Free Online Courses

Free Online Courses:
Organized by CSI Division

You have continuing education requirements, we have the free courses you need to help you maintain your credentials. To get started, just login or create a new account. Then browse through our list of free HSW credit courses below! All programs are organized by CSI division to help you find topics of interest quickly. You can even filter by a specific CSI division or profession to find what you want even faster. Complete a course, take the quiz and make an 80% or higher, and you’ll earn a certificate of completion. Are you an AIA member? Interior designer? Landscape architect? Or maybe you’re an engineer? We’ve got you covered! If the course you complete is registered with AIA, IDCEC, ASLA or RCEP, we’ll report your course credit to these organizations on your behalf. Just be sure to add your association member number to your RonBlank.com account.

(03) Concrete

How to Treat Concrete

This course discusses the assessment and repair of a concrete floor and specifies how to select a high-performance coating system based on the conditions and requirements of a construction project.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE

(04) Masonry

Ideation: Generation, Selection, and Development with Architectural Glass Block

Advance your understanding of the capabilities of Glass Block Systems! Join us for this in-depth exploration of inspiring glass block materials. In this course, participants will cover glass block technology comprehensively, from its unique attributes and intricate designs to diverse product applications. Participants wi...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE

(05) Metals

Access Ladders and Stairs: Specifying for Safety and Efficiency

This course will discuss different types of access ladders and stairs and the various applications in which they can be safely used. The designer will also learn about codes and minimum requirements necessary to adhere to standards both dimensionally and for fire ratings.

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE
All Hands on Deck: Aluminum Framing and Railing Systems for Outdoor Living

Whether it’s a rooftop in the city or a patio on the lake, an outdoor living space is perfect for enjoying nature and socializing with others. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss how to specify and install safe, durable aluminum framing and railing systems for outdoor decks and balconies. Participants will not...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 ASLA LA/CES PDH
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE
Balancing Your Metal Roofing Budget

This course is focused on balancing your metal roofing budget and how even small design decisions impact project cost through both code requirements for wind uplift and a labor and materials perspective. We take a deep dive in to the major design elements that impact installed cost and how small changes may have big impa...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE

This course focuses on building connectors, providing an understanding of deflection and its importance in accommodating movement. Participants will learn about various types of deflection and drift clips used in the industry. The course also explores different support clips suitable for rigid attachments in building con...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE
Designing Aluminum Railings for Residential and Commercial Applications

Imagine stepping out to enjoy outdoor living spaces made safe because of railings that protect and complement exterior design. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss aluminum railings as they relate to aesthetic, strength and durability of materials and code compliance, load testing and sustainable solutions. Par...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 ASLA LA/CES PDH
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 IDCEC HSW CEU
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE
Fire-Rated Head-of-Wall Joint Assemblies: Considerations for Design Professionals

This course explores the critical aspects of fire-rated head-of-wall joint assemblies, providing design professionals with essential knowledge to enhance the safety and integrity of construction projects. Through an in-depth exploration of key concepts, participants will gain an understanding of fire-rated joint assembly...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE

In this one-hour course, design professionals will gain knowledge of head-of-wall, bottom-of-wall and wall-to-wall assemblies, as well as the respective UL standards for approval, It will discuss different joint treatment types and the components involved with each application. By the end of the course, design profession...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE
Standards for Expanded Metal: Selection, Manufacture, & Application

In this one-hour course, design professionals will learn about expanded metal, focusing on its manufacture, installation, and application. It will give in-depth knowledge of existing standards and manufacture tolerances as suggested by the Expanded Metal Manufacturers Association. By the end of this course, design profes...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE
Steel Framing 101 - An Introduction to the New Metal Framing Industry

This course is designed to provide architects, designers, engineers, and specification writers a practical and useful foundation of knowledge to better understand the current cold-formed steel framing industry and how it supports the most recent standards for code compliance, structural/fire/sound requirements and sustai...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE
Step It Up: Increased Efficiency with Prefabricated Modular Stairs, Access Systems, & Ramps

Does your project need to step it up when it comes to stairs and safety? Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss prefabricated modular metal stairs, access platforms, and ramps that are as easy to reconfigure as they are to assemble. Participants will not only learn about relevant codes from OSHA, IBC, and ADA rega...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 RCEP PDH for Engineers
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE
Stunning Design Within Your Grasp: Architectural Railing Systems

Handrails and guardrails are a safety feature that we easily take for granted as a common fixture of the environment where stairs and balconies are a feature, aiding us in our coming and going.
Discover how these systems impact not just the aesthetic of your design, but also the importance of proper specification a...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE
The Power of a Great Railing System: Stock Components for Architectural Metal Work

For over a century, pre-engineered components have simplified the fabrication of handrails and other decorative elements. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss key considerations when specifying stock components for architectural metal work. Participants will not only be able to articulate the benefits of utilizi...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 IDCEC HSW CEU
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 RCEP PDH for Engineers
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE
Using Cable Railings in Public Buildings and Structures: A Demonstration of Strength & Beauty

In any building, individuals come in contact with many different building materials — concrete, wood, steel, stone, and brick — all designed and engineered for their strength, durability and functionality.

Architects and designers choose these materials based on performance, code compliance, cost, and beauty for...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE
Why Build with Steel: Benefits of Cold-Formed Steel Framing

This course will educate the AEC team on the advantages of utilizing cold- formed steel framing in the construction of mid-rise structures. It discusses reasons for using cold-formed steel framing in the structural framing of buildings, the preferred method of construction to frame buildings, as well as the advantage...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE

(06) Wood, Plastics and Composites

All Treated Wood is Not the Same

Protective treatments are important for any wood project, but all treated wood is not the same. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss standards and guidelines for treated wood and preservatives in order to ensure wood projects are safe and code compliant. Participants will learn about important standards, testing...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE
Fire Retardant Treated Wood in Single, Multifamily and Commercial Structures

In this course, we will gain insight into the growing need for and use of fire retardant treated wood (FRTW). We will explore both interior and exterior FRTW and discuss treatment options. Through a review of applications, codes and standards, the design professional will have a better understanding of how to incorporate...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE
Post-Frame Construction in Low-Rise Commercial Buildings

Post-frame construction, with its durability, design flexibility, energy efficiency, is the perfect choice for any low-rise commercial building. Join us in this one-hour course as we discuss post-frame construction methods, including foundations, columns, and trusses, as well as materials, coatings, and paint options. By...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE
Railing Made Simple

In this course, we will familiarize attendees with styles and trends within railing systems and discuss how railing material choices affect safety, appearance, and future maintenance. The design professional will learn about code compliance and how product standardization helps to meet regulatory goals.

We will...

  • 1 AAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 AIA HSW/LU CE Hour
  • 1 AIBD CE Hour
  • 1 BOMI CPD Hour
  • 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour
  • 1 SAA Core Learning Hour
FREE

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