Becoming a Chartered Surveyor
Becoming a Chartered Surveyor has changed since MD Joe Arnold packed his bags to head off to University in Bristol aged 18.
“I was so green I didn’t even know what a Freshers’ event was! I completed my three year BSc degree and then had to find a work placement within a firm of Chartered Surveyors to undertake a minimum 2 year training programme. After building up 2 years of post qualification experience I then had to sit one the most scary interviews of my life! The whole process took me 5 ½ years in total, but I can’t complain as it took my brother 7 years of study!”.A lot has changed.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has opened up the pathways for those in the property industry who have life skills which transfer wonderfully into the profession. There are many routes, so to help you navigate how to become a Chartered Surveyor we have put together this useful guide to help you work out how you could become a member of the profession.
As honest, approachable experts we are here to help you. If you would like any assistance or guidance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We all had to start our careers somewhere, and we were given helping hands, so we like to return the favour and help the next generation of Chartered Surveyors embarking on their journey. If you are focussing on residential survey and valuation, you should take a look at the SAVA School of Surveying. We have recruited surveyors who have completed this course and their knowledge is fantastic.
We have put together a run-down of RICS qualifications and routes to achieving qualification. Please always consult the RICS directly for your individual circumstances before making any decisions on your future career!
What is my best route to becoming RICS qualified?
Select the description which applies most to narrow down possible routes for you (all provide the opportunity to enrol for AssocRICS assessment - you may also be interested in Apprenticeships in Surveying):
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"I hold an RICS-accredited degree" - How do I know if my degree is RICS-accredited?
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You can enrol as soon as you have completed your degree and are in relevant employment. Competency requirements must be met for final assessment. Depending on experience:
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Option 1: MRICS - Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)
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Option 2: MRICS - Senior Professional Assessment or Specialist Assessment
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"I hold an RICS-approved qualification" - How do I know if my qualification is RICS-approved?
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You can apply for direct entry or enrol for assessment as soon as you meet the requirements RICS have set for your approved qualification. Depending on experience and qualification:
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Option 1: MRICS - Direct Entry
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Option 2: MRICS - Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)
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Option 3: MRICS - Senior Professional Assessment or Specialist Assessment
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"I hold a Bachelor's Degree or higher (not RICS-accredited)"
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You can apply for direct entry or enrol on an assessment as soon as you meet the requirements RICS have set for your approved qualification. Depending on experience and qualification:
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Option 1: MRICS - Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)
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Option 2: MRICS - Senior Professional Assessment or Specialist Assessment
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"I hold 0–9 years of relevant work experience"
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You must present your experience against RICS’ pathways and competencies.
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You are not currently eligible to enrol for chartered assessments without other requirements.
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"I hold 10 or more years of relevant work experience"
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You can apply for enrolment immediately.
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Option 1: MRICS - Direct Entry
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Option 2: MRICS - Senior Professional Assessment or Specialist Assessment
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MRICS Qualification
MRICS is the world's most sought after professional status and demonstrates to colleagues, clients and peers that you have a chartered qualification and work to the highest industry standards.
Pathways & Competencies
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There are 22 pathways representing professional subject areas. You need to demonstrate competencies in your chosen pathway. Competencies relate to professional experience and skills.
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The MRICS Residential Pathway covers residential property, housing management and development. Residential Pathway Guide.
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The MRICS Valuation Pathway is a core skill of many RICS professionals, forming part of the professional services. Valuation Pathway Guide.
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A new framework was launched on 1st August 2018. Common Questions.
Assessment
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All MRICS candidates/applicants must:
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Appoint a counsellor to support your application (must be MRICS or FRICS).
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Successfully complete the RICS online ethics module and test.
