The Controls Room - Foundations

Build a strong foundation in Building Automation Systems through six weeks of live, instructor-led training. Learn BAS fundamentals, field devices, wiring, networking, HVAC control sequences, and real-world troubleshooting through hands-on demonstrations and practical field examples.

Live Instructor Led Training

Learn directly from an experienced BAS instructor in real time.

Hands-On Demonstrations

See controllers, sensors, actuators, wiring, and BAS hardware in action.

Vendor-Neutral Training

Build skills that apply across BAS manufacturers and platforms.

Recordings & Certificates

Review every session on demand and earn a certificate upon completion.

Watch the Free Webinar:
How Smart Buildings Really Work

Get a practical introduction to BAS architecture, field devices, controllers, networking, and how smart building systems work together.

Designed for HVAC technicians, building engineers, and facility professionals ready to build practical Building Automation Systems skills through live instruction.

Who Should Attend

HVAC Technicians Transitioning into BAS

Already understand HVAC equipment but want to build a strong foundation in Building Automation Systems, controls, networking, and troubleshooting.

New BAS technicians

Perfect for technicians beginning a career in controls who need practical, vendor-neutral knowledge before working independently in the field.

Project Managers & Mechanical Professionals

Gain a better understanding of BAS fundamentals, sequences of operation, and system integration to improve project coordination and customer outcomes.

Building Engineers & Facility Personnel

Learn how BAS systems operate, troubleshoot common issues, and communicate more effectively with controls contractors and service providers.
Build BAS skills you can use from day one.

Learn practical Building Automation Systems concepts through live instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and real-world applications.

Included With Enrollment

Weekly Live Sessions

Microsoft Teams Access

Session Recordings Included

Downloadable Resources

Q&A With Instructor

Certificate of Completion

Skills You'll Build

BAS Fundamentals

Understand BAS architecture, controllers, field devices, mechanical equipment, and the BAS control loop.

Field Devices & Wiring

Learn sensors, actuators, relays, inputs, outputs, wiring, and common BAS devices.

HVAC Equipment & Integration

Bring new devices online, confirm points and scaling, and verify end-to-end behavior from the field to the workstation.

BAS Networks & Protocols

Understand BACnet, Modbus, network topologies, addressing, and communication troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting Workflows

Develop logical troubleshooting methods using alarms, trends, wiring, and controller diagnostics.

BAS Project Fundamentals

Gain exposure to retrofit planning, field documentation, project coordination, and customer communication.

Six-Week Curriculum

Progress through six live sessions that build from BAS fundamentals to practical field application. Each week combines instructor-led concepts, demonstrations, and real-world examples to prepare you for success in Building Automation Systems.

Week 1 – BAS Fundamentals

  • What is a BAS?
  • Benefits of a BAS
    Mechanical Equipment and Components
  • Controllers
  • BAS Control Loop
  • System Architecture
  • BAS Communications

Week 2 – Field Devices & Wiring

  • Sensors
  • Inputs & Outputs
  • Relays
  • Actuators
  • Wiring Fundamentals
  • Signal Types

Week 3 – Protocols & Integration

  • BACnet MS/TP
  • BACNET/IP
  • Modbus RTU
  • Modbus TCP
  • Topologies
  • Addressing
  • Troubleshooting

Week 4 – Sequences & PID Fundamentals

  • HVAC Sequences
  • PID Control
  • Alarms
  • Trends
  • Schedules
  • Operator Workflows

Week 5 – BAS Projects & Retrofits

  • Field Surveys
  • Estimating Support
  • Documentation
  • Retrofit Planning
  • Startup, Checkout and Comissioning
  • Coordination

Week 6 – Field Success & Customer Relationships

  • Customer Communication
  • Service Agreements
  • Change Orders
  • Working with other Trades
  • Career Development

Meet the Instructor

Michael Roper, LEED AP

For more than 20 years, I've worked in Building Automation Systems and commercial HVAC—from field service and startup to engineering, commissioning, estimating, project management, sales and technical instruction.

I created Applied Learning Systems because too much BAS training teaches software without explaining how systems actually work in the field. My goal is simple: help technicians build practical skills they can apply on the very next job.

Every Controls Room session combines live instruction, real hardware demonstrations, and lessons drawn from actual commercial projects—not generic examples or textbook theory.

If you can understand it, troubleshoot it, and explain it on a jobsite, you've truly learned it.
Write your awesome label here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior BAS experience?

No. Controls Room Foundations is designed for beginners as well as HVAC professionals transitioning into Building Automation Systems. If you understand basic HVAC equipment, we'll teach you how BAS systems monitor, control, and troubleshoot that equipment.

How are the classes delivered?

Classes are taught live through Microsoft Teams in a small cohort setting. Each session includes instructor-led presentations, live demonstrations using real BAS hardware, and opportunities to ask questions throughout the class.

Will I receive the recordings?

Yes. Every live session is recorded, so you can review the material at your own pace if you miss something or want to revisit a topic later.

Is there hands-on training?

Yes. While Foundations doesn't require you to own hardware, every session includes demonstrations using real controllers, sensors, relays, actuators, and BAS equipment so you can see how concepts apply in the field.

Do I receive a certificate?

Yes. Students who complete the program receive an Applied Learning Systems Certificate of Completion.

Is this training vendor-neutral?

Absolutely. We focus on BAS concepts that apply across the industry rather than teaching a single manufacturer's product line. The goal is to build skills you can use regardless of the platform you encounter in the field.

Can companies enroll multiple employees?

Yes. Controls Room is designed for both individuals and contractor teams. If your company would like to train multiple employees or schedule a private cohort, contact us for group options.

What if I have to miss a class?

Life happens. Since every session is recorded, you'll still have access to the material. You're also welcome to reach out with questions during the course if you need clarification on anything you missed.

What is your refund policy?

If you're unable to attend, contact us as soon as possible. Refunds and transfers are handled according to the Applied Learning Systems enrollment policy. If you're unsure whether the course is the right fit, contact us before enrolling—we're happy to help.
READY TO GET STARTED?

Start building practical BAS skills you can use on the job from day one.

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