Construction Administration Certificate
3 Courses
81 Hours
Online
Program Description
Success in construction management relies on a solid understanding of contract administration, procurement strategies, and project control systems. With Canada’s construction market projected to grow from USD 359.8 billion in 2025 to over USD 442 billion by 2030 (Mordor Intelligence, 2024), the demand for skilled professionals who can ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards has never been greater.
The Construction Administration Certificate provides professionals with the essential knowledge needed to excel in this rapidly growing industry. Participants will learn to interpret and analyze construction drawings and specifications, manage procurement processes, and implement administrative systems that support project success throughout its lifecycle. The program also covers vital contract management and risk mitigation techniques, while reinforcing key administrative controls, including budgeting, scheduling, safety protocols, and quality assurance. This ensures projects comply with industry regulations and meet client expectations.
Whether you are starting out or seeking to expand your expertise, this certificate provides the essential tools to lead confidently and achieve results in today’s dynamic construction environment, offering the fastest, most convenient yet comprehensive learning experience.
As you build your competencies, some courses in this program may also support your progress toward the Gold Seal Certification or Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate designation.
Questions? Please contact our program team: cst@ualberta.ca
Who Will Benefit?
This certificate is designed for a diverse range of professionals looking to build or advance their careers in the construction industry. Below are the key groups who will benefit from this program:
- 🗸 Aspiring construction professionals and recent graduates seeking to gain a foundational understanding of contract administration, procurement, and project coordination to break into the industry with confidence
- 🗸 Junior project coordinators and site administrators who want to formalize their experience and develop stronger technical and administrative skills to take on more responsibility and leadership roles
- 🗸 Skilled tradespeople and technicians aiming to transition into supervisory or management positions by acquiring knowledge in construction documentation, scheduling, budgeting, and safety compliance
- 🗸 Construction project managers and supervisors looking to sharpen their understanding of procurement strategies, contract management, and risk mitigation to enhance project outcomes
- 🗸 Professionals from related industries (e.g., engineering, architecture, property management) who want to gain a practical understanding of construction administration to collaborate more effectively with construction teams
What You'll Learn
- 🗸Interpret and analyze construction drawings, specifications, and project manuals to ensure clarity in contract documents and accurate implementation of design requirements
- 🗸Develop and implement procurement strategies to optimize sourcing, mitigate risks, and enhance cost and schedule efficiencies in construction projects
- 🗸Assess administrative control systems within the construction process, from contract award to project close-out, ensuring compliance with safety, budgeting, and quality control measures
- 🗸Apply contract management principles to effectively manage bidding processes, scope changes, and risk allocation through well-structured procurement and contractual frameworks
- 🗸Utilize construction industry best practices to streamline workflow coordination, prevent delays, and improve communication between stakeholders, ensuring project efficiency and success
What You'll Earn
- 🗸 Some certificates may also provide a pathway toward a diploma. Please refer to the program mapping chart to confirm eligibility.
- This program is comprised of three courses. Courses range from 21-39 hours, for a total of 81 instructional hours.
- It’s designed for part-time study and can generally be completed within eight months.
- You have the flexibility to schedule courses around your availability. Most students complete 1–2 courses per semester.
- Grading is through assessments, which might include quizzes, exams, discussion forums, papers, and presentations.
- It’s a flexible online experience, with courses offered synchronously and/or asynchronously. More info about online delivery formats can be found here.
- Course materials are shared in ConEd Canvas. Some courses may require additional resources, such as textbooks.
- Please note that continuing education classes are not eligible for student loans.
- If you're seeking financial assistance for these courses, please explore the scholarship, bursaries and funding opportunities specifically designated for continuing education students.
- Approximate cost of the full program: $2,045 CAD effective Fall 2025
- Flexible payment options: register and pay for all courses at once or pay course-by-course as you go.
- Courses are GST-exempt.
- Some courses may require additional resources, such as textbooks.
- This program may be eligible to stack toward a diploma program. For more information, please contact cst@ualberta.ca.
- To learn about transferability from other institutions, see our Transfer Credit information.
- International Students are welcome to enroll and pay the same course fees as local students.
- Proficiency in English and a stable internet connection are needed to participate and succeed in our courses.
- Please note that non-credit programming does not qualify for a study permit, therefore, this program cannot be used for immigration to Canada. For more information, please contact University of Alberta International Student Services.