Overview
Working as a construction estimator involves analyzing project details to accurately assess costs and resources, playing a crucial role in the planning and budgeting stages of construction projects.
This Board of Governors Certificate is designed to improve the knowledge and skill levels of individuals working or wishing to work as estimators in the commercial construction industry. Individuals who previously learned estimating skills on the job or those wishing to enter the construction industry would benefit from this program.
Areas to be covered include the role and responsibilities 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.
Admission Requirements
- O.S.S.D. or equivalent
Applications for this program are not accepted through ontariocolleges.ca.
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
Prior Learning Assessment
If you believe you have an equivalent level of knowledge and would like credit through Prior Learning Assessment, please contact online@lambtoncollege.ca or call 519-479-1023 at least two weeks before classes begin.
Credential Eligibility
If you are taking courses with the intention of completing this program and earning a credential, you must meet the Admission Requirements. It is your responsibility to supply proof of admission requirements to the Office of the Registrar before completing three courses in this program.
If you complete the program but fail to provide proof of admission requirements, you will be ineligible to receive your credential.
Costs
Course Fees
- Exact costs can be obtained during the registration process. Visit the Course List and select an individual course for associated course fees.
Textbooks
Textbook costs may be applicable to each course. Most textbooks can be purchased through textnet.ca, but some exceptions do apply. Some courses may have software or equipment requirements that are not included in the cost of the course and are the responsibility of the student. Please see individual course pages for course-specific textbook information.
Graduation Fees
Students who successfully complete all the academic requirements for this program should submit their intent to graduate in order to receive their credential. The graduate module can be completed on myLambton via Self Service.
A graduation fee of about $75 is added to your account upon verification that admission requirements have been met. For exact fees contact your Enrolment Services Professional.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
This course can be taken on its own and is the first course within the Construction Estimator program. 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.
Please contact us to find out when the next start date will be.
The course is intended to explain the process of Construction Estimating from the contract documents to the methods of measuring material quantities used in General Contracting Offices. This will enable the student to understand the position of estimator within the business of construction management both in the Contractor and Sub-Contractor's world. The course will concentrate on 'Taking-Off' methods of materials using simple residential and commercial exercises.
Please contact us to find out when the next start date will be.
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.
Prerequisite(s):
Please contact us to find out when the next start date will be.
This course will provide students, who have a basic knowledge of general contracting and estimating, additional understanding of tender documents for all project types, along with knowledge of computerized estimating and unit price control. Students are provided with an understanding of a role in 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.
Prerequisite(s):
Please contact us to find out when the next start date will be.
Students will develop skills toward jobsite 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 jobsite.
Prerequisite(s):
Please contact us to find out when the next start date will be.
Course Sequence
Courses must be taken in the order listed.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about our online programs, the courses offered, the registration process, or any other Online Education related questions, reach out to us.
Contact
Online Education
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
The majority of students taking this program are concurrently employed in the construction industry.
More Information
Prepare for Success
Variations due to Section
Remember to review the important dates associated with this program - some deadlines may be different depending on how your program is delivered and what section you're enrolled in.
Technology Requirements
It is required that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.
Internet Speed Requirements
For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Minimum Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 16 GB of RAM (with a minimum of 8 GB)
- 100 GB HDD or more
- HD Graphics
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
- Windows Operating System (Windows 11)
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.