Top 10 Electrical Estimator Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for electrical estimators because they demonstrate a level of proficiency and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certifications indicate to potential employers that the individual has the necessary skills and training to perform the job effectively. They also provide proof that the individual has met certain standards set by professional organizations, which helps employers gauge their competency and ability to do the job correctly. Ultimately, certifications can help an electrical estimator stand out in a competitive job market and give them an edge over other applicants without certifications.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Electrical Estimators and explains how they can help to enhance an electrical estimator's career.

What are Electrical Estimator Certifications?

Electrical estimator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s ability to accurately estimate the cost of electrical projects. This certification is beneficial for both employers and employees, as it provides assurance that the estimator has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job in a competent and efficient manner.

For employers, having certified electrical estimators on staff can bring several advantages. It can help ensure that the estimates they receive are reliable and accurate, since certified estimators have had formal training in estimating principles and methods. Certification also helps to improve accuracy by ensuring that all estimators adhere to industry standards and best practices. In addition, it can help to reduce costs associated with hiring new personnel or providing ongoing training due to its requirement of continuing education credits.

For employees, becoming certified in electrical estimation can open up career advancement opportunities and provide recognition for their expertise within the industry. Having this certification on their resume will demonstrate that they have acquired a certain level of proficiency in this specialized field, setting them apart from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. Furthermore, those who become certified may be eligible for higher pay rates than non-certified individuals due to their increased skillset. By obtaining this credential, they can also stay up-to-date on current industry trends and technologies through required continuing education courses.

Overall, electrical estimator certification can be highly beneficial for both employers and employees alike by providing assurance of quality services from experienced professionals as well as greater opportunities for career advancement.

Pro Tip: If you want to become an electrical estimator, it is important to pursue a certification program that is recognized by your local or state government. Certification will give you the credibility and knowledge needed to be successful in the industry.

Related: What does an Electrical Estimator do?

Top 10 Electrical Estimator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Electrical Estimators today.

1. Certified Electrical Estimator (CEE)

Certified Electrical Estimator (CEE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of electrical estimating. The CEE program is administered by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

The CEE program consists of two parts: an online exam and an in-person interview. The online exam covers topics such as electrical theory, codes and regulations, bidding practices, and project management. The in-person interview is conducted by a panel of experienced estimators and focuses on the applicant’s experience with electrical estimating.

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the electrical estimating field and pass both the online exam and the in-person interview. It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all requirements for certification.

The cost for the CEE program varies depending on whether you are taking it as part of NECA membership or as an individual applicant. For members, it costs $50 per year plus any applicable taxes; for non-members, it costs $100 per year plus any applicable taxes.

2. Certified Professional Electrical Estimator (CPEE)

Certified Professional Electrical Estimator (CPEE) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED). The CPEE certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of electrical estimating. The program consists of three core courses and an exam, which must be completed within two years.

The three core courses are:

1. Estimating Fundamentals

2. Advanced Estimating Techniques

3. Project Management for Electrical Estimators

The exam is administered online and takes approximately four hours to complete. It covers topics such as product knowledge, estimating techniques, project management, and customer service skills. To qualify for the CPEE certification, applicants must pass all three courses and the exam with a minimum score of 80%.

The cost for the CPEE program is $1,495 USD. This fee includes access to all materials needed for the program as well as one-on-one mentoring from experienced professionals in the industry. Additionally, NAED offers discounts for members and groups who wish to pursue multiple certifications at once.

3. Certified Electrical Estimating Technician (CEET)

Certified Electrical Estimating Technician (CEET) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of individuals who are proficient in electrical estimating. The CEET program was developed by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and is administered by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

The CEET program consists of four modules that cover topics such as electrical estimating principles, material takeoffs, labor cost analysis, and project management. To become certified, applicants must successfully complete all four modules within two years. Each module is offered online or in a classroom setting and can be completed at an individual's own pace.

To get certified, applicants must first submit an application to NCCER and pay a fee of $195. Once approved, applicants will have access to the online course materials and will be able to take the exams for each module. Upon successful completion of all four modules, applicants will receive their CEET certification from NCCER.

