Discussion: View Thread

Hello,

I've been working in cost estimating MEP for several years, and while gaining practical experience, I'm looking to solidify my understanding with a more structured and comprehensive approach. I've been considering the Fundamentals of Cost Estimating course offered by AACE, and I'd love to hear from those who have taken it or have experience with its materials.

Specifically, I'm interested in:

• Depth of Coverage: Does the course provide a significantly deeper dive into cost estimating principles and methodologies than simply studying the AACE recommended practices (RPs) and other guides?
• Practical Application: Does the course effectively bridge the gap between theory and real-world application? Are there practical exercises and examples that enhance learning?
• Value Proposition: For someone with existing experience, is the course a worthwhile investment of time and resources? Or would a focused study of the AACE RPs and other resources suffice?
• Structured Learning: Does the course offer a structured learning path that helps to organize and consolidate existing knowledge?
• Differences with self-study: What are the key differences between taking the course and just studying the published guides?

I'm aiming to enhance my cost-estimating skills by understanding the foundational principles in a more organized way. Any insights, experiences, or recommendations you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Best regards,

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Furqan Ahmad
MEP Estimation Engineer
Jeddah, KSA
Furqan.gsa@gmail.com
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Hi Furqan

This course is designed to enhance self-study efforts by targeting key information within AACE's library that supports competencies found in other resources. While a focused self-study regimen could suffice, the course helps isolate and organize content that supports the exam competencies shared by Recommended Practices (RPs) such as 11R-88 (Required Skills and Knowledge of Cost Engineering) and 46R-11 (Required Skills and Knowledge of Cost Estimating), offering a structured learning path aligned with those performance statements. Throughout the course, knowledge checks and exercises reinforce understanding, bridging the gap between theory and practical application. Additionally, it provides references to other resources for a deeper dive, ensuring a well-rounded grasp of cost-estimating principles beyond what is covered in published guides.

Attending this course will definitely enhance your knowledge, skillset and practical approach to also estimating the total installed cost (TIC) of the entire project at quality level with sufficient professionalism at various project execution phases and gating stages (i.e. from FEL1, FEL2, FEL3 through detailed engineering & design), not only just some disciplines like your current practice focusing on MEP ONLY. 

Beyond these mentioned above, considering career uplifting or advancement in future, a competent estimator, owning foundational and concrete estimating principles and skills, and enriched experience, would embrace lots of opportunities growing into higher level positions providing oversight and leadership in estimates review, validation and benchmarking in order to support management decision-making of your organization.

Best regards,

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Very CAO, CEP, CCP, PSP, P. Eng.
Project Controls Manager
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Hi Very,

I appreciate your detailed explanation. Studying this course will allow me to improve my knowledge, skills, and practical approach.

I am seeking a solid foundation for cost estimating, and after your explanation, I believe this is what I am pursuing.

Thank you again.

Best regards,

------------------------------
Furqan Ahmad
Jeddah
Furqan.gsa@gmail.com
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-18-2025 08:50 PM
From: Very CAO
Subject: Fundamentals of Cost Estimating Course AACE

Hi Furqan

This course is designed to enhance self-study efforts by targeting key information within AACE's library that supports competencies found in other resources. While a focused self-study regimen could suffice, the course helps isolate and organize content that supports the exam competencies shared by Recommended Practices (RPs) such as 11R-88 (Required Skills and Knowledge of Cost Engineering) and 46R-11 (Required Skills and Knowledge of Cost Estimating), offering a structured learning path aligned with those performance statements. Throughout the course, knowledge checks and exercises reinforce understanding, bridging the gap between theory and practical application. Additionally, it provides references to other resources for a deeper dive, ensuring a well-rounded grasp of cost-estimating principles beyond what is covered in published guides.

Attending this course will definitely enhance your knowledge, skillset and practical approach to also estimating the total installed cost (TIC) of the entire project at quality level with sufficient professionalism at various project execution phases and gating stages (i.e. from FEL1, FEL2, FEL3 through detailed engineering & design), not only just some disciplines like your current practice focusing on MEP ONLY. 

Beyond these mentioned above, considering career uplifting or advancement in future, a competent estimator, owning foundational and concrete estimating principles and skills, and enriched experience, would embrace lots of opportunities growing into higher level positions providing oversight and leadership in estimates review, validation and benchmarking in order to support management decision-making of your organization.

Best regards,

------------------------------
Very CAO, CEP, CCP, PSP, P. Eng.
Project Controls Manager
------------------------------