DHI Education Resource Guide

This course is an introduction to the world of architectural doors and hardware products for those who are new to the industry or who have limited exposure to the broad range of products used in this industry.

• Lesson 1: Hollow Metal Doors and Frames This lesson introduces you to the terminology, components, and materials used to manufacture hollow metal doors and frames.
• Lesson 2: Architectural Wood Doors Students learn the terminology, components, and materials used to manufacture flush and stile and rail architectural wood doors.
• Lesson 3: Materials and Finishes This lesson describes the common metals, materials, and finishes used in the builders hardware industry.
• Lesson 4: Hand the Door This lesson teaches students how to properly hand doors, door frames, and hardware products using industry- standard terms and abbreviations.
• Lesson 5: Hang the Door This lesson introduces students to the builders hardware items that are used to carry the weight of the door leaves and the hardware items attached to them.
• Lesson 6: Secure the Door – Door Bolts This lesson describes the different types of door bolts used to secure the inactive leaves of pairs of doors.
• Lesson 7: Secure the Door – Locks and Latches This lesson focuses on the different types of builders hardware locks and latches used to secure door openings.
• Lesson 8: Secure the Door – Panic Hardware and Fire Exit Hardware This lesson explains the differences between panic hardware and fire exit hardware devices and teaches students when and how exit devices are used to meet the life safety requirements of building, fire, and life safety codes.
• Lesson 9: Secure the Door – Cylinders and Keying This lesson explains the different types of cylinders used in builders hardware and provides students with a working understanding of pin tumbler cylinders as well as how masterkeying is designed to provide convenience to the building's occupants.
• Lesson 10: Control the Door This lesson describes surface mounted and concealed door closers that are used to control the opening and closing speeds of door leaves.
• Lesson 11: Protect the Door This lesson teaches students the various products (e.g., protection plates, door pulls, edge guards) that are used to protect door openings from being dented and scratched.
• Lesson 12: Electrified Architectural Hardware This lesson provides students with a base-level understanding of the principles of basic electricity and how it is used to modify the functions of builders hardware items to enhance accessibility and maintain security in today's buildings.



 
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This course is an introduction to building codes and the role architectural doors and hardware play in them. It is intended for those who are new to the industry or who have limited exposure to the codes used in the commercial hardware industry.

Understanding how construction projects are organized and designed requires a thorough knowledge of the construction documents that administrate, illustrate, detail, and describe them. Estimators, detailers, and project managers need to understand the purpose and use of specifications and drawings as they perform their duties. Knowing where to find specific information in the specifications and on the drawings, and understanding how that information applies to our trade can make the difference between a profitable and an unprofitable job. This program provides estimators, detailers, and project managers with the essential knowledge to sort through these documents to find the information they need. You will learn how to:

• Read architectural drawings
• Use an architectural scale
• Determine the scope of work
• Use addenda
• Request change orders
• Find specific information in specifications and drawings
• Determine what materials are required on a project
• Identify conflicts between specifications and drawings
• Coordinate your work with related trades

Today's construction projects use some of the most advanced materials and products ever made. Fire- rated and means of egress door openings have specific requirements they must meet to be able to function correctly. This course teaches you about the doors and frames (e.g., hollow metal, wood, and aluminum) in use today. Many hardware items can be employed in more than one application, and knowing which application is correct for a particular opening will make you indispensable to your customers and clients. An assortment of product samples are used in this course to help you identify many of the hardware items in use today. You will learn how to:

• Read door and frame details
• Determine wall/partition construction
• Select frame types and anchors
• Explain different types of door and frame construction
• Use door accessories (e.g., lite kits, louvers)
• Size special-purpose hinges (e.g., wide-throw)
• Learn the application of raised-barrel hinges and swing-clear hinges
• Select proper strike plates
• Size push/pull bars
• Resolve closer/overhead stop/holder conflicts
• Size thresholds and saddles

Develop an understanding and thorough knowledge of how industry standards affect door openings. Knowledge of the many door, frame and hardware standards is essential to properly specify, detail, furnish and install these products for projects. These standards contain a wealth of information and can be used to establish levels of quality and function for all types of buildings. This class covers the following industry standards:

