Certification Programs

Gold Seal Certification Credits

This course allows you to earn credits towards Gold Seal Certification Program, subject to approval upon review. Keep in mind that 6 hours of learning equals 1 Gold Seal credit. You can see the course hours in the curriculum section on this page. This course is also part of our Intermediate Level Bundle, which earns you 36 credits towards the GSC Program, with a minimum passing mark requirement of 75%.
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In this course you will learn...

...what cost estimating software is, what it is not, and how to use it.

  • A Tool in The Cost Estimator's Toolbox

    To be clear from the outset, it is important to understand that no cost estimating software can substitute for the knowledge and expertise required for cost estimating. Software is merely a tool that aids in achieving desired outcomes, specifically efficiency and accuracy.

  • How Does It Work?

    Fundamentally, cost estimating software operates by utilizing a database to generate cost estimating reports. However, the accuracy and reliability of the reports depend on two critical factors: the quality of the database and the proficiency level of the cost estimator using the software.

  • What is The Best Way to Use It?

    As with any application, it is vital for the user to have a comprehensive understanding of all the processes that occur in the background. In essence, cost estimating can be likened to a puzzle, where the cost estimator must assemble all the pieces in the correct positions.

A few more words...

on the use of a cost estimating software...

My top piece of advice would be to cultivate the ability to complete cost estimates without the assistance of software. This foundational knowledge will enable you to select the most suitable software and, most crucially, utilize it effectively.
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Course curriculum

Estimated time to complete this course: 8 hours.

    1. 1.1 Overview of Online Course Structure

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. 1.2 Defining the Expected Outcomes for Construction Professionals

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. 1.3 Certification Programs Credits

      FREE PREVIEW

    4. 1.4 Instructor Introduction and Background

      FREE PREVIEW

    5. 1.5 Estimated Time Commitment for Course Completion

      FREE PREVIEW

    6. 1.6 Detailed Evaluation Criteria

      FREE PREVIEW

    7. 1.7 Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills

      FREE PREVIEW

    8. 1.8 Pre-course Assessment to Gauge Understanding

    1. 2.1 Introduction to Cost Estimating Software

    2. 2.2 Database Management in Cost Estimating

    3. 2.2 Database Management in Cost Estimating - Quiz

    4. 2.3 Limitations and Constraints of Cost Estimating Software

    5. 2.3 Limitations and Constraints of Cost Estimating Software - Quiz

    6. 2.4 Software Integration with Other Business Applications

    7. 2.4 Software Integration with Other Business Applications - Quiz

    8. 2.5 Practical Assignment - Application of Theory

    1. 3.1 Developing Cost Estimates

    2. 3.2 Techniques for Cost Estimate Review

    3. 3.2 Techniques for Cost Estimate Review - Quiz

    4. 3.3 Generating and Validating Cost Estimate Reports

    5. 3.3 Generating and Validating Cost Estimate Reports - Quiz

    6. 3.4 Maintaining the Cost Estimating Database

    7. 3.4 Maintaining the Cost Estimating Database - Quiz

    8. 3.5 Real-world Estimation - Applied Assignment

    1. 4.1 Simulating Cost Estimates Using Excel

    2. 4.2 Survey of Popular Cost Estimating Software Tools

    1. 5.1 Highlighting Key Course Takeaways

    2. 5.2 Exploring Next Steps in Cost Estimating

    3. 5.3 How Did We Do?

    4. 5.4 Issuance of Completion Certificate

About this course

  • $75.00
  • 30 lessons

Collaboration is essential

The benefit of timely feedback

All lessons have a dedicated discussion section so you can ask questions, see previously answered questions, interact with other course participants and your instructor. You do not have to go through this learning journey alone or have to ponder on unanswered questions.
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A word from the training program creator

Doina Dobre, P.Eng., GSC

While cost estimating software may be more powerful, it is not necessarily the sole solution to all cost estimating needs. Early in my cost estimating career, the estimating manager advised that I should receive training that required me to complete a cost estimate from start to finish without using the company's cost estimating and take-off tools. This approach was highly beneficial and greatly expedited my learning process when I eventually began using the software. In my present cost estimating practice, I rely on Excel and actual cost estimating software equally.
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