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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The key to delivering high-quality cost estimates is effective planning.

As a cost estimator, meeting tight deadlines and working under pressure are inevitable.

  • Why is Planning Important?

    A significant mistake in cost estimation is filling in numbers and reviewing quotations without fully understanding the validity of the cost estimate, leading to panic. Proper planning leading to the completion of the estimate before the deadline is a must.

  • What to Consider?

    Proper planning involves several key steps such as reviewing project documentation, developing a procurement plan, creating a work breakdown structure, managing suppliers and subcontractors and implementing change management.

  • How to Do It?

    Planning a cost estimate is not a one-size-fits-all process, and there are multiple factors to consider. However, this course will guide you through the planning process, and you can use this as a framework to adjust according to your unique circumstances.

A few more words...

Most cost estimators do not plan the development of the cost estimate.

Some individuals may view spending time planning a cost estimate as unnecessary, especially when confronted with a tight deadline. It can be tempting to adopt an ad hoc approach and begin working on the estimate until completion. However, this course will showcase the importance of assessing the required effort to complete the estimate and establishing contingency plans. These considerations are essential to the estimate's success and should not be disregarded.
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Course curriculum

Estimated time to complete this course: 14 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 The Importance of Cost Planning

    2. 2.2 Structuring Cost Estimate Development

    3. 2.2 Structuring Cost Estimate Development - Quiz

    4. 2.3 Documenting for Cost Estimation

    5. 2.3 Documenting for Cost Estimation - Quiz

    6. 2.4 Advanced Review Techniques in Planning

    7. 2.4 Advanced Review Techniques in Planning - Quiz

    8. 2.5 Interactive Planning Assignment

    1. 3.1 Integrating Procurement in Estimation

    2. 3.2 Work Breakdown Structure Mastery

    3. 3.2 Work Breakdown Structure Mastery - Quiz

    4. 3.3 Delivery Method-Specific Estimation Techniques

    5. 3.3 Delivery Method-Specific Estimation Techniques - Quiz

    6. 3.4 Vendor and Labour Cost Management

    7. 3.4 Vendor and Labour Cost Management - Quiz

    8. 3.5 Adaptation to Financial Changes

    9. 3.5 Adaptation to Financial Changes - Quiz

    10. 3.6 Critical Review and Industry Benchmarking

    11. 3.6 Critical Review and Industry Benchmarking - Quiz

    12. 3.7 Development Assignment

    1. 4.1 Scenario-Based Planning Exercises

    2. 4.2 Critical Analysis of Case Studies in Estimation

    1. 5.1 Exploring Estimation Technologies

    2. 5.1 Exploring Estimation Technologies - Quiz

    3. 5.2 Synergy with Project Management Tools

    4. 5.2 Synergy with Project Management Tools - Quiz

    5. 5.3 Analyzing External Cost Influences

    6. 5.3 Analyzing External Cost Influences - Quiz

    7. 5.4 Green Practices in Cost Projections

    8. 5.4 Green Practices in Cost Projections - Quiz

    1. 6.0 Introduction

    2. 6.1 Proactive Risk Management in Estimates

    3. 6.1 Proactive Risk Management in Estimates - Quiz

    4. 6.2 Leveraging Project Feedback for Improvement

    5. 6.2 Leveraging Feedback for Improvement - Quiz

About this course

  • $225.00
  • 47 lessons

Collaboration is essential

The benefit of timely feedback.

Our course features a dedicated discussion section for each lesson, allowing you to ask questions, interact with other students and your instructor, and review previously answered questions. With our engaging learning community, you don't have to navigate the learning journey alone, and can have all your questions answered in a timely manner.
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A word from the training program creator

Doina Dobre, P.Eng., GSC

As a seasoned cost estimator with over 25 years of experience, I can attest to the importance of planning in the cost estimating process. Even I have faced challenges when I failed to allocate sufficient time for planning a cost estimate. To avoid being caught off-guard during the review, it is crucial to provide well-documented and detailed answers. To achieve this, a strategic pricing approach that incorporates key points during the early stages of the estimate development process is necessary. Don't underestimate the value of planning - it could make all the difference.
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