Online General Contractor Courses, Classes and Training Programs

General contractors handle all aspects of construction management and typically deal with subcontractors for completion of work. Fully online courses for aspiring general contractors are available at a variety of levels ranging from bachelor's degree to master's degree programs. Some courses are in a hybrid format with seminars, internships or other hands-on training requirements.

Overview of Online General Contractor Courses

General contractors contract with clients for construction, demolition or renovation purposes. Most are self-employed. They are responsible for overseeing entire projects to completion, including the handling of materials, labor and tools. States require general contractors to be licensed. Online courses are available for license exam preparation and continuing education credits.
Online courses are also available as part of undergraduate and graduate certificate and degree programs in construction management. Although states do not typically have education requirements for general contractors, receiving formal training may lead to better employment opportunities. These courses explore building code regulations, job site safety, cost estimation and properties of building materials.

Course Requirements

Students need access to a computer connected to the Internet as well as audio and video capabilities. Lectures may be delivered through streaming media, audio CD or DVD. Study guides, manuals and textbooks are included or required for purchase by students in some courses. Students might need commonly used software such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Reader. Hybrid format courses require students to travel to campus, internships or seminars for supervised practical training.

List of Online General Contractor Courses

Construction Management Course

Students learn managerial aspects of contracting in this course. Topics include resource management, legal issues and financial planning for a firm in relation to the construction industry as a whole.

Construction Cost Estimating Course

A range of construction cost estimation methods including computerized takeoff techniques and final bid estimates are taught to students of this course. The course also covers contracting business management topics such as risk, competition and performance.

Project Control Course

This class focuses on project implementation methodology using project management software. Students learn scheduling and budgetary development as well as behavioral considerations for efficient and effective construction project control. This course may involve supervised training.

Legal Aspects of Construction Management Course

Here, students learn about the rules and regulations governing construction project operation, including construction law and code compliance. Contract responsibilities and liabilities of contractors, owners, engineers and third-party subcontractors are discussed in detail.