A construction estimator needs a lot of education and training. While on-the-job experience can also be valuable, a college degree is the more preferred route.
The estimating process involves a detailed analysis and evaluation of quotes from suppliers and subcontractors for each project. These quotes include material and labor costs for the job.
Obtaining Continuing Education Credits
Continuing education is not only a good way to remain relevant in the field of estimating, it can also give you an advantage over your competition. In addition, BLS research shows that more educated people generally earn higher salaries than those with less education.
There are many types of continuing education courses and programs, from degree-completion programs to professional certifications. These courses are offered at colleges and universities, training centers, through organizations and companies, as well as in online formats.
In some cases, continuing education is required for professionals to comply with laws or retain their licenses and credentials. For example, criminal justice and occupational safety and health workers must maintain their certifications and credentials. Other professions, such as teachers, may be required to complete a certain number of continuing education credits every year in order to stay current on new trends and theories in their fields.
In addition to formal coursework, there are many opportunities for continuing education in the form of seminars and workshops. These courses are typically led by experts in the field and focus on specific topics or skills. Continuing education can also be achieved through independent studies, which allow you to work at your own pace and study topics that are of interest to you. Another option is to attend professional events, which are often held by employers or organizations. These events can include conferences, seminars and workshops.
Enhancing Your Skills
A construction estimator has to be well-versed in reading blueprints and understanding the construction process. In addition, they must be able to prepare cost estimates for materials and labor in order to submit bids on projects. To improve their skills, it’s important to take additional training courses. These courses will allow you to learn new estimating methodologies, develop your technical expertise and refine your existing estimating methods.
The estimating training courses offered by the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) and Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis (SCEA) are available online or in classroom formats. These courses are designed for individuals who have completed a high school diploma or equivalent and who want to learn how to be a construction estimator.
These classes teach students how to use a cost estimating program and how to prepare quantity surveys. They also teach participants how to price contractor and subcontractor work from actual working drawings and specifications. They will also learn how to apply unit prices and systems prices from established resources, as well as historical record approaches.
Once a person has taken all the required courses, they can be eligible to sit for a certification exam. The AACE and SCEA offer a Certified Estimator Professional credential that requires several years of estimating experience and a passing score on an exam.
Enhancing Your Credibility
In the construction industry, credibility plays a big role in project success. Estimators are expected to have a thorough understanding of the industry, and the ability to read blueprints, estimate material costs, and prepare bid proposals for customers.
The American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) offers a certification program for estimators to help them gain recognition for their estimating proficiency and skills. To become a Certified Construction Estimator (CCE), you need to pass an exam and meet certain experience requirements.
CCE certification is a great way to show employers that you have the skills and knowledge needed to perform the job well. It also helps you stand out from your peers in the industry. To maintain your CCE status, you need to continue to participate in educational sessions and attend ASPE meetings and seminars. These events range from two-hour single topic meetings to seminar sessions that are two days long and cover a variety of topics.
The ASPE offers a number of professional development courses for estimators, including recorded webinars and presentations led by experts from the field. Some of these courses also qualify for continuing education credit. Additionally, the ASPE has an Estimating Today publication that focuses on estimating trends and bidding methods. These resources can enhance your career by helping you stay current on the latest trends in the construction estimating industry.
Enhancing Your Job Security
Whether in an up or down construction market, estimators are always in demand. This is because companies need accurate estimates in order to operate profitably. Therefore, they will usually pay a competitive salary to estimators to retain them.
A career in estimating is ideal for people with technical skills, attention to detail and a desire to learn more. It is also important to have good problem-solving abilities, as well as a keen understanding of construction methods and materials. It is also a must to be familiar with project bidding processes, including competitive and negotiated bidding.
Estimators are responsible for determining the sales price of a project that covers all of the necessary costs, including materials, equipment and labor, plus an attractive profit margin. This number is used to submit a competitive bid or begin negotiations with the project owner. In negotiated bidding situations, the estimator will work with the owner to find a common ground that strikes a balance between the owner’s budget and the contractor’s profit expectations.
In addition to earning a professional certification, estimating professionals can benefit from taking continuing education courses that are relevant to their field. These courses can help them refine their estimating methodologies and improve their overall productivity. This can make a big difference when it comes to producing high-quality estimates within short periods of time, which is an especially crucial aspect for commercial construction services.