COURSE CATALOG
SUBJECTS
| Accounting | Finance | Human Resources | Management | Production | Risk Management | Sales / Marketing | Technical |
Welcome to the Contractor College Course Catalog.
Browse courses using the subject tabs above. Refer to the Provider Guide to view the list of partners who provide valuable material to the course catalog. The catalog is organized according to the requirements for PDCA's Accreditation program.
New and featured courses are highlighted below. To take a course, log in using your PDCA.org user ID and password. For assistance, please contact PDCA National.
| View the Accreditation Requirements | View the Re-Accreditation Requirements |
(SFT225) Encountering Asbestos
Beginner Course - Presented By AMI Environmental
Encountering Asbestos in Over 3000 Products. Many of the more common types of asbestos containing materials were designed for use in construction. Typical applications to look for, and subjective interpretation of test results and applicable regulations for multi-employer work site compliance. Planning for no surprises to maintain safe projects on schedule and in budget.
(SFT226) Introduction to OSHA For Painting Contractors Part 1
Beginner Course - Presented By Christopher C. King, Saint Louis University School of Public Health
This seminar will provide an overview of the basic safety and health issues that contractors should be knowledgeable of, particularly as they relate to OSHA Compliance. Participants will learn the elements of a safety and health program to help insure a safe workplace to reduce insurance premiums and avoid costly fines from OSHA.
(SFT227) Introduction to OSHA For Painting Contractors Part 2
Beginner Course - Presented By Christopher C. King, Saint Louis University School of Public Health
This seminar will provide an overview of the basic safety and health issues that contractors should be knowledgeable of, particularly as they relate to OSHA Compliance. Participants will learn the elements of a safety and health program to help insure a safe workplace to reduce insurance premiums and avoid costly fines from OSHA.
(HRS211) STAR Interviewing
Beginner Course - Presented By Mary Shofner, CG Power Systems USA Inc
This session is based on DDI’s Targeted Selection interviewing process. Learn how to ask questions during the interview process to help you get beyond the internal biases you may not know you have! By using this process, you can blow through the smoke screen you get from those professional interviewers and exponentially increase your chances of hiring the candidate that matches your needs. The focus is on consistent (and legal) interviews!
(HRS310) Compliance For Government Contractors, Davis Bacon and Health Care Reform
Intermediate Course - Presented By Fringe Benefit Group
The program will discuss what contractors need to do to be in compliance with the Davis Bacon regulations as well as State Prevailing Wage laws. How to use the regulations to be more competitive. How to comply with the upcoming Health Care Reform. How will it impact the contractor community?
(MGT220) Service Today, Success Tomorrow
Beginner Course - Presented By Fortune Restoration, Inc
Quantifies how exceptional service turns into profit.
(RSK305) Expanding Your Job Size
Intermediate Course - Presented By Jeff Winters, Sherwin-Williams
Would you like to master the art of the upsell? On every job, there are opportunities to do some add-on selling in a way that will enhance – rather than disrupt – your client relationship. This session will focus on areas of the home that could be an additional project (including driveways, decks, basements and attic spaces). We will also cover those substrates that previously were thought to be unpaintable such as vinyl siding and shutters, Trex decking, PVC and more. You’ll leave the session with fresh ideas for providing great client service while thoughtfully expanding your offerings and revenue potential.
(RSK404) Avoiding Paint Failures
Intermediate Course - Presented By Bob Cusumano, Coatings Consultants
This course will involve the presentation of various paint failures photographically. It will explain testing that should be performed to both identify and avoid these failures, and discuss suggested remedial actions.
(MKT231) Estimating for A Profit
Beginner Course - Presented By Lynn Fife, Evergreen Technology
This seminar is where we start with how to calculate an accurate labor rate that is based on the facts of how much they need to bring in each month. We show them how to adjust the labor rate based on how many employees they have and how many hours employees work. We show take off techniques that are fast and dead on accurate. Finally, how to calculate labor and material needs that are tied to a “Field Budget Sheet”. We show how to monitor what is being estimated to what the employees are actually doing so the estimator can adjust estimating every month to stay on track and end up with fast, easy and dead on accurate estimating system tied to their profit structure.
(MKT403) Defining Your Vision and Mission Statement in Today's Market
Intermediate Course - Presented By Darylene Dennon, Solid Energy, Inc.
A business vision and mission are paramount to everyone's future growth and success of the business-no matter what size. The vision and mission not only guides the course of the business and its employees, it also is paramount in marketing your brand to prospective clients. It differentiates your business from your competition. It's important to understand exactly how to write Vision and Mission statements, and what differentiates you from any other business. Once you have established why you are in business and what you want your business to look like in the future, you can now create a marketing plan that works.Accounting
Accreditation requires 6 credits of elective coursework. Accounting courses may apply toward this requirement. Re-Accreditation requires 2 credits that have not been previously completed in the accounting category.
(ACC101) Payroll and Compliance
Beginner Course - Presented By Adam Kindler and Matt Elpers
Being an employer can be tough, especially in today's compliance landscape. Having employees means more than just making sure they're paid on time. Learn about payroll and payroll tax laws, compliance with the Department of Labor, HR responsibilities, and how to protect your business in the event of an audit.
(ACC102) Break Even: Why Every Contractor Needs to Know It
Beginner Course - Presented By Linnea Blair
Calculating your break-even point is a critical skill that every painting contractor should have. At any time, you should be able to quickly analyze your break-even for the year, the month, or even the week to know what number you need to hit to stay profitable.(ACC103) What Should I Charge for My Work?
Beginner Course - Presented By Steve Seyer
Many contractors struggle with pricing jobs. On one hand, you're in business to make money and on the other hand, you need to be competitive. PDCA provides many tools to help contractors understand the cost of providing work, and these tools can help you determine your hourly job costs, but what about the overhead costs of running your business?In this session, you will use tools that allow you to calculate the overhead that should be added to your hourly labor charges to make sure you're not conducting business at a loss.
(ACC104) Introduction to Accounting
Beginner Course
This course defines and describes accounting, explains the importance of accounting principles, and provides detailed explanations about the different types of accounting scorecards or financial statements.(ACC105) Reducing State Unemployment Insurance Tax
Beginner Course - Presented By Katie Blanton and Karen Kitowski
State Unemployment Insurance Tax is the only controllable employer tax, and nearly all small businesses in the U.S. overpay to their state fund. ADP helps to educate PDCA members on how to reduce this tax expense.Finance
Accreditation requires 6 credits of elective coursework. Finance courses may apply toward this requirement. Re-Accreditation requires 2 credits that have not been previously completed in the finance category.
(FIN101) Retirement Planning for the Sole Proprietor
Beginner Course - Presented By Jon Abbett
This course addresses challenges the sole proprietor faces in retirement planning. You will learn various methods you can take advantage of to save money. This course will also expose retirement plan options in easy-to-understand terminology. Comparisons are offered so that you can differentiate between a myriad of options, and critical areas common to all small- and medium-sized businesses are examined. And, step by step, the vehicles that support the accumulation of retirement assets are discussed in detail.(FIN102) Personal Fiscal Fitness
Beginner Course - Presented By Paul L. Vogel
This course presents clear and easy-to-follow presentations on retirement planning, education planning, investment planning, estate planning, insurance planning, tax planning, and business succession. Valuable tools will be reviewed, including an examination of the amount necessary to maintain ongoing desired lifestyle during retirement. Expert and easy-to-follow assistance is provided so that you can determine the amount necessary to fund your children's or grand-children's education costs. You will find critical information concerning the appropriate asset allocation and investment alternatives to meet your financial goals while simultaneously minimizing risk to the extent possible, and help with the identification of those risks that could impair a successful financial plan and the acquisition of the appropriate insurance products to mitigate such risk.(FIN103) How to Prepare a Loan Package
Beginner Course
This course describes how to prepare a loan package for a lender, explains how a lender will evaluate your loan request, and provides access to resources that can assist you in preparing a loan request.(FIN104) Technology 101: A Small Business Guide
Beginner Course
This course provides a basic overview and describes computer and software applications, explains the value of the Internet and the importance of creating a business website, and describes how small businesses are engaging in e-commerce.(FIN105) Introduction to Franchising
Beginner Course
What is franchising? Is it right for you? Learn how to choose the right franchise.(FIN106) Create a Profit Plan & Budget for a Successful 2013
Beginner Course - Presented By Linnea Blair, Advisors On Target
Start 2013 with Your Profit Plan in PlaceHave you ever set your revenue and profit goals for the year but didn’t develop a real plan to achieve them? If so, you likely fell short of your expectations.
