Overview
Construction estimators require an understanding of the construction process, technologies, business, and relationships within the industry. They are responsible for preparing and pricing tender packages to obtain construction contracts for their companies to keep them in business, and keep them profitable.
The Certificate in Construction Estimating will give you the essential skills necessary to work as a junior to intermediate estimator in a building and/or civil construction firm. With this foundation, graduates will have the ability to meet the growing demand for skilled construction estimators.
The program will appeal to someone who:
- Is looking for a career in the construction industry other than as a designer, project manager, site supervisor, or tradesperson
- Wants to transition from a field position into an office environment
- Is already working as an estimator, but wants an industry recognized professional designation
- Is trained outside of Canada, but needs local training to improve employment opportunities.
This is a 50.0 credit program that will be offered exclusively through part-time studies to provide a flexible schedule for students who may already have other career and/or family commitments.
Industry Recognition
The Certificate in Construction Estimating program is the first program of its kind in Canada to be fully-accredited by the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS) as meeting the academic requirements for a Construction Estimator Certified (CEC) designation.
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Entrance Requirements
Application processing
This program is open to declarations beginning:
- February 1st* for the January intake
- May 1st* for the April intake
- October 1st* for the September intake
Entrance requirements
Declarations submitted for program intakes beginning April 1, 2025 or later will be evaluated using the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement below.
- English language proficiency: Category 3 – English Studies 12 (50%) or equivalent
Recommended for success
Applicants intending to register for Level 1 courses are recommended to have the following:
- Math: students are recommended to have recently completed one of the following:
- Math 12 or
- MATH 0040 - Mathematics Workshop or
- MATH 0060 - Introduction to BCIT Mathematics
Alternatively, you may assess your skills by taking the BCIT Trades Entry Assessment administered through the Trades Learning Centre. - Work experience: six months of experience in the construction industry is recommended. Students new to the industry can take:
- Blueprint reading: those with little or no experience are recommended to take a blueprint reading course:
- BLDG 0004 – Residential Blueprint Reading.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Program declaration
Declaring your Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) program ensures that BCIT is aware of your intent to complete a program as it is currently outlined and provides you the opportunity to apply for transfer credit.
To submit your declaration:
- Answer all questions completely.
- If required, convert transcripts and documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Declare Now
Upon approval, a program plan letter will be sent to you confirming your program of study. Please allow approximately eight weeks for processing.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
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Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information on domestic and international tuitions.
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Courses
Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Required Courses: Level 1 |
Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
BLDC 1050 | Materials and Methods 1 | 3.0 | |
BLDC 1500 | BC Building Code: Part 9 (Single Family Dwellings) | 3.0 | |
BLDG 1830 | BC Building Code: Part 3 Introduction | 3.0 | |
BLDT 1021 | Construction Drawings | 3.0 | |
BLDT 1031 | Site Processes in Construction | 3.0 | |
and | |||
Complete one course from the following: | |||
BLDC 1300 | Estimating 1 | 3.0 | |
or | |||
BLDT 1041 | Basic Estimating with Computer Applications | 3.0 | |
and | |||
Complete one course from the following: | |||
BLDT 1051 | Technical Writing and Communications | 3.0 | |
or | |||
COMM 1103 | Introduction to Business and Technical Communication | 3.0 | |
Level 2 | Credits | ||
BLDC 2050 | Materials and Methods 2 | 3.0 | |
BLDC 2300 | Estimating 2 | 3.0 | |
BLDC 3300 | Estimating 3 | 3.0 | |
BLDT 2011 | Construction Documents and Contracts | 3.0 | |
BLDT 2061 | Computer Applications in Construction | 3.0 | |
ECON 1150 | Economic Issues | 3.0 | |
and | |||
Complete one course from the following: | |||
BLDC 3050 | Building Envelope Performance | 3.0 | |
or | |||
BLDG 1137 | Building Envelope Solutions | 3.0 | |
Level 3 | Credits | ||
BLDC 3150 | Materials and Methods 3 | 1.5 | |
BLDG 3840 | Computer Construction Estimating | 3.0 | |
CIVL 3230 | Civil Construction Estimating | 2.5 | |
Level 4 | Credits | ||
BLDC 3400 | Pricing and Bidding* | 1.5 | |
*This is a Capstone project/exam | |||
Total Credits: | 50.5 |
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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Program Details
Program length
Estimated completion time is 2-3 years. It may be possible to complete the program in two years if students take three courses per term.
All program requirements must be completed within seven years as per BCIT Policy 5103 - Student Evaluation [PDF].
Program delivery
Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
This flexible learning (part-time studies) program is offered on a course-by-course basis, allowing you the flexibility to complete courses in any order, provided that any required course prerequisites have been completed. It is strongly recommended you complete all courses within each level prior to moving onto the next.
Program location
Courses may be offered at the following locations:
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
Continue your education
Since the program draws many of the courses from other existing programs, students who would like a second certificate can apply a portion of the credits earned in the Certificate in Construction Estimating program towards obtaining:
- Associate Certificate in Building Construction Technology
- Associate Certificate in Construction Operations
- Certificate in Architectural and Building Technology
Alternatively, credits can be applied from these other certificates towards the program.
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Graduating & Jobs
Job Opportunities
Graduates of the Certificate in Construction Estimating program will be able to:
- Assume the roles and responsibilities of an estimator within the construction industry.
- Determine the different types of estimates used in the development and construction process.
- Generate accurate material quantity take-offs in preparation for pricing using CIQS standards.
- Develop and maintain a database of labour crew rates and equipment unit rates.
- Act within the tendering process and conduct a simulated bid closing.
- Interpret construction drawings to determine the extent of the scope of work.
- Prepare monthly cost forecasts and applications for payment.
- Evaluate the effect technological advances in materials and methods have on productivities.
- Balance the interrelationship between the estimate and the construction schedule.
- Communicate in a professional manner in written documentation and in personal presentation.
- Apply relevant parts of the British Columbia Building Code.
- Assess how the global market economy affects local business decisions.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Apply for graduation
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, complete an Application for BCIT Credential [PDF] and submit it to Student Information and Enrolment Services.
Allow approximately six to eight weeks for processing.
All financial obligations to the Institute must be met prior to issuance of any credential.
Professional associations
Graduates seeking professional certification and membership as a CIQS Construction Estimator Certified will be responsible to ensure they meet any additional requirements of the CIQS including passing the relevant CIQS Test of Professional Experience (TPE). This TPE is conducted outside of BCIT and is not part of the Certificate in Construction Estimating.
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Contact Us
Theresa Udevi
Program Assistant
Tel: 604-412-7411
Email: theresa_udevi@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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