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%.

In this course you will...

...learn how to correctly set-up, develop and use unit prices in cost estimating.

  • Unit Price Types

    Unit prices can be categorized according to their intended purpose in cost estimating. This course will teach you the various types of unit prices and how they can be employed in your cost estimating processes.

  • Unit Price Development

    The creation of unit prices in a cost estimate is connected to various factors, including the type of cost estimate, the intended recipient of the cost estimate, and the breakdown structure of the estimate.

  • Unit Price use

    Unit prices are commonly utilized in cost estimating, from developing cost estimates to benchmarking. However, it is important to use them appropriately as intended to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.

A few more words...

on the use of unit prices in cost estimating...

Unit prices play a key role in developing cost estimates in two distinct ways: creating budget cost estimates and bidding on construction projects. This course will differentiate between the two types of unit prices, elaborate on how they are developed, and provide guidance on updating existing unit prices to align with project-specific needs.

Course curriculum

Estimated time to complete this course: 24 hours.

    1. 2.0 Engaging Introduction

    2. 2.1 Defining Unit Price: Concepts and Examples

    3. 2.1 Defining Unit Price: Concepts and Examples - Quiz

    4. 2.2 Unit Price in Different Project Contracts

    5. 2.2 Unit Price in Different Project Contracts - Quiz

    6. 2.3 The Role of Unit Price in Procurement Plans

    7. 2.3 The Role of Unit Price in Procurement Plans - Quiz

    8. 2.4 Unit Price Variations by Project Type

    9. 2.4 Unit Price Variations by Project Type - Quiz

    10. 2.5 Hands-on Assignment: Applying Concepts

    1. 3.0 Introduction to Unit Price Development

    2. 3.1 Aligning Unit Prices with Work Breakdown Structures

    3. 3.1 Aligning Unit Price with Work Breakdown Structures - Quiz

    4. 3.2 Matching Unit Prices with Owner's Documentation

    5. 3.2 Matching Unit Price with Owner's Documentation - Quiz

    6. 3.3 Categories of Costs in Unit Pricing

    7. 3.3 Categories of Costs in Unit Pricing - Quiz

    8. 3.4 Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Unit Prices

    9. 3.4 Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Unit Prices - Quiz

    10. 3.5 Assessing Risks in Unit Pricing

    11. 3.5 Assessing Risks in Unit Pricing - Quiz

    12. 3.6 Ensuring the Accuracy of Unit Prices

    13. 3.7 Assignment

    1. 4.1 Crafting Unit Prices for Unit Price Contracts

    2. 4.2 Developing Unit Prices for Lump Sum Contracts

    3. 4.3 Unit Pricing Techniques for Cost Estimate Validation

    4. 4.4 Using Unit Prices in Preliminary Schedule Validation

    5. 4.5 Interactive Tools and Templates

    1. 5.1 Introduction to Estimating Software and Digital Tools

    2. 5.2 Quantity Takeoff and Measurement with Digital Tools

    3. 5.3 Unit Price Databases and Cost Data Integration

    4. 5.4 Spreadsheet Automation and Custom Templates

    5. 5.5 Cloud-Based Collaboration and Data Management

    6. 5.6 Emerging Technologies and Future Trends

    7. 5.7 Evaluating and Selecting Estimating Software

    1. 6.1 Course Recap: Key Takeaways and Highlights

    2. 6.2 Next Steps in Your Professional Journey

    3. 6.3 Feedback: Share Your Course Experience

    4. 6.4 Awarding Your Completion Certificate and Further Resources

About this course

  • $300.00
  • 47 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.

A word from the training program creator

Doina Dobre, P.Eng., GSC

The notion of utilizing unit pricing in cost estimating is often dismissed as being unreliable. In my interactions with construction professionals, many express skepticism regarding the use of unit prices for developing accurate cost estimates. While there may be some truth to this, it ultimately depends on the source of the unit prices, the type of cost estimate, and the experience of the cost estimator. Besides aiding in the development of cost estimates, unit pricing can also serve to verify third-party price proposals, bridge cost gaps in the cost estimate when there is no available price source, and facilitate cost estimate review and benchmarking. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the WHY, HOW, and WHEN of utilizing unit prices in cost estimating.