Programs
Find the Right Path for You
Live instructor-led contractor education—licensing exam preparation, code navigation, and the operational systems that keep real projects on track.
Residential Code Application & Navigation
NCSI is introducing our new Saturday Hybrid G13 National Standard Residential Contractor Exam Prep program. Contractors can now participate in the same live, instructor-led classes either in person or remotely from anywhere in the country.
Our hybrid classroom combines structured instruction in IRC code-book navigation, residential building standards, and practical code application. Online students participate alongside classroom students in real time — not through prerecorded lessons.
- How to navigate the 2018 International Residential Code efficiently and accurately
- How to interpret important code provisions and apply them to real construction conditions
- How inspectors evaluate residential construction and apply code requirements in the field
- How to prepare for the National Standard Residential Contractor Exam using a structured navigation system
Attend in person at our Colorado Front Range classroom or join live online from anywhere in the United States. Following enrollment, NCSI will contact you to confirm your preferred attendance format and provide participation instructions.
- 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
- Custom tab kit for your code book
- Live Saturday instruction, in person or online
- Interactive classroom participation for remote students
- Google Classroom access for assignments and course materials
- Small cohort format with direct instructor support
- One-on-one time during scheduled office hours
Contractor 101 — Construction Business Fundamentals
Contractor 101 is a four-week introductory course designed for beginning and newly licensed contractors who want to understand the fundamentals of starting and operating a construction business.
Drawing on real-world construction experience, this instructor-led program introduces the essential processes, documents, and business practices contractors encounter every day.
- Construction contracts and agreements
- Change orders, documentation, and recordkeeping
- Estimating, bidding, and basic job costing
- Working with subcontractors and managing projects
- Client communication and expectations
- Permits, scheduling, and construction operations
- Introduction to digital project management and business tools
Learn the practical fundamentals of operating a construction business through structured instruction, real-world examples, and useful resources. No prior business ownership experience required.
Commercial Contractor Licensing Preparation
The commercial contractor test is an extensive, multiple-reference-book exam that frequently defeats candidates: too many books, too many moving parts, and no clear system for working through the material under pressure. This class fixes that.
I teach you how to navigate commercial construction references efficiently—so when a question comes up, you know where to go, how to find the information, and how to back up your answer with confidence.
- How to move through commercial reference materials efficiently
- How to navigate code books, technical references, and documentation
- How to interpret commercial code requirements under real-world conditions
- How to work through complex questions using organized navigation systems
Prerequisites: G13 passed or five verifiable years of commercial experience. Because this is a demanding course, an intake interview is required to ensure your success. Qualifies for ICC certificate / renewal.
- 2018 IRC, 2018 IBC, and the Concrete Manual
- Customized tab kits for all three books
- Live instruction, Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM plus one-on-one office hours
Plan Reading & Estimating for the New Contractor
The plans look straightforward. The job seems clear. Then halfway through you're dealing with scope gaps, finger-pointing, and work you never carried. That's not bad luck—it's a breakdown in how the job was read and defined from the start.
I'll show you how to move through a plan set with intention, spot missing or conflicting information, and protect yourself with clear scope, solid documentation, and clean change orders.
- How to navigate a full plan set without missing critical details
- How to identify scope gaps and coordination issues before they cost you money
- How to price work so you make money without losing the job
- Introduction to online estimating programs and their features
This course is currently not scheduled, but as demand increases it will run monthly.
Have questions before you enroll?
Book a quick consultation and we'll walk through your goals, schedule, and the right cohort.