Two professionals collaborating over documents at an office desk

Confederation College Recognition of Achievement

Construction Estimator

The Construction Estimator program equips individuals with the skills to assess and plan costs for commercial construction projects. It covers blueprint reading, material take-offs, cost control, and bid preparation. This program is ideal for those aiming to enhance their estimating capabilities or enter the construction industry.

Program Start Options

IntakeDurationFormatCampusDomesticInternational
5110
Any Time
Up to 5 years
1 semester
Part-Time
Online Self-Paced
Remote
Domestic students accepted
International students not accepted
Distance Education Program

The Construction Estimator Program is designed to improve the knowledge and skill levels of persons working or wishing to work as estimators in the Commercial Construction Industry. Individuals who previously learned estimating skills on the job or individuals wishing to enter the construction industry would benefit from this program. Areas to be covered include the role and responsibility of the estimator, use of tendering documents, cost planning/control, surveying, material quantities and unit costs, review specifications and take-off quantities, and preparation of bid forms. The final phase of the program is designed for students to gain the knowledge necessary to run a complete project on site.

Please review the Courses, Admissions Requirements and Getting Started tabs for more information on this program.

Getting Started

Learn how to begin your educational journey by visiting our Getting Started page.

Contact Information

Admission Requirements

Any Time

Any Time (5110)

Admission Requirements for Domestic Students

  1. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels with Grade 12 English (C/U) Level.
  2. or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
  3. or successful completion of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or General Education Development Test (GED), prior to May 2024.
  4. or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE).
  5. or Nineteen (19) years of age or older.

Admission Requirements for International Students

This intake is not available for international students.

Student Accessibility and Essential Program Requirements

Confederation College is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment and will provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and College policy.

Students who require accommodations are encouraged to engage with Student Accessibility Services and are responsible for initiating and participating in the accommodation process. Accommodation is a collaborative process involving the student, Student Accessibility Services, faculty, and the Academic School. Requests for accommodation are considered on an individual basis, and the College will work with students to identify reasonable accommodations that provide equitable access to learning while maintaining the integrity of the program.

Students are expected to demonstrate the essential knowledge, skills, professional behaviours, learning outcomes, and competencies required to successfully complete their program. While the manner in which these requirements are demonstrated may be accommodated where appropriate, the essential requirements themselves must still be achieved.

For programs involving laboratories, field work, clinical placements, aviation environments, trades training, equipment operation, simulations, community placements, or other environments where health and safety are critical, accommodations must also be consistent with applicable legislation, professional standards, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and workplace safety obligations.

In some circumstances, a requested accommodation may not be reasonable or possible where it would:

  • Fundamentally alter an essential program requirement, competency, or learning outcome.
  • Compromise the health or safety of the student or others.
  • Conflict with provincial or federal legislation.
  • Conflict with the requirements of an external regulatory, licensing, accreditation, or professional body.
  • Prevent the student from demonstrating competencies required for safe and effective professional practice.
Note

Where a particular accommodation cannot be provided, the College will work collaboratively with the student to identify whether an alternative accommodation can appropriately address the student’s disability-related needs while maintaining essential program requirements.

Courses

1 intake

Any Time5110

Semester 1

OL 606

Introduction to Cost Estimating

39 hours

This course is intended to explain the process of construction estimating from contract documents to the methods of measuring material quantities used in general contracting offices. This will enable students to understand the position of the estimator within the business of construction management both in the contractor and sub-contractor’s world. The course focuses on “taking off” methods of materials using simple residential and commercial exercises.

OL 618

Material Estimating & Methods

39 hours

This course is intended to guide a student through a proven method of cost estimating. This will aid the student in determining material quantities and unit cost for a complete project. This course will be of interest to those individuals wishing to learn about estimating in a commercial environment. Students will be able to utilize various documents created in the workplace. The build-up and calculations of unit costs for materials, labour and equipment will be the fundamental part of this course. Pre-requisite: OL606 Introduction to Cost Estimating. Computer Software Requirements: Microsoft Word and Excel

OL 641

Construction Contract Bid Management

39 hours

This course will provide students, who has a basic knowledge of general contracting and estimating, additional understanding of tender documents for all project types and knowledge of computerized estimating and unit price control. Discover the role of the estimating team and the importance of bid management. This course will lead to the management of site, material ordering, scheduling, and the cost control process. Pre-requisite: OL618 Material Estimating and Methods

OL 649

Construction Job Site Management

39 hours

Students will develop skills toward job site administration and documentation, layout, set up, surveying, supervision, and safety. Contract types and the Construction Lien Act will be discussed along with a review of the programs that are available to help in managing the job site. Pre-requisite: OL618 Material Estimating and Methods

OL 642

Construction Drawings and Methods

39 hours

This course provides an introduction to basic blueprint reading and common methods of construction. Students will use construction drawings to discuss topics ranging from soil evacuation to roof design. Legal concepts of building/planning codes and statutes are discussed. Students will gain a foundation of residential/commercial construction principles and codes in practice today.

Meet the Program Staff

1 staff member

Careers

The Construction Estimator Program is designed to improve the knowledge and skill levels of persons working or wishing to work as estimators in the Commercial Construction Industry.

See Career Opportunities

Clicking the button will take you to a detailed dashboard with up-to-date job data tailored to your program, including salary ranges, job titles, and projected demand.

Pathways

Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.

Students at Confederation College

We're here to help

Have questions before you apply?

Not sure if this is the right fit? Our recruitment team can help you navigate admission requirements, program details, and campus life.