--- title: "portable classroom: Definition and Meaning | NPSA" description: "A portable classroom is a classroom building that can be moved and placed on a school site. It is usually a relocatable building made in a factory." url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/portable-classroom publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA) phone: "(816) 960-6552" email: info@npsa.org --- Mobile offices and modular # portable classroom A portable classroom is a classroom building that can be moved and placed on a school site. It is usually a relocatable building made in a factory. Schools use it for extra space when enrollment grows or when a building is being renovated or rebuilt. ## Why it matters The Modular Building Institute lists schools among the main uses of relocatable buildings. Some portable classrooms stay for years, and some go to another site when needs change. Schools must follow state and local building, fire and accessibility rules, which differ by state. A common mistake is to treat portable classrooms as simple trailers. They are classrooms and must meet the rules for schools. Districts should check state approval, site work and utilities before ordering. Some providers rent and others sell, so compare lease terms. Ask who pays for delivery, setup, furniture, and removal at the end of the term. [Read: Mobile offices](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/mobile-offices) Definition source: [modular.org](https://www.modular.org/what-is-modular-construction/) ## Related terms [### relocatable building A relocatable building is a partly or fully assembled building made in a factory that is designed to be reused and moved to different sites. The Modular Building Institute notes that it is not fixed permanently to real estate and follows applicable codes and installation guidelines.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/relocatable-building)[### modular building A modular building is a building made in sections called modules in a factory, then moved to the site and joined together. The Modular Building Institute says the work happens in controlled plant conditions, uses the same codes and standards as site-built buildings, and takes about half the time.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/modular-building)[### permanent modular construction Permanent modular construction, or PMC, is a way to build whole buildings in a factory as modules and join them on site, as a lasting part of the property. The Modular Building Institute describes it as an off-site, lean manufacturing method for single or multi-story buildings.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/permanent-modular-construction)[### mobile office A mobile office is an office space that is built and finished off site, then delivered ready to use. It can be a converted storage container, a trailer or a modular building. Standard units typically come with insulation, finished walls, flooring, electrical wiring, lighting, a personnel door and a window.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/mobile-office)[### site preparation Site preparation is the work done on a spot before a container arrives. It includes clearing the access path, checking overhead room, making the ground firm and fairly level, and sometimes adding a gravel or stone base. The goal is a safe drop and a unit that sits flat.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/site-preparation)[### certificate of insurance A certificate of insurance is a document that summarizes an insurance policy and gives proof of coverage. GEICO says it shows the type of coverage, policy limits, effective dates and who is covered. It does not replace the actual policy or give coverage rights to the requester unless that person is an additional insured.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/certificate-of-insurance) [All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary) Need storage? ## Get quotes from NPSA member companies Tell us what you need and where. A member company that serves your area will contact you. [Request a quote](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/request-a-quote)[Which unit do I need?](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/find-storage) For the industry ## Grow your portable storage business with NPSA Members get event rates, the Community Forum, the directory listing and leads from this website. [Join NPSA](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/join-us)[See member benefits](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/member-benefits)