Professions often require years of education and practical experience before you can become fully qualified, and Quantity Surveying is no different. Within the profession, obtaining chartership from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is widely regarded as the pinnacle achievement, opening doors to higher salaries and the most sought-after roles. The first step on this journey is completing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), which allows you to become an Associate Member of RICS (AssocRICS), the entry-level membership. In this article, we’ll explore the associate route, with a follow-up blog and video planned to cover full chartered membership in more detail.
Eligibility for the APC
To enrol with RICS and begin the APC process, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- 1 year of relevant experience plus a relevant bachelor’s degree.
- 2 years of relevant experience plus a higher/advanced/foundation qualification.
- 4 years of relevant experience (no formal qualification required).
You can enrol at any time, provided you meet one of the above requirements.
Choosing Your Pathway
Surveying is a broad profession, so candidates must select a sector pathway when applying. There are 13 pathways in total, each aligned to different areas of practice. This ensures your assessment reflects the technical skills most relevant to your role.
Finding a Counsellor
To support your application, you’ll need to find a current RICS member willing to guide you through the process. This person is known as your counsellor, and their role is to review your submissions, provide advice, and help prepare you for assessment. We can help you here. Visit Metroun APC Counsellor.
Assessment Requirements
The APC to become an associate typically takes 6 to 12 months to complete. Candidates must submit the following:
- Summary of Experience – A report of up to 3,000 words demonstrating your practical knowledge and experience in relation to your chosen pathway.
- Case Study – A 2,500-word project-based study showcasing your technical ability. The project must be no older than 24 months.
- CPD Record – Evidence of at least 48 hours of Continuing Professional Development over a 12-month period.
- RICS Ethics Exam – Successful completion of the online ethics module and exam.
Direct Entry Route
In some cases, it may be possible to apply for direct entry and bypass parts of the assessment process. To qualify, you would need:
- A proposer who is a Chartered Member or Fellow of RICS.
- A record of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Membership of another recognised professional body.
Conclusion of AssocRICS
Becoming an Associate Member of RICS (AssocRICS) is a significant milestone for anyone starting their career in Quantity Surveying. The process requires commitment, evidence of your skills and experience, and adherence to RICS’s professional and ethical standards. While challenging, achieving AssocRICS status demonstrates credibility and lays the foundation for progressing toward full chartered membership.