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There are x4 assessment routes and a Direct Entry option for certain experienced professionals:
Routes & Eligibility
Route |
Eligibility |
Vetting |
Submission |
Assessment |
How long will it take? |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) Suitable for individuals with degree level qualification and work experience. |
Completed an RICS-accredited degree - OR - completing an RICS-accredited degree part-time:
OR
OR
Non-RICS accredited Bachelor’s degree:
Member of RICS-approved professional body:
|
OR
|
|
60-minute interview with a panel of RICS assessors, including a 10-minute presentation followed by panel questions on selected competencies. |
6 - 36 months (depends on experience and competency training required). |
Senior Professional Assessment Suitable for exceptional career achievement, senior leadership and management professionals. |
|
|
|
60-minute interview with a panel of RICS assessors, including a 10-minute presentation followed by panel questions on selected competencies. |
6 - 12 months (depends on experience). |
Suitable for those delivering enhanced services within an RICS discipline, recognised for their authority. |
|
|
|
60-minute interview with a panel of RICS assessors, including a 10-minute presentation followed by panel questions on selected competencies. |
6 - 12 months (depends on experience). |
Suitable for academics teaching to degree-level, with Bachelor’s degree and minimum 3 years’ relevant teaching experience. |
|
|
|
60-minute interview with a panel of RICS assessors, including a 10-minute presentation followed by panel questions on selected competencies. |
6 - 12 months (depends on experience). |
*Approved Professional Body (Preliminary Review, Senior Professional & Specialist Assessment) |
Membership / Qualification |
---|---|
Member (MACostE) |
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Member or Certified Member to Level 6/7 |
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C. Build E MCABE |
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Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT) |
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Member (MCIOB) |
|
Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner |
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Chartered Member (CIHCM) |
|
Chartered Global Management Accountant |
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Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) |
Chartered Member (MCIWEM) |
Member (MEI) |
|
Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW) |
Chartered Accountant (exemptions) |
Chartered Accountant (exemptions) |
|
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) |
Chartered Member |
Member (MIET) |
|
Member Grade (MIEMA) |
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Full Member (MICE) |
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Full Member |
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Chartered Member (MIStructE) |
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Chartered Member |
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Chartered Environmental Health Officer |
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Chartered Member |
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Chartered Member |
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Chartered Geographer |
|
Chartered Member |
MRICS Direct Entry Requirements:
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Up to date CPD records in line with RICS requirements.
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A proposer who is MRICS or FRICS.
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Successfully completed the RICS online ethics module.
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A membership / qualification confirmation letter from your approved professional body:
Approved Professional Body (MRICS) |
Membership / Qualification & Conditions |
Designation |
---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
How long will it take me to qualify?
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6 - 36 months (depends on experience and training required to meet competencies).
How much will it cost?
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Candidate: An initial assessment fee and annual subscription fee is payable to the RICS when you apply.
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Qualification: An initial election fee and annual professional subscription is payable to the RICS.
AssocRICS Qualification
The RICS Associate (AssocRICS) qualification recognises skills, relevant work experience and qualifications and demonstrates technical standards, professional ethics, regulation and trust.
Pathways & Competencies
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There are 11 pathways representing professional subject areas. You need to demonstrate competencies in your chosen pathway. Competencies relate to professional experience and skills.
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The AssocRICS Residential Pathway covers Real Estate Agency, Residential Property Management and Residential Survey & Valuation.
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The AssocRICS Valuation Pathway is a core skill of many RICS professionals, forming part of the professional services. Valuation Pathway Guide.
-
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A new framework was launched on 1st August 2018. Common Questions.
Eligibility
Education |
Relevant Work Experience |
RICS Assessment |
---|---|---|
No qualifications |
4 years' |
Associate assessment + online ethics module |
Approved HND, HNC, NVQ3, BTEC or foundation degree |
2 years’ |
Associate assessment + online ethics module |
Relevant bachelor’s degree |
12 months’ |
Associate assessment + online ethics module |
Approved Direct Entry to associate membership |
N/A |
Online ethics module |
Assessment
All AssocRICS candidates/applicants must:
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Appoint a counsellor to support your application (must be MRICS or FRICS).