• Steel Door Institute's (SDI) Technical Documents and ANSI/SDI Standards and Test Methods
• Hollow Metal Manufacturers Association (HMMA) 800 Series of Technical Publication
• Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) I.S.-1A (2013) & I.S.-6A (2013)
• Architectural Woodwork Institute's (AWI) Architectural Woodwork Standards (2nd edition) 2014
• American Architectural Manufacturers Association's (AAMA) Aluminum Storefront and Entrance Manual SFM-1-14
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Builders Hardware
• Manufacturers Association (BHMA) A156 Series of Product Standards

Profitability of a company often hinges on the accuracy and efficiency of the bids that estimators turn out. Overprice, and your bid will not be considered; underprice, and you will have more work than you need, and you will consistently lose money with each project. This course introduces you to material takeoff techniques and estimating skills that will help you become a more accurate and efficient estimator. You will learn how to:

• Perform material takeoffs
• Prepare Requests for Information (RFI)
• Prepare Requests for Substitutions
• Calculate overhead costs
• Apply mark-ups
• Prepare estimates

Electrified hardware items are used on virtually all new building projects. You need to understand how these products are properly used and what their capabilities are if you are going to advance in this industry. This course provides you with the principles of low-voltage electricity through hands-on class exercises. In addition, this course is focused on teaching you how separate electrified architectural hardware components are used to create single-opening systems. Learn how to design low-voltage circuits and to hook up these components through the hands-on labs. You will learn how to:

• Coordinate voltage and amperage requirements
• Draw elevation, logic, and point-to-point wiring diagrams
• Write operational descriptions
• Troubleshoot circuits

Knowledge of the many industry-related codes and standards differentiates our industry from numerous other distributor chain-driven industries. Staying current and up-to-date on the ever-changing codes and standards requires both professional and personal commitment. This course covers NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives (2019 edition), International Building Code (2021 edition), NFPA 105 Standards for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives (2019 edition), ICC/ ANSI A117.1 Usable and Accessible Buildings and Facilities (2017 edition), and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code (2018 edition). You will learn how to:

• Tell the difference between codes and standards
• Look up information in order to interpret codes and standards
• Determine requirements for fire-rated openings
• Determine requirements for means of egress openings

REQUIRED CLASS MATERIALS: NFPA80, Standards for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives (2019 edition); International Building Code (2021 edition); ICC/ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Building and Facilities (2017 edition)

Most of us find success when operating within our “Normal” scope of work. Those that excel in our industry, however, are versed in all opening types and applications. For that reason, we have created DHC218 “Understanding Specialty Doors”. This course offers an in-depth view for openings you may come across that would normally fall outside your typical product or service offerings. This course will cover more than 25 unique opening types within our industry arming you to be the “Go-to” for any type of specialty application your customer needs. In this course, you will learn:

• The purpose specialty openings serve
• Definitions and terminology
• How to describe these doors by their performance standards
• Required testing protocols, relevant codes, and performance regulations
• Special manufacturing and engineering techniques used
• Necessary hardware and design considerations

This course is the first of three in a series of combined detailing courses. One of the most important skills you can develop in our industry is the ability to properly coordinate and schedule doors, frames and hardware that are to be provided on projects. In this course, you will begin to learn to detail doors, frames and hardware on projects with a beginner level of complexity of occupancy type through a series of in-class exercises. This is a great face-to-face first step for those interested in working towards their DHT credential. You will begin to:

• Understand basic fire door and egress code principles
• Apply basic door, frame and hardware knowledge in building very simple openings
• Apply basic blue print reading and scaling skills
• Coordinate the application of hardware with doors and frames

DHI will provide students with catalogs on a USB drive for this class.

This course is the first of three in a series of combined detailing courses. One of the most important skills you can develop in our industry is the ability to properly coordinate and schedule doors, frames and hardware that are to be provided on projects. In this course, you will begin to learn to detail doors, frames and hardware on projects with a beginner level of complexity of occupancy type through a series of in-class exercises. This is a great face-to-face first step for those interested in working towards their DHT credential. You will begin to:

• Understand basic fire door and egress code principles
• Apply basic door, frame and hardware knowledge in building very simple openings
• Apply basic blue print reading and scaling skills
• Coordinate the application of hardware with doors and frames

DHI will provide students with catalogs on a USB drive for this class.

