ESTM 004 - Essential Construction Estimating
Course Description
Start your construction estimating learning journey with our 24-hour essentials course. Delivered online and guided by an industry-experienced instructor, this comprehensive course will take you on a detailed exploration of construction bids and estimates.
As you progress through the course, you'll dive into project delivery systems, cost-estimating principles and the importance of site investigation in the estimating process. The course covers the principles of quantities and measurement, their significance in construction estimating, opportunities for alternative products and sources and the concept of "net in place". Along the way, you'll apply key factors, rules and principles to estimating projects, create materials lists, report accuracy and use takeoff rules to build accurate estimates.
You’ll enjoy fresh, interactive modular learning content with tools and resources that can be immediately applied to real-world projects. Additionally, you'll have the option to join in weekly one-hour virtual drop-in sessions with your instructor and peers to further enrich your learning experience. At the end of this course, you'll have a solid foundation in construction estimating and be equipped with essential tools and techniques to begin developing more accurate bids, with further mastery gained through the remaining estimating courses in the Construction Estimating and Bid Preparation Certificate of Achievement, including our next course: ESTM-005: Construction Estimating Tools and Documents.
Note: Registration for this course closes two days before the course start date.
This course is ideal if you:
- are an early or mid-level construction professional seeking to enhance your estimating and bidding skills
- are a contractor or subcontractor looking to improve your bidding accuracy
- are preparing for a role in project management, cost estimation or planning/scheduling
- are a current student or recent graduate from a construction management professional development program.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to:
- illustrate the bid and estimating process
- employ the principles of quantities and measurement and how they relate to construction estimating
- apply factors, rules and principles to various estimating projects.
You’ll demonstrate your skill and knowledge acquisition through three graded assignments and a number of online discussion board posts. All coursework must be completed as per the course schedule and no later than the course end date.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Funding Opportunities
Learn more about how to pay for or reduce your education/training costs with available awards, bursaries, loan options and grants, including the Canada Alberta Job Grant.
There are no specific admission requirements (academic and/or work experience). Any construction industry-related experience you already have will be beneficial.
CNST-003 Reading Plans and Specifications is a mandatory prerequisite.
Delivery formats: For your convenience, we offer delivery of this course in a blended online format combining self-directed online learning with weekly one-hour instructor-led virtual group sessions. Learn more about our delivery formats.
Course completion: Upon successful completion of this non-credit course, you’ll receive an electronic copy of your official transcript. You’ll also be able to self-print a proof of completion document from your Continuing Education student account. Complete all courses required for the Construction Estimating and Bid Preparation program to receive your SAIT certificate credential.
Popular Related Programs or Courses
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Construction Estimating and Bid Preparation Certificate of Achievement : Required Courses