Estimator Resume Examples: Proven Templates That Win Construction Bids
TL;DR
The BLS projects 16,900 annual openings for cost estimators despite a 4% employment decline through 2034 — nearly all from retirements, meaning firms are competing for a shrinking talent pool. This guide gives you three complete estimator resumes (Junior, Senior, and Chief) built around the metrics hiring managers at ENR Top 400 contractors actually screen for: bid-to-win ratio, estimate accuracy percentage, dollar volume managed, and software proficiency across Bluebeam, PlanSwift, and RSMeans. Every bullet is quantified, every certification is real, and every ATS keyword is drawn from live job postings at Turner, Skanska, Kiewit, AECOM, and Gilbane.
Why This Role Matters
Construction estimators are the financial gatekeepers of every project before a single shovel hits dirt. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $77,070 for cost estimators (SOC 13-1051), with the top 10% earning above $128,640 — and chief estimators at large general contractors routinely clearing $160,000 with performance bonuses tied to bid wins. Despite a projected 4% employment decline from 2024 to 2034 driven by software productivity gains, the BLS still forecasts approximately 16,900 annual openings, nearly all from replacement demand as experienced estimators retire. That replacement math is the opportunity. The construction industry's $2.1 trillion annual output depends on estimators who can price projects accurately — a 2% variance on a $50M job is a million-dollar swing either way. Firms need estimators who blend traditional quantity takeoff discipline with emerging capabilities like BIM-to-estimate workflows and AI-augmented cost modeling. The modular construction market alone is projected to grow from $104 billion in 2024 to $140.8 billion by 2029, creating entirely new estimating specializations around prefabricated assemblies and just-in-time manufacturing schedules. Your resume must prove you can do two things: price work accurately and win work competitively. Here are three resumes that demonstrate exactly that.
Resume Example 1: Junior Estimator (0–3 Years Experience)
MARCUS DELGADO
Chicago, IL 60601 | (312) 555-0147 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/marcusdelgado
**PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY** Detail-oriented Junior Estimator with 2 years of commercial construction experience at a Top 100 ENR contractor, specializing in concrete and structural steel quantity takeoffs. Completed $87M in project estimates with a 94.2% accuracy rate against actual costs. Proficient in PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, and RSMeans data. OSHA 30-Hour certified with a B.S. in Construction Management from Purdue University.
**EXPERIENCE** **Junior Estimator** | Pepper Construction | Chicago, IL | June 2024 – Present - Prepared quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for 14 commercial projects ranging from $1.8M to $22M, achieving a 94.2% estimate-to-actual accuracy rate across all completed jobs - Performed digital takeoffs using PlanSwift for 6 concrete packages totaling $4.7M, reducing manual measurement errors by 31% compared to the previous paper-based process - Analyzed 23 subcontractor bid packages per project on average, identifying $340K in scope gaps across 8 bid leveling sessions that prevented change-order exposure - Maintained and updated RSMeans cost database entries for 180+ line items covering concrete, rebar, formwork, and structural steel in the Chicago metro area - Supported senior estimators on 3 design-build proposals totaling $67M, contributing sitework and foundation scopes that won 2 of the 3 contracts - Coordinated with project managers and superintendents during preconstruction on 5 active projects, reducing RFI-driven estimate revisions by 18% **Estimating Intern** | Power Construction | Chicago, IL | May 2023 – May 2024 - Assisted with quantity takeoffs for 8 healthcare and higher-education projects valued at $12M–$45M using Bluebeam Revu measurement tools - Built a reusable Excel cost model for MEP rough-in pricing that reduced estimate preparation time by 4 hours per project, adopted by 3 other interns - Tracked material price fluctuations for lumber, structural steel, and copper across 6 months, producing a weekly index report used by the estimating department - Attended 12 pre-bid site walks and documented field conditions, access constraints, and logistics challenges that influenced $2.1M in general conditions pricing
**EDUCATION** **Bachelor of Science, Construction Management** | Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN | 2023 - GPA: 3.6/4.0 | Dean's List (5 semesters) - Capstone: Cost model for a $15M mixed-use development — estimate came within 3.1% of instructor benchmark
**CERTIFICATIONS** - OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification - Bluebeam Certified User - LEED Green Associate (USGBC)
**TECHNICAL SKILLS** PlanSwift | Bluebeam Revu | RSMeans Online | Microsoft Excel (advanced: VLOOKUP, pivot tables, macros) | Procore | AutoCAD (reading/markup) | On-Screen Takeoff
Resume Example 2: Senior Estimator (7–12 Years Experience)
RACHEL OKONKWO, CEP
Dallas, TX 75201 | (214) 555-0283 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/rachelokonkwo
**PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY** Senior Estimator with 10 years of heavy civil and commercial construction experience, including 4 years as lead estimator on projects exceeding $200M. AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) with a career bid-to-win ratio of 34% across 92 competitive proposals. Managed $1.4B in cumulative estimate volume at Kiewit and Skanska with a 96.8% accuracy rate. Expert in ProEst, Sage Estimating, and BIM-integrated quantity extraction from Revit and Navisworks models.
