In today’s competitive electrical construction market, the ability to produce accurate, professional cost estimates is an indispensable skill. Whether you’re an electrician moving into estimating, an engineer seeking competitive advantage, or a project manager aiming to sharpen your pricing strategies, the iBidElectric training program delivers structured, real-world training designed to develop estimating expertise from the basics through advanced design-build concepts. At its core, iBidElectric blends flexible online learning, hands-on real project estimating, and continuous professional insights to help individuals and teams thrive. iBidElectric

A Comprehensive Suite of Courses for Every Estimator

The iBidElectric training program is built around multiple courses that progress from fundamental estimating principles to complex conceptual estimating for large projects. All courses are delivered online, allowing students to study from their home or office at their own pace, and are backed by decades of real industry experience. iBidElectric

1. Electrical Estimating I – Foundation Skills

The first level in the iBidElectric program, Electrical Estimating I, focuses on the fundamentals every estimator must understand. Through a blend of video lessons and practical estimating exercises, students develop core competencies in blueprint interpretation, material takeoff methods, labor analysis, and bid assembly.

  • Learn By Watching: Students access pre-recorded lessons that introduce estimating tools and techniques. Each lesson is designed to be under 60 minutes and is available 24/7, so learners can begin and review content on their own schedule. iBidElectric

  • Learn By Doing: After mastering the basics, students apply what they’ve learned to a real bid: preparing a complete estimate for a project with a value exceeding $1 million, using provided bid documents and the proprietary iBidElectric Excel estimating spreadsheet. To earn a certificate of completion, the final estimate must fall within ±5 % of the instructor’s benchmark. iBidElectric

This combination of instruction and practical application ensures students don’t just understand theory, but can perform real estimating tasks with confidence. Participants also learn to avoid common pitfalls—such as overlooking addenda or misinterpreting scope—that can cost time and money on real jobs. iBidElectric

2. Electrical Estimating II – Advanced Techniques

Building on foundational skills, Electrical Estimating II introduces more advanced concepts and tools that experienced practitioners need to master.

  • Advanced Estimating Skills: This level digs deeper into complex electrical systems and nuanced project considerations. Students learn how to analyze intricate drawings, interpret challenging specifications, and price large electrical scopes with precision. iBidElectric

  • National Electrical Code Integration: Understanding the NEC and its impact on materials and labor is critical for accurate cost modeling. Advanced estimating incorporates code-related considerations that influence pricing decisions. iBidElectric

Real job scenarios and case studies help students refine their estimating methodology, fostering an analytical mindset that is essential for winning competitive bids in dynamic markets. iBidElectric

3. Electrical Estimating III – Conceptual and Design-Build Estimating

For professionals seeking expertise in high-level estimating, Electrical Estimating III elevates training into conceptual and design-build estimating—an increasingly important area as delivery methods evolve across the industry.

  • Conceptual Estimating: Instead of focusing solely on detailed bid takeoffs, this level teaches students how to build early estimates based on incomplete or evolving project documents. This is crucial for design-build projects where upfront cost modeling informs scope decisions. iBidElectric

  • Real Project Application: Students prepare a conceptual estimate for a large academic building project using iBidElectric’s specialized spreadsheet tools, with performance evaluated against an instructor’s conceptual benchmark. This deeper engagement with project cost modeling enhances decision-making skills and strategic pricing. iBidElectric

In addition, students review a series of case studies covering diverse project types—such as medical centers, parking garages, and theaters—providing a richer context for applying estimating principles in varied real-world scenarios. iBidElectric

4. NEC 2023 Online Course – Code Mastery for Estimators

A unique aspect of the iBidElectric curriculum is the inclusion of the NEC 2023 Online Course, which elevates a student’s knowledge of the National Electrical Code to a professional level that directly supports estimating accuracy.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the standard for electrical safety and installation requirements in the U.S., and its updates have material impacts on cost, materials, and labor considerations. Estimators who are fluent in the latest code are better positioned to price projects that comply with current regulations and industry expectations. iBidElectric

  • Structured Modular Learning: The NEC 2023 course breaks the code into focused modules, each covering major sections such as grounding and bonding requirements, wiring methods, equipment standards, and special occupancies. iBidElectric

  • Interactive Quizzes: After each module, quizzes reinforce learning, helping participants retain critical code requirements and apply them effectively. iBidElectric

  • Practical Insights: Lessons also include scenarios that reflect real estimating and compliance challenges, ensuring that students not only understand code text but can interpret it in practical project contexts. iBidElectric

This course is especially valuable for electrical estimators and construction professionals who want to ensure their bids are not only cost-competitive but code-compliant. iBidElectric

A Complete Program With Real-World Benefits

Across all levels, certain strengths define the iBidElectric training experience:

Flexibility and Accessibility

All course content is delivered online, allowing students to balance learning with professional and personal commitments. Lessons are pre-recorded and accessible at any time, eliminating travel costs or schedule conflicts associated with traditional classroom courses. iBidElectric

Practical, Outcome-Focused Training

Unlike many programs that stop at theory, iBidElectric emphasizes learning by doing. Projects, spreadsheets, and hands-on estimating exercises ensure that participants build confidence and real ability—not just knowledge. iBidElectric

Expert Instruction and Support

The curriculum is built and overseen by instructors with decades of experience in commercial electrical construction and estimating. Their insights, drawn from real industry challenges, infuse the training with practical wisdom that goes beyond textbooks. Throughout the courses, students have access to instructor support via email and, if needed, scheduled calls or online meetings. iBidElectric

Career and Business Impact

Completing the iBidElectric program offers measurable professional value:

  • Certificate of Completion: Successfully finishing courses demonstrates proficiency and can strengthen resumes or internal company credentials. iBidElectric

  • Improved Accuracy: Students finish better equipped to deliver accurate, competitive bids—reducing costly estimating errors. iBidElectric

  • Competitive Advantage: NEC training and advanced estimating skills can distinguish professionals in bidding environments where code compliance and cost precision are paramount. iBidElectric

  • Lifetime Access: Many course components grant students ongoing access to content, providing reference material and refreshers long after initial completion. iBidElectric

Extending Learning: The Electrical Estimator Podcast

To complement structured courses, iBidElectric also produces the Electrical Estimator Podcast, covering topics that range from NEC updates to industry trends and estimating strategies. The podcast provides learners with bite-sized insights, discussions on code changes, and commentary that helps keep professionals informed on matters shaping the field. Apple Podcasts

With content that often includes interactive Q&A sessions and expert commentary, the podcast serves as an ongoing educational resource and community touchpoint for both course participants and broader industry audiences. Apple Podcasts

Who Should Enroll?

iBidElectric’s courses are designed for a broad range of professionals:

  • Electricians transitioning into estimating roles

  • Electrical engineers seeking cost management expertise

  • Construction managers and project managers

  • Facility managers responsible for budgeting and planning

  • College interns aiming for early career development

  • Estimators aiming to advance into advanced or conceptual estimating roles iBidElectric

Final Notes

The iBidElectric training program stands out as an immersive, flexible, and practical education pathway for anyone serious about electrical estimating. With a structured progression from foundational estimating through advanced design-build and NEC code mastery, students not only build technical skill but also sharpen the strategic judgment necessary to win profitable work and contribute meaningfully to project success. Combined with supplemental insights from the Electrical Estimator Podcast, iBidElectric delivers a comprehensive suite of learning tools that serve beginners and seasoned professionals alike. iBidElectric