15 Best Quantity Surveying Courses Online in 2026 [Updated]

Last Updated on January 5, 2026 by Admin

The demand for Quantity Surveyors continues to surge globally, with the construction industry projected to reach $15.2 trillion by 2030. Whether you’re a civil engineering graduate, an experienced construction professional, or someone looking to transition into this lucrative field, investing in the right quantity surveying course can accelerate your career significantly.

In 2025, the average Quantity Surveyor salary ranges from $70,000 to $100,000 in the USA, £52,000 to £80,000 in the UK, and ₹3,00,000 to ₹18,00,000 in India, depending on experience and location. With over 113,000 RICS-qualified professionals worldwide, the chartered designation remains the gold standard for career advancement.

This comprehensive guide covers the best quantity surveying courses for 2026, including practical training programs, professional certifications, and specialized courses covering BOQ preparation, rate analysis, construction cost estimation, and modern software tools.

Table of Contents

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What is Quantity Surveying?
Best Udemy Quantity Surveying Courses
Top Coursera & edX Programs
RICS Accredited Certifications
Salary & Career Outlook 2026
FAQs

What is Quantity Surveying?

Quantity Surveying (QS) is a specialized discipline within the construction industry focused on managing and controlling costs throughout a project’s lifecycle. Quantity Surveyors serve as the financial guardians of construction projects, responsible for determining building construction costs at all stages from feasibility to completion.

Core Responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor:

Preparing Bills of Quantities (BOQ) and cost estimates
Managing procurement and tendering processes
Conducting rate analysis and cost planning
Overseeing contract management
Valuation of completed work and interim payments
Risk management and dispute resolution

Best Quantity Surveying Courses on Udemy (2026)

Udemy offers some of the most practical, job-ready quantity surveying training programs. These courses are updated regularly and include lifetime access. Below are the top-rated programs based on student reviews and industry relevance.

1. Quantity Surveying, Building Estimation And Project Planning

Rating: 4.5/5 (4,000+ ratings) | Students: 18,400+ | Updated: October 2025

This comprehensive bestseller course by Mudessar Afraz covers complete project estimation from foundation to finishing. You’ll learn quantity takeoff, BOQ preparation, BBS (Bar Bending Schedule), rate analysis, and project planning using AutoCAD, Excel, and Primavera P6.

Key Skills Covered:

2. Quantity Surveying & Estimation Mastery: AutoCAD, Excel, BBS

Rating: 4.3/5 (770+ ratings) | Students: 16,700+ | Updated: November 2025

Created by Akshay Kamath, this bestseller course focuses on practical, job-ready skills. Learn quantity takeoff, BOQ preparation, rate analysis, and BBS using real residential and commercial projects. Perfect for those seeking immediate employability in QS roles.

Key Skills Covered:

Complete QS process from site data to BOQ finalization
Industry-standard Excel templates for estimation
AutoCAD-based quantity takeoff techniques
Structural and architectural drawing interpretation

Ideal For: Civil Engineering Students, Fresh Graduates, Diploma Holders, Freelancers

→ Enroll in This Course

3. A Complete Guide to Quantity Surveying by Quantity Surveyors

Rating: 4.5/5 | Updated: April 2025

Created by industry professionals at Metroun, this course provides a comprehensive guide from pre-construction to post-construction. Features animated videos breaking down complex commercial topics into easy-to-understand segments.

Key Skills Covered:

Bill of Quantities preparation and final accounts
Interim valuation process and applications for payment
Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR)
Earned Value Management (EVM)
Dispute resolution and tender options

Ideal For: Construction Students, New & Experienced QS Professionals

→ Enroll in This Course

4. Higher Diploma in Quantity Surveying

This comprehensive diploma program covers theoretical knowledge and practical skills across 10+ modules. Includes MS-Excel techniques, MEP systems takeoff, interview preparation, and contract administration.

Key Skills Covered:

Unit rate preparation and tender pricing
Valuation, variations, and final accounts
Risk management in construction projects
MEP quantity surveying fundamentals

→ Enroll in This Course

5. Quantity Surveying & Estimation for Road Works with AutoCAD

Rating: 4.2/5 (238 ratings) | Updated: August 2025

Specialized course by Asad Khan covering roads, highways, and tunnel estimation. Includes a complete 1.5 km road case study and tunnel takeoff with real project documents. Perfect for infrastructure-focused QS professionals.