**EXPERIENCE** **Senior Estimator** | Kiewit Building Group | Dallas, TX | March 2021 – Present - Lead estimator on 38 commercial and institutional projects ranging from $8M to $214M, maintaining a 34% bid-to-win ratio against an industry average of 15–20% for competitive bids - Managed $780M in total estimate volume over 4 years with a 96.8% estimate-to-actual accuracy rate, contributing to a division gross margin of 8.4% (target: 7.5%) - Developed and implemented a standardized bid-day checklist and risk-register process that reduced post-award scope gaps by 42%, saving an average of $187K per project in avoided change orders - Extracted quantities directly from Revit and Navisworks BIM models on 12 design-assist projects, cutting takeoff time by 35% while improving measurement accuracy versus 2D plan-based methods - Mentored 4 junior estimators through structured training on ProEst and Sage Estimating, bringing all 4 to independent project-lead capability within 14 months - Negotiated subcontractor pricing on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing scopes totaling $112M across 15 projects, achieving an average 6.3% reduction from initial bids through value engineering alternatives - Presented conceptual estimates and cost-loaded schedules to owner groups on 9 preconstruction engagements, converting 7 into negotiated contracts worth $340M **Estimator** | Skanska USA Building | Houston, TX | January 2017 – February 2021 - Prepared detailed estimates for 27 healthcare, data center, and mixed-use projects ranging from $5M to $95M, with a 95.4% accuracy rate on completed work - Served as lead estimator on a $95M regional medical center expansion, coordinating 74 subcontractor bid packages across 16 CSI divisions and delivering the winning proposal $1.2M under the next competitor - Built a historical cost database covering 430+ unit-price line items for concrete, structural steel, curtain wall, and interior finishes in the Texas market, reducing future estimate prep time by 20% - Implemented PlanSwift-to-Excel integration workflows that automated quantity transfer for sitework and concrete scopes, eliminating 6 hours of manual data entry per project - Conducted 18 post-construction cost reconciliations, identifying recurring variance patterns in MEP rough-in pricing that led to updated labor productivity factors across the region **Assistant Estimator** | Manhattan Construction Company | Tulsa, OK | June 2014 – December 2016 - Supported senior estimators on 19 commercial and institutional projects totaling $290M, performing quantity takeoffs for concrete, masonry, and structural steel scopes - Created a material escalation tracking model in Excel that forecasted rebar and structural steel prices within 4.1% accuracy over 12-month horizons, adopted division-wide - Attended 22 pre-bid conferences and documented clarifications, alternates, and allowance requirements that influenced bid strategy on $180M in proposals
**EDUCATION** **Master of Science, Construction Management** | University of Texas at Austin | 2014 **Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering** | Texas A&M University | 2012
**CERTIFICATIONS** - AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) — since 2020 - OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety - Procore Certified: Project Manager - Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Associate
**TECHNICAL SKILLS** ProEst | Sage Estimating (Timberline) | PlanSwift | Bluebeam Revu | RSMeans Data Online | On-Screen Takeoff | Autodesk Revit (model navigation/quantity extraction) | Navisworks | Procore | Primavera P6 (cost-loaded schedules) | Microsoft Excel (advanced modeling)
Resume Example 3: Chief Estimator (15+ Years Experience)
DAVID KOWALSKI, CPE, CCP
Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 555-0391 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/davidkowalski
**PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY** Chief Estimator with 18 years of progressive construction estimating experience directing preconstruction operations for ENR Top 50 general contractors. ASPE Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) and AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP) with career oversight of $4.8B in project estimates and a department-wide 97.1% accuracy rate. Built and scaled estimating teams from 4 to 16 professionals at Turner Construction, driving a 41% bid-to-win ratio on negotiated work. Expert in BIM-integrated estimating, AI-augmented takeoff platforms, and enterprise cost database architecture across ProEst, Sage Estimating, and Beck Technology DESTINI.