Put together a detailed and strategic Profit Plan or Budget for the year to give you a framework to achieve success.
This PDCA Contractor College Webinar provides techniques and tools to help Painting Contractors to create a realizable Profit Plan and Budget for 2013.
Put your plan in place now, so you can hit the ground running in January implementing action steps that will give you the edge over your slower moving, less organized competitors.
Human Resources
Accreditation requires 6 credits of elective coursework. Human resources courses may apply toward this requirement. Re-Accreditation requires 2 credits that have not been previously completed in the human resources category.
(HRS101) Picking Winners
Beginner Course - Presented By Gina Hoagland
How to identify, qualify, and hire top performers! Learn concepts and techniques to materially enhance your organization's ability to find and hire top performers. This course discusses high-impact/high-success recruiting strategies and concepts, and provides information that you can use to improve your organization's results. Examine the obstacles to hiring top performers and the cost of mis-hires for your company.(HRS102) Finding and Keeping Good Employees
Beginner Course - Presented By Doug Duncan
This course explores a new way to look at the hiring process. Your best employees are revealed as the key to hiring new employees. This course will expose the seven steps to creating first-class employees so you can avoid the "fire them if they don't work out" principle. The power of a stable workforce is examined, providing you the knowledge to increase sales, achieve better customer service, and increase profits. The critical areas of interviewing and testing employees is thoroughly covered, demonstrating an innovative method for you to make the right decision. Step by step, the methods to create orientation and assimilation programs are outlined, helping grow your employees into the leaders you expect them to be.(HRS103) Executive Compensation Strategies
Beginner Course - Presented By Jon Abbett
This course explores employer and executive needs that will result in a truly effective compensation strategy for your company. You will develop the best tools to retain and grow your finest asset: your employees. This course will also expose the value of high-performance compensation strategies. The power of a stable workforce is examined, providing you the knowledge to increase sales, achieve better customer service, and increase profits. The criteria for selecting an appropriate strategy will be examined with a goal of understanding the accounting and taxation issues that may impact your compensation decisions. And, step by step, we review the methods that will ensure your employees or executives are highly motivated for years to come.(HRS104) How to Hire and Train a Sales Force
Beginner Course - Presented By Dave Scaturro
Grow your business by hiring and training a sales team. Dave Scaturro with Alpine Painting outlines his company's hiring and sales system. Learn Alpine's method for how to effectively hire the right sales person without taking up too much of your time.(HRS105) Compete and Win More Government Projects
Beginner Course - Presented By Karen DeMontigny
This presentation discusses how prevailing wage must be paid to be compliant with all government regulations. Topics include: Davis-Bacon Wages, fringe wage portions, regulation compliance, and more.
(HRS106) Screening and Hiring: An Expert Guide to Making the Right Hire
Beginner Course - Presented By Jamie Hasty
A Labor Department study shows that 50% of new hires last only six months in their new job. Common sense tells you that some of these hires are superstars and will likely be promoted, while a good portion of others either quit or are fired. The cause of a bad hire can be linked to many things, such as poor analysis of the job function or person qualifications, inadequate initial screening and interview technique, or failure to complete necessary reference and background checks. SESCO's "Screening and Hiring: An Expert Guide to Making the Right Hire" program provides the means to understand and utilize the basic tools of effective screening and hiring. Identify what one should and should not ask during the interview process, and learn how to attract qualified applicants by developing a comprehensive job posting.(HRS107) Getting the Most Out of Your Training Dollar
Beginner Course - Presented By Joel Cullum
We all know that we must train our managers and employees on a variety of topics to ensure they are not opening themselves to liability but also to improve their skills on the job. This program will discuss the employee training process, training approaches, and a discussion on how to measure the return on your investment.(HRS108) The Art of Hiring Smart, 8 Steps to a First Class Selection Process
Beginner Course - Presented By Doug Duncan
Do you seem to always choose the wrong people as your employee? Or even commonly promote the wrong employees from within. Have you ever heard the saying a wolf in sheep’s clothing? Well that saying basically means that everything is not always what it seems, and a person could easily put on a facade to “pull one over on management.”Well you might wonder, “How could I avoid these problems? How can I hire the correct people, or actually have a good insight of who these people are; their knowledge, integrity, work-ethic, skills and morals without actually knowing them.”
This is all about hiring the RIGHT people and matching the RIGHT people with the RIGHT job. Attend the webinar to find out how!
(HRS109) Healthcare Reform - Current Issues Impacting You and Your Employees
Beginner Course - Presented By Sesco Management
On June 28, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, including its individual mandate requiring nearly all Americans to buy health insurance. These reform laws made sweeping changes to the nation’s health care system and impose many new requirements on employer sponsored group health plans.This informative Healthcare Reform webinar presented by SESCO Management Consultants will provide an overview of the responsibilities placed on employers, the penalties associated with non-compliance, and the significant impact on strategic decisions facing employers on the nature of their group health plans. SESCO will also discuss practical tips aimed at assisting employers meet their obligations under this newly enacted legislation.
(HRS211) STAR Interviewing
Beginner Course - Presented By Mary Shofner, CG Power Systems USA Inc
This session is based on DDI’s Targeted Selection interviewing process. Learn how to ask questions during the interview process to help you get beyond the internal biases you may not know you have! By using this process, you can blow through the smoke screen you get from those professional interviewers and exponentially increase your chances of hiring the candidate that matches your needs. The focus is on consistent (and legal) interviews!
(HRS212) Encouraging Employee Accountability
Beginner Course - Presented By John Neill
All Business owners have the same issue - "How do I get my employees to care as much as I do?"There are many different avenues for encouraging employee accountability. In this workshop we will define ownership and explore the "4R's" Because possessing a true passion for your work is essential, we will discuss the role of attitude in developing employees who hold themselves accountable and truly take pride in their work. Finally, we will identify the tools and resources needed to empower your employees so that they may truly excel at amazing your customers with both their craftsmanship and customer service.
(HRS310) Compliance For Government Contractors, Davis Bacon and Health Care Reform
Intermediate Course - Presented By Fringe Benefit Group
The program will discuss what contractors need to do to be in compliance with the Davis Bacon regulations as well as State Prevailing Wage laws. How to use the regulations to be more competitive. How to comply with the upcoming Health Care Reform. How will it impact the contractor community?Management
Accreditation requires 6 credits of elective coursework. Management courses may apply toward this requirement. Re-Accreditation requires 2 credits that have not been previously completed in the management category.
(MGT101) Building a High Performance Organization
Beginner Course - Presented By Kevin C. Eichner
This course explores a new way to look at high performance. Behavior is revealed as the key to achieving performance improvements. It will also expose what most affects the behavior of individuals. The power of group behavior will be examined and identified, giving you a real key to success. The major drivers of team performance are illuminated and explained in a comprehensive manner, so you can improve performance in your organization. Step by step, learn the methods to employ the performance mechanism to help you shape your organization for sustainable high performance improvement.
(MGT102) Managing for High Performance
Beginner Course - Presented By Mark Murtha
Discover how a rigorous, disciplined process for managing the performance of people is a critical part of every manager's job. Realize how to ensure that the "right" talent is in place, and cover how setting individual goals linked to business strategy and priorities is a key for success. Examine how weaving company development into goals is a key way grow real company talent. Learn how providing frequent and candid performance feedback can assist in measuring individual contributions and how to differentiate levels in individual performance. Finally, you will see how the combination of the people and the disciplined processes result in a culture that seeks to produce sustainable results. (MGT103) Business Planning for the Future
Beginner Course - Presented By Jon Abbett
This course provides you with several methods you can use to obtain a return on the investment made in your business, answers questions concerning retirement, and looks at potential areas of personal income. Comparisons between various retirement planning areas are reviewed and examined. You will learn the difference between employment packages that suit employees and business owners. The four cornerstones of success are identified in this course, helping guide your decisions in the areas of leadership and support for your personal goals. You will discover that, even while you are at the top of an organization, you are not alone in the decision-making process that guides your profitability.
