Product Overview
This program suits anyone new to estimating or shifting into it from another position in construction. It develops the ability to take details from construction drawings and shape them into estimates that are accurate, competitive, and aligned with the project’s scope and schedule. The training walks through the full estimating process, from classifying and measuring the work, to structuring cost breakdowns that are easy to follow, to working through the Canadian tendering process. Real Canadian project examples are used throughout to strengthen blueprint reading, cost component analysis, understanding of market conditions, and knowledge of general contracting practices. Everything is geared toward practical use on the job. The program prepares participants to contribute directly to competitive bidding and preconstruction planning for industrial, commercial, institutional, residential, and civil projects.
Each component of the program incorporates applied exercises using real project data to ensure relevance to current industry practice. Participants complete blueprint take-offs, classify cost types, develop crew rates, review bid compliance, perform market benchmarking, conduct risk assessments, and prepare preliminary schedules. Exercises replicate the deliverables required in competitive tendering and preconstruction planning environments.
Detailed Course Outline
Who Should Attend:
- New or soon-to-be estimators looking for a solid base in estimating and scheduling.
- Coordinators, site supervisors, or tradespeople ready to move into estimating.
- Junior project managers wanting more strength in preconstruction planning.
- Small contractor staff tasked with pricing, bidding, and basic scheduling.
- Professionals coming into Canadian construction from other sectors or countries.
Industry Credits
- This course is a CCA Gold Seal Certified Course. Students will receive 4 Credits towards the program.
Course Format
- Live, Online, Instructor-led training. This is a highly interactive course facilitated by the instructor on a video platform.
- You will be expected to have your webcam on during the whole class and participate in break-out rooms, small-group discussions, and other activities with your instructor and classmates during the course.
- Course access information will be provided to you in advance of the training by your instructor
- Full attendance and participation in all sessions is mandatory for course completion. If a student misses a class session, we are unable to transfer registration or provide a partial refund of the registration fees.
Course Requirements (Technology & Participation)
This course requires full face-to-face interaction and participation from both the instructor and students. In order to attend, you’ll must make sure you have the following:
- Computer or laptop with webcam (webcams are mandatory): This course will involve 100% on-screen interaction with your instructor and classmates, reading/viewing on-screen content like slides or videos, and interacting via typing with questions or responses. For this reason, you must have a webcam and use a full computer/laptop, and we do not permit students to attend using a tablet or cell phone.
- A quiet space with minimal distractions: Please plan to be fully engaged in the class, and clear your work schedule just as you would for attendance in an in-class program.
Refunds or Transfers:
- Five (5) or more business days before the course start date: Full refund of registration fees or can be transfers to a different course date.
- Less than five (5) business days before the course start date and course no-shows: No refunds or transfers to future course dates.
- For a complete document on the NRCA Education Policies, click here.
Other Policies
- Substitution of another member of your company/team is permitted up to the course start date for no additional fee.
- Unless otherwise stated, every person able to see, hear, and observe the virtual course sessions must be a paid participant. Non-compliance of this requirement will result in removal from the course. Refunds will not be issued to students who are removed from the course for non-compliance of this requirement.
- If the NRCA has to postpone or cancel courses due to insufficient enrolment, NRCA will refund the registration fee or, if possible, the attendee may choose to move to an identical session in the future.
