Learn the steps to becoming a chartered building surveyor, a professional who advises on building design, construction, and maintenance.

Structured training usually takes between two and three years and consists of on-the-job learning and assessment. The APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) is the practical training and experience which, when combined with academic qualifications, leads to membership (MRICS) and the status of chartered surveyor.

How do you become a chartered building surveyor?

If you are interested in the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings, you might want to pursue a career as a chartered building surveyor. A chartered building surveyor is a professional who advises clients on various aspects of the built environment, such as property valuation, planning, conservation, defects, and sustainability. To become a chartered building surveyor, you need to follow a series of steps that involve education, training, and accreditation. Here is a brief overview of what you need to do.

Key takeaways from this article

Obtain a relevant degree:

Starting with a degree accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors sets a solid foundation. It streamlines the journey to meet the required standards for becoming a chartered building surveyor.
Demonstrate competencies:

Ensure your work experience covers the necessary competencies. You'll need to show knowledge, application, and advisory skills across both technical and softer skill areas to meet the required levels.

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1 Get a relevant degree

The first step to becoming a chartered building surveyor is to obtain a degree in building surveying or a related field, such as construction, civil engineering, or architecture. Ideally, you should choose a degree that is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the leading professional body for surveyors in the UK and worldwide. An accredited degree will make it easier for you to meet the RICS standards and requirements for chartered status. However, if you have a non-accredited degree or a degree in a different subject, you can still apply for RICS membership through other routes, such as the Associate or the Senior Professional assessment.

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Mohammad Adil

Manager â€“ Quality | Steel Structure | Material Handling Equipmentâ€™s | Cement & Mining Equipmentâ€™s | Power Plant Structures | ROB's & FOBâ€™s | PEB
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Structured training usually takes between two and three years and consists of on-the-job learning and assessment. The APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) is the practical training and experience which, when combined with academic qualifications, leads to membership (MRICS) and the status of chartered surveyor.

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2 Gain work experience

The second step to becoming a chartered building surveyor is to gain relevant work experience in the field. You can do this by finding a graduate job or a placement with an employer that supports your professional development and provides you with a mentor. You will need to work under the supervision of a qualified surveyor and complete a range of tasks and projects that demonstrate your competence and skills. You will also need to keep a record of your work and achievements, as well as your learning and development goals. The duration of your work experience will depend on your level of education and the route you choose to apply for RICS membership.

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Jacob Austin

MRICS | MCInstCES | ðŸŽ™ï¸Host of Number 1 Podcast | Helping Subcontractors to ensure profitability, manage risk, understand their contracts
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A key to attaining chartership as a building surveyor (or indeed any RICS discipline) is gaining sufficient experience in each of the competencies to demonstrate that your abilities meet the required standards. Building surveyors must demonstrate six technical competencies, which are the hard skills required in the role, as well as eight mandatory competencies which are softer skills. Each competency must be demonstrated to a specific level (1-3). For level 1 knowledge must be demonstrated. For level 2, doing. Finally for level 3, giving advice in the competency area must be demonstrated. Itâ€™s therefore important that your work experience gives the necessary exposure in the right areas to demonstrate that youâ€™ve achieved these standards.

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3 Pass the assessment

The third step to becoming a chartered building surveyor is to pass the RICS assessment of professional competence (APC). The APC is a rigorous process that evaluates your knowledge, skills, and ethics as a surveyor. You will need to submit a portfolio of evidence that showcases your work experience and achievements, as well as a summary of your professional development. You will also need to sit a final interview with a panel of RICS assessors, who will ask you questions about your portfolio and your understanding of the RICS standards and regulations. The APC is usually taken after two years of work experience, but it can vary depending on your route and qualifications.

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Cristian Gonzalez Seguel

Supervisor de ProducciÃ³n
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Siempre he mantenido que para sobresalir en lo que uno hace y se dedica es Necesario primera mente aprender hacer las cosas de la mejor forma, segundo tener estudios relacionados al Oficio y lo mÃ¡s importante la mejora continua. Para ser perito en Construccion creo que es necesario tener tÃtulo y experiencia para desarrollar de buena Forma y evaluar los Problemas en cuestiÃ³n.

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4 Maintain your chartered status

The fourth step to becoming a chartered building surveyor is to maintain your chartered status by complying with the RICS rules and obligations. As a chartered member, you will need to follow the RICS code of conduct, which sets out the ethical principles and professional standards that you must uphold. You will also need to undertake continuing professional development (CPD), which is the ongoing learning and improvement that you must do to keep your skills and knowledge up to date. You will need to record and report your CPD activities to RICS every year, as well as pay an annual subscription fee.

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5 Advance your career

The fifth step to becoming a chartered building surveyor is to advance your career by seeking new opportunities and challenges. As a chartered building surveyor, you can work in various sectors and industries, such as commercial, residential, public, or heritage. You can also specialise in a specific area of surveying, such as valuation, project management, building pathology, or conservation. You can also progress to senior or managerial roles, or start your own consultancy or practice. You can also network with other surveyors and professionals, and join RICS forums and groups to share your expertise and insights.

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6 Enjoy the benefits

The sixth and final step to becoming a chartered building surveyor is to enjoy the benefits of your profession. As a chartered building surveyor, you can benefit from a rewarding and diverse career that allows you to make a positive impact on the built environment and society. You can also benefit from a competitive salary and a high demand for your services, as well as a global recognition and reputation. You can also benefit from the support and resources that RICS offers to its members, such as guidance, publications, events, and discounts.

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7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dr. Olga Lozova

Senior Construction Project Manager & Infrastructure & Women in Leadership & Sustainability and Decarbonization Expert
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Obtain a relevant degree in building surveying or a related field. Pursue professional accreditation from recognized institutions such as RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level positions in surveying firms. Develop expertise in building pathology, inspection, and report writing. Build a diverse portfolio showcasing various surveying projects. Stay abreast of industry regulations and advancements. Cultivate strong communication skills to liaise effectively with clients and stakeholders. Seek mentorship from experienced chartered building surveyors for guidance. Demonstrate commitment to continuing professional development and engage in relevant training programs.

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Ivan Malpartida de la Cruz

Director | Gerente | Docente | Consultor | Desarrollo de PMO | Especialista en Agilidad | Estrategia Empresarial y Comercial | eCommece | MBA (c) | MPM | SPOCÂ® | SMCÂ® | SFCâ„¢ | CIP | Ing. MecÃ¡nico
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Esta acreditaciÃ³n, pasa mÃ¡s allÃ¡ de cumplir los requisitos, pues la documentaciÃ³n que generar y certificado, tienen Ãndole legal para diferentes procesos, financieros, de seguros o alguna resoluciÃ³n legal. Entonces el grado de compromiso y conciencia debe estar alineado a ello.

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How do you become a chartered building surveyor?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Get a relevant degree

2 Gain work experience

3 Pass the assessment

4 Maintain your chartered status

5 Advance your career

6 Enjoy the benefits

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Construction

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How do you become a chartered building surveyor?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Get a relevant degree

2 Gain work experience

3 Pass the assessment

4 Maintain your chartered status

5 Advance your career

6 Enjoy the benefits

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Construction

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