How to Become a Chartered Surveyor

Chartered surveyors play a big role in the real estate sector, offering expert advice on property, construction, and land management. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to become a chartered surveyor, covering essential qualifications, necessary skills, and valuable tips to help you succeed in this rewarding profession. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, our comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need on how to become a chartered surveyor.

In the UK, there is currently a shortage of good quantity surveyors (QSs), making it a highly lucrative career choice. Experienced QSs are in high demand and are generally paid very well. A really good QS can literally be worth their weight in gold. I know this because I heard of an experienced QS who managed to save an enormous amount of money on a project. His colleagues were so impressed that they calculated his worth in gold, and the amount he saved the client far exceeded his weight in gold.

What is a chartered surveyor

A Chartered Surveyor holds an esteemed and exclusive qualification, with the title being protected in various Commonwealth countries, including Ireland. This designation applies to Professional Members and Fellows of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), who possess expertise in a wide range of surveying disciplines in both public and private sectors.

Chartered Surveyors specialise in evaluating buildings for defects, potential future issues, and other problems. They also have the expertise to appraise the value of properties. Their detailed reports give lots of information on whether a property is a good investment and identify any potential issues, such as damp, structural concerns, or the presence of Japanese knotweed.

To achieve the status of Chartered Surveyor, individuals must complete additional qualifications and gain significant experience, all approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Some surveyors might not attain this level of education to become chartered but are still regulated by RICS and fully qualified. These professionals are often referred to as RICS, associates, or simply building surveyors.

What does a Chartered surveyor do

Chartered surveying encompasses a wide range of services related to real estate and associated facilities. This diverse profession includes property agency and advisory, quantity surveying, building surveying, general real estate valuations and appraisals, property management, investment advisory, and land surveying. It offers numerous career opportunities depending on how you choose to specialise.

Chartered surveyors are professionals who provide various services within the built environment. These services include property valuations, building surveys, project management, property development, and expert witness services.

Property Valuations: One of the most common services offered by chartered surveyors is property valuation. This involves assessing the value of a property for purposes such as buying or selling, taxation, or insurance. Chartered surveyors use their expertise and knowledge of the local property market to provide accurate and unbiased valuations.

Building Surveys: Another critical service is conducting building surveys. This thorough inspection of a property identifies any defects or issues that may affect its value or safety. Building surveyors help both buyers and sellers as they provide a detailed report on the property’s condition.

Project Management: Chartered surveyors also excel in project management. They oversee and manage construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. Their skills and knowledge cover all aspects of a project, from planning and design to procurement and construction.

Property Development: In addition to these services, chartered surveyors can offer valuable advice on property development. They assess the feasibility and potential of development projects, guiding clients through the complexities of real estate development.

Expert Witness Services: Chartered surveyors may also act as expert witnesses in legal disputes related to property. They provide professional opinions and expertise in court, helping to resolve conflicts with their specialised knowledge.

What kind of person do you need to be to become a chartered surveyor

Becoming a chartered surveyor may not require the intellectual rigour of engineering, but it’s definitely not a job for the faint-hearted. The role demands a blend of sharp numeracy skills and the ability to handle significant pressure and responsibility. You need to be comfortable with basic mathematics, as you’ll be dealing with figures regularly, even though complex calculations aren’t part of the job.

The most critical attributes for a chartered surveyor are thoroughness, diligence, and the capacity to retain and reconcile large amounts of information. You’ll need to meticulously sift through contract documentation, identifying duplicates and inconsistencies, and understanding how everything fits together. This includes grasping the nuances of risk ownership, project timelines, and cause-and-effect relationships.

For instance, if a contractor claims a delay due to a lack of information, but they own the risk for that item, they shouldn’t be entitled to compensation. If risk ownership is ambiguous, and they have valid grounds for a claim, yet the scaffolding is accounted for elsewhere, you can adjust the claim accordingly. Similarly, if the work duration was previously included and was shorter, you should reduce the sum based on the shorter timeframe.

Strong negotiation skills are also essential. You need to be confident in your correctness and capable of standing your ground when others attempt to prove you wrong or exert pressure (contractually speaking). Your goal is to secure the best deal for your employer, which often involves navigating through challenging discussions with a firm and knowledgeable stance.

How to Become a Chartered Surveyor

Becoming a chartered surveyor through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) involves completing several key steps: obtaining a RICS-accredited degree, gaining relevant professional experience, and passing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). The timeline to become RICS qualified can vary based on your educational background, chosen pathway, and the pace at which you complete each requirement. Here’s how you can navigate this process:

Education: Begin with a RICS-accredited undergraduate degree, which typically takes 3-4 years. If you already possess a related degree, you can proceed directly to accumulating professional experience.

Professional Experience: Accumulate at least 2 years of relevant work experience as surveyor or in other commercial roles, for instance, as an estimator. This hands-on experience is important for applying theoretical knowledge in practical settings and is a prerequisite for the APC.

Enrol in the APC: The Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) is a structured training and evaluation program that usually lasts 1-2 years. During this period, you will need to showcase your skills and expertise in various surveying areas through practical tasks and a final assessment interview.

Join Professional Organisations: Membership in professional bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is essential. These organizations offer valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development programs that are beneficial for career growth.

Structured Training and Submission: Complete the APC by undergoing structured training and submitting evidence of your work experience. An MRICS member often acts as your mentor, guiding you through this process.

Final Assessment: Upon completing your training, you must pass an interview where you demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and experience. Additionally, you will need to pass an online ethics test.

Specialise and Apply: Depending on your area of interest, such as quantity surveying, you may need additional qualifications like a NICMAR Pgdm. Apply for MRICS and follow the specific pathway recommended based on your experience and qualifications.

Continuous Development: Even after becoming a chartered surveyor, continuous professional development is important. Keep up with industry trends, attend workshops, and network with peers to stay current in the field.

How to become a chartered surveyor without a degree

If you don’t have or can’t obtain an undergraduate degree, there are still pathways to becoming a chartered surveyor in the UK:

Associate Membership (AssocRICS): Start by gaining relevant work experience and apply for Associate Membership of RICS. This route is designed for those without a degree but with significant practical experience in surveying.

RICS Apprenticeships: Participate in a RICS apprenticeship program, which combines on-the-job training with academic study. This allows you to gain the necessary qualifications while working.

Vocational Qualifications: Obtain a Level 3 or Level 6 vocational qualification in surveying. These qualifications can provide a pathway to RICS membership without a traditional degree.

Professional Experience: With substantial professional experience, you can apply for the RICS Senior Professional route, which allows experienced professionals to demonstrate their competence and gain chartered status.

Distance Learning: Enrol in distance learning courses offered by institutions that provide RICS-accredited programs. This flexible option allows you to study while working.

Why become a chartered surveyor

There are many excellent quantity surveyors (QSs) who aren’t chartered, and there are also chartered QSs who are less effective. Ultimately, your employer will value you based on your experience and the contributions you make to the company, not just on the letters after your name.

However, there are several reasons why becoming chartered is beneficial. For employers, having chartered staff can reduce overall professional liability insurance and enhance their credibility in tenders. Being chartered can also open doors for interviews and promotions, as employers appreciate being able to tell clients they have a chartered surveyor on their team. While the real measure of your worth is the value you bring through your skills and experience, these added benefits make becoming chartered a worthwhile pursuit.