(MGT104) Building a Powerful Business Strategy
Beginner Course - Presented By Gina Hoagland
This course provides you with the knowledge to design and implement a powerful strategic business plan and what to expect from it. Aimed at a high return on investment, processes are revealed that will help you succeed in a truly efficient manner. The best practices for strategic planning will be uncovered, starting with a process that includes concepts and techniques to materially enhance your organization's results, your capabilities, profit, and value. Discover the high-impact/high-success elements of strategy and strategic business planning. Using your core purpose as a business, this course will assist you in developing an action plan for real success. (MGT105) How to Profit from Your Most Important Brand: Yourself
Beginner Course - Presented By Michael Jeffries
Setting standards of excellence, being memorable, and implementing innovations are the hallmarks that successful painting companies carry out every day. Surprisingly, most of these strategies and tactics can be easily implemented by any painting company, regardless of size. Every honest and ethical business is doing some of these but may not realize how important they are to their buyers.(MGT106) Focus, Focus, Focus: How to Dramatically Improve Your Effectiveness
Beginner Course - Presented By John Stahl
Are you "busy, busy, busy"? Putting out fires all day? Do you end the day asking yourself, "What did I really get accomplished?" This interactive workshop is designed to help painting contractors gain more control of their business and personal lives. Distractions are eating away at your profits! Learn to identify the priorities that drive profits in your business, stay focused and balanced.(MGT108) Young Entrepreneurs: An Essential Guide to Starting Your Business
Beginner Course
An online training course that guides young entrepreneurs through the steps of turning a business idea into a business reality. Includes: how to turn your entrepreneurial idea into a business reality, getting started: 6 must do's, and resources to help your new business to succeed.(MGT109) Business Growth
Beginner Course - Presented By Bill Silverman
In this course, Bill Silverman shares the reasons why your business stops growing and how they multiply your stress and frustration while adding hours to your workday. He'll also walk you through the success keys that have helped his coaching clients grow their bottom lines significantly, cut their work hours by over 20%, and eased their stress and frustration.So, whether your dream is to break the $1 million dollar barrier, or you're stalled out north of $1 million and looking to get to $5M and beyond, you'll walk away from this session with powerful but simple steps that you can take to establish your business at the next level and improve your life.
(MGT111) Government Contracting 101 Part 1
Beginner Course
This course is designed to help small businesses understand how the government buys goods and services. There are three parts to this training program. This part, part one, provides a small business introduction to government contracting. It describes prime and subcontracting assistance programs, SBA certification programs, and it describes women and veteran owned small business programs(MGT112) Government Contracting 101 Part 2
Beginner Course
This course is designed to help small businesses understand how the government buys goods and services. There are three parts to the GC 101 training program. This part, part two, discusses the steps used by the government to purchase what it needs.(MGT113) Government Contracting 101 Part 3
Beginner Course
This course is designed to help small businesses understand how the government buys goods and services. There are three parts to the GC 101 training series. This part, part three, specifically discusses how to sell goods and services to the government.(MGT114) Pre-8(a) Business Development Program Module 1 - Setting Expectations
Beginner Course
This course is an introduction to the 8(a) Business Development Program and eligibility requirements.(MGT115) Pre-8(a) Business Development Program Module 2 - Introduction to Federal Contracting
Beginner Course
This course is an overview of federal contract markets and a description of how the government buys goods and services.
(MGT116) The Business Plan Revealed
Beginner Course - Presented By Ron McKenzie of COMPASS Consultants
A business plan is an active management tool to guide your business toward your short- and long-term objectives. Several business plan case scenarios will be examined, as well as the three major questions that all plans must answer. Class attendees will leave knowing what they must do to complete a business plan, along with how to facilitate and manage an effective plan.(MGT117) The Nametag Principle
Beginner Course - Presented By Scott Ginsberg of Hello My Name is Scott
If they can't come up to you, how will they ever get behind you? This program teaches business people how to position themselves as approachable leaders, engage the people who matter most and create an atmosphere of comfort, safety and listenability in their companies.(MGT118) What You Should Know About Asset Protection, Tax Reduction, and Estate Planning
Beginner Course - Presented By G.K. Mangelson of American Society of Asset Protection
During this presentation, you will learn about important lawsuit protection, reducing taxes, and incorporating vital estate planning strategies. This valuable information is not provided by many advisers.(MGT119) Building Your 5-Year Business Plan - A Critical Step for Accreditation and a Thriving Business
Beginner Course - Presented By Bill Silverman - Springboard Business Coaching
Would you love to get your business growing strong year after year and reclaim hours of free time for the rest of your life? Who wouldn't, right? The Key is in your business plan.Not using a plan to run your business is one of the top reasons that businesses fail or consistently underperform. As the saying goes: "Failing to plan is planning to fail" and in this tough economy, where you need every edge you can get, having a good business plan is essential to success, not optional!
Don't have a plan or haven't looked at in years? Feel that creating a plan is just too difficult and time consuming? Then please join Bill Silverman from AdviCoach Business Coaching for a PDCA webinar called Building Your 5-Year Business Plan - A Critical Step for Accreditation and a Thriving Business.
In this webinar, Bill will make business planning simple and share practical steps that you can follow to create a business plan you'll actually use to guide your business to greater success.
(MGT220) Service Today, Success Tomorrow
Beginner Course - Presented By Fortune Restoration, Inc
Quantifies how exceptional service turns into profit.(MGT223) Crew Leader Training & Productivity
Beginner Course - Presented By John Peek
In this Workshop we will delve into the topic of crew leader training and how it will directly relates to productivity. Developing positive attitudes in yourself and your team will help cultivate a desire to excel, leading to a greater level of productivity. Keeping a proper work/life balance is also crucial in keeping the quality of workmanship at the highest level.Production
Accreditation requires 6 credits of elective coursework. Production courses may apply toward this requirement. Re-Accreditation requires 2 credits that have not been previously completed in the production category.
(PRD101) Breaking the Mold: Reformatting Materials and Methods in Field and Shop
Beginner Course - Presented By Mark Coley
Learn how building the metal and cabinetry/furniture/architectural woodworking/finishing areas in your shop operation contributes not only to your bottom line, but also how it can expand the breadth of services in the field and residential painting business.
(PRD102) Mineral Wool Core Panels: Innovative Fire Resistant Wall Construction
Beginner Course - Presented By Max Phillips
Provides an overview of Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) with a focus on the performance properties of mineral wool core panels, in terms of their green features and fire resistance ratings. Code requirements, design specifications, and environmental considerations are also discussed.(PRD103) Insulated Concrete Forms
Beginner Course - Presented By Robert Sculthorpe
Provides an overview of ICF design, construction and environmental benefits.(PRD104) Introduction to Air Barriers
Beginner Course - Presented By Ryan Dalgleish
Air Barriers control the unintended movement of air into and out of a building enclosure. This course provides an overview of the performance requirements of air barrier materials, assemblies, and systems, and includes a discussion on relevant building code requirements.(PRD105) Specifying Levels of Finish for Gypsum Wallboard
Beginner Course - Presented By Bill Roper
Provides an overview of gypsum wallboard manufacturing, a review of the Gypsum Association's recommended levels of finish and examples of writing specification of levels of finish.(PRD106) Wall Hanging Systems
Beginner Course - Presented By Dave Veilleux
Provides an overview of wall hanging systems with a focus on integrating systems in the overall design of a project and includes discussions on system elements, selection criteria, specialty applications, and sustainable design.Risk Management
Accreditation requires 6 credits of elective coursework. Risk management courses may apply toward this requirement. Re-Accreditation requires 2 credits that have not been previously completed in the risk management category.
