Online Training Courses

Beginning Woodworking

The training courses below are designed for woodworkers new to the craft, but also cover a lot of information that can be useful even to more experienced woodworkers. It is recommended that the courses be taken in the order shown below; the only prerequisite is that Wood Theory be taken before Milling and Machining.

The lessons consist of outside reading from both Understanding Wood by R. Bruce Hoadley, and Modern Cabinetmaking by Patrick A. Molzahn, William D. Umstattd, and Charles W. Davis as well as online reading and video presentations. It is recommended to have both books on hand prior to starting the courses.

After passing each of the courses below, you will have the background knowledge needed to continue your training on higher level tools and techniques and you will be ready to test for the Core credential; the beginning of your credential path.

Note: The short WCA Overview course is a pre-requisite for all other courses…

These courses are not required for new Evaluator training.


Free

WCA Overview

In this course you'll learn more about what the Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) does including an explanation of the WCA Skill Standards and the Credentialing process. This course is a pre-requisite for all other online training courses.

Free

Math, Measuring and Layout

In this course, we review number theory and workshop related math, including fractional math, as well as woodworking measuring and layout fundamentals.

Prerequisite: WCA Overview

Free

Wood Theory

Wood is obviously an important material in woodworking; in this course, we'll take a deep dive into wood theory and learn about the properties of wood, wood movement and how to cope with it, lumber measurement and grading, and much more...

Prerequisite: WCA Overview

Free

Milling and Machining

This course will introduce you to basic milling and machining operations, specifically focused on the concept of milling "4 Square" using the Jointer, Planer, and Tablesaw.

Prerequisites: WCA Overview, Wood Theory

Free

Woodworking Fundamentals

Learn woodworking fundamentals including panel products, adhesives, fasteners, abrasives, joinery, cabinet construction, shop drawings and more...

Prerequisite: WCA Overview