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Successfully complete the RICS online ethics module and test.
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Seek counsellor confirmation when ready to submit for assessment by a panel of RICS assessors.
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A written submission including:
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Summary of experience – 3,000 words on experience fulfilling pathway competencies.
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Case study – 2,500 words on a recent project demonstrating technical ability.
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CPD – Record of 48 hours of CPD for the last 12 months.
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There is also a Direct Entry route option for certain experienced professionals.
How long will it take me to qualify?
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6-12 months (depends on experience and training required to meet competencies).
How much will it cost?
-
Candidate: An initial assessment fee and annual subscription fee is payable to the RICS when you apply.
-
Qualification: An initial election fee and annual professional subscription is payable to the RICS.
AssocRICS Direct Entry Requirements:
-
Up to date CPD records in line with RICS requirements.
-
A proposer who is MRICS or FRICS.
-
Successfully completed the RICS online ethics module.
-
A membership / qualification confirmation letter from your approved professional body:
Approved Professional Body / Qualification (AssocRICS) |
Membership / Qualification |
Pathway |
---|---|---|
C. Build E MCABE |
Building Control |
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MCIAT |
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MCIOB |
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C. Build E MCABE |
Building Surveying |
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MCIAT |
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MCIOB |
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Institution of Clerks or Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI) |
MICWCI |
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Level 4 (or above) |
Facilities Management |
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FM Association / Building Futures Group. |
||
TCInstCES or higher (Hydrographic Surveying) |
Hydrographic Surveying |
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MCIOB |
Land |
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TCInstCES or higher (Geospatial Engineering) |
||
Chartered Town Planner |
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Spatial Data Management |
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TCInstCES or higher (Geospatial Engineering) |
Geospatial Surveying |
|
Geographic Technician Class 1 |
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Spatial Data Management |
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MCIAT |
Project Management |
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MCIOB |
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TCInstCES or higher (Project Management) |
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Project Control, Project Management |
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Incorporated Level or higher (RICS CV review) |
Quantity Surveying & Construction |
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C. Build E MCABE |
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MCIAT |
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MCIOB |
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TCInstCES or higher (Cost Engineering, Construction Law, Estimating, Project Management, QS) |
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Contracting Operations, Site Management, Site Supervision, QS |
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Construction Senior Management |
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Site Management |
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CIHCM |
Residential Property Management |
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MIRPM |
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Diploma in Residential Surveying & Valuation (+ experience) |
Residential Survey & Valuation |
|
Level 4 Technician Scheme |
Valuation |
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Shares and Assets Valuation Training Course (18-24 months) |
||
Valuation |
Apprenticeships in Surveying
Benefits
- Earn while you study as you learn on the job.
- Minimal student loans or tuition debt.
- Gain an globally-recognised qualification.
The following are examples of surveying apprenticeships available in England:
Surveying Technician Apprenticeship - Level 3 (A-Level Equivalent)
- 2 years.
- Associate status of RICS (AssocRICS) on completion.
- RICS Pathways: Building Surveying, Commercial Property, Land, Planning & Development, Project Management, Residential Property, Valuation, Quantity Surveying.
- Apprenticeship funding available up to £9,000.
Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship - Level 6 (Degree)
- 5 years.
- Chartered status of RICS (MRICS) on completion.
- RICS Pathways: Building Surveying, Commercial Property, Minerals & Waste Management, Planning & Development, Project Management, Residential Property, Rural, Valuation, Quantity Surveying.
- Apprenticeship funding available up to £27,000.
Other handy links:
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About the author

Joe Arnold
Joe is the guiding force behind Arnold & Baldwin and has overall responsibility for all commercial and residential surveys and valuations. Passionate about delivering the highest quality products at the fairest prices possible, he has been consistently searching for new and innovative client-focused services since founding the company with Jobie in 2007
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