**EXPERIENCE** **Chief Estimator** | Turner Construction Company | Atlanta, GA | January 2019 – Present - Direct all estimating operations for Turner's Southeast region, managing a 16-person estimating team responsible for $1.2B in annual bid volume across commercial, healthcare, higher education, and data center sectors - Achieved a 97.1% department-wide estimate-to-actual accuracy rate over 6 years, contributing to a regional profit margin of 9.2% against a 7.8% company benchmark - Maintained a 41% bid-to-win ratio on negotiated work (67 of 163 proposals) and 22% on hard-bid competitions, generating $3.4B in awarded contracts since 2019 - Implemented Beck Technology DESTINI Estimator as the division's primary conceptual estimating tool, reducing schematic-phase estimate turnaround from 3 weeks to 8 days while improving accuracy by 14% - Spearheaded adoption of AI-augmented quantity takeoff using Togal.AI on 23 projects, cutting plan-measurement labor by 47% and reallocating 2,200 estimator hours annually to value-engineering and risk analysis - Designed and deployed a proprietary enterprise cost database spanning 2,800+ line items across 9 CSI divisions, fed by post-construction reconciliation data from 140+ completed projects - Established a formal estimating mentorship program that developed 8 assistant estimators into independent project leads, reducing external hiring costs by $420K over 4 years - Presented cost analyses and risk assessments to C-suite clients at Emory Healthcare, Georgia Tech, and Microsoft, securing $890M in negotiated preconstruction agreements - Led the estimating workstream on Turner's $214M Emory Winship Cancer Institute expansion, coordinating 112 subcontractor bid packages with a final estimate variance of 1.3% **Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager** | Gilbane Building Company | Providence, RI | March 2013 – December 2018 - Managed a team of 6 estimators responsible for $480M in annual estimate volume across life sciences, higher education, and government sectors - Led estimating on a $178M Brown University Sciences Library renovation, delivering the winning proposal with a 2.1% variance from the owner's independent cost consultant estimate - Built Gilbane's first structured historical cost database covering 1,400 line items, reducing new estimate startup time by 25% and standardizing pricing across 4 regional offices - Achieved a 38% win rate on 54 competitive proposals over 6 years, with an average estimate accuracy of 96.4% on completed projects - Implemented Sage Estimating (Timberline) to ProEst migration for the Northeast division, training 14 estimators and completing the transition in 9 months without productivity loss - Negotiated $67M in mechanical and electrical subcontractor packages across 11 laboratory projects, averaging 7.8% savings through phased-procurement strategies **Estimator** | AECOM (Tishman Construction) | New York, NY | June 2007 – February 2013 - Prepared detailed estimates for 31 high-rise commercial and hospitality projects in Manhattan ranging from $15M to $320M, specializing in structural concrete, curtain wall, and vertical transportation scopes - Served as lead estimator on a $320M luxury hotel and residential tower, managing 86 subcontractor bid packages and achieving a final cost within 2.4% of the preconstruction estimate - Developed quantity takeoff templates for concrete superstructure work that standardized floor-by-floor pricing across 8 concurrent high-rise projects, reducing takeoff time by 30% - Performed value engineering analyses on 14 projects that identified $23M in cumulative cost savings while maintaining design intent and owner quality standards
**EDUCATION** **Master of Business Administration** | Georgia Institute of Technology (Scheller College of Business) | 2017 **Bachelor of Science, Construction Engineering** | Georgia Institute of Technology | 2007
**CERTIFICATIONS** - ASPE Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) — since 2016 - AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP) — since 2018 - OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety - DBIA Designated Design-Build Professional - Lean Construction Institute: Last Planner System Facilitator
**TECHNICAL SKILLS** Beck Technology DESTINI Estimator | ProEst | Sage Estimating (Timberline) | Togal.AI | Bluebeam Revu | PlanSwift | On-Screen Takeoff | RSMeans Data Online | Autodesk Revit (BIM quantity extraction) | Navisworks Manage | Procore | Primavera P6 | Microsoft Power BI (cost dashboards) | Excel (VBA, Power Query)
ATS Keywords for Estimator Resumes