Key Skills Covered:

Road and highway quantity estimation
Tunnel takeoff and estimation techniques
Jersey barrier and box tunnel BBS
Rate analysis for infrastructure projects

→ Enroll in This Course

6. Quantity Surveying, Estimation, Cost Control & CMS Software

Advanced course focusing on Construction Management System (CMS) software integration. Includes a 60-day software license and covers automated BOQ generation, cash flow analysis, and feasibility studies.

Key Skills Covered:

Automated quantity surveying using CMS software
BOQ preparation per CSI, POMI & CESMM standards
Project budgeting with overhead and profit markup
Investment evaluation and feasibility analysis

→ Enroll in This Course

7. Quantity Surveying Templates for Effective Cost Management

Template-focused practical course covering payment applications, variation management, claim handling, and procurement sheets. Ideal for working professionals who need ready-to-use templates for immediate application.

Key Skills Covered:

Payment application and tracking templates
Material on site documentation
Variation and claim management systems
Bank guarantees and price comparison sheets

Ideal For: Project Managers, Contract Managers, Commercial Managers, MEP Engineers

→ Enroll in This Course

Top Coursera & edX Programs for Quantity Surveyors

For those seeking university-backed certifications, Coursera and edX offer programs from top institutions like Columbia University and UC Davis. These courses provide academic rigor with industry relevance.

8. Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control (Columbia University)

Platform: Coursera | Duration: 4 weeks (18 hours)

Part of the Construction Management Specialization, this course by Professor Ibrahim Odeh introduces cost estimation from conceptual to detailed design phases. Features industry experts from Turner and Townsend discussing real-world practices.

Key Topics:

Types of cost estimates and estimation methods
Quantity takeoff and measurement techniques
Earned Value Method (EVM) for cost control
Project closeout and technology trends

→ Enroll on Coursera

9. Construction Management Specialization (Columbia University)

Platform: Coursera | Duration: 5 Courses (~5-6 months)

Comprehensive 5-course specialization covering project planning, scheduling, cost estimation, and construction finance. Provides a complete foundation in construction management principles.

→ View Specialization

10. Estimating and Bidding in Construction (UC Davis)

Platform: Coursera | Updated: October 2025

Four-course specialization preparing learners to perform like professional construction estimators. Culminates in a capstone project developing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) estimate for a university dining commons.

Key Topics:

Blueprint reading and specification interpretation
Trade-specific quantity takeoffs
Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) and BIM
Target Value Design (TVD) methodology

→ Enroll on Coursera

11. Construction Management (University of Maryland – edX)

Platform: edX Executive Education

Executive-level program from the University of Maryland Project Management Center of Excellence. Covers sustainable construction management, BIM implementation, and advanced cost estimating techniques.

Key Topics:

Cost estimating and schedule controls
Building Information Modeling (BIM) applications
Sustainable construction methods
Civil infrastructure process management

→ Learn More on edX

RICS Accredited Certifications & Professional Programs

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the global gold standard for quantity surveying qualifications. With over 113,000 RICS-qualified professionals in 150 countries, achieving MRICS (Member of RICS) or FRICS (Fellow) designation significantly boosts career prospects and earning potential.

12. RICS Certificate in Quantity Surveying Practice

The official RICS online certificate provides foundational knowledge in quantity surveying principles. Recognized globally and serves as a stepping stone toward chartered membership.

Key Benefits:

Globally recognized credential
Industry-aligned curriculum
Access to RICS resources and webinars
Pathway to MRICS designation

→ Visit RICS Training

13. MSc Quantity Surveying (Northumbria University – RICS Accredited)

Delivery: Online | Start Dates: January, April, July, October

RICS-accredited online Masters program enhancing professional profile in specifications writing, tendering, contract management, procurement, construction law, and dispute resolution. Complete in approximately 2 years.

