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%.

The most volatile cost in a cost estimate?

Yes, you guessed it! It is the labour cost. In this course you will learn:

  • Labour Cost Rates and Types

    Find answers to important questions about labour rates and the various types of labour costs. Discover where to find labour rates and learn how to make informed decisions about the different types of labour costs.

  • Labour Cost Development

    Learn how to identify construction activities that are directly or indirectly linked to building all components of a construction project, as well as develop the associated labour costs.

  • Crews and Production Rates

    Uncover the process of setting up a crew and linking it with construction activities, as well as the different types of production rates and how they are applied to various construction activities.

If you only want to master...

...one aspect of construction cost estimating...

... the development of labour costs is essential. In my years of experience, I've seen many cost estimators struggle with questions like "how many man-hours per unit," "how many units per man-hour," and "how many crew hours per unit." Learning how to accurately develop labour costs is crucial for a successful cost estimating career, and this course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to get started.

Course curriculum

Estimated time to complete this course: 30 hours.

    1. 2.0 Understanding Labour Cost Implications

    2. 2.1 Exploring Different Types of Construction Labour Costs

    3. 2.1 Exploring Different Types of Construction Labour Costs - Quiz

    4. 2.2 Integrating Labour Costs into Construction Estimating Methods

    5. 2.2 Integrating Labour Costs into Construction Estimating Methods - Quiz

    6. 2.3 Matching Labour Costs with Construction Project Types

    7. 2.3 Matching Labour Costs with Construction Project Types - Quiz

    8. 2.4 The Role of Labour Costs in Construction Procurement Strategies

    9. 2.4 The Role of Labour Costs in Construction Procurement Strategies - Quiz

    10. 2.5 Navigating Labour Costs Amidst Fluctuating Market Conditions

    11. 2.5 Navigating Labour Costs Amidst Fluctuating Market Conditions - Quiz

    12. 2.6 Assignment

    1. 3.0 Introduction to Strategic Labour Costing

    2. 3.1 Calculating Direct Labour Costs for Construction Projects

    3. 3.1 Calculating Direct Labour Costs for Construction Projects - Quiz

    4. 3.2 Assessing the Impact of Indirect Labour Costs

    5. 3.2 Assessing the Impact of Indirect Labour Costs - Quiz

    6. 3.3 Optimizing Crews and Production Rates for Budget Efficiency

    7. 3.3 Optimizing Crews and Production Rates for Budget Efficiency - Quiz

    8. 3.4 Balancing Equipment and Labour-Driven Crew Costs

    9. 3.4 Balancing Equipment and Labour-Driven Crew Costs - Quiz

    10. 3.5 Understanding Labour Rates and Their Influence on Project Costing

    11. 3.5 Understanding Labour Rates and Their Influence on Project Costing - Quiz

    12. 3.6 Aligning Construction Activities with Labour Cost Projections

    13. 3.6 Aligning Construction Activities with Labour Cost Projections - Quiz

    14. 3.7 Mitigating Risk: Developing a Contingency Plan for Labour Costs

    15. 3.7 Mitigating Risk: Developing a Contingency Plan for Labour Costs - Quiz

    16. 3.8 Practical Assignment: Developing the Labour Cost

    1. 4.1 Labour Costs in Construction Activities

    2. 4.2 Calculating Production Rates and Crew Efficiency

    3. 4.3 The Realities of Indirect Labour Cost Management

    1. 5.1 Recap: Essential Takeaways from the Labour Cost Estimation Course

    2. 5.2 Continuing Your Journey in Construction Cost Estimation

    3. 5.4 Completion Certificate

    4. 5.3 How Did We Do?

About this course

  • $375.00
  • 43 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.

A few words from the course instructor

Doina Dobre, P.Eng., GSC

This course offers a unique and comprehensive approach to cost estimating that covers essential topics, including labour costs, crews, production rates, construction methodology, and associated construction activities. Unlike other courses that overlook these topics, our course provides an in-depth understanding of them to help you establish a solid foundation in cost estimating. Through this course, you'll gain the necessary skills to master the development of labour costs for various construction projects, such as civil, building, and industrial projects. Moreover, the principles you'll learn can be applied to any part of a construction project, equipping you with the tools to succeed as a cost estimator.