Include these keywords naturally throughout your resume. Most construction firms and staffing agencies use Applicant Tracking Systems that screen for exact-match terminology: **Core Estimating Terms:** Cost Estimating, Quantity Takeoff, Bid Preparation, Bid Leveling, Scope Analysis, Conceptual Estimating, Detailed Estimating, Preconstruction, Value Engineering, Change Order Analysis, General Conditions Pricing, Subcontractor Buyout **Software & Tools:** Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, ProEst, Sage Estimating, RSMeans, Timberline, DESTINI Estimator, Togal.AI, Procore, Primavera P6, AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks **Industry Knowledge:** CSI MasterFormat, Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, CM at Risk, Hard Bid, Negotiated Work, GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price), Lump Sum, Unit Price, T&M (Time and Materials), Risk Register, Post-Construction Reconciliation **Certifications:** CPE (Certified Professional Estimator), CEP (Certified Estimating Professional), CCP (Certified Cost Professional), OSHA 30-Hour, LEED, DBIA
Skills Breakdown
Technical Skills
| Skill | Junior Level | Senior Level | Chief Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantity Takeoff | Manual + PlanSwift for single trades | Multi-trade digital takeoff, BIM extraction | Enterprise BIM-to-estimate workflows |
| Cost Databases | Uses RSMeans, updates line items | Builds regional databases, 400+ items | Designs enterprise databases, 2,000+ items |
| Estimating Software | PlanSwift, Bluebeam basics | ProEst, Sage, advanced integrations | DESTINI, Togal.AI, full platform strategy |
| Bid Management | Supports bid-day logistics | Leads bid packages, levels subs | Directs department bid strategy |
| BIM Integration | Reads models, basic navigation | Extracts quantities from Revit | Architects BIM-to-cost pipelines |
| ### Soft Skills That Win Interviews | |||
| - **Risk Assessment**: Identifying what can go wrong before the shovel hits dirt — and pricing contingency accordingly | |||
| - **Subcontractor Negotiation**: Getting competitive pricing without burning relationships you need on the next bid | |||
| - **Client Presentation**: Translating cost data into owner-facing narratives that build trust during preconstruction | |||
| - **Cross-Functional Communication**: Bridging the gap between design teams, field operations, and ownership groups | |||
| - **Mentorship**: Developing junior estimators is a top priority at firms losing senior talent to retirement | |||
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| ## Common Mistakes on Estimator Resumes | |||
| ### 1. Listing Projects Without Dollar Values | |||
| "Prepared estimates for commercial projects" tells a hiring manager nothing. Every project reference needs a dollar value: "$42M mixed-use development" or "$8.2M tenant improvement." Volume handled is the single most important credibility signal on an estimator resume. | |||
| ### 2. Omitting Accuracy Metrics | |||
| If you do not include your estimate-to-actual accuracy rate, hiring managers will assume it is average or worse. Track your completed projects and calculate the percentage. A 95%+ accuracy rate on projects over $10M is a strong differentiator. | |||
| ### 3. Ignoring Software Proficiency | |||
| Listing "Microsoft Office" without naming specific estimating platforms is a red flag. Recruiters search for "Bluebeam," "PlanSwift," "ProEst," "Sage Estimating," and "RSMeans" as exact keywords. If your ATS-filtered resume does not contain these terms, it will not reach a human reviewer. | |||
| ### 4. No Bid-to-Win Ratio | |||
| Senior and chief estimators who omit their win rate are leaving their most compelling metric off the table. A 30%+ bid-to-win ratio on competitive work, or 40%+ on negotiated work, signals that your estimates are both accurate and strategically priced. | |||
