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):

1. "I hold an RICS-accredited degree" - How do I know if my degree is RICS-accredited?

   1. 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:

   2. Option 1: MRICS - Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)

   3. Option 2: MRICS - Senior Professional Assessment or Specialist Assessment

2. "I hold an RICS-approved qualification" - How do I know if my qualification is RICS-approved?

   1. 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:

   2. Option 1: MRICS - Direct Entry

   3. Option 2: MRICS - Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)

   4. Option 3: MRICS - Senior Professional Assessment or Specialist Assessment

3. "I hold a Bachelor's Degree or higher (not RICS-accredited)"

   1. 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:

   2. Option 1: MRICS - Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)

   3. Option 2: MRICS - Senior Professional Assessment or Specialist Assessment

4. "I hold 0–9 years of relevant work experience"

   1. You must present your experience against RICS’ pathways and competencies.  

   2. You are not currently eligible to enrol for chartered assessments without other requirements.

5. "I hold 10 or more years of relevant work experience"

   1. You can apply for enrolment immediately.

   2. Option 1: MRICS - Direct Entry

   3. Option 2: MRICS - Senior Professional Assessment or Specialist Assessment



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

• There are 22 pathways representing professional subject areas.  You need to demonstrate competencies in your chosen pathway.  Competencies relate to professional experience and skills.

  • The MRICS Residential Pathway covers residential property, housing management and development.  Residential Pathway Guide.

  • The MRICS Valuation Pathway is a core skill of many RICS professionals, forming part of the professional services.  Valuation Pathway Guide.  

• A new framework was launched on 1st August 2018.  Common Questions.

Assessment

• All MRICS candidates/applicants must:

  • Appoint a counsellor to support your application (must be MRICS or FRICS).

  • Successfully complete the RICS online ethics module and test.

• 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.   APC Candidate Guide.	Completed an RICS-accredited degree - OR - completing an RICS-accredited degree part-time: <5 years’ experience: 24 months structured training. OR 5 - 9 years’ experience: 12 months structured training. Preliminary review. OR 10 years’+ experience: No structured training. Enrol once in relevant employment.   Non-RICS accredited Bachelor’s degree: 5+ years’ experience (1 year post-qualified). Preliminary review.   Member of RICS-approved professional body: Depends on membership / qualification.	APC via Structured Training - Your employer and counsellor should support structured training and confirm readiness for assessment. OR APC via Preliminary Review - Based on existing experience and reviewed by the RICS to confirm readiness for assessment. [* See table below for approved bodies].	Summary of Experience – 5,500 words on fulfilling pathway competencies. Case Study – 3,000 words on a recent technical project. CPD – Record 48 hours in past 12 months (or each year of structured training).	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. Senior Professional Assessment Applicant Guide.	10 years’+ relevant experience (reduced to 5 years’+ with undergraduate degree or equivalent) and relevant post-graduate degree (master’s or higher). Demonstrate advanced responsibilities as a leader and manager, referencing career and contributions to the profession that identify you as a senior professional.	CV & 400 word statement documenting your experience reviewed by RICS reviewers to check it meets the profile of a senior professional. [* See table below for approved bodies].	CV and 400-word statement. 3 Case Studies – 1,000-1,500 words each on projects that demonstrate leadership, management and technical ability. CPD - Record 20 hours in past 12 months.	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).
Specialist Assessment Suitable for those delivering enhanced services within an RICS discipline, recognised for their authority.   Specialist Assessment Applicant Guide.	10 years’+ relevant experience (reduced to 5 years’+ with undergraduate degree or equivalent) and relevant post-graduate degree (masters or higher). Demonstrate responsibility for delivering services in a specialist area, referencing career and contributions to the profession that identify you as a specialist.	CV & 400 word statement documenting your experience reviewed by RICS reviewers to check it meets the profile of a specialist. [* See table below for approved bodies].	CV and 400-word statement. 3 case studies – 1,000-1500 words each on projects that demonstrate your specialist area and technical ability. CPD - Record 20 hours in past 12 months.	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).
Academic Assessment Suitable for academics teaching to degree-level, with Bachelor’s degree and minimum 3 years’ relevant teaching experience.   Academic Assessment Applicant Guide.	3-years’+ experience undertaking academic activities relevant to the profession and a surveying-related degree or higher.  3 years can be a total, not necessarily continuous.	CV and a 3,000 word statement documenting your experience reviewed by RICS academic reviewers to check it relates to the profession and your pathway.	CV and 3,000-word statement. Summary of Experience – 5,500 words on pathway competencies. Academic Evidence – 4 pieces of evidence of academic activities. CPD - Record 48 hours in past 12 months.	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
Association of Cost Engineers (ACostE)	Member (MACostE)
Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM)	Member or Certified Member to Level 6/7
Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)	C. Build E MCABE
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)	Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT)
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)	Member (MCIOB)
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)	Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner
Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)	Chartered Member (CIHCM)
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)	Chartered Global Management Accountant
Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)	Chartered Member (MCIWEM)
Energy Institute (EI)	Member (MEI)
Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW)	Chartered Accountant (exemptions)
Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS)	Chartered Accountant (exemptions)
Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)	Chartered Member
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)	Member (MIET)
Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA)	Member Grade (MIEMA)
Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)	Full Member (MICE)
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)	Full Member
Institution of Structural Engineers (ISE)	Chartered Member (MIStructE)
Landscape Institute (LI)	Chartered Member
Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS)	Chartered Environmental Health Officer
Royal Institution of British Architects (RIBA)	Chartered Member
Royal Incorporation of Architects for Scotland (RIAS)	Chartered Member
Royal Geographical Society (RGS)	Chartered Geographer
Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)	Chartered Member