Perhaps the most necessary skill you can develop in our industry is learning how to properly create detailed hardware schedules. Coordinating myriad hardware products with the project's requirements can be a daunting task. This course introduces you to the sequence and format of the hardware schedule through a series of in-class exercise as well as introduces students to the techniques and skills necessary to become a more precise detailer. You will learn how to:

• Interpret plans and specifications
• Create door, frame, and hardware submittals
• Create proper headings for hardware sets
• Use sequence and format to list hardware items in the proper order
• Write detailed hardware sets
• Coordinate hardware with doors and frames
• Illustrate door opening details and elevations
• Coordinate hardware templating requirements

DHC253 (formerly COR153) offers an advanced exploration into project management skills and the coordination of door, frame, and architectural hardware installation efforts. Manage Projects with more efficiency - Taking this course will equip you with insights into reducing callbacks and backcharges – two crucial elements in maintaining project efficiency and profitability. Not only will you explore key priject management principles you can apply to your jobs, but you will also learn about proper installation techniques, ensuring your ability to manage installation efforts with precision and proficiency. Common installation problems will be identified and addressed, empowering you to tackle challenges effectively. Learn how to:

• Implement strategies to mitigate callbacks and Liquidated Damages.
• Explore proper installation techniques for doors, frames, and architectural hardware.
• Identify and troubleshoot common installation problems to reduce punch list items.
• Enhance the customer experience through effective communication and service.
• Apply project management principles to coordinate installations efforts effectively.

Once the shop drawings are approved and you move into the order processing stage of a project, you need to accurately and efficiently communicate the project's requirements with each of the manufacturers. Purchase orders need to be reviewed for accuracy, acknowledgements verified, and materials inspected upon receipt. In addition, everything must arrive on time and for the right price! This course teaches you how to communicate and coordinate your materials purchases with the project and manufacturing schedules. You will learn how to:

• Format purchase orders
• Confirm factory discounts
• Review acknowledgements
• Minimize freight charges
• Coordinate project and manufacturing schedules

A solid knowledge base of master key systems is essential to all estimators, detailers, project managers, and consultants. This program covers all of the bases. Discover the different types and styles of cylinders and keys used in today's locks, understand industry-standard key-set symbols and terminology, and integrate mechanical cylinders and keying into access control and security systems. Learn to organize and conduct a successful keying meeting and how to relay the importance of key control and maintenance to your customers. You will learn:

• Levels of Masterkeying
• Types of Keys used in Master Key Systems
• Limitations of Keying Systems
• Options for Keying Systems
• Key Control
• How to Hold Keying Meetings

A foundational course essential for individuals aspiring to earn an AHC credential, AHC305 (formerly COR147) focuses primarily on specification writing – the cornerstone of an AHC’s responsibilities. Develop expertise in specification reading, a critical function within distribution channels, making this course ideal for professionals with two or more years of experience in the industry. In this course, you will:

• Master CSI SectionFormat™ for specification writing.
• Become proficient in utilizing appropriate specification terminology and language.
• Gain competency in referencing DIVISION 01 GENERAL sections accurately.
• Learn how to draft clear, concise, correct, and comprehensive specifications.
• Identify various methods of specification writing, including descriptive, performance, proprietary, and reference-based approaches.

Building on the principles learned in DHC205 Intermediate Detailing Doors, Frames and Hardware, students are led through a series of challenging class exercises designed to develop their decision-making skills by selecting and detailing hardware products that meet the intended functions of door openings where students were introduced to the techniques and skills necessary to become an expert detailer. Students will learn the step-by-step sequence employed by Architectural Hardware Consultants (AHCs), as they evaluate door openings and select hardware products to create door assemblies in accordance with applicable codes and standards. You will learn how to:

• Identify intended functions of complex door openings
• Select hardware products for complex openings
• Create detailed hardware sets
• Include elevation diagrams for openings with electrified hardware
• Create door and frame shop drawings
• Prepare door and frame submittals
• Illustrate door opening details
• Coordinate hardware templating requirements