(RSK101) Exterior Painting Restoration: How to Treat Causes of Paint Failure, Not Just the Symptoms
Beginner Course - Presented By Robert DuFort
Avoid costly mistakes! Many painting contractors simply treat the symptoms of paint failure. Inevitably, what appears to be a beautiful paint job begins to fail prematurely after only one or two years -- especially with direct UV exposure for prolonged periods. Learn how to properly treat the causes of failure so your paint job will last for a decade.(RSK102) The Restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater
Beginner Course - Presented By Paul Bertram
Provides an overview of the restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, including details regarding structural issues, moisture intrusion, roof and terrace restoration, and interior and exterior coatings.(RSK103) Moisture Management in Residential Walls
Beginner Course - Presented By Craig Lynch
Provides an overview of preventing and managing moisture in walls.(RSK104) Using Water Repellents to Prevent Water Intrusion into Above-Grade Masonry
Beginner Course - Presented By Ken Barry
Provides an overview of problems water creates for masonry structures, and how water repellents can help to prevent those problems.(RSK105) Intumescent Fire Retardant Coatings: A Proactive Approach to Fire Prevention
Beginner Course - Presented By Jon Traw
Provides an overview of Intumescent Fire Retardant Coating (IFRC) products including coatings for engineered wood products, latex paints, sprays for interior furnishings, and dual action products that also inhibit mold growth.(RSK106) Use of Coatings to Prevent Mold and Mildew Damage
Beginner Course - Presented By Rust-Oleum Corporation/Zinsser Brand
Provides an overview of advances in antimicrobial mold and mildew-proof primers, paints, wallcovering installation systems, waterproofing coatings and remediation cleaners. Permeability of wallcovering and coatings to install them with, plus green building specification information for high performance, low VOC coatings for the prevention of mold and mildew are also reviewed.(RSK108) Moisture Protection for Concrete and Masonry
Beginner Course - Presented By Rust-Oleum Corporation/Zinsser Brand
Provides an overview of methods of reducing moisture intrusion in concrete and masonry walls with an emphasis on the role of sealers and coatings.(RSK109) Factory Prefinishing of Exterior Building Materials
Beginner Course - Presented By Mike Pidlisecky
This course covers common on-site exterior paint failure issues and their causes and describes the factory coating process for exterior woodwork, substrate materials, installation tips and its many other benefits.(RSK110) Sustainable Waterproofing Solutions
Beginner Course - Presented By Dave Dennsteadt
Provides an overview of the sustainable benefits of integral concrete waterproofing and analyzes traditional waterproofing methods as compared to integral methods in terms of durability, risk, cost, and construction timeline.
(RSK111) Exterior Surface Preparation
Beginner Course
This course covers the objectives of surface preparation in detail. Important aspects of adhesion, from the finish coat and loss of adhesion by blistering, peeling, or flaking are reviewed. A key element of this course is found in proper surface preparation, including ways to eliminate discoloration. With a goal of great preparation, this course identifies methods to ensure maximum uniformity of sheen or gloss -- and uniform hiding, too. The how and why of priming and corrosion resistance are covered to help your team get the desired results.(RSK112) Interior Surface Preparation
Beginner Course
Proper surface preparation is an essential part of a quality paint job, and this course is key to obtaining great long-term performance from paint and fantastic initial appearance. Difficult surfaces such as plastics, ceramic tile, old gloss enamels, and wet areas are covered in detail. Discover the key role preparation plays in obtaining a uniform final coating. Learn about mildew growth, its interaction with interior paints, and the preparatory steps that can often prevent mildew, even in extremely damp areas.(RSK113) Mold: A Practical Guide for Contractors
Beginner Course - Presented By Mark Casale
Who is responsible when mold is uncovered? When are contractors liable to building/home owners? Does mold always need to be removed? Learn to recognize mold hazards, correctly estimate mold removal, basic remediation methods, and the necessary equipment for each technique.(RSK114) Disaster Recovery: Guide to SBA's Disaster Assistance Programs
Beginner Course
This course is designed to provide an overview of SBA's emergency relief assistance programs.(RSK115) The Recovery Through Retrofit Initiative: Creating Jobs and Saving Homeowners Money
Beginner Course
This course will provide an overview of the progress of the Recovery Through Retrofit initiative, the skills needed to make American.(RSK201) Paint 201: Practical Solutions and Problem-Solving Techniques
Intermediate Course - Presented By John Lanzillotti
Provides an overview of the classification of paints, advantages and disadvantages of latex versus alkyd coatings, surface preparation and priming techniques, and causes and solutions for common paint problems.(RSK202) Peinture 201: Solutions pratiques et techniques de résolution de problèmes
Intermediate Course - Presented By John Lanzillotti
Fournir une présentation de la classification des peintures, des avantages et inconvénients du latex par rapport aux enduits en alkyde, des techniques de préparation de surface et d’impression, et enfin, des causes et solutions de problèmes courants en peinture.(RSK203) Curtain Wall Performance and Testing
Intermediate Course - Presented By Schuco USA L.P.
Provides an overview of the efficiency, functionality, and design of curtain wall systems, including their thermal, moisture, and movement control performance requirements.
(RSK305) Expanding Your Job Size
Intermediate Course - Presented By Jeff Winters, Sherwin-Williams
Would you like to master the art of the upsell? On every job, there are opportunities to do some add-on selling in a way that will enhance – rather than disrupt – your client relationship. This session will focus on areas of the home that could be an additional project (including driveways, decks, basements and attic spaces). We will also cover those substrates that previously were thought to be unpaintable such as vinyl siding and shutters, Trex decking, PVC and more. You’ll leave the session with fresh ideas for providing great client service while thoughtfully expanding your offerings and revenue potential.
(RSK404) Avoiding Paint Failures
Intermediate Course - Presented By Bob Cusumano, Coatings Consultants
This course will involve the presentation of various paint failures photographically. It will explain testing that should be performed to both identify and avoid these failures, and discuss suggested remedial actions.Sales / Marketing
Accreditation requires 6 credits of elective coursework. Sales/marketing courses may apply toward this requirement. Re-Accreditation requires 2 credits that have not been previously completed in the sales/marketing category.
(MKT102) Negotiating with the Educated Buyer
Beginner Course - Presented By Pete Brown
This course addresses the challenges of negotiating and discusses multiple negotiating strategies. You will learn about the seven deadly sins that can destroy a great negotiation opportunity. This course will expose the buyer so that you can identify multiple buyer types, including the average buyer and the savvy buyer. Comparisons are offered so that you can differentiate between negotiating strategies and identify the 12 common buyer ploys. Learn about the critical areas common to all negotiations and the real difference between win/win and win/lose. You will be challenged with making changes to your own methods for negotiating in a sales situation.(MKT103) Bid Management and Negotiation
Beginner Course - Presented By Brian Drucks
Discover a detailed and disciplined process for discerning when to bid or not bid on a scope of work. Realize how profiling your customer and your company will keep you on track for developing the right bids and proposals suitable to your operation. You will examine how to fine-tune any bid to ensure you will avoid cutting into profit when you're cutting prices and learn principles that will allow you to maximize production rates, increasing crew performance on any job. Finally, we review methods to evaluate the buyer and the job to ensure that bids are value engineered, leading to successful operations.(MKT105) Marketing Strategy I
Beginner Course - Presented By Tom J. Birkenmeier
In this course, you will learn why "brand awareness" is linked to sales leadership in any category. Examine media solutions that are right for your business and prioritize them for cost effectiveness, and discover how not to "box yourself in" when branding your company's products and services. Branding and personification will help you identify the attributes that shape the perceptions of your brand personality.You will also learn to visually plot your product and your competitors' product or service position. Insightful methodologies are defined, giving you ways to improve information extraction, organization, and ideation techniques. You will learn to build a comprehensive cornerstone-marketing communications document, allowing you to plot your marketing success.
