Basic Carpentry

CERT - Occupational Certificate


Provides graduates with the essential skills required of an entry-level employee in the carpentry industry. Program curriculum is aligned with National Center for Construction Education Research standardized national skills standards for the construction trades.

Program Purpose


Graduates will demonstrate basic knowledge in carpentry that will prepare them to obtain an entry level position within the field and critical thinking skills in AWC’s General Education focus areas.

Learning Outcomes


  • Demonstrate understanding of how ropes, chains, hoist, loaders, and cranes are used to move material and equipment on a job site (NCCER module 00106-09 – Basic Rigging, subject to revision).
  • Describe equipment, theory, techniques, and related construction standards.
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform basic foundation and framing construction.
  • Demonstrate the ability to translate blueprint readings related to wood frame structures for field layout, fabrication, assembly, and erection using platform, balloon, and post and beam methods.
  • Design footing, stem wall, column, and deck form systems.

Program Map


Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements

The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program.  For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes. 

To get started on your personalized Academic Plan, visit the Academic Planning page or schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor.

First Semester: Fall

Course Course Title Credits Area
TEC 100 Core Curriculum Introductory Craft Skills 5 Major Requirement
CTM 105 Blueprint Reading for Construction 3 Major Requirement
CTM 123 Building Construction Methods 1 3 Major Requirement
CTM 224 Concrete and Concrete Form Systems 3 Major Requirement
    14  

Second Semester: Spring

Course Course Title Credits Area
CTM 124 Building Construction Methods 2 3 Major Requirement
    3  
Open the program map above to view the recommended classes to complete the program. You can also print the program map using the button above.