Door and frame specifications require as much attention to detail as other specification sections. Fire-rated openings (both neutral and positive pressure tested) require particular attention to construction, labeling requirements, reinforcements, hardware preparations, glazing, and frame anchors. These specifications must be carefully coordinated with other specifications to ensure that the proper materials are provided. This course teaches you how to write clear, concise, correct, and complete door and frame specifications using the Construction Specifications Institute's MasterFormat™ as a guide. You will learn how to:

• Organize your specifications
• Use correct specification language
• Coordinate work in other sections
• Address product substitutions

Architectural Hardware Consultants (AHCs) are required to master the skills and techniques of writing professional construction specifications. Architects rely on professional consultants for technical expertise and expect them to be proficient in writing specifications. This course teaches you how to write clear, concise, correct, and complete hardware specifications using the Construction Specifications Institute's (CSI) MasterFormat™ as a guide. You will learn how to:

• Organize your specifications
• Use correct specification language
• Create hardware specification sets
• Write complete hardware specifications
• Coordinate work in other sections
• Address product substitutions
• Coordinate specifications for electrified hardware and access control systems

DHI will provide students with catalogs on a USB drive for this class.

Students pursuing the Architectural Hardware Consultant (AHC) designation will have the opportunity to work with DHI staff instructors to prepare for the AHC exam. Students will have the opportunity to:

• Review practices and procedures taught by DHI
• Detail openings similar to those on the exam
• Practice specification writing
• Try their hand at common multiple-choice questions

One of the most important steps in detailing today's projects is creating the low voltage wiring drawings / diagrams and related documentation for door openings with electrified hardware. In this course you will learn to use a free downloadable computer drawing program (Libre Office Draw) to create your drawings and will return to your workplace with the ability to create drawings for your projects. This course will teach you how to use correct industry recognized symbols and drawing techniques to help you communicate the project's requirements more effectively with the electrician, installer and systems integrators. You will learn how to:

• Create electrified door elevation diagrams
• Create riser diagrams
• Create point-to-point wiring diagrams
• Use relays to control circuits

REQUIRED CLASS MATERIALS:Students are required to bring a PC laptop that is using Windows 7, 8, 10 or WINE. A separate mouse (rather than the mouse pad built into the laptop) is also required.

This ADVANCED course builds upon what is learned in EHC403. We Recommend attending EHC403, and COR133, or Similar Industry Training prior to attending this course. Students should be experienced with working with electrified hardware products.

One of the most important steps in detailing today's projects is creating the low voltage wiring drawings / diagrams and related documentation for door openings with electrified hardware. In this course you will use a computer drawing program (Libre Office Draw is Suggested *) to create more advanced drawings incorporating components used in access control systems and intercoms, in addition to integrating with other systems such as burglar alarms, fire alarm systems and telephone entry systems. This course will teach you how to use correct industry recognized symbols and drawing techniques to help you communicate the project's requirements more effectively with the electrician, installer/technician, and systems integrators. Emphasis will be placed on meeting code requirements in accordance with the IBC. This course will help prepare the student to reach a level of difficulty of drawings commensurate with that required to be successful when writing the EHC Certification Exam.

The drawings completed in this course will be used in the subsequent EHC423 class to complete assignments to wire up and program the systems designed in EHC413.

You will Expand your ability to:
• Create advanced elevation drawings.
• Create advanced point-to-point drawings.
• Create system drawings showing how components tie into access control and centrally powered systems where required.
• Create logic diagrams to aid in design of openings.

Please note: This course is not designed to provide students with in-depth software knowledge.

* DHI recommends the use of Libre Office Draw as free software, but if you are already very familiar with a different software package such as VISIO, to create Elevation and Point–to-point drawings, you are welcome to use it for the class. Please note instructors may not be able to help you with software issues using a program other than Libre Office Draw.

All assignments will be completed in class and students will receive one-on-one attention from the instructors.

