Construction Technology
51 courses · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
CNST A100 Principles of Construction
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introductory course to construction covering, hand and power tools, building code development and applications, blueprints, license and contract law, jobsite safety and construction trades.
CNST A108 Solar Panels for Small Projects
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Solar Panels for Small Projects is a 5 week course that introduces solar energy basics for small, off-grid photo voltaic installations. The course will cover solar energy fundamentals, electricity and safety basics, PV modules, system components, and system sizing. Students will plan out their own project or a small sample project. A small kit system will be available for hands-on demonstrations. No prior experience needed. Enrollment Limitation: ARCH A108; students who complete CNST A108 may not enroll in or receive credit for ARCH A108.
CNST A112 Stair Framing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
- Advisory
- CNST A180 or CNST A240.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Topics of instruction include stair design, building codes, calculations, layout and construction. Practical instruction is given in the use of tools and materials through construction laboratory work.
CNST A114 Cabinet Making
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to wood as a building material. Introduction to basic wood and machine tools to bring forth the structural and visual potential of the material. The basic skill set includes two-dimensional design and drawing concept development, furniture history, and studio practices. Two items are p.m. selected by the staff as a platform for skill mastery demonstration. Enrollment Limitation: CFT A114; students who complete CNST A114 may not enroll in or receive credit for CFT A114.
CNST A116 Furniture Making and Design
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
The student will design, construct, and manufacture furniture and related products. Enrollment Limitation: ART A116; students who complete CNST A116 may not enroll in or receive credit for ART A116.
CNST A125 Additions and Remodeling
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introductory course to the fundamentals of residential remodeling and additions. Topics of instruction include: planning and design, blueprint reading, permit process, and building codes. Practical instruction is given in the use of tools and materials through hands on laboratory work.
CNST A150 Electronics for Electricians
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduction to basic DC and AC circuits and electronic devices. Covers history of electronics, basic electricity, math, circuit theory, circuit components, digital electronics, schematics, test equipment. Labs will cover practical applications of all covered topics.
CNST A154 Drywall &Taping
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
The study of various aspects of interior drywall, including layout and installation of drywall, cornerbead and bullnose trim. Students will learn how to estimate drywall projects. They will tape the interior of a house using hand tools. Students will be introduced to professional tools such as bazooka™s, 7 & 12 inch boxes, corner angles and corner finishers, mud runners and hand tools, texture application using a 10 gallon texture sprayer and smaller hoppers. Students will apply several different textures such as knockdown, orange peel, splatter and roller finish. Patch and drywall repair to match existing finishes.
CNST A155 Intro to Home Automation
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Advisory
- CNST A275.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Wiring for interior low voltage systems, including layout and construction methods, code requirements, both sizing and installation standards, emphasis on material conservation practices and compliance with the National Electrical Code.
CNST A156 National Electrical Code
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to provide those currently working in the electrical field with training that will keep them current with NEC standards that are updated every three years. Hours earned in this course may be applied toward the mandatory 32 hours of training required for license renewal.
CNST A157 Photovoltaic System Installation
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Presents principles of Photovoltaic Systems and incorporates hands on activities for all topics. Solar Energy fundamentals and applications, electricity and safety basics, PV modules, system components, system sizing, electrical design, mechanical design and performance analysis and troubleshooting.
CNST A158 Photovoltaic System Installation 2
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 51 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- CNST A157.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Presents principles of Photovoltaic Systems and incorporates hands on activities for all topics. Solar Energy fundamentals and applications, electricity and safety basics, PV modules, system components, system sizing, electrical design, mechanical design and performance analysis and troubleshooting.
CNST A161 Solar Water and Pool Heating Installation
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours; 72 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Technologies for Solar Water Heating and Solar Swimming Pool Heating for residential, commercial and agricultural applications. Solar concepts, system types and system components. Solar collector mounting, component installation, checkout and start-up procedures. Pool systems components, installation, operation, and economics.
CNST A165 Construction Safety/CAL OSHA
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Regulations related to general construction safety. Meets the requirements and follows the guidelines for 30-hour OSHA Construction Outreach Training. U.S. Department of Labor cards will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
CNST A170 Introduction to Construction
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Fundamentals of the construction industry; terminology and procedures; an overview of trades, skills, and processes.
CNST A180 Building Construction 1
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Technical and practical experience to complete floor and wall framing of a building including wall layout, wall construction, ceiling joists and an introduction to roof framing. Estimating of materials and basic building layout are also covered.
