Construction Trades

Career Diploma 3 months

Construction School Online

If you're interested in a job that allows you to combine creativity with your attention to detail, our online Construction Trades Program could be the perfect fit for you. With flexible online courses, you can prepare to build the knowledge and skills needed to take the first steps toward a career as a carpenter, floor installer, or woodworker.

Learn essential skills like design techniques, understanding building codes, and more.
Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.

Accredited

Online

Self Paced

Cost of Program

$839

$1,139 Save $300

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

Request Info Enroll Now

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

What You Will Learn

How to explain the elements used in construction drawings relating to the shape, style, and design of a building.
How to explain the methods and building and zoning codes used to construct foundations.
How to install drywall, frame flooring and stairs, and install insulation.
How to determine the correct materials and tools needed to complete a project.

Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Construction Trades Career Outcomes

Carpenter

AVG SALARY*

$56,350/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

923,100

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in this field are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information. This is particularly important for residents of California and Florida.

Are Online Courses A Good Investment?

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 our online Construction Trades Career Diploma, you'll learn the skills and build the foundational knowledge to work as a carpenter or in another construction role. Your online construction courses include:

Construction Drawings and Building Materials
Framing
Insulation and Exterior Finishes

Show Full Curriculum

Optional Construction Work Experience

Should you choose, you'll have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience after completing your online coursework. Since the work experience is optional and not required for graduation, students who wish to participate are required to find a site to complete the work on their own.

Construction Trades Student Stories

Penn Foster’s Construction Trades Career Diploma courses can help prepare you for the first step in your carpentry and construction career. This program has helped recent graduates learn at their own pace, find new jobs, and advance in their current roles. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.

View Student Success Stories

Gary M.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“The program was kept interesting and easy to follow and use. I really enjoyed the time the instructor took to help me through some difficult situations.”

Looking for skilled trades training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.

Learn More

Online Construction Program Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our online Construction Trades Career Diploma Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!

Option 1: Pay in full

Cost of Program¹

$839

$1,139 Save $300

Best price. Best value.
Pay the full cost today
No monthly payments

Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program¹

$1,049

$1,139 Save $90

Pay $59 per month
Start for $20 down
All major credit and debit cards accepted

Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program¹

$1,139

Pay $59 per month
Start for $39 down
Mail your payments

Enroll Now

Our Proven Construction Trades Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

Start anytime
No exam due dates
Self-paced

Interactive

Digital study guides
Presentations and animations
Simulations and videos

Connected

24/7 access to online resources
Learning Resource Center and digital library
Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

Expert faculty
Dedicated student services
Robust learning resources

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Online Construction Courses FAQs

What are some jobs you can do with construction trades?

With a background in construction trades, you can prepare to work as a carpenter, including roles in residential and non-residential building construction, or as a finishing contractor.

What does a carpenter do?

Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. Working with a construction, you'll be a vital part of building new structures for residential and commercial use. Most carpenters work full-time for a business or as a contractor and they often work on one large-scale project at a time.

What skills do you need to become a carpenter?

Becoming a carpenter requires skills in math, problem-solving skills, and qualities like dexterity, physical strength, and being a detail-oriented person.

What is the average salary of a carpenter?

The average salary for an entry-level carpenter was $56,350 in May 2023, though pay can vary based on your location, the industry you work in, and your experience.*

What industries can I work in as a carpenter?

Carpenters can work in a variety of settings within the construction industry including residential construction, non-residential construction, for contractor companies, or as a contractor themselves.

What types of work can I do as a carpenter?

Most carpenters work indoors and outdoors and can expect to be involved in construction projects from building highways to installing kitchen cabinets.

Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Carpenters." Accessed November 14, 2024.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.

Disclaimers:

¹ Depending on where you live, you may be charged taxes in addition to the total cost of your program.