Preparing for your APC final assessment interview can be daunting. A panel of 3 RICS assessors testing your competence may terrify some people. As someone who has gone through this process, and come out the other side, I thought I would share 5 tips to help you prepare.
Tip 1: Mock Interviews
You will be surprised at how badly your first APC mock interview will go. Make sure your first mock interview, isn’t your final assessment interview. If you can have a mock interview with a practicing RICS an assessor, this than you’re in a fortunate position. However, you can also ask other RICS members if they’d be willing to help. Although if you’re really stuck for finding people, even colleagues or family members can help you get used to the format and duration of the interview process. My recommendation would be to take as many mock interviews as possible; you can’t be over prepared in this regard.
Tip 2: Learn your presentation
Learn your presentation off by heart. This is 10 minutes where you will be in control, and it’s your chance to make a good first impression. It also provides a good opportunity for you to settle your nerves. By learning the script off by heart you not only ensure you speak with confidence and cover off all the relevant points, but it also conserves your energy. The reciting of your script becomes habitual and means you aren’t wasting precious brain power on reading or thinking of what to say.
Tip 3: Know your submission
This might seem obvious, but when I had my first APC mock interview, I hadn’t read through and properly digested my submission beforehand. And this certainly showed. When asked questions about things that I had said, I was left questioning why I’d said them, or trying to recite what the outcome was. After a few questions my brain was fried. Remember what I said about conserving energy? Not knowing your submission will leave you exhausted, impacting your ability to answer questions that you know the answer to.
Tip 4: Learn how to say I don’t know
You’re not expected to know everything, and assessors don’t expect perfection. What they are looking for is professionalism, honesty, and sound judgement under pressure. If you’re unsure of an answer, avoid guessing. Instead, explain what you do know, outline how you’d find the correct information, or reference where you’d look (for example, the contract, RICS guidance, or relevant legislation). This shows maturity and competence. A calm and honest “I’m not sure, but I’d check X” will earn far more respect than confidently giving a wrong answer.
Tip 5: Make a revision plan
Find a revision method that works for you, whether that’s mind maps, cue cards, or verbal practice. Break your competencies into small, manageable chunks and schedule focused time each day. Consistent, structured revision will build confidence and ensure you can discuss any topic with ease.