(MKT106) Winning the Job With a Higher Bid
Beginner Course - Presented By Pete Brown
This course explores an extraordinary new way to look at selling. Aimed at getting beyond the traditional methods of closing business, you'll get answers to questions concerning important details of the sales cycle. You will be walked through the buyer-seller relationship and learn new ways to exploit the common and traditional elements in customer relationships. If you find yourself competing on price, this course will demonstrate that control is the key to recurring success in sales. The relationship between quality and price are examined for their direct relationship to value and how to translate the combination into sales.(MKT107) Marketing Success for Commercial and Industrial Contractors
Beginner Course - Presented By Brandt Domas
In this course, you will see how a good marketing and communications buzz assists your business during expansion. You will learn where to look for new contracts and how you can take them from business suspect to real prospect. We examine the details that will allow your company to become a public relations engine, providing continual marketing and communications. Attention is applied to the possibilities you may find in becoming the niche expert for a new marketplace, allowing you to gain considerable ground on the competition. You can review methods for sharing your expertise that will cause you to become known for your depth of knowledge.(MKT108) GO FOR THE GOLD: Marketing to Grow Your Business
Beginner Course - Presented By Richard Greene
In this upbeat presentation, PDCA CEO Richard Greene walks you through easy-to-implement marketing concepts that can help you get more business by "mining" your prior customers, "cultivating" your current customer list, and "digging" for new customers. He will remind you of the 7 most important seconds of the customer relationship, tell you how home-made pie grows revenue, and explain how thinking about your dentist can result in repeat business. This is a fun-filled hour of reviewing old tricks and new tips to help market your unique business expertise.(MKT109) Groupies Are Not Just for Rock Stars!
Beginner Course - Presented By Steve Burnett and Josh Abramson
While you may be good at playing an air guitar, you're probably better at running a painting company. So, how do you satisfy that desire to have a caravan of groupies? Become the "go-to guy/gal" for clients and their friends by following a very simple plan for the off season -- without breaking the bank! Steve Burnett of Burnett Painting and Josh Abramson of A.Allbright Painting reveal their tested methods for being the ultimate service professional.(MKT110) Diversifying Your Painting Business
Beginner Course - Presented By Linnea Blair
Want to grow your business in a shrinking market? Does it seem like the market for your services is smaller than it used to be due to consumers spending less? Or is your market just fine, but you are looking for more ways to grow your business? Diversification is a strategy that many companies use to grow sales. Diversifying your business offerings can increase profitability through greater sales volume obtained from selling new services to an existing market or from finding new markets for your new or existing services. Learn different ways you can diversify your business, things to consider when using diversification as a strategy, diversification ideas and strategies for painting contractors, and how to market your new services.(MKT111) What Every Painting Contractor Needs to Know about Profitable Lead Generation
Beginner Course - Presented By Mike Jeffries
The interactive presentation in this session is designed to help you discover the sources of dynamic growth that successful painting companies use. Learn where to focus your marketing efforts now, sources of business most companies never tap, and strategies for targeting the most profitable prospects.(MKT112) The Painter's Definitive Guide to Government Contracts
Beginner Course - Presented By Malcolm Parvey and Debbie Alston
Federal government contracts present a huge opportunity for painting contractors, but they can be daunting if you don't know where to begin! This presentation will guide you through the process and help you feel confident enough to get started. It will take you step by step through the often-confusing world of federal contracting -- with no obscure jargon, and assuming no prior knowledge of this marketplace.(MKT113) Green Business Opportunities
Beginner Course
The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) bought multiple agencies together to develop a national Recovery through Retrofit initiative to increase business opportunities, grow green jobs, and boost energy savings. This course aims to: provide an overview of the Recovery through Retrofit initiative, outline the core business principles required of any firm interested in supporting energy retrofits, and identify available training and resources that support the Recovery through Retrofit initiative.(MKT115) SEO: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Beginner Course - Presented By Kellen Kautzman
Approximately 85% of all website traffic and 70% of all online purchases originate from a search engine. There are several aspects to search engine optimization and marketing that business professionals should be aware of to increase their companies' online profile, ensure that they stay competitive, and be found online by potential customers.(MKT116) Four Keys to Convert Prospects into High Paying Customers
Beginner Course - Presented By Bill Silverman
If getting new customers in this tough economy with its cutthroat competition and low-ball pricing has been a challenge for you, then this is a course you should take. One thing that Bill Silverman has found in working with his coaching clients and from talking to hundreds of other small business owners is that: most of you are not hitting on all cylinders in your sales process, and great prospects are literally slipping through your fingers! In fact, Bill has found more than 35 gaps in the typical sales process resulting in thousands of dollars in missed opportunities. In this course, Bill will share some quick-hit strategies you can use right away to plug the gaps in your sales process and get more customers.
(MKT117) Creating an Effective Marketing Strategy
Beginner Course - Presented By Linnea Blair
A business can survive for some time with poor records, insufficient finance or a lack of management skills, but it can't last long without a market. Something has to be done to make the phone ring, and that thing is marketing. Yet perhaps the most common problem faced by business owners is their inability to effectively sell their products. There are numerous examples of businesses that are able to make high quality products at a competitive price, but have little experience or skill in finding people who are willing to buy them. Essentially, they do not have a marketing strategy.This course explains the core concepts of a marketing strategy: identifying customer groups (target markets), which a small business can serve better than its larger competitors, and tailoring its product offerings, prices, distribution, promotional efforts and services towards that particular market segment (the marketing mix). A good strategy implies that a business cannot be all things to all people and must analyze its markets and its own capabilities so as to focus on a target market it can serve best.
(MKT118) Social Media Marketing for Painting Contractors: From Mystery to Mastery
Beginner Course - Presented By Linnea Blair
If you want to know how on earth social media could ever pay off for your painting contracting business, then this is the course for you. Whether you’re using social media already but think you could be getting better results, or whether you are still trying to figure out what all the hubbub is about, Linnea Blair of Advisors on Target has helped many painting contractors get online and get their message out. And now, she shares her best ideas and advice for how you can use social media marketing to reach the audience you want, get the clients you need and be more successful.How could social media benefit your company? How do you find and reach the people who are most likely to hire you? Are you constantly bombarded by companies trying to get you to pay money for social media services you do not fully understand? What social media can you do on your own, and when is it time to hire someone to do it for you?
If you are like most business owners, you want the confidence and knowledge to create a professional social media presence that reflects your company brand the way you want to be known, and you want the tools to connect effectively with your audience to get more business!
Are you the owner of a small to medium-sized business who wants to get more leads and referrals through social networking? This is one training investment that is sure to pay off for you.
Online relationships mirror offline relationships. If you can connect with your current contacts through social media as well as in person, you will expand your ability to be at the top of their minds and become connected to their networks. In other words, you get your business in front of more eyes, more often!
(MKT119) How to Position Yourself to Win
Beginner Course - Presented By Ron McKenzie
A negotiation can be as simple as a phone call or as complex as a series of meetings where different contracts are reviewed. The importance of negotiation is critical to the overall success of your company. Negotiation is the last step before you get the project. Therefore, the word "negotiation" scares many people.This course addresses negotiation issues for residential and commercial painting and decorating contractors. There is not one simple answer as every negotiation is different. What is important is to develop a process; this course also provides a framework for developing this process of negotiation.
(MKT120) 5 Proven Tactics to Help Your Ideal Client Find You
Beginner Course
Increasing the chances that your ideal customers will find you online is top priority for your small business. In today’s market utilizing the internet is the most effective pathway to generate new leads with. Get one step ahead of the competition and learn the top 5 tactics to incorporate into your online marketing strategy so that the internet brings your business into success.(MKT121) Get Leads From Your Own Backyard! Online Geo Targeting Explained
Beginner Course
Learn how to generate more business in your local area by tailoring your online marketing tactics to reach your ideal candidate. After attending this webinar you will be able to understand what marketing strategies will lead your small business to a greater presence online.(MKT122) Online Reputation Management - How to Protect and Nurture Your Businesses Online Image
Beginner Course
A company’s reputation online can make or break its online brand awareness. From unhappy customers and unethical competitors, today’s technology allows anyone to write anything about your business. Understand how to protect and nurture your company’s character online while learning how to remove online “graffiti” by attending this webinar.(MKT123) Erasing Online ‘Graffiti’ and Protecting Your Reputation Online
Beginner Course - Presented By Matt Murren of Local Market Sense
Join us for an hour long webinar to explain how important it is to protect your reputation online. Unhappy customers, angry employees, and unethical competitors can destroy your reputation.If you think this isn't for you, think again. Now more than ever your prospects can assess your reputation in seconds, and it will be costing your business.
