Upcoming 10 Weeks to Master Print Estimating Course

First Session Starts Wednesday, September 9, 2026
1:00 – 3:00 CST
2:00 – 4:00 EST

Imagine walking into any project meeting with the confidence that your numbers are rock-solid, your timeline is realistic, and your profit margins are protected. A professional estimating course doesn’t just teach you to crunch numbers—it transforms you into the strategic mind every successful project needs. Whether you’re new to estimating or a seasoned professional, mastering the art of accurate estimation separates the amateurs from the industry leaders, turning guesswork into a competitive advantage that keeps clients happy and businesses thriving.

Course Description
Graphic communications business profits are directly related to optimal production plans and accurate cost estimates. Entry-level managerial and production positions require knowledge of production planning, which is the first step to estimating production costs, understanding which jobs made profits, scheduling production, and inventory of materials and supplies. In most businesses large and small, these functions are typically carried out with an MIS (Management Information System). While we cannot teach the fundamentals of each MIS, we can teach the underlying principles of cost estimating and provide a broader understanding of the math and functionality that goes into the individual MIS.

Course Competencies
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Use paper and pencil to analyze specifications, make a production plan, and determine an estimate of cost.
2. Develop a spreadsheet to calculate an all-inclusive hourly rate given appropriate data.
3. Explain the various methods of determining and maintaining accurate production standards.
4. Calculate a changeover point among various printing presses.

This course is an online synchronous course, meaning it will meet via Zoom once per week for ten weeks. Students will be provided instruction on the topics, followed by opportunities to work through practice activities as a group. Students will also be provided take home activities that will allow them to implement the lesson content to test and build their skills.

The course content could position an individual to sit for one of the Idealliance Print Planning and Estimating Certification Training (PPEC) exams, however this is not offered as a part of the course.

What is needed to participate in this course

• Personal computer with internet access, webcam, speaker, and microphone for class
  communication.
• Microsoft Word or similar word processing application
• Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet application
• Printer (for many it is easier to complete the math activities with paper and pencil)
• Scanning/Camera to submit homework for review and feedback

Tentative Course Schedule

About the Presenter:
Dr. Celeste Calkins is an assistant professor at Illinois State University. Dr. Calkins teaches several courses in the Graphics Management program, including Graphic Media Composition, Image Capture And Editing, Print Production Planning and Profitability and Independent Research For The Master’s Thesis.

Cost:
$725 per individual for GLGA members
$1,200 per individual for not-yet members

NOTE: If you are not a member of GLGA, please do not click the GLGA member pricing to purchase a seat. If you do, you will be asked to provide the remaining $475. If that does not happen, you will be charged a $50 refund fee.

A confirmation email with the connection information will be sent to you prior to the course.