| ### 5. Generic Professional Summary | |||
| "Experienced estimator seeking a challenging position" wastes the most valuable real estate on your resume. Your summary should contain your years of experience, dollar volume handled, key accuracy or win-rate metrics, primary software tools, and relevant certifications — in three sentences or fewer. | |||
| ### 6. Failing to Show Career Progression | |||
| Estimating has a clear ladder: assistant/intern, estimator, senior estimator, chief estimator, VP of preconstruction. If your resume does not show upward movement — or at least growing scope and dollar volume — it suggests stagnation. Even lateral moves should demonstrate expanding responsibility. | |||
| ### 7. Leaving Off Certifications | |||
| The ASPE CPE requires 5 years of experience and a two-part exam. The AACE CEP requires 4 years plus a degree (or 8 years without). These credentials signal commitment to the profession and are frequently listed as "preferred" or "required" in job postings at ENR Top 400 firms. | |||
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| ## Professional Summary Examples | |||
| ### Entry-Level Estimator | |||
| "Junior Estimator with 2 years of commercial construction experience at a Top 100 ENR contractor, completing $87M in project estimates with a 94.2% accuracy rate. Proficient in PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, and RSMeans with hands-on experience in concrete and structural steel quantity takeoffs. OSHA 30-Hour certified with a B.S. in Construction Management from Purdue University." | |||
| ### Mid-Career Senior Estimator | |||
| "Senior Estimator and AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) with 10 years of heavy civil and commercial experience, managing $1.4B in cumulative estimate volume with a 96.8% accuracy rate. Career bid-to-win ratio of 34% across 92 competitive proposals at Kiewit and Skanska. Expert in ProEst, Sage Estimating, and BIM-integrated quantity extraction from Revit and Navisworks models." | |||
| ### Chief Estimator / Director of Preconstruction | |||
| "Chief Estimator directing a 16-person preconstruction team with oversight of $1.2B in annual bid volume for Turner Construction's Southeast region. ASPE CPE and AACE CCP with 18 years of experience, a 97.1% department-wide accuracy rate, and $3.4B in awarded contracts. Architect of enterprise BIM-to-estimate workflows using DESTINI, Togal.AI, and a proprietary 2,800-item cost database." | |||
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| ## Frequently Asked Questions | |||
| ### What should a construction estimator put on their resume? | |||
| Lead with quantified metrics: total dollar volume estimated, estimate-to-actual accuracy rate, bid-to-win ratio, and number of projects completed. Name the specific estimating software you use (Bluebeam, PlanSwift, ProEst, Sage, RSMeans) because ATS systems filter on exact tool names. Include your delivery method experience (design-build, CM at risk, hard bid, GMP) and the CSI divisions you specialize in. Certifications like the ASPE CPE or AACE CEP belong prominently in a dedicated section, not buried in a bullet point. | |||
| ### How do I quantify my impact as an estimator? | |||
| Track four metrics throughout your career: (1) total dollar volume of projects estimated, (2) estimate-to-actual accuracy as a percentage (compare your preconstruction estimate to final project cost), (3) bid-to-win ratio (proposals won divided by proposals submitted), and (4) cost savings identified through value engineering or subcontractor negotiation. Even junior estimators can cite the number of bid packages analyzed, the dollar value of subcontractor scopes leveled, or the hours saved through process improvements. | |||
| ### Which certifications matter most for estimators? | |||
| The ASPE Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) is the most recognized credential in commercial construction estimating, requiring 5 years of experience and a two-part exam covering general estimating knowledge and a discipline-specific test. The AACE Certified Estimating Professional (CEP) is valued in heavy civil and industrial construction, requiring 4 years of experience plus a bachelor's degree. The AACE Certified Cost Professional (CCP) covers the full cost lifecycle and is common among estimators moving into preconstruction leadership. OSHA 30-Hour certification is expected at virtually every general contractor. | |||
