Requirements

Estimator, valuer or assessor - requirements

Having a career as an estimator, sometimes called cost engineers, brings together mathematical and analytical thinking, communication skills and financial management to help your customers learn about the costs of their projects. Here you can find out more about this career.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

What qualifications do you need to be an estimator, valuer or assessor?

You can start a career in this field without any qualifications, but they are helpful. Relevant subjects to consider include:

Getting relevant qualifications for a career in this field doesn’t have to be through a university degree, as HNCs, HNDs and apprenticeships are popular ways of working in this field.

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be an estimator, valuer or assessor?

A postgraduate qualification isn’t essential but can help you stand out to employers and apply to specialist positions.

Relevant master’s courses you could apply to include:

Construction project and cost management
Quantity surveying
Construction management

What skills do you need to be an estimator, valuer or assessor?

In this field you’ll benefit from having strong maths abilities, an eye for detail and an analytical way of thinking.

Hard skills usually include:

Estimating software
Bid and quote development
Procurement systems
Contract and subcontract creation
Surveying
Project management

Soft skills include:

Management
Written and verbal communication
Eye for detail
Customer service
Negotiation and influencing

Do you need work experience to be an estimator, valuer or assessor?

Work experience is very beneficial to successfully starting or building your career as an estimator. Showing potential employers that you have experience of managing projects, financial administration or working in the construction industry will help you stand out. Internships and placements can help you get this experience around your studies.