Carpenter

Course List

Instruction Sets
Your at-home learning program includes seven Instruction Sets designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll employ in your new career as a Carpenter.

Here's how it works
Your first Instruction Set will be sent to you as soon as your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with.

Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your learning materials:

Instruction Set 1

Learning Strategies
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.

Introduction to Building Trades
Career opportunities in the carpentry industry; demand for skilled workers; professional organizations; safety concerns.

Instruction Set 2

Math Skills for Carpenters
Basic math skills encountered in the carpentry field.

Textbook: Practical Problems in Math for Carpenters

Practical Exercise 1

Instruction Set 3

Understanding Construction Drawings
Reading blueprints; floor plans; sections and elevations; plot and foundation plans.

Building Codes and Building Layout
Zoning, codes, permits, and inspections required in construction; building layout techniques; use of leveling tools; foundation lines layout.

Lumber, Building Materials, and Fasteners
Types of wood and lumber; how to inspect for quality; types of engineered panels and lumber products; fastening tools.

Equipment:
• Architect's Scale
• Construction Print Set

Supplement: How to Read an Architect's Scale

Textbook: Carpentry

Practical Exercise 2

Instruction Set 4

Hand Tools and Power Tools
Types of hand tools for layout, boring, fastening, dismantling; types of power tools: saws, drills, drivers, planes, routers, sanders, staplers, and nailers; types of stationary power tools.

Foundations and Concrete Work
Procedures for creating and using concrete; repairing drainage problems; types of foundations.

Textbook: Foundations and Concrete Work

Practical Exercise 3

Instruction Set 5

Floor Framing
Types of frame construction; layout and construction of the floor frame; preventing termite attacks.

Exterior and Interior Wall Framing and Stair Framing (includes ladder and scaffolding instruction)
Procedures, tools, and parts for framing interior and exterior walls; erecting scaffolding and ladders; constructing and framing stairways and stairwells.

Roof Framing, Cornices, and Roofing
Procedures to construct roofs and cornices.

Practical Exercise 4

Instruction Set 6

Windows, Doors, and Insulation
Procedures for installing windows, exterior doors, insulation, and ventilation.

Siding, Porches, and Decks
Procedures for applying siding; construction of porches and decks; tools and supplies.

Video: Building Decks

Practical Exercise 5

Instruction Set 7

Drywall Techniques
Necessary tools and materials; hanging techniques; procedures for taping and sanding.

Interior Finish
Types of interior doors; installation methods; application of trim; finishing stairs.

Finish Floors and Ceilings
Types of wood floors; layout of wood floors and tile; installing suspended or tile ceilings.

Textbook: Drywall, Professional Techniques for Walls and Ceilings

Supplement: Work Experience Option

Practical Exercise 6

Upon Graduation You'll Receive:
(Sent to you when all program requirements and financial obligations have been met.)

Textbooks:
• Finish Carpentry
• Smart Business for Contractors

 

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and to assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

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

You must have completed the 8th grade to enroll in this program.