When starting out in Quantity Surveying, it can sometimes feel like everyone is speaking a different language. Acronyms and technical terms are used daily, and if you’re new to the profession, you might find yourself quietly wondering: “What does AFP stand for?”
The truth is, there’s no such thing as a silly question—every Quantity Surveyor has been in your shoes. To help, we’ve put together a concise glossary of the most common QS terms and acronyms you’re likely to come across in your career.
We’ve kept the definitions short and easy to digest, but you may want to do further research. Some of these terms even have dedicated explainer videos, which you’ll find linked at the bottom of this blog.
1. CVR – Cost Value Reconciliation
An ongoing account of a contract’s profitability by measuring cost against value at different stages of the project lifecycle.
2. AFP – Application for Payment
A request for interim or full payment by a contractor or subcontractor.
3. VOWD – Value of Work to Date
A project management technique for estimating the cost of work completed at a specific point in time.
4. Variation
An alteration to the original contract scope—this could be an addition, omission, substitution, or change in how the works are carried out.
5. Notification
The official form of communication between parties, covering items such as payment, warnings, defects, extensions of time, or final accounts.
6. Final Account
The conclusion of the contract sum (with all adjustments included), representing the agreed amount the employer will pay the contractor.
7. Tender
A formal submission made by a supplier in response to an invitation to tender, offering goods or services.
8. Scope / Works Information
A general description of the works expected to be performed under a contract.
9. Detailed Design
The phase where designs are refined into specifications, drawings, and cost estimates.
10. Liability
A responsibility or obligation, such as being liable for design errors or financial obligations.
11. Credit Note
A document that reduces the amount owed on an invoice.
12. Vesting Certificate
An agreement confirming that ownership of goods, plant, or materials will transfer once payment has been made.
13. Retention
A percentage (commonly up to 5%) withheld from each payment until works are fully completed to the required standard.
14. Take-Off
The process of identifying and measuring elements of construction work for pricing purposes.
15. Float
Extra time built into a construction programme beyond what is actually needed.
16. Forecast
An anticipated future spend on a project, based on evidence or assumptions.
17. Accrual
The value of work completed but not yet invoiced.
18. ECI – Early Contractor Involvement
Engaging the contractor during early design stages to gain their professional input.
19. NEC, JCT & FIDIC
Three of the most widely used construction contract providers globally.
20. RICS, CICES & CIOB
The main professional chartership institutions for Quantity Surveyors and construction professionals.
21. BoQ – Bill of Quantities
A tendering document that itemises materials, labour, and parts required for a project.
22. Specification
A detailed description of workmanship, materials, standards, and quality requirements for a project.
23. BCIS – Building Cost Information Service
A leading source of independent construction cost and price data, run by RICS.
24. Cost Code
A coding system used to categorise and track project costs.
Final Thoughts
Learning the language of Quantity Surveying takes time, but with practice, these terms will soon become second nature. Keep this glossary handy, and don’t be afraid to ask questions—clarity is the key to becoming an effective QS.
