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Construction Estimator (Certificate)

Two engineers with hard-hats reviewing a laptop
Credential:
Durham College Certificate
Code:
COES

Durham College Certificate

Program Description

Construction Estimating is designed to improve the knowledge and skill level of people working or wanting to work as estimators in the construction industry. Construction estimators analyze the costs of and prepare estimates on construction projects. They may specialize in estimating costs for civil engineering, architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical construction projects or they may specialize in estimating costs for one construction trade in particular.

Certificate Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) OR
  • Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older)
  • You must maintain an overall average of 60% or a GPA of 2.0 in order to graduate
  • A minimum of 25% of courses must be completed through Durham College.

Program Of Study

Students are required to print or save a copy of the Program of Study when beginning the program. This document contains critical details about program progression and graduation requirements specific to the academic year in which your program was started.

Click to access the Program of Study for the current academic year.

Students who began this program prior to the current academic year may contact the Centre for Professional and Part-Time Learning office at ppl@durhamcollege.ca or 905-721-3052 to obtain your Program of Study and graduation requirements.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates have reliably demonstrated the following learning outcomes:

  • Perform surveys, prepare and interpret engineering drawings and specifications using standard conventions, techniques and equipment
  • Prepare quantity take-offs of construction materials and estimate prices for contracts
  • Apply the principles of design to structural and municipal systems, using standard materials in compliance with the related regulations and codes
  • Select and use operations management techniques to plan, schedule and control engineering projects
  • Apply sound practices related to health, safety and the environment to enhance the quality of working life, conforming to related legislation, collective agreements and corporate practices
  • Administer engineering contracts within legal, technical, financial, economic, contractual and social limitations
  • Articulate the function of a Construction Manager and the impact of the; economy, government, technology, safety, and the environment on the construction industry
  • Interpret construction drawings, and codes for concrete, steel, and timber construction
  • Interpret construction documents, such as; working drawings, specifications, and soil reports, related to construction methodologies for a small commercial construction project
  • Communicate clearly and concisely in written, graphic and oral form using appropriate formal and informal vocabulary and formats

Career Options

Potential career and industry options may include:

  • Project managers
  • Schedulers
  • Estimators
  • Supervisors

Employment for these workers often moves in tandem with the construction sector which is vulnerable to labour market conditions. Construction estimators are often required by smaller companies to serve as project managers or schedulers. The job of construction estimators is largely an entry level position and with experience and advancement they can become senior project managers. Due to rapidly changing technology in this field, people in these occupations can plan on periods of retraining and professional development. New entrants with relevant work experience and highly developed computer expertise are likely to enjoy the best employment prospects.

Program Related Questions? Call 905.721.3052

If you are interested in applying for financial aid, please visit the Centre for Professional and Part-Time Learning OSAP Eligibility webpage.

Currently offered

Course Title Location/
Delivery Method
CNST 1084Commercial Construction PrinciplesOnline
CNST 1082Construction Blueprints and MethodsOnline
CNST 1087Construction Contract Bid ManagementOnline
CNST 1088Construction Job Site ManagementOnline
CNST 1085Cost Estimating, Introduction toOnline
CNST 1086Materials Estimating and MethodsOnline
CNST 1083The Construction IndustryOnline