Overview
In today’s competitive construction industry, accurate cost estimation is crucial for effective project management and competitive bidding. Commercial and residential construction companies require skilled estimators who can provide precise forecasts to secure profitable contracts and ensure project success.
Led by instructors with real-world construction experience, the Construction Estimating and Bid Preparation certificate features interactive, online learning content with assessments, tools and resources that can be immediately applied to real-world projects. For courses ESTM 005 to ESTM 008, you'll use Bluebeam construction software to complete coursework and assessments. Courses ESTM 004 to ESTM 008, are primarily delivered through online self-paced learning, with weekly virtual drop-in sessions that provide added support from your instructor and peers.
By the end of the program, you'll be prepared to produce accurate estimates and stand out as a skilled estimator in Canada’s construction sector.
This program is ideal if you:
- are an early-to-mid-level professional in the construction industry, particularly if you're involved in project management, quantity surveying or cost estimation
- want to work in construction estimating roles that require a deep understanding of both traditional and digital estimating processes.
Any construction industry-related experience you already have will be beneficial.
Upon successful completion of this program, you'll be able to:
- understand the basics of construction bids, project delivery systems and cost-estimating principles
- perform site investigations, measure quantities and create accurate estimates and material lists
- prepare bid document and manage the document lifecycle, including scheduling interpretation
- use the latest construction software, Bluebeam, to create digital estimates and documents
- identify different contract types
- conduct post-bid reviews to ensure estimates meet project specifications
- accurately price materials, labour and equipment while considering seasonal and environmental factors
- use cost reporting systems to track project progress against budgets and manage changes.
Program outline
To earn this certificate, you must complete the six mandatory courses below. Start with CNST 003 Reading Plans and Specifications, then take the remaining courses in the order listed. Note prerequisites.
Required courses & electives
How to apply for this certificate
Once you have registered for any course offered in this certificate, you will be automatically eligible to complete the certificate. You will have up to three years to complete this program. You may track your progression by signing in to your Continuing Education student account.
Certifications and professional designations
Upon successful completion of all the required courses in this certificate program, you’ll receive an electronically issued SAIT Certificate of Achievement and transcript. For each SAIT Micro-credential earned, you'll also receive a shareable digital badge.
Costs
This program consists of six mandatory courses with varying fees. Please review the individual course pages for this certificate to determine costs and to learn more about additional learning materials, including textbooks.
Financial support
Financial opportunities are available to help pay for your course fees. Learn more about how to reduce your education or training costs with available awards, bursaries, loans and grants, including the Canada Alberta Productivity Grant.
Careers and opportunities
Skills gained in this program will prepare you for estimating and bid support roles across construction, industrial, and project-based environments.
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Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.