ESTIMATOR/DESIGNER TRAINING
The intention of the ITC-SA’s Estimator/Designer Level 1 Course is to provide fundamental training for intending Estimator/Designers in the nail-plated timber roof truss industry.
Truss engineering software has made rapid advancements over the years and has modernized the role of the timber roof truss designer and estimator. Even so, the product of software generation is only as good as its input, making it vital that that the designer and estimator understand the basics of truss design and can easily spot errors in software output.
The ITC-SA recognizes the need for training in this arena and as such holds its Level 1 and 2 Designer/Estimator course twice a year. These courses address the basic mathematics, calculations, general concepts and 3D visualisations that need to be fully grasped and correctly implemented in order to be a well-rounded, capable, confident and efficient timber roof truss designer or estimator.
Course delivery is through self-study of professionally prepared content supplied by the ITC-SA. A certificate of completion will be awarded based on the submission of two open-book assignments as well as final written exam, which will be facilitated in KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town, Southern Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and other areas as required. Entry into the examination will only be granted to students who have returned both prior assignments for marking.
The knowledge gained in this course should be of value in this pursuit as well as provide a sound stepping stone for the Level 2 Course.
The method of tuition for the course is intended for home study and the notes have been prepared in a manner which should not be difficult for students to follow in order to absorb the subject matter.
The only necessary additional reading material required is a copy of the SANS 10243 / 2004 Code of Practice for the Manufacture and Erection of Timber trusses, which you will have to purchase directly from the SABS if your company does not have one:
South African Bureau of Standards
Private Bag X191
Pretoria
0001
Telephone: (012) 428-7911
Fax: (012) 344-1568
Email: sales@sabs.co.za
The document is copyrighted and we are therefore not permitted to reproduce it. However, it is necessary for all truss plants to have a copy, as well as the latest amendments to SANS 10243, which have recently been released, available in their offices.
Successful completion of this course and the award of a certificate will be based on submission of two open book assignments and a written final examination.
Entry into the examination will not be permitted if the assignments have not been returned for marking.
The assignment marks will contribute 40% towards the final marks and a total of 70% is expected in order to achieve final success for completion of the course.
Learners will be expected to submit two written assignments and write an open book examination.
Course dates:
First Trimester
First assignments distributed 18 January 2021
First assignment submitted & second assignment distributed 22 February 2021
Second assignment submitted 29 March 2021
Examination date: 23 April 2021
Second Trimester
First assignments distributed 17 May 2021
First assignment submitted & second assignment distributed 21 June 2021
Second assignment submitted 19 July 2021
Examination date: 6 August 2021
Third Trimester
First assignments distributed 23 August 2021
First assignment submitted & second assignment distributed 27 September 2021
Second assignment submitted 1 November 2021
Examination date: 26 November 2021
Should you wish to register for this course please print out and complete the attached Level 1 Enrollment Form and e-mail it to enquiries@itc-sa.org together with proof of payment for the course fee (R4134.25) See banking details below:
Banking Details
In Name of: Institute for Timber Construction
Account No.: 010 2938 2316
Branch Code: 523-142

The course will introduce learners to the following subjects:
The intention of the ITC-SA Estimator/Designer Level 2 Course is to increase the knowledge of the Estimator/Designers in the nail-plated timber roof truss industry.
Truss engineering software has made rapid advancements over the years and has modernized the role of the timber roof truss designer and estimator. Even so, the product of software generation is only as good as its input, making it vital that that the designer and estimator understand the basics of truss design and can easily spot errors in software output.
The ITC-SA recognizes the need for training in this arena and as such holds its Level 1 and 2 Designer/Estimator course twice a year. These courses address the basic mathematics, calculations, general concepts and 3D visualisations that need to be fully grasped and correctly implemented in order to be a well-rounded, capable, confident and efficient timber roof truss designer or estimator.
Course delivery is through self-study of professionally prepared content supplied by the ITC-SA. A certificate of completion will be awarded based on the submission of two open-book assignments as well as final written exam, which will be facilitated in KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town, Southern Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and other areas as required. Entry into the examination will only be granted to students who have returned both prior assignments for marking.
