Construction Estimating Institute - Sarasota, Florida

Russell Battles

I ordered the FL Mech Exam prep bundle w/ tabbed and highlighted books. I received 8 books 6 days after the order was placed. It took 4 weeks to get 6 more books. It has been 8 weeks and I haven't received the last 3 books and my exam date is on 8/12/24. They are not responsive to calls or emails. I would not recommend them for your exam prep service provider.

Emilia Pippen

If I could give CEI negative 10 stars I absolutely would. We decided to use this company to prep for the NASCLA exam, they had a rental program where you will be sent the books and go through the course. The books were sent and then I get a follow up call and email from Bill Gallas, who apparently is one of managers for this company. He said that the rental program ended and someone from their company "accidentally" sent out all 22 rental books for us. He gave us two options, to return the rentals at the due date and receive the $1800 deposit back or keep the books and be reimbursed $545. We knew we would not be needing the books after taking the exam so we opted for the first option. Fast Forward 3 months into the rental program, I fail the NASCLA exam the first time and reach out to both Bill Gallas and Theresa McCutcheon regarding an extension. They granted an extension with a due date of October 5th 2024. I also confirmed with Bill that I would receive the full $1800 return deposit if the rentals were sent back by that time. Yesterday, 10/1, we attempted to send the rentals back and wanted to confirm the return address... We were rudely spoken to by one of their employees on the phone and was told that we have to keep the books they have no use for them due to the rental program ending. I finally got in touch with both Theresa and Bill regarding this situation and they are now lying and giving me the run around saying because I didn't pay an "extension fee" which I was never informed about, they are refusing the reimburse us for our rental deposit. I have provided email proof and documentation that Bill Gallas and Theresa McCutcheon approved the extension without any sort of mention regarding a fee and CONFIRMED we would receive the deposit back if returned by October 5th. Apparently the employee, "Sunny," who was supposed to follow up and send information about this extension fee is no longer working there. Now, after asking for proof of this "extension fee" that they claim was communicated, they have stopped responding to my emails and refuse to come to any sort of solution.

From top to bottom, the level of incompetence and unprofessionalism is staggering. Customer service is non-existent — they either don’t answer the phone or, when they do, they’re rude and completely clueless about their own policies, programs, and products. It’s clear they only care about taking your money and not about delivering any value. The company operates like a scam. The company makes excuses and refuses to issue a refund. I don’t know how they’re still in business with such terrible practices. I’ve never dealt with such blatant disregard for customers. They also operate under the name of Contractor Training Center (CTC) and GCS (whatever that stands for). They refuse to take accountability for their mistakes. It feels like they’ve mastered the art of ripping people off.

Jeffrey Mcleod

I passed all of my exams on the first try with this school. The books are perfectly tabbed and organized for success. I did the online and in person classes. Judy is the best!!! I am so glad that I picked the right school after carefully reviewing all of my options. I will be returning to them for my continuing education. Thank you CEI!!!

warren sprague

I used CEI to prep for the Business and Finance, Contract Administration, and Project Management tests for the Residential Contractor License. Bought the online and in person class bundle with the pre-tabbed books. Instructor Judy was great and so were the online modules and practice exams. I passed on the first attempt for all 3 exams. I can’t recommend CEI enough

James Julian

Do Not Go With This School!
Signed up in 2023 for exam prep course and Book rental package.
Book rental was for 6 months with the option to extend if necessary. I bad motorcycle wreck left me unable to do classes for a few months. Called 5 times and spoke with sales/customer team. During While I was enrolled they changed the policy where they no longer offer book rental or extensions. So i have 6 months left on course prep but my book rental options are to buy rental books at full retail price or send back for refund with no option of extension. So I was instructed to choose from these options and/or could go with a different prep school that offers rentals. Entered into an agreement with CEI for a book rental with ability to extend; they change their policy during my course. Now my options are go with another school or buy Rental book at full price. Should have went with a different school that honors their agreements.

Jessica Novak

The amazing staff at CEI have changed my life! I am so grateful for all their help in guiding me to get my GC license. I couldn’t have done it without their wisdom and encouragement. I sat for the in person classes along with the online courses and practice tests. I passed all 3 exams on the first try. Thank you so much team!

Jayson Geisler

Beware, Construction Estimating Institute will have you enrolled in one of their live courses with little to no communication and then nonconduct the course two weeks from the start date.

Suzanne Warnky

I chose to rent my books and the pricing was great. I also took the online prep. I waited until right before the plumbing exam to order, so if I didn’t pass I’d still have 6 months rental. They got the books out immediately, they were super professional and they were short a book so they located it in my town and purchased it to complete my set. From start to finish they handled every step of the process with excellent customer service and professionalism. They were super communicative by both phone and email. I would not only recommend them but would also use them in the future. The deposit was refunded as soon as they got the books back. Overall an excellent company! Thanks to Theresa and Bill for great communication. Oh and YES, I passed the first time .... I’m sure the online program and tabs/highlighting from CEI were a big part of that.