Blog Post
Back to School with Columbia: Educational Resources
9/15/2026
Back to School with Columbia: Educational Resources
The fall breeze of September brings with it a renewed focus on learning, but education is not limited to the classroom. Whether you're new to hardwood plywood or looking to expand your understanding of new products and specifications, Columbia Forest Products offers educational resources designed to help you make informed material decisions.
From flexible online learning to focused product conversations, there are several ways to keep building your hardwood plywood knowledge this fall.
Build a Strong Foundation: CFP University
CFP University provides an accessible online way to explore Columbia Forest Products and the fundamentals of hardwood plywood and how it is made. The 9-module program is designed to provide an overview of hardwood plywood from forest to the distributor, all at the participant's pace.
If you're already familiar with CFP University, consider revisiting it as a refresher or recommending it to a colleague who is new to hardwood plywood.
Learn the Essentials of Fire-Rated Hardwood Plywood
Fire-rated materials introduce important questions about performance, certification needs, and specification. Columbia's new audio CEU in collaboration with Material Intelligence, "Specifying Fire Retardant Veneer Core Plywood for Interior Use," offers a convenient way to learn more about product specification and third-party certification.
The audio format makes the quick CEU much more approachable for industry professionals who want to expand their knowledge without the traditional classroom-style presentation. This is accredited by AIA and worth .5 hours of credit.
Explore the Carbon Story Behind Hardwood Plywood
In another collaboration with Kenn Busch and Material Intelligence, Columbia has created a CEU focused on today's conversations around sustainability and the built environment.
This course goes into how much of hardwood plywood's weight is stored carbon compared to other building materials, how thin veneer faces maximize yield from harvested trees, and more. This is accredited by AIA and worth 1 hour of credit.
Participate in the "Plywood Seriously?" Webinar Today
See Veneer Selection in a New Way
Most everyone whose work touches the manufacturing world will agree that one of the best ways to learn is by doing.
This fall, you can take the opportunity to refresh your knowledge and explore veneers while bringing your whole team into the conversation. If you have a project upcoming that requires a very specific look for your veneer, you can schedule a CFP Select grading selection call through your Columbia representative.
A grading expert will remotely share video of actual veneer sheets, discussing the characteristics and exact look the project requires live.