CNST A185 Building Construction 2
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- CNST A180 or entry level residential construction experience.
- Transfers to
- CSU
The study of roof design and cutting. The use of the framing square in roof layout. Pre-fabrication techniques in housing with field research assignments. Frame estimating for the building trades and the application of various roofing materials are also covered.
CNST A189 Blueprint Reading
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Develop blueprint reading skills in all aspects of residential construction to acquire realistic understanding of prints and sketches as a means of communication in construction.
CNST A190 Blueprint Reading and Drafting
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Develop blueprint reading and drafting skills in all aspects of residential construction to acquire realistic understanding of prints and sketches as a means of communication in construction.
CNST A194 Introduction to Building Codes
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introductory course in Building Codes. Covers building code development from model codes to state code adoptions. Topics include residential building, plumbing, mechanical and green codes.
CNST A195 Residential Code
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
A complete analysis of the Residential Code and city and county related building codes. Special ordinances and land usage are also covered.
CNST A196 Green Building Codes
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
A complete analysis of the California Green Building Code. Special local Green Building ordinances are also covered along with a comparison of the International Green Building Code. Enrollment Limitation: ARCH A196; students who complete CNST A196 may not enroll in or receive credit for ARCH A196.
CNST A197 California Energy Code
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
A complete analysis of the California Energy Code. Special local Energy Code ordinances are also covered along with a comparison of the International Energy Code. Explanation of the State's energy and compliance forms. Enrollment Limitation: ARCH A197; students who complete CNST A197 may not enroll in or receive credit for ARCH A197.
CNST A198 Energy Audit
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 45 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces the student to energy conservation methods for residential HVAC systems. It covers energy auditing procedures used to analyze the performance of residential buildings and the relationship to HVAC system design, including installation techniques, system performance, and potential energy efficiency gains. It will focus on developing the student's knowledge and skills to better understand the concept of whole building performance , and will demonstrate current technologies utilized to measure and verify system performance of HVAC equipment for the purpose of meeting local, state, and federal requirements for improved energy efficiency. The use of specialized tools, instruments and diagnostic procedures for system performance testing of space conditioning equipment is covered.
CNST A199 Current Topics in Construction Technology
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 9-72 lecture hours; 0-54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Current issues in the field of construction technology, rotating through a variety of topics, such as residential/commercial/industrial electrical wiring, structured wiring, and general carpentry.
CNST A209 Concrete Flatwork
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Concrete flatwork, hands on forming, placement and a variety of concrete finishes.
CNST A210 Concrete Construction
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Concrete flatwork and foundations, hands-on surveying, forming and finishing concrete; poured-in-place reinforced concrete, concrete stairs; estimating concrete.
CNST A211 Decorative Concrete
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introductory course in decorative concrete. Topics covered include: stamped concrete, decorative borders, staining, stencils, engraving, polishing, and overlays.
CNST A220 Construction Estimating
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Construction estimating including bid preparation, material quantity take-off and analysis, subcontractor bids, bidding practices and final bid form compilation and submittal.
CNST A225 Land and Building Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
A general survey of land development principles and procedures used prior to the actual construction of structures. Site analysis and planning, regulatory controls, obtaining entitlements, grading, road and street designs, utility systems, principles of real property, and project financing will be covered. Enrollment Limitation: ARCH A225; students who complete CNST A225 may not enroll in or receive credit for ARCH A225.
CNST A230 Construction Inspection
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Inspection procedures and techniques of testing. A study of the various building code requirements in the International Residential Code, and Title 24 of the California State Code. Plans, specifications, earthwork, grading foundations, concrete and framing are covered.
CNST A240 Specialty Trades
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This introductory course covers interior and exterior building finishes and stairs, including layout fabrication and installation of stairs; an introduction to framing, pre hung door and window installation; drywall, and stucco plastering. Building codes are included.
CNST A241 Finish Carpentry
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers interior and exterior building finishes, including door materials, construction, hardware and installation: interior and exterior millwork; molding, cabinetry and exterior siding.
CNST A250 Construction Supervision and Project Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
The combination of designing, estimating, contracting, financing and building must be understood and practiced. Leadership in this field means being responsible for many people, their work and their safety.
CNST A252 Business Law for Contractors
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Legal aspects of the formation, operation, regulatory requirements, financing, and contracts for successfully operating a construction contracting business in California.
