An Intensive 5-day Training Course

Pre-Construction Estimating

Mastering Pre-Construction Estimating from Take-Off to Tender:
Ensuring Project Viability and Profitability

NASBA

Course Introduction

This Pre-Construction Estimating training course is essential for construction professionals seeking to master the critical phase of pre-construction estimating to secure profitable and viable projects. This training course will equip you with the methodologies and tools to accurately forecast costs, mitigate financial risks, and submit competitive bids that win work. In today's volatile market, the ability to generate precise and reliable estimates is not just a skill - it is a strategic advantage that directly impacts your company's bottom line and reputation.

This intensive five-day training course dives into the core principles of construction estimating, from initial quantity take-offs and cost planning to risk analysis and tender finalization. You will learn to navigate the complexities of pricing labor, materials, and equipment, while incorporating modern software and benchmarking techniques. The training course is designed to transform your approach to estimating, moving from guesswork to a data-driven, systematic process that ensures project success from the very start.

This Pre-Construction Estimating training course will highlight:

  • Mastering the fundamentals of accurate quantity take-off (QTO) and cost planning
  • Applying advanced techniques for pricing labor, materials, and equipment
  • Implementing risk management strategies to create resilient cost estimates
  • Utilizing benchmarking and historical data for validation and accuracy
  • Developing a professional and compelling tender submission strategy

Objectives

At the end of this Pre-Construction Estimating training course, you will learn to: 

  • Apply systematic methods for accurate quantity take-offs
  • Analyze and price construction resources effectively
  • Evaluate project risks and incorporate contingencies
  • Develop comprehensive and competitive cost estimates
  • Formulate a strategic approach to tender submission

Training Methodology

This dynamic training course uses a blended learning approach to ensure maximum comprehension and understanding. It combines engaging instructor-led presentations with real-world case studies and hands-on, practical estimating exercises. Delegates will work both individually and in teams on simulated projects, encouraging collaborative problem-solving. The interactive environment is designed for knowledge sharing, immediate feedback, and the application of concepts to realistic pre-construction scenarios.

Organisational Impact

Employees joining this training course will provide significant organizational benefits, including:

  • Enhanced accuracy in project budgeting and bidding, reducing costly overruns
  • Improved win rates through the development of more competitive and realistic tenders
  • Strengthened risk management capabilities, leading to more predictable project outcomes
  • Standardized estimating processes across project teams for greater consistency
  • Increased profitability by identifying and controlling costs at the earliest project stage
  • Fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making in the pre-construction phase

Personal Impact

Participants will gain personally and professionally from this training course, enabling them to:

  • Build confidence in creating and defending accurate cost estimates
  • Enhance analytical skills for evaluating project complexities and risks
  • Increase your value to the organization as a key player in project viability
  • Develop a comprehensive skill set covering both technical and commercial aspects
  • Improve career prospects with a certified expertise in a high-demand discipline
  • Network with peers and industry experts to share best practices

Who Should Attend?

This training course is designed for professionals involved in the cost planning and tender preparation stages of construction and engineering projects. It is particularly beneficial for those who require a structured understanding of the estimating process.

This Oxford Management Centre Pre-Construction Estimating training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

  • Quantity Surveyors and Cost Engineers
  • Project Managers and Project Engineers
  • Construction Managers and Site Managers
  • Estimators and Bidding Professionals
  • Civil Engineers and Architectural Technicians

Course Outline

Day One

Foundations of Construction Estimating

  • The role and strategic importance of the estimator
  • Overview of the pre-construction process and key stages
  • Types of estimates: Conceptual, Schematic, Detailed, and Tender
  • Introduction to key documentation: Drawings, Specifications, and Bills of Quantities (BOQ)
  • Establishing the estimating basis: Scope definition and assumptions
  • Ethical considerations and professional standards in estimating
Day Two

Quantity Take-Off (QTO) Methods and Measurement

  • Principles of accurate measurement and take-off
  • Manual take-off techniques from 2D drawings and digital models
  • Introduction to Digital Take-Off tools and BIM for estimating
  • Applying standard methods of measurement
  • Measuring materials for substructure and superstructure works
  • Practical QTO exercise on a sample project
Day Three