→ Learn More at Northumbria

Additional QS Learning Resources

14. Free Building Cost Estimation Course (Udemy)

Price: FREE

Introductory free course covering excavation, soling, PCC, and footing concrete quantity calculations. Perfect starting point for beginners to assess if QS is the right career path.

→ Enroll for Free

15. Construction Project Planning & Scheduling with MS Excel

Master project management and scheduling concepts without expensive software. Learn to prepare baseline schedules, monthly billing, bulk material requirements, and target entry-level planning jobs.

→ Enroll in This Course

Quantity Surveyor Salary & Career Outlook 2026

The quantity surveying profession offers excellent compensation and strong job growth projections. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of salary expectations by region and experience level.

Region	Entry Level	Mid-Level	Senior Level
USA	$52,000 – $70,000	$70,000 – $100,000	$100,000 – $156,000
UK	£25,000 – £35,000	£52,000 – £70,000	£70,000 – £90,000
UAE	AED 120,000	AED 180,000 – 280,000	AED 300,000 – 400,000
India	₹2.1L – ₹3.5L	₹5L – ₹12L	₹12L – ₹18L+
Australia	AUD 55,000	AUD 75,000 – 100,000	AUD 100,000 – 150,000

Key Industry Statistics:

Global construction industry projected to reach $15.2 trillion by 2030
93% of UK employers report difficulty recruiting qualified QS professionals
RICS membership can increase earning potential by 15-25%
BIM proficiency is increasingly required for senior positions

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What qualifications do I need to become a Quantity Surveyor?

To become a Quantity Surveyor, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management. Many employers also value RICS accreditation. Online courses can supplement formal education or help career changers gain foundational skills. For senior positions, pursuing MRICS (Member of RICS) through the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) is highly recommended.

Q2: How long does it take to complete a quantity surveying course?

Course duration varies significantly: short Udemy courses take 10-40 hours, Coursera specializations require 3-6 months, professional diplomas span 6-12 months, and master’s programs typically take 1-2 years. Most online platforms allow self-paced learning, so completion time depends on your schedule and commitment.

Q3: Are online quantity surveying courses recognized by employers?

Yes, reputable online courses from platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and edX are increasingly recognized by employers, especially for practical skills development. However, for professional advancement, RICS-accredited programs hold the highest recognition globally. Many employers value demonstrated skills over specific certifications, making portfolio projects from online courses particularly valuable.

Q4: What software skills should a Quantity Surveyor learn?

Essential software skills include: MS Excel (advanced level for BOQ and estimation), AutoCAD (for drawing interpretation and quantity takeoff), Primavera P6 or MS Project (for scheduling), PlanSwift or Bluebeam (for digital takeoff), and increasingly BIM software like Revit for quantity extraction. Cost management systems like CMS and industry-specific estimation software are also valuable.

Q5: Can I become a Quantity Surveyor without a degree?

While a degree is the traditional pathway, alternative routes exist. RICS offers a Senior Professional route for those with 10+ years of experience. Many start as quantity surveying assistants or estimators and progress through practical experience combined with professional certifications. Online courses can help build foundational knowledge to support this career path.

Q6: What is the difference between Quantity Surveying and Cost Engineering?

Quantity Surveying traditionally focuses on construction cost management, measurement, and contract administration. Cost Engineering has broader applications across industries like manufacturing and oil & gas, emphasizing cost estimation, cost control, and economic analysis. In practice, the roles overlap significantly in construction, with QS being more common in UK, Commonwealth countries, and the Middle East, while Cost Engineering terminology is prevalent in the USA.

Final Thoughts

Investing in quantity surveying education is one of the smartest career moves in the construction industry today. With global infrastructure spending at record highs and a persistent talent shortage, qualified QS professionals are in exceptional demand. Whether you choose practical Udemy courses for immediate skill building, university-backed Coursera programs for academic credentials, or pursue RICS accreditation for the gold standard in professional recognition, there’s a learning path suited to your career goals.

Start with courses that match your current experience level, focus on building practical skills with real project applications, and consider working toward RICS membership for maximum career impact. The construction industry needs skilled quantity surveyors now more than ever – take the first step in your QS journey today.