CNST A260 Masonry Construction
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Covers masonry materials, construction and blueprint reading with estimating, construction masonry block walls, paving, veneering, brick and stone pilasters, brick walls and planter boxes, stucco over masonry.
CNST A261 Masonry Construction II
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Advisory
- CNST A260.
- Transfers to
- CSU
An advanced course in masonry. Covers flatwork with brick, stone and pavers, masonry stairs, arches, and advanced masonry veneer projects.
CNST A265 Plumbing 1
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
A course designed to provide students with entry-level instruction involving the theory and skills of residential plumbing systems. Knowledge of basic principles, functions and design, as well as the physical ability to install and test the rough-in plumbing in a single family dwelling.
CNST A266 Plumbing 2
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
A course designed to provide students with entry-level instruction involving the theory and skills of residential plumbing systems. Topics include basic principles, function, and design, as well as the installation of finish plumbing, repair and service of plumbing systems, and the installation of solar, spa, and sprinkler systems in a single family dwelling.
CNST A270 Contrator's License Law
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Preparation for the California State Contractor Examination in any classification. Includes state license law, civil code, civil procedure, labor law, contract law, and asbestos regulations.
CNST A275 Residential Electrical Wiring
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Residential electrical construction, wiring principles and practices, study and application of NEC code to comply with building requirements.
CNST A285 Light Steel Frame Construction
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introductory hands-on course that covers the fundamentals of utilizing light frame steel for residential framing in place of wood. Raised floor construction, wall framing and trussed roof fabrication and installation including applicable building codes, blueprint reading, estimating, and inspections are covered.
CNST A001N Principles of Construction Noncredit
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours
An introductory course to construction covering, hand and power tools, building code development and applications, blueprints, license and contract law, jobsite safety and construction trades. Noncredit. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.
CNST A008N Solar Panels for Small Projects Noncredit
- Hours
- 20 lecture hours; 10 lab hours
Solar Panels for Small Projects is a 5 week course that introduces solar energy basics for small, off-grid photo voltaic installations. The course will cover solar energy fundamentals, electricity and safety basics, PV modules, system components, and system sizing. Students will plan out their own project or a small sample project. A small kit system will be available for hands-on demonstrations. No prior experience needed. Enrollment Limitation: ARCH A008N; students who complete CNST A008N may not enroll in or receive credit for ARCH A008N. Noncredit. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.
CNST A009N Concrete Flatwork Noncredit
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
Concrete flatwork, hands-on forming, placement and a variety of concrete finishes. Noncredit. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.
CNST A010N Concrete Construction Noncredit
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
Concrete flatwork and foundations, hands-on surveying, forming and finishing concrete; poured-in-place reinforced concrete, concrete stairs; estimating concrete. Noncredit. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.
CNST A012N Stair Framing Noncredit
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours; 81 lab hours
Topics of instruction include stair design, building codes, calculations, layout and construction. Practical instruction is given in the use of tools and materials through construction laboratory work. Noncredit. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.
CNST A040N Specialty Trades Noncredit
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
This introductory course covers interior and exterior building finishes and stairs, including layout fabrication and installation of stairs; an introduction to framing, pre hung door and window installation and stucco plastering . Building codes are included. Noncredit. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.
CNST A041N Finish Carpentry Noncredit
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
This course covers interior and exterior building finishes, including door materials, construction, hardware, and installation: interior and exterior millwork; molding, cabinetry, and exterior siding. Noncredit. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.
CNST A054N Drywall & Taping Noncredit
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
The study of various aspects of interior drywall, including layout and installation of drywall, cornerbead and bullnose trim. Students will learn how to estimate drywall projects. They will tape the interior of a house using hand tools. Students will be introduced to professional tools such as Bazooka™, 7 & 12 inch boxes, corner angles and corner finishers, mud runners and hand tools, texture application using a 10 gallon texture sprayer and smaller hoppers. Students will apply several different textures such as knockdown, orange peel, splatter and roller finish. Patch and drywall repair to match existing finishes. Noncredit. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.
CNST A060N Masonry Construction Noncredit
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours; 108 lab hours
Covers masonry materials, construction and blueprint reading with estimating, construction masonry block walls, paving, veneering, brick and stone pilasters, brick walls and planter boxes, stucco over masonry. Noncredit. NOT DEGREE APPLICABLE.