Understanding 
Construction Bonding

Bonding capacity is growth capacity. For construction contractors, the ability to secure performance and payment bonds determines which projects they can pursue, how fast they can scale, and how they're perceived by owners, banks, and the marketplace. This four-module course, taught through a conversational format with two surety bonding industry experts, gives CPAs a practical, real-world foundation in how the surety underwriting process actually works and how to position your construction clients for success.

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

Objectives

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  • Understand Bond Types - Master the major categories of construction bonds, and when each is required throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Learn Surety Evaluation - Discover how sureties assess contractors and what factors drive their underwriting decisions.
  • Interpret Financial Statements - Understand how balance sheets, income statements, and working capital calculations influence bonding capacity.
  • Advise on Bondability - Identify red flags and provide actionable recommendations to strengthen the contractor's financial position.
The Required Post Session Test must be completed within one year of the date of enrollment in the course to earn CPE.
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Format

QAS Self Study

Presenters (bios below)

Joshua Etemadi & Edin Zukanovic

CPE Hours

2.6 Hours Specialized Knowledge

Level

Basic

Duration

130 Minutes

Published Date

September 16, 2026


CICPAC Member Firm: FREE

Non-Member: $135
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

About this course

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Ask any seasoned bond agent what holds contractors back from growth, and you'll rarely hear "lack of work." More often, it's bonding capacity or the lack of it.

This on-demand course pulls back the curtain on the surety bonding process, walking CPAs through exactly how bonding companies evaluate a contractor and where the CPA fits into that equation. Delivered as a candid, real-world conversation between two industry bonding professionals, the course trades dense theory for the kind of practical insight you'd normally only pick up after years of working alongside sureties.

Why should I take this course?

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A contractor can only take on as much bonded work as their surety is willing to guarantee.  So no matter how much business is out there, growth stalls once bonding capacity runs out. This course gives controllers and CPAs the insider's view of how sureties actually evaluate that capacity, so you can manage working capital, equity, and financial reporting in a way that expands it instead of limiting it.

Meet the presenters

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Joshua Etemadi

Owner, District Bonding
Joshua Etemadi entered the surety industry in 2007 with a small locally owned bond-only agency in Fairfax, VA. Within a couple of years, Josh helped grow the company over 300% which led to the acquisition by a Top 100 P&C agency in 2010.
For the next ten years, Josh continued to manage operations and grew the bond department to one of the most reputable small to mid-sized contractor bond agencies in the United States, with clients all across the country. Josh has been recognized for his efforts in the industry and has also testified to the U.S. Senate on surety issues.
In his free time, Josh enjoys spending time with his wife Amela, and two sons, Dean and Leo.

Email

josh@districtbonding.com

LinkedIn

Connect with Josh
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Edin Zukanovic

Owner, District Bonding
Edin Zukanovic got his start in the bond industry in 2007 working for an agency that specialized in mid-size to large contractors.
In 2010, he joined a small contractor-friendly agency. While there, he was able to bring a unique perspective to help grow his clients' bond programs. This skillset was integral towards being recognized as one of the Top 5 Outstanding SBA agents in the country in 2020. Edin's clients appreciate the personal touch he brings to each deal. He has a passion for the details and his clients appreciate his work ethic.
In his free time, Edin enjoys spending time with his wife Arnela, and two daughters, Mia and Ela.

Email

edin@districtbonding.com

LinkedIn

Connect with Edin