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%.
See Courses Included in Intermediate-Level Bundle

Why is the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) so Important?

Here are the key reasons:

  • Check on Project Scope of Works

    Implementing a work breakdown structure (WBS) can help ensure the scope of work in your cost estimate is comprehensive, which is a critical component for achieving a high-quality estimate.

  • Tool for Cost Estimate Review and Validation

    A well-organized WBS provides easy access to cost data for reviewing and validating cost estimates, it offers the benefit of being able to export this data to other applications, like scheduling software.

  • Facilitates Proper Tender Closing

    A cost estimator's tender review and closing experience can be a stressful one, but a properly constructed WBS can be a game-changer. Utilizing the WBS easily facilitates last-minute price adjustments.

Why an entire course on WBS?

Because it is a critical aspect of cost estimating planning and more...

Looking to create a high-quality cost estimate for your project? Look no further than this course! Starting with a review of project scope, construction methodology, and procurement planning, we'll cover everything you need to know about developing a comprehensive work breakdown structure (WBS). You'll learn how to optimize your WBS and understand its key role in ensuring the success of your cost estimate. With practical tips and expert insights, this course is a must for any aspiring cost estimator.
Register

Course curriculum

Estimated time to complete this course: 18 hours.

    1. 1.1 Course Structure

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. 1.2 Course Expected Outcome

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. 1.3 Certification Programs Credits

      FREE PREVIEW

    4. 1.4 A Word from Your Instructor

      FREE PREVIEW

    5. 1.5 Expected Level of Effort to Completion

      FREE PREVIEW

    6. 1.6 Evaluation Matrix

      FREE PREVIEW

    7. 1.7 Prerequisites

      FREE PREVIEW

    8. 1.8 Assignment

    1. 2.0 Introduction

    2. 2.1 What is WBS?

    3. 2.1 What is WBS? - Quiz

    4. 2.2 Why is WBS so Crucial for a Cost Estimate?

    5. 2.2 Why is WBS so Crucial for a Cost Estimate? - Quiz

    6. 2.3 Types of WBS

    7. 2.3 Types of WBS - Quiz

    8. 2.4 WBS and the Level of Effort for Cost Estimate Development

    9. 2.4 WBS and the Level of Effort for Cost Estimate Development - Quiz

    10. 2.5 Cost Estimate WBS Data Export

    11. 2.5 Cost Estimate WBS Data Export - Quiz

    12. 2.6 Benefits and Challenges of WBS

    13. 2.7 Standardization in WBS

    14. 2.8 Assignment

    1. 3.0 Introduction

    2. 3.1 Hierarchical Structure of WBS

    3. 3.1 Hierarchical Structure of WBS - Quiz

    4. 3.2 Work Package Definition

    5. 3.2 Work Package Definition - Quiz

    6. 3.3 WBS Alignment with the Type of Contract

    7. 3.3 WBS Alignment with the Type of Contract - Quiz

    8. 3.4 WBS Alignment with the Procurement Strategy

    9. 3.4 WBS Alignment with the Procurement Strategy - Quiz

    10. 3.5 WBS Alignment with Preliminary Construction Schedule

    11. 3.5 WBS Alignment with Preliminary Construction Schedule - Quiz

    12. 3.6 WBS Alignment with Cost Estimating Software

    13. 3.6 WBS Alignment with the Cost Estimating Software - Quiz

    14. 3.7 WBS Alignment with Cost Estimate Review Requirements

    15. 3.7 WBS Alignment with the Cost Estimate Review Requirements - Quiz

    16. 3.8 Resource Allocation in WBS

    17. 3.8 Resource Allocation in WBS - Quiz

    18. 3.9 Risk Management in WBS

    19. 3.9 Risk Management in WBS - Quiz

    20. 3.10 WBS and Tender Closing and Submission

    21. 3.10 WBS and the Tender Closing and Submission - Quiz

    22. 3.11 Overview of WBS Tools

    23. 3.12 Assignment

    1. 4.1 Completion Assignment - WBS Planning

    2. 4.2 Completion Assignment - WBS Development

    3. 4.3 WBS Decomposition Exercise

    4. 4.4 Work Package Creation Exercise

    5. 4.5 WBS Validation

    1. 5.1 Course Highlights

    2. 5.2 What's Next?

    3. 5.3 How Did We Do?

    4. 5.4 Completion Certificate

About this course

  • $450.00
  • 54 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.
One Click Registration - All Intermediate Level Courses

A word from the training program creator

Doina Dobre, P.Eng., GSC

As an experienced, seasoned cost estimator, I can confidently tell you that a well-thought-out work breakdown structure (WBS) is an absolute must in the cost estimate process. Skipping this step might seem tempting, but it can cause issues with updates and reviews and create challenges at tender closing. Even if you're working on a project that you've completed before, things can still be different. Procurement plans may have changed, subcontractors may not be interested, or the scope of work may need to be adjusted based on company resources. That's why I always recommend setting up the WBS before starting work on the cost estimate. It may require a little extra effort upfront, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Register Now

Cost-effective course bundles

Buy courses in a bundle and save 15% to 25% off the individual courses price.