| ### Should I include a cover letter with my estimator resume? | |||
| Yes, particularly for senior and chief estimator roles. The cover letter lets you contextualize your bid-to-win ratio, explain why you are targeting that specific firm (their project types, markets, or delivery methods), and highlight one or two marquee projects in narrative form. For hard-bid general contractors, emphasize accuracy and competitive pricing. For CM at risk firms, emphasize preconstruction collaboration and client relationship skills. | |||
| ### What is the salary range for construction estimators? | |||
| The BLS reports a median annual wage of $77,070 for cost estimators as of May 2024, with the bottom 10% earning below $46,330 and the top 10% exceeding $128,640. However, construction-specific estimators at large general contractors typically earn more: senior estimators command $100,000–$140,000, and chief estimators at ENR Top 50 firms earn $130,000–$200,000+ when including performance bonuses tied to bid wins and project profitability. Geographic premiums in markets like New York, San Francisco, and Dallas can add 15–25% above national medians. | |||
| ### How is AI changing construction estimating? | |||
| AI-augmented takeoff tools like Togal.AI are reducing plan-measurement labor by 40–50%, freeing estimators to focus on risk analysis, value engineering, and client engagement. BIM-to-estimate workflows using Revit and Navisworks are replacing manual 2D takeoffs on design-assist and design-build projects. The modular construction market, projected to reach $140.8 billion by 2029, is creating demand for estimators who can price prefabricated assemblies and just-in-time manufacturing schedules. Estimators who combine traditional quantity discipline with these emerging tools will command premium compensation. | |||
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| ## Citations | |||
| 1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Cost Estimators: Occupational Outlook Handbook," U.S. Department of Labor, updated 2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/cost-estimators.htm | |||
| 2. American Society of Professional Estimators, "Certification — Certified Professional Estimator (CPE)," ASPE National. https://www.aspenational.org/page/certification | |||
| 3. NICHE SSP, "Top 6 Construction Estimating Certifications for Preconstruction Professionals," Gareth McGlynn, 2025. https://www.nichessp.com/blog/construction-estimating-certification | |||
| 4. Bluebeam, "Bluebeam Named Highest-Rated Construction Estimating Software of 2025," Bluebeam Resources, 2025. https://www.bluebeam.com/resources/articles/bluebeam-named-highest-rated-construction-estimating-software-of-2025/ | |||
| 5. ConstructionBids.ai, "Construction Estimating Software Comparison: Top 10 Tools for Contractors 2025," December 2025. https://constructionbids.ai/blog/2025-12-26-construction-estimating-software-comparison | |||
| 6. The Birm Group, "Senior & Chief Estimator Salaries 2025–2026 (US)," 2025. https://thebirmgroup.com/2025-construction-estimator-salary-trends-a-deep-dive-into-senior-chief-estimator-pay/ | |||
| 7. Sparkel.ai, "Construction Trends 2025: AI, Modular, and Sustainable Building," 2025. https://www.sparkel.ai/blog/construction-trends-2025-ai-modular-and-sustainable-building | |||
| 8. Autodesk, "2026 Construction Trends: 25+ Experts Share Insights," Digital Builder Blog, 2026. https://www.autodesk.com/blogs/construction/2026-construction-trends-25-experts-share-insights/ | |||
| 9. NICHE SSP, "2024 Construction Estimator Salary Insights: A Comprehensive Look at the Opportunities," Gareth McGlynn, 2024. https://www.nichessp.com/blog/2024-construction-estimator-salary-insights-a-comprehensive-look-at-the-opportunities | |||
| 10. Project Control Academy, "Certifications in Cost Estimating," 2024. https://www.projectcontrolacademy.com/certifications-cost-estimating/ |