CEET certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by completing additional training courses or taking refresher exams every three years.

4. National Association of Professional Estimators (NAPE)

The National Association of Professional Estimators (NAPE) is a professional organization that provides resources and support to estimators in the construction industry. NAPE was founded in 1972 and has over 5,000 members throughout the United States and Canada.

Membership in NAPE is open to all estimators who are actively engaged in the estimating profession. To become a member, applicants must have at least three years of experience in their field and be recommended by two current NAPE members. There is also an application fee of $95 for new members.

Once accepted as a member, individuals can take advantage of the many benefits that come with membership, such as access to educational seminars and webinars, networking opportunities, discounts on products and services, access to job postings, and more. Additionally, NAPE offers certification programs for estimators who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in their field. The certification process includes passing an exam which covers topics such as cost estimating principles, project management fundamentals, legal issues related to estimating contracts, risk management strategies, and more.

Overall, becoming a member of NAPE can be beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in the construction industry or gain recognition for their expertise as an estimator.

5. American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)

The American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) is a professional organization of individuals who are dedicated to the practice of accurate and ethical cost estimating. ASPE members are involved in all aspects of the construction industry, including project management, design, engineering, and construction.

To become an ASPE member, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field of cost estimating or related disciplines. Applicants must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as cost estimating principles, methods and techniques; cost analysis; project planning and control; scheduling; and other related topics.

The process to become an ASPE member typically takes between four to six weeks from start to finish. The process begins with submitting an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts and resumes. Once the application is approved by the board of directors, applicants must take the written exam which is administered twice a year in April and October. After passing the exam, applicants will be notified if they have been accepted into membership.

The cost for becoming an ASPE member is $150 for US residents and $200 for international residents. This fee includes access to exclusive benefits such as discounts on conferences, publications, seminars, webinars and more. Additionally, members can participate in networking opportunities with other estimators around the world through online forums or local chapters in their area.

6. International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)

The International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) is a non-profit organization that provides education, certification and networking opportunities for electrical inspectors. The IAEI was founded in 1928 and is dedicated to promoting safe electrical installations throughout the world.

It takes approximately six months to become certified by the IAEI. The process includes completing an application, passing an exam, and submitting references from qualified individuals who can attest to your expertise in the field. Once you have completed these steps, you will be eligible for certification as an IAEI Certified Electrical Inspector (CEI).

To get certified by the IAEI, you must first complete an online application. This application requires information about your experience and qualifications in the field of electrical inspection. After submitting your application, you will need to take a written exam that covers topics such as safety codes, inspection techniques, and electrical theory. Finally, you must submit two references from qualified individuals who can attest to your knowledge of the industry.

The cost of getting certified by the IAEI varies depending on where you live. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 USD to become certified by the IAEI. This fee includes access to study materials and resources as well as taking the exam and submitting references.

7. Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is a professional organization that provides standards, formats, and guidelines for the construction industry. It was founded in 1948 and has thousands of members worldwide. The organization provides education, certification, and networking opportunities to its members.

It takes approximately four to six weeks to become certified by the CSI. To get certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as specifications writing, project management, and construction documents. The cost of the exam varies depending on the type of certification desired.

To become a member of the CSI, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their educational background or experience in the construction industry. There is an annual membership fee which varies depending on the type of membership chosen.

In addition to providing standards and guidelines for the construction industry, CSI also offers seminars, workshops, conferences and other events for its members. The organization also publishes books and magazines related to construction topics.

8. Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA-I)

The Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA-I) is a professional organization that provides education, resources, and advocacy for commercial real estate professionals. It was founded in 1907 and has grown to become the leading association for the industry worldwide. BOMA-I offers a variety of services to its members, including educational programs, research and publications, networking opportunities, and certification programs.

It takes about 4-6 weeks to obtain BOMA-I membership. To join, you must fill out an application form available on the BOMA-I website. You will also need to pay an annual membership fee which varies depending on your type of membership. Fees range from $150-$1,000 per year depending on your level of involvement with the organization.

