Construction Technology
31 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
CTEC 95 Cooperative Work Experience Education
- Units
- 2-4
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Construction Technology 95abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU
Through a set of learning objectives established by the student, supervisor, and instructor, each student will work with and learn from experts in the Construction Technology field. These experiences will enable students to improve job skills, analyze career opportunities and requirements, and compare them to personal abilities and career expectations.
CTEC 99 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Construction Technology 99abc
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides special advanced studies in a subject field of Construction Technology not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned Construction Technology projects (54 hours per unit).
CTEC 100 Building Fundamentals
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 5 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of the building trades. Topics of instruction include: building codes, construction mathematics, rough framing, and technical information on materials and methods of residential construction. Practical instruction is given in the use of tools and materials through construction laboratory work.
CTEC 110 Additions and Remodeling
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 5 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of residential remodeling and additions. Instruction includes: planning and design, permit process, blueprint reading, and building codes. Practical instruction is given in the use of tools and materials through construction laboratory work.
CTEC 121 Concrete and Formwork
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 5 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is a course in construction technology, covering concrete and formwork. Topics of instruction include the California Building Codes (CBC) requirements, construction mathematics, house layout, blueprint reading, formwork, use of leveling instruments and estimating. Practical instruction is given in the use of tools and materials through construction laboratory work.
CTEC 122 Rough Framing
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CTEC 100 or CTEC 110 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is an advanced course in construction technology, covering rough framing. Topics of instruction include materials and methods of residential rough frame construction, rough lumber estimating and California Building Code (CBC) requirements. Practical instruction is given in the use of tools and materials through construction laboratory work.
CTEC 131 Roof Framing
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CTEC 100 or CTEC 110 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is an advanced course in construction technology, covering residential roof framing. Topics of instruction include roof structures, calculation and layout of various rafters, California Building Code (CBC) requirements, roof construction and estimating. Practical instruction is given in the use of tools and materials through construction laboratory work.
CTEC 132 Stair Framing
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CTEC 100 or CTEC 110 with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is an advanced course in construction technology, covering residential stair framing. Topics of instruction include stair design, calculations, layout and construction and California Building Code (CBC). Practical instruction is given in the use of tools and materials through construction laboratory work.
CTEC 141 Interior Finishes
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 5 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is a course in construction technology, covering interior finishes. Topics of instruction include door hanging, drywall installation and finishing, ceramic tile setting, California Building Code (CBC) and estimating. Practical instruction is provided in the use of tools and materials through construction laboratory work.
CTEC 142 Exterior Trades
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 5 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is a course in construction technology, covering exterior trades. Topics of instruction include window installation, exterior lath, stucco application and texturing, siding, concrete blocks, California Building Code (CBC) and estimating. Practical instruction is provided in the use of tools and materials through construction laboratory work.
CTEC 150 Contract Estimating
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- CTEC 100 or CTEC 110 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for those with construction backgrounds who desire to advance to a supervisory position or become contractors. Topics include: print reading, International Residential Code (IRC) requirements, quantity surveying and estimating, and basic financial statements.
CTEC 160 Business and Legal Aspects of Contracting
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- CTEC 100 or CTEC 110 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for those with construction backgrounds who desire to advance to a supervisory position or become contractors. Topics include: the legal and business aspects of a contracting organization, Contractor's License Law, Lien Laws, labor code, payroll deductions, business organization and planning and management principles.
CTEC 172 Residential Electrical Wiring
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 5 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course focuses on residential electrical wiring in accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC). Topics include print reading, developing wiring diagrams, wiring, grounding and the placement of lights, switches, receptacles and fixtures. The proper selection and use of conduits, determination of branch circuit requirements, proper selection of circuit breakers, and the installation of service entrance and sub-panels are also covered. The techniques of electrical wiring are learned through construction laboratory work, which requires the use of standard electrical tools and materials.
CTEC 180 Residential Plumbing
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 2.5 hours lecture, 5 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores the layout and fabrication techniques needed to erect a water and waste plumbing system for a residence. Students apply appropriate methods and procedures by selecting proper size pipes, fittings, fixtures and accessories and install and test various fixtures and systems. Other topics include the diagnosing, troubleshooting and clearing of stoppages in a plumbing system.
CTEC 200 General Cabinet Making
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is one in a series of courses designed for students to develop a solid background in the fundamentals of woodworking technology. Topics include operating stationary woodworking equipment, handheld power tools and sanding equipment safely, lumber characteristics, gluing and clamping techniques, filing and chiseling, and fasteners. Students will fabricate free standing woodworking projects.
CTEC 201 Upper Residential Cabinets
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is one in a series of courses designed for students to develop a solid background in the fundamentals of woodworking technology. Topics include properties of wood and wood products, the fabrication and installation of upper residential cabinets, construction techniques and the multiple support systems used to attach wall or ceiling mounted cabinets.
CTEC 202 Base Residential Cabinets
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is one in a series of courses designed for students to develop a solid background in the fundamentals of woodworking technology. Topics include properties of wood and wood products, the fabrication and installation of base residential cabinets, correct construction techniques for load bearing cabinets, appropriate use of toe kicks, and use of sub tops for multiple types of counter top materials.