Pricing and Cost Analysis

  • Breaking down the cost structure: Direct vs. Indirect costs
  • Sourcing and applying current material prices
  • Calculating labor costs: Productivity rates, crew sizing, and all-in rates
  • Pricing plant and equipment: Ownership vs. rental costs
  • Assessing subcontractor quotations and integrating them into the estimate
  • Developing a priced Bill of Quantities for a work section
Day Four

Risk, Contingencies, and Final Estimate Assembly

  • Identifying and categorizing project risks in the pre-construction phase
  • Quantitative risk analysis techniques (e.g., expected monetary value)
  • Determining and justifying appropriate contingency allowances
  • Calculating overheads and profit margins for a sustainable business
  • Compiling all components into a final pre-tender estimate
  • Benchmarking and validating the estimate against historical data
Day Five

Tender Strategy, Submission, and Review

  • Developing a winning tender strategy and client-focused value proposition
  • Preparing the tender submission document and executive summary
  • The post-submission process: Clarifications, negotiations, and client presentations
  • Handling tender success and failure: Post-tender analysis and feedback
  • Implementing a lessons-learned process for continuous improvement
  • Final training course review and action planning for implementation

Certificate

On successful completion of this training course, Oxford Management Centre Certificate with eligible Continuing Professional Education credits (CPE) from National Registry of CPE Sponsor will be awarded to the delegates

Accreditation

NASBA

In association with

GLOMACS Training & Consultancy

GLOMACS Training & Consultancy

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Pre-Construction Estimating
Duration
5 Days
Format
Classroom
Language
English
Certificate
Yes
Choose the date and location that suits you:
Classroom Sessions
London
24-28 Nov 2025
Fee: $5,950
Book your place
London
15-19 Jun 2026
Fee: $5,950
Book your place
London
23-27 Nov 2026
Fee: $5,950
Book your place

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes, we provide assistance in securing both hotel reservations & entry visa on all our international training venues, for delegates attending our training courses. For further information / assistance, please contact our Customer Service at:

Yes, Oxford Management Centre is accredited by the following professional bodies;

National Association of State Board of Accountancy (NASBA)
The Oxford Management Centre is registered with NASBA as a sponsor of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. NASBA have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.

Yes, discounts are available. For further information please call +971 50 985 0174 or email, info@oxford-management.com

Note: Discounts are not applicable with any other special offer that may be available.

All course bookings made through Oxford Management Centre are non-refundable. By registering for a course, you acknowledge and accept that fees are payable in full and are not subject to refund under any circumstances, including but not limited to participant dissatisfaction, changes in personal or professional circumstances, or partial attendance.

Oxford Management Centre reserves the right to make reasonable adjustments to course content, trainers, or schedules where necessary, without entitling delegates to a refund. Full details of each course – including objectives, target audience, and content – are clearly outlined prior to enrolment, and it is the responsibility of the delegate to ensure suitability before booking.

There are 2 easy ways to register:

  • Online: Select the training course you want to register for, Click the “Book Your Place” button on the course page, complete the form and click submit.
  • E-mail: Send your details to info@oxford-management.com

We request that all cancellations be made at least one week before the class start date. You may reschedule this class without any penalty. If not, a $250 fee will be charged for cancellations received less than one week before a class begins and for no-shows. Cancellation penalties and any fees incurred by Oxford Management Centre will be deducted from refunds.

For more information request, email info@oxford-management.com or call +971 50 985 0174.

The classroom training fees include course presentation, relevant materials, physical & digital documentation, lunch and refreshments served during entire training. Accommodation and transportation are not included in the training course fees.

While, online training fees cover the course presentation and digital documentation and relevant materials.

The Oxford Management Centre Certificate of Completion with corresponding CPE credits shall be awarded to delegates who has successfully completed the training course.

Payment must be received before the training course commences. You can make payment by bank draft, cash, credit card or wire transfer.

Note: If the payment is not received, Oxford Management Centre has the right to refuse admission.

Upon receipt of your registration form, we will send you the following by e-mail:

  • Registration Confirmation
  • Invoice/Receipt (where appropriate)

If you register online you will receive an e-mail within 24 hours confirming your registration.


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