In addition to the annual membership fee, there are also additional fees associated with obtaining BOMA-I certifications such as Certified Property Manager (CPM), Real Estate Management Professional (REM), or Certified Building Operator (CBO). These certifications require additional coursework and exams in order to be obtained. The cost of these certifications vary but typically range from $500-$2,000 depending on the certification level desired.

Overall, joining BOMA-I can provide many benefits for those working in the commercial real estate industry such as access to resources and networking opportunities as well as potential career advancement through certification programs.

9. National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is a trade association that represents the interests of electrical contractors in the United States. The organization was founded in 1901 and has over 4,000 members. NECA provides its members with access to educational resources, industry standards, and business services.

It takes approximately two weeks to become a member of NECA. To join, applicants must fill out an online application form and submit it along with a payment for the membership fee. The current membership fee is $350 per year for individual members or $1,000 per year for corporate members.

NECA also offers additional benefits such as discounts on products and services from partner companies, access to legal advice, and networking opportunities with other electrical contractors.

10. International Code Council (ICC)

The International Code Council (ICC) is a non-profit organization that develops and maintains the International Building Code (IBC), which is the most widely adopted building code in the United States. The IBC provides minimum standards for safety, health, and welfare of people in all types of buildings. It also sets forth requirements for construction materials, design, fire protection systems, and other aspects of building safety.

The ICC offers certification programs to professionals who demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the IBC. These certifications are recognized by many state and local governments as proof that an individual is qualified to inspect or design buildings according to the IBC.

It typically takes between 6 months and 2 years to obtain an ICC certification depending on your experience level and the type of certification you are seeking. To get certified, you must first complete a qualifying exam that tests your knowledge of the IBC. After passing this exam, you must then complete a series of courses related to the IBC before taking a final examination. Once you have passed both exams, you will be eligible for certification from the ICC.

The cost of obtaining an ICC certification varies depending on which type of certification you are seeking and what type of training or courses you take in preparation for it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $100-$1000 USD depending on your circumstances.

Do You Really Need a Electrical Estimator Certificate?

Whether you need an electrical estimator certificate or not depends on the type of work you plan to do as an electrical estimator. If you are looking to do basic estimating tasks such as calculating material costs and labor hours, then a certificate may not be necessary. However, if you plan to specialize in more advanced estimating projects like bids and proposals, then having a certificate may be beneficial.

Having a certificate can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field of electrical estimation, which can give employers peace of mind that they are hiring someone who is qualified for the job. It also shows potential clients that you have been trained in the specific skills needed for the job and can provide quality estimates.

Additionally, having an electrical estimator certificate can open up opportunities for career advancement within the field. Many employers prefer to hire those with certifications due to their enhanced knowledge and experience in the field. It may also help you stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions.

In conclusion, it is ultimately up to you whether or not you need an electrical estimator certificate. If you plan on specializing in more advanced estimating tasks or want to pursue career advancement within the industry, then it may be worth considering obtaining one.

Related: Electrical Estimator Resume Examples

FAQs About Electrical Estimator Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become an Electrical Estimator?

Answer: To become an Electrical Estimator, you typically need a degree in engineering, mathematics, or construction management and experience in the electrical industry.

2. How long does it take to get certified as an Electrical Estimator?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified as an Electrical Estimator will depend on the certifying body and the specific requirements for each certification. Generally, it can take anywhere from six months to one year to complete the necessary training and exams.

3. Is there a fee associated with becoming certified as an Electrical Estimator?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies charge a fee for application, registration, and examination fees associated with becoming certified as an Electrical Estimator. Check with your chosen certifying body for exact fees.

4. What is included in the exam for certification as an Electrical Estimator?

Answer: Exams for certification as an Electrical Estimator usually include topics such as job costing, estimating principles and practices, basic electrical theory, building codes and regulations, materials selection and management, safety standards, project management principles and practices, bid preparation and analysis, legal considerations related to contracts and liability insurance claims.

5. What are the benefits of becoming certified as an Electrical Estimator?

Answer: Benefits of becoming certified as an Electrical Estimator include increased credibility among employers; recognition of expertise; greater job stability; higher earning potential; increased access to competitive bidding opportunities; more professional respect; improved communication skills; better customer service; better problem-solving abilities; and a greater ability to work independently or within teams.