MRICS 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 (MRICS)	Membership / Qualification & Conditions	Designation
Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF)	Professional Member (MICFor). Relevant undergraduate degree. 10 years’ relevant post-qualification experience.	Chartered Forestry Surveyor
Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)	Member (MCInstCES). Relevant undergraduate degree. 5 years’ relevant post-qualification experience. Note: MCInstCES with no academic qualifications are eligible with 10 years’ post-qualification experience.	Chartered Quantity Surveyor Chartered Construction Surveyor Chartered Land Surveyor

How long will it take me to qualify?

• 6 - 36 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 Qualification

The RICS Associate (AssocRICS) qualification recognises skills, relevant work experience and qualifications and demonstrates technical standards, professional ethics, regulation and trust.

Pathways & Competencies

• There are 11 pathways representing professional subject areas.  You need to demonstrate competencies in your chosen pathway.  Competencies relate to professional experience and skills.

  • The AssocRICS Residential Pathway covers Real Estate Agency, Residential Property Management and Residential Survey & Valuation.

  • The AssocRICS Valuation Pathway  is a core skill of many RICS professionals, forming part of the professional services.  Valuation Pathway Guide.  

• 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:

• Appoint a counsellor to support your application (must be MRICS or FRICS).

• Successfully complete the RICS online ethics module and test.

• Seek counsellor confirmation when ready to submit for assessment by a panel of RICS assessors.

• A written submission including:

  • Summary of experience – 3,000 words on experience fulfilling pathway competencies.

  • Case study – 2,500 words on a recent project demonstrating technical ability.

  • CPD – Record of 48 hours of CPD for the last 12 months.

• There is also a Direct Entry route option for certain experienced professionals.

How long will it take me to qualify?

• 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
Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)	C. Build E MCABE	Building Control
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)	MCIAT
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)	MCIOB
Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)	C. Build E MCABE	Building Surveying
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)	MCIAT
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)	MCIOB
Institution of Clerks or Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI)	MICWCI
Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM)	Level 4 (or above)	Facilities Management
Facilities Society Course	FM Association / Building Futures Group.
Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)	TCInstCES or higher (Hydrographic Surveying)	Hydrographic Surveying
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)	MCIOB	Land
Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)	TCInstCES or higher (Geospatial Engineering)
Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)	Chartered Town Planner
NVQ Level 4 Diploma	Spatial Data Management
Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)	TCInstCES or higher (Geospatial Engineering)	Geospatial Surveying
Military Engineer	Geographic Technician Class 1
NVQ Level 4 Diploma	Spatial Data Management
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)	MCIAT	Project Management
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)	MCIOB
Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)	TCInstCES or higher (Project Management)
NVQ Level 4 Diploma	Project Control, Project Management
Association of Cost Engineers (AcostE)	Incorporated Level or higher (RICS CV review)	Quantity Surveying & Construction
Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)	C. Build E MCABE
Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)	MCIAT
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)	MCIOB
Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)	TCInstCES or higher (Cost Engineering, Construction Law, Estimating, Project Management, QS)
NVQ Level 4 Diploma	Contracting Operations, Site Management, Site Supervision, QS
NVQ Level 7 Diploma	Construction Senior Management
CIOB Level 4 Diploma	Site Management
Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)	CIHCM	Residential Property Management
Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM)	MIRPM
Surveyors and Valuers Association (SAVA)	Diploma in Residential Surveying & Valuation (+ experience)	Residential Survey & Valuation
Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV)	Level 4 Technician Scheme	Valuation
HM Revenues & Customs	Shares and Assets Valuation Training Course (18-24 months)
NVQ Level 4 Diploma	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:

RICS Qualification FAQs

RICS Training & Events

RICS Credentials & Accreditations