no letter grades unless required by institution).
Policies
- Attendance: Full attendance is recommended; missed sessions may require makeup work.
- Safety: Adhere to all training facility safety protocols.
- Academic Integrity: All assessments must reflect individual work.
This syllabus aligns with NCCER standards for Module 27201 Commercial Drawings. For official curriculum updates, refer to the latest NCCER Carpentry Trainee Guide or contact an accredited NCCER training sponsor.