We will cover tactics you can start today to analyze your online reputation, as well as erasing or removing online 'graffiti' about you or your business.
(MKT124) The Nametag Principle
Beginner Course - Presented By Scott Ginsberg of "Hello my Name is Scott"
If they can't come up to you, how will they ever get behind you? This Program teaches business people how to position themselves as approachable leaders, engage the people who matter most and create an atmosphere of comfort, safety and listenability in their companies.(MKT124) Proven Traditional and Online Marketing Strategies to Dynamically Grow Your Painting Business in 2013
Beginner Course - Presented By Mike Jeffries Rivers of Revenue, LLC
Setting standards of excellence, implementing a consistent and effective lead generation plan and then converting more of those leads into sales are the hallmarks that successful painting companies, carry out every day.This Webinar is sponsored by:
(MKT125) Women Owned Small Business Program - A Guide for Contracting Officers
Beginner Course
This course is about increasing contract opportunities for women owned small businesses(MKT126) Business Opportunities: A Guide to Winning Federal Contracts
Beginner Course
This course is designed to provide an overview of federal contract procedures and describe how to seell to the government.(MKT127) EPA LRRP Rule for Paint Contracting Sales/Management
Beginner Course - Presented By Randy Fornoff of MTS Painting
This session covers the current EPA Lead Renovation, Repair & Painting rule. This knowledge will help determine business opportunities regarding bid requests, even if you do not handle this type of work. The class will cover sales techniques and estimating the cost of applying the new rule, helping you be an industry leader.(MKT128) Maximizing Lead Generation from Your Most Important Marketing Tool: Your Website
Beginner Course - Presented By Mike Jeffries of Rivers of Revenue
This session will teach you what to do and what not to do in order to turn your website into a lead generation machine. If you have invested in a web presence for your company, you should be gaining the most impact from your online investment.(MKT129) Three Keys to Unlock New Growth Trapped in Your Business
Beginner Course - Presented By Bill Silverman of AdviCoach
Has your business hit a plateau or even shrunk over the last few years? The bad economy may not be to blame! You may be stuck at one of the natural growth traps that plague all small businesses. Bill Silverman will discuss low-cost and no-cost strategies that you can use to unlock the huge profit growth that is trapped in your business.(MKT230) SEO 2.0. Advanced Tactics. Simple Implementation.
Beginner Course - Presented By Todd Heskett
Get ahead of the competition and drive more traffic to your website with simple yet effective strategies that you can plug in on your own in just a few hours a week. We will present proven strategies that build on the basic SEO methods you've put in place thus far, and help you gain online market share, driving more exposure and increasing sales.
(MKT231) Estimating for A Profit
Beginner Course - Presented By Lynn Fife, Evergreen Technology
This seminar is where we start with how to calculate an accurate labor rate that is based on the facts of how much they need to bring in each month. We show them how to adjust the labor rate based on how many employees they have and how many hours employees work. We show take off techniques that are fast and dead on accurate. Finally, how to calculate labor and material needs that are tied to a “Field Budget Sheet”. We show how to monitor what is being estimated to what the employees are actually doing so the estimator can adjust estimating every month to stay on track and end up with fast, easy and dead on accurate estimating system tied to their profit structure.(MKT231) Upselling, Down-Selling and Cross-Selling: How to Make More Sales in Business
Beginner Course - Presented By Jonathan Goldhill, CEO/Head Coach, The Goldhill Group
How stupid would you feel if the following was true? When surveyed after project completion, many homeowners say they would have spent more if their contractors had shown them more options! Well, it may be true, but it doesn't have to stay that way. By adopting a sales mindset, preparing yourself mentally for the call, arming yourself with sales scripts, listening and paying closer attention, you can add additional sales to your current projects. Everybody gets the same good and bad leads. So, learn how to convert those leads into sales - think selling, up-selling, down-selling and cross-selling - and cry no more over lack of business.(MKT201) Marketing Strategy II
Intermediate Course - Presented By Tom J. Birkenmeier
This course covers full-circle marketing, showing you how to create sales through seamless integration. Building upon principles uncovered in Marketing I, this course will assist you in developing an integrated full-circle marketing matrix. Discover your marketing opportunities, strengths, weaknesses, and position your vis-a-vis competition. We review and identify, in order of customer importance, all factors that separate your brand, product, or company. Identify and implement the action steps necessary to create the "brand footprint" that will open and exploit your market opportunities.(MKT202) Closing Secrets and Tips to Increase Business in 2013
Intermediate Course - Presented By Mike Jeffries
Most painting contractors are really good at painting but not quite as good at communicating why prospects should choose them. Knowing what to present and what to say can dramatically increase the percentage of prospects that say yes to your proposals.
(MKT403) Defining Your Vision and Mission Statement in Today's Market
Intermediate Course - Presented By Darylene Dennon, Solid Energy, Inc.
A business vision and mission are paramount to everyone's future growth and success of the business-no matter what size. The vision and mission not only guides the course of the business and its employees, it also is paramount in marketing your brand to prospective clients. It differentiates your business from your competition. It's important to understand exactly how to write Vision and Mission statements, and what differentiates you from any other business. Once you have established why you are in business and what you want your business to look like in the future, you can now create a marketing plan that works.Technical
Click on a technical category below to view available courses. After opening a category, click on the category title to collapse and view other categories. Of these categories, Accreditation requires 8 credits; re-Accreditation requires 2 credits that have not been previously completed.
Application Tools
Learn how to successfully and economically apply surface coatings.
(APP101) Application Tools
Beginner Course
This course provides real insight on using the right tools, including picking the correct application tool for the job. Spray systems are identified and examined for their differences and unique characteristics when spraying. Learn important facts about equipment, application methods, and procedures. The various classifications of brushes and rollers are covered, including methods of application and the situations where they are best used. Principles of spray painting are reviewed, covering the skills required for great work. Get tips to improve your speed and efficiency.
(APP102) How to Clean, Prepare, and Coat Basement and Garage Floors
Beginner Course - Presented By Jim Cerone
So you get a call to offer a quote on an interior or exterior painting project. Did you ever think about offering other services that perhaps your customer hadn't thought about? This video can help you with add-on sales.(APP103) Optimal Storage Solutions
Beginner Course - Presented By Michelle Pontello-Warren of Borroughs Corporation
Provides an overview of steel shelving for a wide variety of applications, and reviews an analysis of user needs.(APP201) Arts & Craft Style Guide
Intermediate Course - Presented By Andersen Windows, Inc.
This course provides an overview of three of the dominant traditional residential styles in the U.S.: Shingle, Prairie School, and Craftsman Bungalow, with a focus on window, door and trim elements.Coating Technology
In this subject, valuable and essential knowledge of coatings is provided.
