Construction Estimator Certification

Construction estimators assemble price information on all construction costs, including materials, labor and machinery requirements. With the collected data they accurately forecast the cost of a construction project. Certification is voluntary, but increasingly required by prospective employers.

Features

• Certification as a construction estimator will require a training program with courses in construction materials and processes, math, estimating and bidding, and blueprint reading. These courses are part of degree studies in construction management, building science or construction science but can be taken separately.

Providers

• Prerequisites are usually not demanded but training centers expect a certain knowledge in construction work. Course providers should be authorized or endorsed by either the Federal Workforce Investment Act or a large federal trade organization such as the Associated General Contractors of America or American Society of Professional Estimators, to guarantee a universally accepted certification. Fees for an individual course run from $400 to $600 as of 2010. Certification will require the passing of a minimum of five courses.

Time Frame

• Depending on the course provider or choice of training, construction estimating training and certification can take up to two years. Courses are provided online and in classrooms, but final exams often have to be performed at an assigned institute or training center.