In this final course of the Estimating and Bidding Specialization, you’ll bring everything together; learning how to assemble, communicate, and defend a complete construction estimate.



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October 2025
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There are 3 modules in this course
In this first module, you’ll step into the estimator’s professional role and focus on how to communicate cost information with accuracy and credibility. Estimating isn’t only about numbers, it’s about understanding your audience and presenting data in a way that inspires confidence. You’ll explore how owners, architects, and contractors view the estimating process, and how factors such as allowances, contingencies, and escalation influence your message. Then you’ll apply these insights to the Dining Commons capstone project by creating an Invitation to Bid, the first deliverable in your final estimate package. By the end of this module, you’ll know how to organize and present project information clearly, setting the stage for developing and defending your own Guaranteed Maximum Price estimate.
What's included
13 videos2 readings3 assignments
In this module, you’ll move from communicating project information to building your estimate. You’ll learn how estimators balance cost, scope, value, and uncertainty to develop a complete and defensible Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) estimate. Working with the Dining Commons project materials, you’ll use a provided Uniformat template to organize your estimate and write concise narratives explaining how the project schedule, site logistics, and potential risks influence your cost decisions. You’ll see how professional estimators think holistically; connecting data, planning, and judgment into a clear cost story. By the end of this module, you’ll have a structured estimate and accompanying analysis that demonstrate your ability to reason through complex project conditions.
What's included
3 videos10 readings3 assignments
In this final module, you’ll step into the role of a professional estimator, presenting and defending your final Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) estimate. You’ll synthesize your work from earlier modules into a clear, confident presentation that communicates your process, assumptions, and conclusions. By the end of this module, you’ll have completed the full estimating and bidding cycle: from interpreting project documents to delivering a persuasive, professional presentation.
What's included
11 videos2 assignments
Instructor

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Status: Free TrialColumbia University
Status: Free TrialUniversity of Colorado Boulder
Status: Free TrialUniversity of Colorado Boulder
Status: Free TrialUniversity of Maryland, College Park
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Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
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