CTEC 203 Dedicated Use Cabinets
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is one in a series of courses designed for students to develop a solid background in the fundamentals of woodworking technology. Topics include properties of wood products, fabrication and installation of residential dedicated use cabinets, correct construction techniques for specialty cabinets such as built in oven, appliance garage, pantry, and wine storage.
CTEC 210 Furniture Making Laboratory - Interpreting Commercial Plans
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 4.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CTEC 200 or CTEC 201 or CTEC 202 or CTEC 203 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is one in a series of courses that will give students the opportunity to develop problem solving advanced skills in the design and fabrication of furniture with an emphasis on interpreting commercial plans. Topics include how to read and understand furniture construction plans, the meaning of symbols and calculations, reading dimensions, and verifying accuracy of stacked dimensions in relationship to the overall dimension.
CTEC 211 Furniture Making Laboratory - Plan Modifications
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 4.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CTEC 200 or CTEC 201 or CTEC 202 or CTEC 203 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is one in a series of courses that will give students the opportunity to develop advanced problem solving skills in the design and fabrication of furniture with an emphasis on plan modification. Topics include how to modify an existing plan, using golden mean for proper proportion, ergonomics, joinery and construction techniques to achieve a finished piece to the student's specific needs.
CTEC 212 Furniture Making Laboratory - Developing Original Plans
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 4.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Construction Technology 200 or Construction Technology 201 or Construction Technology 202 or Construction Technology 203 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is one in a series of courses that will give students the opportunity to develop problem solving advanced skills in the design and fabrication of furniture with an emphasis on developing original detailed plans. Topics include creating, drawing, and constructing furniture design, Bill of Material (BOM), Plan of Procedure and wood and fastener selection. Note: Completion of the degree or certificate requirements qualifies students to receive a maximum of two years credit toward the California State Contractor's License for the C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry examination.
CTEC 213 Furniture Making Laboratory - Building without Plans
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 4.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CTEC 200 or CTEC 201 or CTEC 202 or CTEC 203 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is one in a series of courses structured as a problem-solving approach to furniture making with an emphasis on building without plans. Abandoning formal detailed plans, students will use thumbnail sketching techniques to create a furniture design. Thumbnail sketches will be used to create a full size drawing detailing joinery and using coloring techniques to emphasize wood contrasts. Taking measurements directly from full size drawings and referencing joinery details, students will fabricate a furniture piece.
CTEC 220 Hinging Systems and Doors
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CTEC 200 or CTEC 201 or CTEC 202 or CTEC 203 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is the study of principles and operation of hinge mortising and insertion machine (Eco-press). Topics include working with hinges, hinging plates, appropriate door construction and installation.
CTEC 221 Drawer Systems
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CTEC 200 or CTEC 201 or CTEC 202 or CTEC 203 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is the study of dimensioning and drawer fabrication, use and installation of slide systems, and commercial jigs and installation tools.
CTEC 222 Convenience Hardware
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 1.5 hours lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CTEC 200 or CTEC 201 or CTEC 202 or CTEC 203 with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU
In this course, students learn the selection, use and installation of convenience hardware such as recycling bins, lazy susans, hampers and closet organizers. Topics include correct dimensioning and proper installation techniques unique to selected hardware.
CTEC 230 Cabinet Making Lab
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 4.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CTEC 200 or CTEC 201 or CTEC 202 or CTEC 203 with a minimum grade of C or concurrent enrollment
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students the lab time and facility to take on more challenging projects in order to maintain and continue perfecting skills acquired in other construction technology courses. Students will focus on advanced cabinet fabrication techniques including machine joinery and use of jigs and fixtures. A work plan will be developed for efficient assembly, as well as incorporating final detail work and application of finishing materials.
CTEC 231 Intermediate Cabinet Making Lab
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 4.5 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CTEC 200 or CTEC 201 or CTEC 202 or CTEC 203 with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is one in a series of courses designed to provide students the ab time and facility to take on more challenging projects in order to maintain and continue perfecting skills acquired in other Construction Technology courses. Students will focus on cabinet fabrication techniques incorporating custom design for specific applications, including sanding and routing techniques. A plan and procedure for proper sequence of sanding and routing will be developed to ensure professional results.
CTEC 501 Fundamentals of Construction
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture, 9 hours lab
In this noncredit course, students learn all the skills necessary to complete a specific construction application. Students also learn safety, tool operation, material handling, and math applications.
CTEC 502 Basic Forklift Operation
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 20 hours lecture, 10 hours lab
- Advisory
- Possession of a valid California Driver's License or equivalent
In this noncredit course, students learn basic safety and operation of forklifts including lifting principles, load rating, stability, and operation techniques.
CTEC 503 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 Certification
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 12 hours lecture
In this noncredit course, students learn recognition, avoidance, abatement and prevention of safety and health hazards in construction workplaces. In addition, students learn about workers' rights, employer responsibilities and how to file a complaint, and they learn current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety requirements. Students who successfully complete the course will earn a valid DOL/OSHA 10-Hour Card.
CTEC 504 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30 Standards for Construction Safety
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 30 hours lecture
This noncredit course covers Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) policies, procedures, and standards, as well as construction safety and health principles. Topics include scope and application of the OSHA construction standards. Special emphasis is placed on those areas that are the most hazardous, using OSHA standards as a guide. Upon successful course completion, students will receive an OSHA 30-Hour Construction Outreach Training Completion Card.