Building upon the fundamentals that you learn in COR133, this class will teach you how to take the lead in coordinating electrified hardware devices that your company supplies, with all other low voltage electrified systems to be installed as part of the openings on a project. Coordination is critical in order to ensure a seamless, trouble free, product integration, and will substantially reduce call backs to the site. Through hands-on electrified hardware exercises, we will demonstrate how different systems work together to create secure, and fully functional electrified openings. After taking this course, whether you supply product, create drawings, run coordination meetings, or all of the above, you will develop a true consulting approach that can greatly impact your company's bottom line. As the hardware industry becomes more dependent on the versatility of electrified hardware, this curriculum will prepare you to communicate effectively with Architects, Owners, Contractors, and Subcontractors by teaching you the necessary skills to coordinate a project as an expert industry professional. By developing a concrete understanding of the systems involved in integrated openings, and an assurance that all code requirements for the project are satisfied, you can take your company to the next level.

REQUIRED CLASS MATERIALS: Students are required to bring a laptop or tablet, and a handheld mobile device.

This course is designed to take you through the exercises required to complete the Electrified Hardware Consultant (EHC) certification exam under exam-like conditions. You will leave this class with a firm understanding of how to prepare for the EHC exam. You will be required to:

• Complete shop drawing exercises
• Complete written exam questions that cover topics such as access control systems, video surveillance terminology, principles of low voltage electricity, and specification writing

REQUIRED CLASS MATERIALS: NFPA80, Standards for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives (2013 edition); NFPA101, Life Safety Code (2012 edition);  ICC/ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Building and Facilities (2009 edition); Catalogs or electronic files for electrified hardware (e.g. power supplies, card readers, key pads, motion detectors, power transfer devices)

The DAI600 curriculum is focused on understanding the role and responsibilities of the fire and egress door inspectors as well as interacting with the building owner and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). It is paramount to ensure that the respective parties clearly understand the inspection process and documentation and how to follow through with the necessary corrections to improve safety in their facilities. This class will teach you how to perform and record these inspections, as well as provide tips for interacting with building owners and AHJs. It requires an intermediate level of understanding of door, frame, and hardware products and applications, and applicable code familiarity to conduct inspections.

Students of this course are recommended to complete the specific DHI courses mentioned above, or have comparable knowledge or experience. The first critical course, COR117- Door, Frame, and Architectural Hardware Applications, is focused on products and their applications. If you have not taken this course but have significant experience in non-residential doors, frames, and hardware, a complimentary knowledge assessment exam is available to evaluate your readiness for the DAI 600 class. Because the DAI600 course is based heavily on understanding codes, which are updated every three years, we strongly suggest that the second course, COR140 – Using Codes and Standards, be taken prior to DAI600, and if not taken within the past three years, the DHI CEP code update classes may also be taken. For those who do not work and/or are not directly related to the Door and Hardware Industry there are two excellent introductory courses - COR101 and COR102 – that should be completed prior to taking COR117, COR140 and ultimately DAI600. All 4 recommended courses are crucial in order to be successful in the DAI600 class and earn your FDAI credential. You will learn how to:

• Perform visual inspections and conduct operational testing of swinging fire doors
• Authorize inspection reports for building owners and AHJ requirements
• Recommend corrective actions necessary in compliance with inspection requirements
• Interface with building owners and AHJs on inspection requirements and issues
• Understand NFPA 101 inspections, occupancy types, means of egress, special locking arrangements, capacity calculations, hazard contents, and perform egress inspections
• Provide Performance-Based option explanation and guidance
• Research manufacturers' labels and listings
• Provide instruction for the care and maintenance of components along with approved field modifications when necessary

The computerized CFDAI certification exam will be administered on Day 4 of the DAI600 course. Students who complete the course and pass the CFDAI exam will receive the Certified Fire + Egress Door Assembly Inspector Certification. Students will receive the Guide to Annual Inspections of Swinging Fire Doors and Field Reference Digest for Inspecting Swinging Fire Doors, sample inspection reports, door gap gauge, and inspection magnet and mirror.

REQUIRED CLASS MATERIALS: NFPA80, Standards for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives (2013 edition); NFPA101, Life Safety Code (2012 edition);  NFPA105 Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives (2013 edition); ICC/ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Building and Facilities (2009 edition)