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Introduction
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The big picture
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Quantity takeoff & estimating
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The steps for quantity takeoff
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Activity
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Understanding sample estimates
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Bidding
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The bidding process
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Inside bid day
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Key takeaways
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Knowledge check
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Summary, resources, & what’s next?
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We want to hear from you!
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Conclusion
Estimating & Bidding -- Construction Bootcamp (Part 6)
Dive into the critical process of costing and proposals.
Instructor: Ben Ashburn
1 hour
Last reviewed 12/2025
Video Content
Course Description
This course offers a comprehensive look at construction estimating and the entire bidding process, crucial skills for success in the industry. You'll understand how project teams, including general and specialty contractors, collaborate in the preconstruction phase to efficiently price projects. The goal is to maintain a consistent workflow, ensuring a steady pipeline of jobs and boosting company revenue through strategic bidding.
You will learn the step-by-step approach to preparing a competitive bid. This begins with quantity takeoff, the crucial first step where you meticulously calculate work quantities from project plans and specifications. Following this, you will master estimating costs, which involves determining specific expenses for labor, materials, and equipment for each construction item. The course details the roles of the estimator and quantity surveyor, explaining how architectural drawings lead to formal requests for proposals and how general contractors gather bids from specialists.
Upon completion, you will confidently read blueprints and specifications, accurately calculate quantities, and perform necessary mathematical operations for precise estimates.
Learning Objectives
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Define key terminology within estimating and bidding such as estimating quantity takeoff and self-perform.
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Demonstrate quantity takeoffs in a set of plans.
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Describe the workflow of quantity takeoff and estimating.
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Analyze subcontractor bids to ensure they cover the same scope, so you can select the most accurate and fair price for the project.
Prerequisites
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Learning Level: Beginner
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Prerequisite Knowledge: Completion of Construction Contracts.
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Recommended Knowledge: None.
Continuing Education Course Credits
Course Title: Construction Bootcamp
Course Number: PC-01-061825
Session Number: 1
Curriculum Group Name: AIA Providers
Credit: 12.5 AIA LU
Course Expiration Date: 06/24/2028
Procore's Continuing Education courses may qualify for continuing education credits with other professional organizations or fulfill state licensing requirements. If you are a member of a different organization, you can download your course completion certificate from your learning profile and report your completion yourself to the organization for potential credit. Please refer to the organization's continuing education requirements for course eligibility information.
AIA CES Provider statement
Procore Technologies is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 40108059. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will I gain from taking this Estimating & Bidding course?
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of construction estimating and the entire bidding process, which are key skills for anyone in the construction industry. You will learn how different project team members, like general contractors and specialty contractors, work together during the pre-construction phase to figure out how to price projects. The main goal is to help companies maintain a steady flow of work and increase their revenue by winning more jobs through smart bidding.
Do I need to be advanced in math to take this course?
Not at all! For the most part, you just need to be comfortable with really basic math operations. This includes calculating length, area, and volume from plans and drawings, and being able to convert fractions of an inch into decimals. While some estimates can get more complex, these basic skills will get you very far in the course.
What's Next
Continue your learning journey
This course is part of the Construction Bootcamp Learning Path. Explore and complete the additional courses in the path below to complete your journey.
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Construction Bootcamp: Program Intro
View Course PageKickstart your learning journey with the Construction Bootcamp program.
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Construction Bootcamp: Construction Industry Overview
View Course PageUnderstand the construction landscape, structure, and key players.
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Construction Phases & Project Delivery Methods
View Course PageUnderstand how projects are organized and executed.
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Drawings & Specifications
View Course PageLearn to interpret essential project documents.
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Construction Contracts
View Course PageGrasp the foundational elements of construction agreements.
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You are here!
Estimating & Bidding
Dive into the critical process of costing and proposals.
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Scheduling
View Course PageMaster techniques for effective project timelines.
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Quality, Safety, & Risk
View Course PagePrioritize excellence, manage hazards, and mitigate project risks.
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Contract Administration (RFIs & Submittals)
View Course PageNavigate essential project communications.
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Contract Administration (Financials)
View Course PageControl costs and manage project scope.
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Construction Site Operations & Project Controls
View Course PageUnderstand day-to-day site management and oversight.
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BIM
View Course PageAn introduction to modern construction technology.
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Professional & Soft Skills For Construction Management
View Course PageDevelop crucial interpersonal and leadership abilities.
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Program Exam
View Course PageTest your knowledge with the final exam and explore pathways for continuous learning.
Related Resources
Instructors
Ben Ashburn
After a successful career as a construction estimator — working his way up from estimating manager to senior estimator — Ben has spent the most recent part of his career in construction sharing his skills with other as a construction educator. Ben has an extensive background in construction education: He has been an assistant professor in the Department of Construction Science at Texas A&M, and lectured about estimating, scheduling, management, and other related construction topics at Murray State University. He has been a construction training and learning development partner with Procore since 2019.
Reviewers
Janine Trinidad
Janine Trinidad is a Construction Educational professional for Procore Technologies. In previous roles, Janine managed all phases of construction on hotel, mixed-use, and institutional projects in the San Francisco Bay area. She was responsible for negotiating contract budgets and change orders, managing RFIs and submittals, and overseeing quality control, among other duties. She is also a certified transformational coach with a focus on women-centered and trauma-informed methods. She is passionate about transforming the construction industry to be a healthier, more successful and welcoming place to work and believes technology and education are allies in doing so.
Dr. Irish Horsey
Dr. Irish Horsey is a seasoned expert in the construction industry with over 25 years of experience. Currently, she serves as the Director of Industry Advancement at Procore, while also teaching part-time at the Georgia Institute of Technology. A former Assistant Professor at Kennesaw State University, Dr. Horsey specializes in project management, workforce development, and diversity and inclusion in construction. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education and a Master's in Construction Management. Her extensive industry experience and academic background make her a trusted leader in advancing best practices and innovative strategies in construction.