Cost estimator, quantity surveyor, and cost engineer. It can get confusing for the unfamiliar with the professional designations that require cost-estimating knowledge and experience. The common denominator between cost estimator and quantity surveyor/cost engineer is cost estimating knowledge and skills. The following paragraphs explain the main areas of expertise for all three groups.
Cost Estimator
A construction cost estimator is a professional who, according to the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, is capable to perform the following functions:
- Price and prepare formal tender submissions;
- Manage, administer and coordinate all types of construction projects;
- Conduct pre-bid negotiations with subcontractors and suppliers;
- Negotiate contracts with owners;
- Verify subcontractor and supplier payments;
- Price and negotiate change orders;
- Prepare construction progress schedules;
- Prepare monthly cost forecasts and progress claims as well as record final unit prices for database reference.
Quantity Surveyor
The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors defines a Quantity Surveyor as a professional who can perform the following functions in addition to the ones above:
- Prepare and evaluate construction and development tenders from information provided by architects, engineers and other design consultants and negotiate and award contracts to successful proponents;
- Manage, administer and co-ordinate all types of construction and development projects, including contracts and sub-contracts, construction progress schedules, cost control systems, and work measurements;
- Prepare, submit and manage progress invoices, valuation of changes and finalize contracts;
- Provide advice on construction cost and strategic planning to prospective owners, architects, engineers and public authorities;
- Prepare and interpret tender documents, specifications, general conditions, and other parts and forms of contracts;
- Prepare and submit estimates for construction and development work;
- Provide commercial advice and support to construction and development project works;
- Conduct or participate in arbitration and court hearings;
- Research, negotiate and support dispute resolution activities;
Cost Engineer
A brief yet very clear definition of cost engineering is given in Wikipedia:
the engineering practice devoted to the management of project cost, involving such activities as estimating, cost control, cost forecasting, investment appraisal and risk analysis. Cost Engineers budget, plan and monitor investment projects. They seek the optimum balance between cost, quality and time requirements.
For the most part, the knowledge and skills of a cost engineer are very similar to those of a quantity surveyor.
To start exploring the possibilities for professional certification as a cost estimator in Canada, here are a couple of options:
- The Gold Seal Certification Program, a minimum of 5 years of work experience is required, among other requirements, in order to be considered for an exam application. Visit the website at the link above for details, including academic requirements. This is a great option, especially for foreign-trained individuals coming from countries other than those listed below under the list of reciprocity agreements.
- The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors offers certifications for Construction Estimator Certified. The minimum work experience required is 6 years.
The two programs have a reciprocity agreement in place. Also, the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors has international reciprocity agreements. See the list of agreements here.
Very successful careers can be built within the boundaries of cost estimating without a need to expand into quantity surveying and cost engineering. Over 60% of all cost-estimating jobs are in the construction industry, where the majority of cost estimators find employment. The best job prospects are for those individuals with industry experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
So, it might look like the cost estimators are at the bottom of the food chain as far as the three designations are concerned, but it is not necessarily true. Most cost estimators follow a life-long career development through self-directed learning and skill development. So, it is not uncommon to come across cost estimators who acquired knowledge and expertise in some areas of quantity surveying/cost engineering.
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