Accurate estimating is one of the most valuable skills an electrical contractor, estimator, or project manager can develop. A well-prepared estimate helps companies win profitable work, avoid costly mistakes, and build long-term success. Whether you are new to the electrical construction industry or looking to improve your estimating skills, the iBidElectric Basic Electrical Estimating Course provides practical, real-world training designed by an industry veteran.

Developed and taught by Ken Dickerson, a 40-year veteran of the electrical construction industry, this on-demand program teaches students how professional electrical estimates are prepared using methods that can be applied to real construction projects.

Learn Real-World Electrical Estimating

Unlike software-specific training courses, the iBidElectric Basic Electrical Estimating Course focuses on teaching the estimating process itself.

Students learn how to:

  • Read electrical construction drawings
  • Interpret specifications
  • Perform complete quantity takeoffs
  • Organize estimates efficiently
  • Build accurate material lists
  • Calculate labor requirements
  • Prepare professional bid documents
  • Develop estimating confidence

Because estimating principles remain the same regardless of software, students gain skills they can continue using throughout their careers.

No Expensive Software Required

One of the biggest advantages of the course is its simplicity.

This is not an Accubid training course, and students do not need to purchase expensive estimating software.

The only software required includes:

  • An online screen takeoff program
  • Microsoft Excel

Students who already have an online takeoff program can begin immediately. Those who do not have one can receive guidance on selecting a program that offers a free trial, allowing them to complete the course without making a significant software investment.

To simplify the estimating process even further, iBidElectric provides the Excel estimating template used throughout the course. Students simply complete their takeoff and enter their quantities into the provided spreadsheet.

Learn Anytime, Anywhere

The course is completely online and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

There are no scheduled classes or deadlines that force students to learn at someone else’s pace. Whether you prefer studying during the morning, evenings, weekends, or between projects, your training is always available when you are.

Many working electricians and contractors complete lessons after work while continuing their full-time careers.

A Two-Part Learning System

The Basic Electrical Estimating Course is divided into two practical sections that reinforce learning through demonstration and hands-on experience.

Part 1: Watch the Complete Estimate

Students first watch Ken Dickerson prepare a complete electrical estimate from start to finish.

Every step of the process is explained in detail, including:

  • Reviewing project drawings
  • Organizing the estimate
  • Performing quantity takeoffs
  • Entering quantities into Excel
  • Understanding estimating decisions
  • Building a complete bid

Rather than simply explaining estimating concepts, students see exactly how a professional estimator approaches a real project.

Part 2: Complete Your Own Estimate

After watching the instructor’s estimate, students download the actual project drawings along with the Excel estimating template.

Students then prepare the entire estimate independently using the same project.

This practical exercise allows students to apply everything they learned while developing confidence through real estimating experience.

Demonstrate Your Estimating Skills

The course includes a measurable performance standard.

To successfully complete the estimating project, students must finish within plus or minus five percent of the instructor’s completed estimate.

This objective benchmark demonstrates that students understand the estimating process and can produce accurate results using professional estimating techniques.

Rather than simply watching videos, students prove they can complete an estimate independently.

Learn at Your Own Pace

Although many students complete the Basic Electrical Estimating Course in less than one month, there is no pressure to rush.

Every enrollment includes one full year of access, giving students plenty of time to review lessons, repeat sections, and complete the estimating project on their own schedule.

This flexibility makes the course ideal for:

  • Electricians moving into estimating
  • Apprentices expanding their knowledge
  • Electrical contractors
  • Project managers
  • Estimating assistants
  • Individuals entering the electrical construction industry

Students can learn at a pace that fits both their work schedule and personal commitments.

Trusted Since 2020

Since launching in 2020, iBidElectric has trained hundreds of students from across the electrical construction industry.

The program continues to help electricians, estimators, contractors, and project managers develop practical estimating skills that can immediately be applied to real-world projects.

Because the training is based on decades of field and estimating experience, students learn proven methods used throughout commercial electrical construction rather than relying solely on software automation.

Start Building Your Estimating Career

Learning electrical estimating can open the door to new career opportunities while increasing your value to any electrical contractor. The iBidElectric Basic Electrical Estimating Course provides practical instruction, real construction drawings, hands-on estimating experience, and guidance from one of the industry’s most experienced professionals.

If you’re ready to build confidence, improve your estimating accuracy, and learn the fundamentals of professional electrical estimating, iBidElectric offers a proven training program that allows you to learn anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace.