Overview
Start your construction estimating journey with Essential Construction Estimating, an introductory course focused on the fundamentals of construction bids and estimates.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore project delivery systems, core cost-estimating principles, and the role of site investigation in the estimating process. You’ll learn how quantities and measurement support accurate estimates, examine opportunities for alternative products and sources, and understand the concept of “net in place.” Using estimating rules and best practices, you’ll apply key factors to real-world scenarios, create material takeoff lists, assess estimate accuracy, and build reliable construction estimates.
The course features interactive, self-paced online learning including practical tools and resources you can apply immediately on the job. Weekly virtual drop-in sessions with your instructor and peers provide additional support and opportunities to ask questions and deepen your understanding.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a strong foundation in construction estimating and the skills needed to begin developing more accurate bids, with the option to continue building expertise through the remaining courses in the Construction Estimating and Bid Preparation certificate.
This course is ideal if you:
- are an early or mid-level construction professional looking to strengthen estimating and bidding skills
- are a contractor or subcontractor seeking to improve your bidding accuracy
- are preparing for roles in project management, cost estimation or planning and scheduling
- are a current student or recent graduate from a construction management professional development program.
You must complete CNST 003 Reading Plans and Specifications before registering for this course.
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.
To request a course outline, contact ConEdAdvising@sait.ca.
Upcoming dates
Select an available section and add it to your cart. When you're ready, proceed to check out to sign into your student account and complete your registration.
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Registration closes seven days before the start date for on-campus, online scheduled, and blended courses, and one day before the start date for online self-paced courses.
After you've completed this course
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to self-print a proof of completion document from your Continuing Education student account.
Costs
Textbook and reading list
Included in the purchase of this course, you'll receive access to online course content in Brightspace (D2L).
The following textbook is required and can be purchased from the SAIT Bookstore website:
- David J. Pratt, Fundamentals of Construction Estimating, 4th Edition, 2019, Delmar, NY: Cengage
Technology
To be successful in this course, you'll need:
- Access to your own computer or laptop with standard hardware/software requirements
- Functional webcam and microphone
- Internet access.
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.
Applicable certificates
This course applies to the following certificate programs:
- Certification type
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Certificate of Achievement
Train your team
Interested in group training opportunities for this course? Tell us about your organization's needs, and one of our training consultants will contact you within one business day.
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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.