The knowledge gained in this course should be of value in this pursuit.
The method of tuition for the course is intended for home study and the notes have been prepared in a manner which should not be difficult for students to follow in order to absorb the subject matter.
The only necessary additional reading material required is a copy of the SANS 10243 / 2004 Code of Practice for the Manufacture and Erection of Timber trusses and SANS 10163 – The General Procedures and Loading to be Adopted in the Design of Buildings, which you will have to purchase directly from the SABS if your company does not have them:
South African Bureau of Standards
Private Bag X191
Pretoria
0001
Telephone: (012) 428-7911
Fax: (012) 344-1568
Email: sales@sabs.co.za
The document is copyrighted and we are therefore not permitted to reproduce it. However, it is necessary for all truss plants to have a copy, as well as the latest amendments to SANS 10243, which have recently been released, available in their offices.
Successful completion of this course and the award of a certificate will be based on submission of two open book assignments and a written final examination.
Entry into the examination will not be permitted if the assignments have not been returned for marking.
The assignment marks will contribute 40% towards the final marks and a total of 70% is expected in order to achieve final success for completion of the course.
Learners will be expected to submit two written assignments and write an open book examination.
Course dates:
First Trimester
First assignments distributed 18 January 2021
First assignment submitted & second assignment distributed 22 February 2021
Second assignment submitted 29 March 2021
Examination date: 23 April 2021
Second Trimester
First assignments distributed 17 May 2021
First assignment submitted & second assignment distributed 21 June 2021
Second assignment submitted 19 July 2021
Examination date: 6 August 2021
Third Trimester
First assignments distributed 23 August 2021
First assignment submitted & second assignment distributed 27 September 2021
Second assignment submitted 1 November 2021
Examination date: 26 November 2021
Should you wish to register for this course please print out and complete the attached Level 2 Enrollment Form and e-mail it to enquiries@itc-sa.org together with proof of payment for the course fee (R4770.20). See banking details below:
Banking Details
In Name of: Institute for Timber Construction
Account No.: 010 2938 2316
Branch Code: 523-142

The course will introduce learners to the following subjects:
COURSE ATTENDEE TESTIMONIALS
Intermediate course feedback – “I really enjoyed the course; it added to my body of knowledge and really helped me understand the dynamics behind timber roof structures. Also, because of that, I found the intermediate course to be not so difficult, simply because I had the knowledge from the beginner course. Many thanks for such an awesome course!”
Level 1 Course – “I will be back next year. I would advise everyone who will be writing this exam to do some maths class just to touch up.”
Level 1 Course – “The assessment helps to understand bracing in detail, how it’s positioned and calculated and because bracing is the important part of the roof. It has been very benefiting to me and the work I do. Looking forward to grow more in the roofing industry, an exciting and interesting career.”
Level 1 Course – “As a roof erector I have found the course very informative. My knowledge regarding installation and estimation has been broadened. Putting the knowledge into practice on practical level would be much easier.”
Level 1 Course – “I found this course very helpful. It taught me a lot about bracing and all the calculations.”
Level 2 Course – “Course notes very helpful and it makes it easy for you to go back and reference with no problem. Calculations are very in depth but not difficult to understand, a lot of practice is needed to get through the calculations.”
“As a newcomer in the roof industry I was, to say the least, terrified of the course. But to my surprise I found the course content easily understandable and informative. The material in this course sets a good foundation that can be applied practically. I definitely recommend this course highly, even for people who have been in the trade for a while, because it takes you back to basics.”
“I found this course particularly challenging because of the self-study nature of the course. However, the course notes were helpful in my study and in preparation for my exam. I really enjoyed this course because of the challenge and the reward thereof. I have no doubt that the intermediate course will be just as fun. Thank you so much for this opportunity. This course will be a great building block in my career and thank you for all your support.”
“The course is really helpful and I learned a lot, especially with the calculations. It’s a good refresher for someone who finished school long ago. I really enjoyed it.”
“The course was very insightful and interesting. I am looking forward to the Intermediate Course”