(COT101) High Performance Floor Coatings
Beginner Course - Presented By Jeffrey Spillane
This program provides an overview of the basic characteristics of concrete as a floor substrate; floor coating types and the selection of appropriate materials; proper coating application; and, the importance of preliminary inspection and surface preparation.(COT102) An Overview of Decorative Concrete Solutions
Beginner Course - Presented By Shellie Rigsby
Provides an overview of decorative concrete solutions, focusing on the features, benefits, decorative techniques, applications, and methods of acid staining.(COT104) Benefits and Applications of Photocatalytic Oxidation Coatings
Beginner Course - Presented By Chris McMahan
Provides an overview of photocatalytic oxidation coatings and includes discussions on the chemistry behind the reaction, properties of photocatalytic oxidizers (PCOs), air quality, and the benefits and applications of photocatalytic oxidation coatings.(COT105) Aluminum & Metal Composite Materials: Finish Options and Surface Considerations
Beginner Course - Presented By Bill Yannetti
Provides an overview of the paint and finish options and surface treatments and considerations for aluminum composite materials (ACM) and metal composite materials (MCM).(COT106) High-Performance Coatings for Industrial Applications
Beginner Course - Presented By John Lanzillotti
Provides an overview of high-performance coatings for industrial applications, including a discussion of various types of industrial coating products, surface preparation techniques, primer selection, and specification issues.(COT107) High Performance Coating Systems For Metal Roofing
Beginner Course - Presented By John Kelly
Discusses the relationship between cool metal roofing and high performance coating systems, including how to evaluate the effectiveness of a roof coating and the efficiency of the coil coating process.(COT208) Extrusion Market Coatings
Beginner Course - Presented By Valspar, Jim Sherwood
Provides an overview of how to evaluate coating chemistries and specifications for aluminum extrusion products. Discussions about industry tests and standards, and why certain coatings fail are included.(COT209) Paint 201: High Performance Coatings
Beginner Course - Presented By The Sherwin-Williams Company, Joe Kujawski
Provides an overview of high performance coatings, with a discussion of the range of coatings available, sustainability issues and environmental considerations that influence coating selection, and which coatings to specify depending on the type of project and the extreme conditions it faces.Color & Decorating
Define the essential elements of color and learn to plan and execute the design, furnishings, and ornamentation of a building.
(COL101) Color Foundations
Beginner Course - Presented By John Lanzillotti
Provides an overview of color basics, including terminology, color perception, the psychology of color, how light affects color, and current styles and color trends.(COL102) Colour Foundations (CDN)
Beginner Course - Presented By John Lanzillotti
(Canadian Version) Provides an overview of colour basics, including terminology, colour perception, the psychology of colour, how light affects colour, and current styles and colour trends.(COL103) Fondements des couleurs
Beginner Course - Presented By John Lanzillotti
Fournit une introduction aux principes de base des couleurs, notamment la terminologie, la perception et la psychologie des couleurs, les effets de la lumière, ainsi que les styles et les tendances actuelles.(COL104) How Do Cultures Influence Color?
Beginner Course - Presented By Jackie Jordan
Provides an overview of diverse cultures and their perception of color with a focus on historical cultural effects, cultural similarities and disparities among color families, and specifying appropriate paint colors in a multicultural global environment.(COL105) Origins of Color and Pigments
Beginner Course - Presented By Fran Mooney
Provides an overview of the origins and evolution of color pigments by looking at historical civilizations and time periods.(COL106) Origins of Colour and Pigments (CDN)
Beginner Course - Presented By Fran Mooney
(Canadian Version) Provides an overview of the origins and evolution of colour pigments by looking at historical civilizations and time periods.(COL107) L'origine de la couleur et des pigments
Beginner Course - Presented By Fran Mooney
Offre une vue d’ensemble de l’origine et de l’évolution des pigments de couleur par un regard sur des civilisations et des époques du passé.(COL108) Color and Light
Beginner Course - Presented By Andrea Magno
Provides an overview of the properties of color and light. The program includes discussions on types of lighting, metamerism, Color Rendering Index (CRI), and Light Reflectance Value (LRV) and how they affect design choices.(COL109) Colour and Light (CDN)
Beginner Course - Presented By Andrea Magno
(Canadian Version) Provides an overview of the properties of colour and light. The program includes discussions on types of lighting, metamerism, Colour Rendering Index (CRI), and Light Reflectance Value (LRV) and how they affect design choices.(COL110) Color, Light, and Metamerism
Beginner Course - Presented By Jackie Jordon
Provides an overview of color, light, and metamerism and how they affect design choices.(COL111) Three Centuries of Color
Beginner Course - Presented By Fran Mooney
Illustrates how the use of color can express our individuality and culture, and how the past can inspire us with fresh ideas for using color in the present. Highlighting the prevalent colors of more than ten decades, this course also looks at the societal, political, technological and cultural influences which impacted and defined the personality of each decade.(COL112) Color and Decorating
Beginner Course
Having a basic understanding of colors can be very helpful in working with customers as they choose the color or colors to use, whether interior or exterior. The idea is not necessarily to make the color decision for the customer, but rather to aid in working through the color decision. For example, knowing what colors go well with a customer's favorite color will help identify a pleasing combination of colors -- that is, a suitable color scheme. Knowing how different colors tend to affect people can really be helpful in guiding customers in making their choice. The objective is to help make you more comfortable in "talking color" with the customer, which in many cases will be appreciated very much!(COL113) COLOR - An Asset to your Business
Beginner Course - Presented By Fran DuCharme
This presentation will provide an overview of the many influences that are behind today’s trends, the use of color, and what it means to you in your business. Topics include the power of color, influences from around the world, benefits of working with a consultant, and tools for the contractor.(COL114) The FRESH Approach to Choosing Exterior Colors
Beginner Course - Presented By Kate Smith
Provides an overview of the FRESH approach: a strategic method used for the selection of colors for the exterior of buildings. The course focuses on both residential and commercial design considerations, and details the steps to follow in the color selection process to achieve a harmonious design.Environmental
Knowledge of materials and equipment as they relate to their impact on our air, land, and water is provided here.
(ENV101) Taming the Green Beast: Successful Management of LEED Projects
Beginner Course - Presented By Amanda Hibberts
Commercial contractors who are new to the world of green and LEED construction will be given an introduction to LEED as it pertains to painting projects, a detailed summary of important steps in managing the painting and wall covering portions of a LEED project, from material considerations, substrate testing, documentation, and reporting to close outs and troubleshooting.(ENV102) An Overview of Engineered Quartz Surfaces
Beginner Course - Presented By William Miska, Scott Belasco, and John Chong
Provides an overview of the characteristics, features and benefits of engineered quartz surfaces, as well as a discussion on the related green certification programs.(ENV103) Green Painting: How Paint Contributes to LEED? Rating
Beginner Course - Presented By Steve Revnew
Provides an overview of LEED? rating system, its uses, background, current trends, and future implications, focusing on how paint and coating products can contribute to LEED? rating.(ENV104) Creating Healthy Living Environments with New Paint Technology
Beginner Course - Presented By Fran Mooney
Provides an overview of sustainable design and the creation of healthier environments in reference to architectural paints. Included are discussions regarding the components of paint; independent testing methods and standards; categories of LEED; and specification of paint systems for today's designer.(ENV105) Creating Healthy Living Environments with New Paint Technology (CDN)
Beginner Course - Presented By Fran Mooney
(Canadian Version) Provides an overview of sustainable design and the creation of healthier environments in reference to architectural paints. Included are discussions regarding the components of paint; independent testing methods and standards; categories of LEED; and specification of paint systems for today’s designer.(ENV106) Créer des milieux de vie sains grâce à une nouvelle technologie de peinture
Beginner Course - Presented By Fran Mooney
Introduction au design durable et création d’environnements plus sains par des peintures architecturales. On trouvera aussi des réflexions sur les composants de la peinture; des méthodes d’évaluation et des normes indépendantes ; les catégories LEED; enfin, les particularités des systèmes de peinture pour le designer d’aujourd’hui.(ENV107) High Performing Interiors for High Performance Buildings
Beginner Course - Presented By Richard Master
Provides an overview of climate change and the sustainability movement, building material selection and material attributes and operational energy.(ENV108) Low-VOC Paints as a Component of Sustainable Building Concepts
Beginner Course - Presented By Jeffrey Spillane
Provides an overview of the concept of sustainable building and basics of LEED rating system; LEED standard credits for paints and coatings; The development and characteristics of low-VOC paints, including VOC ingredients, current regulations and testing procedures.(ENV109) Fire-Rated Cementitious Coated OSB in Wall and Roof Sheathing Applications
Beginner Course - Presented By Dr. Michael Huddy, James R. Dukart, and Robert D. Palardy
Provides an overview of fire-rated cementitious coated OSB sheathing for wall and roof sheathing applications in terms of its structural and performance properties and contribution to enhancing the sustainable built environment.(ENV110) Green Building With Steel Floor Joist Systems
Beginner Course - Presented By Doug Fox
Provides an overview of steel floor joist systems, including discussion on what they are, how they can be applied to different residential and multi-residential projects, and its use toward sustainable construction methods and achieving LEED® accreditation.(ENV111) Gypsum Board: Beyond Recycled Content
Beginner Course - Presented By Mundise Mortimer
Provides an overview of the characteristics of gypsum board that allow it to contribute to sustainably designed buildings, a look at methods for ensuring continued healthy indoor air and eliminating waste.(ENV112) Next Generation Green Restroom Design
Beginner Course - Presented By William Gagnon and John Watson
Provides an overview of the newest technologies in high efficiency plumbing products and fixtures for sustainable restroom design including practical, economical and environmental benefits of high speed energy efficient hand dryers, water use and trends, how to choose water saving products and an explanation of how these products apply to new, best practice green building.(ENV113) Restroom Design: The Water Efficient Factor
Beginner Course - Presented By John Watson
Provides an overview of water use and trends in the U.S., with a focus on “green building” programs, a discussion on green design restroom application, and how to choose water saving products.(ENV114) Polymer Concrete Surface Systems: A Green & Sustainable Solution
Beginner Course - Presented By George Henderson
Provides an overview of the components and attributes of polymer concrete surface systems and why they are a prime example of sustainable design and green engineering for environmentally sound construction.(ENV115) Sustainable Building: From Concept to Design
Beginner Course - Presented By Randy Cornett
Provides a general overview of sustainability and the built environment and is intended to familiarize architects with sustainability concepts and the processes involved in building sustainable structures.(ENV116) Standing in the Aftermath: What it Takes to Withstand Natural Disasters
Beginner Course - Presented By George Henderson
This course provides an overview of the conditions imposed on buildings by extreme weather events, investigates the resistance to damage of a number of building envelopes materials with an emphasis in ICF construction and finishes.(ENV117) Masonry Cavity Wall Design
Beginner Course - Presented By Dow Insulation
Provides an overview of the history of block cavity walls and details how an innovative, simplified cavity wall design can deliver continuous insulation, a high R-value, and long-term air/vapor barrier performance, and meet the requirements of today’s energy and building codes.Paint Types
Discover paint classifications.
