Construction Estimating
EXCST 4201 is offered this fall:
In this course you will learn the fundamentals of estimating construction projects costs from concept to completion, including types of cost estimates, the tendering process, costing site overheads, and final assembly of tender. The roles of estimators and industrial cost engineers will be explored as well as value engineering and cost control processes and techniques. Cost risks inherent to Alberta conditions will also be discussed.
Course at a glance
- Recognized by CIQS, Gold Seal, and Blue Seal both as required education for accreditation and continuing professional development (post-accreditation maintenance).
- Aimed at a wide range of construction workers, including tradesmen and journeymen, managers and supervisors, administrators, contractors, consultants, architects, and construction business owners.
- Comprehensive content that includes risk analysis specific to the Alberta construction industry, covering topics such as earned value performance analysis, value engineering, risk analysis, and lifecycle costing.
- Learning materials available through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool.
What you will learn
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Understand how a construction tender estimate is produced from a set of drawings and a cost database.
- Prepare and interpret cost reports and identify costing trends over a number of reporting periods.
- Understand the scope of conceptual estimates for construction projects and how these are produced and presented.
- Discuss various methods of tendering construction contracts.
- Understand the role of the construction estimator within the organization of a typical construction contracting company.
- Identify items of particular cost risk for construction projects in western and northern Canada.
Offered:
Take note:
- Course assessment includes group work, individual assignments, and exams.
- This course includes computer-based activities, as Excel will be extensively used in class and for assignments. Our learning spaces are Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) enabled, with wifi available to students and numerous USB/electrical outlets distributed throughout common areas outside the classrooms.
Nov 6, 2023Dec 11, 2023
Asynchronous online learning, eClass
39 hours of instruction
In asynchronous online courses, students are expected to move through the course material at the same pace as their peers, but there are no real-time virtual classroom sessions to attend. All components of this type of course are accessible through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool. format details

Your Instructor
Bruce SmithID: bruce-smith
Bruce Smith, P.Eng., has been working in the construction industry in Alberta and the North for over 40 years. He has worked as a design engineer, construction project manager and superintendent, planner/scheduler, and owner’s representative on projects ranging from residential renovations to commercial buildings, industrial plants, hospitals, and mines. Bruce has worked in lump-sum, construction management and design-build project organizations. His construction management expertise includes planning and scheduling, cost estimating, and cost control.
Class info
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This is an asynchronous online learning course.
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39 course hours in total
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Cost assistance: may be eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant, the Canada Training Benefit, and the Skilled Immigrant Micro-Loan.
— view all 28 funding opportunities -
Please be advised that some of our courses fill quickly, early registration is encouraged to secure your spot. See our refunds, withdrawals & transfers policies for detailed information.
This course has no prerequisites
Students from all educational backgrounds welcome. You can register for this course without applying and enrolling in a program.
Take note:
- Course assessment includes group work, individual assignments, and exams.
- This course includes computer-based activities, as Excel will be extensively used in class and for assignments. Our learning spaces are Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) enabled, with wifi available to students and numerous USB/electrical outlets distributed throughout common areas outside the classrooms.
Currently counts towards:
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└ core course
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└ core course
Applicants intending to enrol in a program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to lock in their course requirements since they are prone to change.
*If you are already enroled in this program, please refer to your specific program requirements as outlined at the time of your admission: Bear Tracks > Academic Advisement.
Looking for different course dates?
New course schedules are released each June and November.