Commercial Estimating
If you are interested in learning how to prepare a commercial tender, this College Certificate program goes beyond the basic estimating principles.
- Pursue a linchpin career that can set the pace and predicts the cost of a construction project in order to determine its feasibility and scope
- Benefit from supportive and experienced facilitators who are active in their industry
- Courses are built with flexibility in mind and can be accessed anytime and from anywhere
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within two years.
SUCCESS FACTORS...(read more)
Overview
If you are interested in learning how to prepare a commercial tender, this College Certificate program goes beyond the basic estimating principles. Students examine working plans and commercial tender documents, and explore the stages of the tender process from estimating, budgeting and bidding to the to the fundamentals of managing a construction project.
To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within two years.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Are looking to advance their careers in the construction industry in estimating.
- Have the ability to see the "big picture" in construction projects.
- Like building teams that are working towards common goals.
- Enjoy balancing competing demands.
- Thrive on the challenge and stress of overseeing large projects.
- Appreciate having tangible results from their work.
Courses
Registration Note:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".
Online  |
| Course Number | Hours | Course Name | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| CON5102 | 42.0 | Commercial Plan Reading and Construction Methods | |
| CON5103 | 55.0 | Commercial Estimating | |
| CON5104 | 32.0 | Construction Contracts and Documents | |
| CON5106 | 42.0 | Project Administration | |
| CON5107 | 42.0 | Bid Procedure: Simulated Construction Tender Close | |
| CON5111 | 42.0 | Construction Budgeting | |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CON5102 Commercial Plan Reading and Construction Methods
Knowledge of the materials and methods used in construction is a necessity for working in the construction industry. Students learn to identify the classifications of projects and different types of buildings to figure out different project delivery methods. Students also learn to read and interpret commercial construction plans and specifications by examining and interpreting complete working drawings including line-type, symbols, scales and various drawings within a set of construction plans. Students explore the variety of materials used in different components and construction methods used in commercial construction projects.
CON5103 Commercial Estimating
A systematic approach to estimate the components of a commercial project is essential. A proper estimate enables successful planning and implementation. Students are introduced to proper measurement techniques of construction items and components found in commercial and residential projects. Emphasis is placed on accuracy of measurement, quantity take-off (bill of work) concept, sound estimating principles and construction materials. As a hands-on learning activity, students generate and analyze a complete estimate for a commercial project.
Pre-requisites: CON5102
CON5104 Construction Contracts and Documents
As projects become more complex it is important that all the parties involved (owner, architect, engineer(s) and general contractor) have a proper understanding of contract documents and their relationship to the entire project. This understanding of contract documents is essential to prevent or minimize disputes and claims, which can be very costly. Students are introduced to the documents that form a construction contract. The course builds upon the principles of law and introduces the most commonly used standard forms of construction contracts issued by the Canadian Construction Documents Committee and the Canadian Construction Association. Basic building law, contractual responsibilities and obligations are explored. Students understand the importance of construction specifications and review construction bonds, lien and mediation acts in the construction industry.
CON5106 Project Administration
The constant challenge in the construction industry involves ensuring that all administrative functions of managing the project are in place and followed. Using common approaches and tools, students obtain an understanding of the different parties involved in commercial construction, types of services offered, certain Canadian Construction Documents Committee and Canadian Construction Association contract documents and the tendering process. Students also learn day-to-day administration activities, such as change orders, shop drawings, job costing reports and progress claims.
CON5107 Bid Procedure: Simulated Construction Tender Close
To be successful in winning profitable jobs, it is essential to prepare accurate and competitive bids. Students are introduced to the definition of bidding and how to submit a tender offer, basic estimation methods, different types of competition and contract types along with advantages and disadvantages. Students learn about the components of a typical bid package, determining the contingency and risk of a construction project, using UniFormat/MasterFormat coding conventions for the bid package, and apply principles of competitive bidding and negotiating in a competitive bidding environment.
Pre-requisites: CON5103
CON5111 Construction Budgeting
No matter what size of the construction project, it is important to know the amount of funds required to complete the job successfully. Using common approaches and tools, students learn about the components of a construction project budget. Students are introduced to the construction tendering process, UniFormat/MasterFormat coding conventions, unit pricing, productivity factors, subcontractors tender price analysis, and calculating risk, contingency, overhead and profit. As a final assignment, students perform a complete estimate for a commercial project in a systematic format.
Pre-requisites: CON5103
Careers & Pathways
Careers
The knowledge and skills acquired in this program position graduates for increasing levels of responsibilities in the completion of small to medium scale construction projects.
Graduates may find employment in a variety of construction management-related positions, such as project manager, site superintendent, construction manager, planner and estimator taking into account graduates' previous industry experience.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Collect, interpret and appropriately apply information from construction projects including graphics, reports, performance and productivity analyses and other documents.
- Communicate construction project-related information effectively and accurately by interpreting and producing data in graphic and written formats.
- Contribute to the evaluation of equipment use, materials, and of the methods employed to implement and complete construction projects.
- Recognize the interdependence of disciplines including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, civil engineering, and others.
- Cooperate with the project stakeholders involved in the design, implementation and evaluation of construction projects.
Tuition & Fees
2024/2025 Academic Year
Fees are subject to change.
Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.
Graduation Fee:
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/). A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.
Additional program related expenses include:
The approximate cost of books and supplies is $1,500 over the duration of the program. For more information visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials/students/.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
The following requirements are recommended to ensure success in the program:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program).
Program Eligibility
The following requirement is recommended to ensure success in the program:
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- It is recommended applicants with international transcripts have the following IELTS or TOEFL scores to ensure success: IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Application Information
Registration Note:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".
Additional Information
Program Resources
International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.
Many of these courses have also been accredited by the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) and can be viewed at: https://www.ciqs.org.
PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.
AC Online ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is, therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.
PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).
Contact
For additional information, please contact AC Online at online@algonquincollege.com or 613-727-4723 ext. 3330.