(PTT101) How to Make Money with Premium Paint Products
Beginner Course - Presented By Peter Umanec
Everyone knows that premium products cost more, and we know that this deters many painters from the purchase. In some cases, these added features and the benefits provided may not be required for that particular job. There are times, however, when the use of premium products can make very good business sense. We'll explore the rational for using premium paint products and provide some tips on how to use them successfully.(PTT102) An Introduction to Priming
Beginner Course - Presented By Liz Krauthammer
Provides an overview of the key reasons to apply a primer to every surface before painting a topcoat. Surface preparation, typical primer applications, stain-blocking and functionally specific primers are discussed.(PTT103) Paint Technology: Chemistry and Performance
Beginner Course - Presented By John Lanzillotti
Provides an overview of types of paint, paint finishes, surface preparation, and primers.(PTT104) Paint Technology: Chemistry and Performance (CDN)
Beginner Course - Presented By John J. Lanzillotti
(Canadian version) Provides an overview of types of paint, paint finishes, surface preparation, and primers.(PTT106) Paint and Its Ingredients
Beginner Course
This course discusses the ingredients of paint, what they are, and their impact on paint properties. Learn why you need to be familiar with paint ingredients, how to better interpret paint data sheets and labels, and be better equipped to explain differences in paint performance to customers. Gain a better background for solving paint performance problems.(PTT107) Interior Paint
Beginner Course
This course gives you the tools to create a great paint job. The goals and information supplied with this course are targeted at adhesion to the surface without peeling, flaking, or blistering. Learn how to professionally prepare the surface to prevent the paint and your paint job from failing. This course also covers the preparation of glossy surfaces and lead safety. Learn how to select top quality paints and how apply them to ensure the maximum adhesive of the paint.(PTT108) Exterior Paints
Beginner Course
This course covers the basic aspects of exterior paints, stains, elastomeric wall coatings, and clear coatings. There are a number of key exterior paint properties and related modes of failure; these are categorized as either protective properties or decorative properties. A quick reference piece on paint failures is provided as well. You'll learn about the PQI Remedies for Common Paint Failures, and we'll cover the painting of newer substrates, such as aluminum and vinyl siding. Conditions to be avoided when painting are also included.PDCA Industry Standards
Examine standards for scope and quality of work for financial responsibility. Learn how effective use of the PDCA Standards will help avoid many day-to-day problems.
(STA101) PDCA Standards
Beginner Course - Presented By Bob Cusumano
This course examines standards for scope and quality of work for financial responsibility. Learn how effective use of the PDCA Standards will help avoid many day-to-day problems, and walk through common bid document terms so that bids accurately reflect the intent of the documents. Detailed "quality of appearance" specifications are examined so that reference standards are controlled by sample review and approval. Learn why you should incorporate PDCA Standards into your proposals and how they can establish procedures for measuring and testing to determine compliance with a manufacturer's specifications.Safety
Learn to provide the appropriate caution while using coating products.
(SFT100) ClickSafety Courses
Beginner Course - Presented By ClickSafety
PDCA is pleased to announce our partnership with ClickSafety, a recognized leader in online safety training programs. ClickSafety uses a flexible, customizable and "student-centered" interactive e-learning platform. Our proven approach has resulted in increased productivity and reduced operating costs for more than 7,000 organizations worldwide, including Fortune 100/500 customers, global construction companies and leading technology companies.PDCA members now have access to a list of ClickSafety courses included in your PDCA membership. Members will also receive a discount if they choose to take ClickSafety courses not included in the PDCA Contractor College ClickSafety course list.
Members will receive Contractor College Credit for ClickSafety courses.
Please note: Your course history and Accreditation Dashboard will not automatically be updated upon completion of a course. PDCA staff will receive completion reports from ClickSafety. Credit will be applied to your course history on a weekly basis.
PDCA has a limited number of ClickSafety course credits. We ask that if you are assigning employees safety courses, please plan a time when multiple employees can attend the training session.
(SFT101) Painting Safety
Beginner Course
This comprehensive course covers many important issues and proper safety precautions for surface preparation and application of paint, stain, primer, and other coatings. The information in this course will demonstrate methods to protect yourselves, coworkers, facility managers, and all those who want to ensure the safety of workers and tenants alike. Your customers will appreciate your true concern about their personal safety and will be receptive to your guidance on equipment and procedures.(SFT102) OSHA: Safety Training Overview for a Painting Contractor
Beginner Course - Presented By Chris King
An OSHA representative presents an overview of the top OSHA compliance issues in the painting and decorating industry. The presentation will also include administrative requirements and record keeping requirements for business owners. Additional in depth training opportunities and resources will be available to you during this presentation.This presentation does not meet the requirements for OSHA certification, however it will provide certification information.
(SFT103) Ladder Safety
Beginner Course
Course objectives:- Select the right ladder for your job
- Properly inspect your ladder
- Handle and transport your ladder to prevent damage to the ladder or injury to yourself
- Know the right ways to use your ladder safely
(SFT104) Sequirdad en el Uso de Escaleras
Beginner Course
Objectivos del Curso:- Seleccionar la escalera correcta papa su trabajo
- Inspeccionar adecuadamente su escalera
- Manejar y transporter su escalera para evitar danos a la misma o lesions para usted
- Conocer las formas correctas de utilizer su escalera de forma segura
(SFT225) Encountering Asbestos
Beginner Course - Presented By AMI Environmental
Encountering Asbestos in Over 3000 Products. Many of the more common types of asbestos containing materials were designed for use in construction. Typical applications to look for, and subjective interpretation of test results and applicable regulations for multi-employer work site compliance. Planning for no surprises to maintain safe projects on schedule and in budget.
(SFT226) Introduction to OSHA For Painting Contractors Part 1
Beginner Course - Presented By Christopher C. King, Saint Louis University School of Public Health
This seminar will provide an overview of the basic safety and health issues that contractors should be knowledgeable of, particularly as they relate to OSHA Compliance. Participants will learn the elements of a safety and health program to help insure a safe workplace to reduce insurance premiums and avoid costly fines from OSHA.
