How to Become a Quantity Surveyor

Ever wondered who makes sure construction projects stay within budget while maintaining quality? That's where quantity surveyors come in. They play a crucial role in the construction industry, balancing the books and making sure every penny is well spent.

In an era where construction is booming, the demand for skilled quantity surveyors is higher than ever. But how do you step into this vital profession? Let's explore the essential steps and qualifications needed to become a successful quantity surveyor.

Are quantity surveyors in high demand?

Yes, quantity surveyors are in high demand. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), 66% of construction firms report shortages of qualified quantity surveyors, making them harder to recruit than ballet dancers. This demand is driven by ongoing construction projects, infrastructure development, and the increasing emphasis on cost management and sustainability in the UK.

The shortage of skilled professionals means that those entering the field can expect significant opportunities and strong earning potential. The quantity surveyor salary in the UK reflects this high demand, with experienced professionals earning competitive wages. Qualified chartered surveyors often command even higher salaries due to their expert status and accreditation by RICS.

What Is A Quantity Surveyor?

A quantity surveyor (QS) is a professional in the construction industry responsible for managing and controlling costs. They are focused on ensuring that projects are completed within budget without compromising quality. This is done by evaluating project designs, providing cost estimates, and overseeing financial progress.

Quantity surveyors play a critical role in every stage of the construction process, from the initial concept through to the project's completion. They conduct feasibility studies to determine project viability, prepare tender documents, and manage contractual relationships. Additionally, their expertise extends to advising on compliance with regulations and sustainability initiatives.

To become a successful quantity surveyor, you need a good eye for detail and strong analytical skills. Their role requires a thorough understanding of construction processes and materials, as well as proficiency in financial management. RICS Surveyors adhere to strict standards to maintain professionalism and integrity in our work. This dedication makes sure that they provide accurate and impartial advice, ultimately safeguarding clients' investments.

Quantity surveying is a prominent profession in the UK but not in the US due to historical, cultural, and industry differences. In the UK, quantity surveying developed in the mid-17th century alongside "measure-and-value" contracting, which required detailed quantity measurements. This led to the establishment of quantity surveyors as a recognised profession, supported by formal qualifications and professional bodies like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).In contrast, the US construction industry evolved with different contracting methods that did not emphasise the need for specialised quantity surveyors. Instead, tasks related to cost estimation, contract management, and project oversight are typically handled by various professionals such as cost estimators or project managers. The US lacks specific educational pathways for quantity surveying, with related skills often acquired through broader construction management or engineering programs.

Given the growing demand for skilled quantity surveyors, the potential for a substantial quantity surveyor salary is significant. This is especially true as we tackle complex and large-scale projects requiring our specialised expertise.

What to expect on the job as Quantity Surveyor

Quantity surveyors play a vital role in construction projects, overseeing costs from inception to completion. Their primary responsibilities include cost estimation, contracts administration, and financial reporting. They collaborate with architects, engineers, and contractors to make sure projects stay within budget and meet quality standards.

Daily Responsibilities

Key Skills Required

Work Environment

Their work environment varies, including time split between office settings and construction sites. On-site visits help us better understand project progress and address any issues firsthand. While office work involves data analysis, report preparation, and meetings with stakeholders.

Career Progression

Career progression for quantity surveyors typically follows a structured path, starting from entry-level positions such as graduate or assistant quantity surveyor. With 1-4 years of experience, professionals can advance to intermediate and senior roles, where they manage larger projects and take on more responsibilities.

After significant experience, often over 5 years, quantity surveyors can move into managerial positions like commercial manager or managing quantity surveyor, which involve overseeing entire projects and client relationships. Achieving chartered status with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) can further enhance career opportunities and earning potential, allowing for specialization in various sectors and even the possibility of starting a consultancy.

Steps To Become A Quantity Surveyor

Pursue Relevant Education

Achieve a RICS-accredited undergraduate degree, PGDip, or Master's degree in Quantity Surveying. These degrees cover essential knowledge areas such as construction technology, contract law, and cost management.

Entry-Level Work

Entering the quantity surveying profession directly through work is a viable option for those seeking a hands-on approach. Many construction companies and surveying firms offer entry-level positions such as trainee quantity surveyor, estimator, or assistant quantity surveyor. These roles provide on-the-job training and practical experience, allowing you to learn the profession from the ground up. While working, you can pursue part-time or distance learning courses to get formal qualifications, such as those offered by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This route may take longer to achieve chartered status compared to degree pathways, but it offers the advantage of earning while learning and gaining valuable industry experience.

Coming from an experienced background

Transitioning to a quantity surveyor role from a background in construction site management or as a construction manager/superintendent is a natural progression. Your experience with project budgets, schedules, and resource management gives you a strong foundation. To formalize this shift, pursue relevant certifications such as a diploma or degree in Quantity Surveying or take accredited courses like RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). This blend of hands-on construction experience and formal qualifications will prepare you for the technical aspects of cost estimation, contract management, and financial planning.

Apprenticeships In England

In England, apprenticeships offer a practical route to becoming a quantity surveyor while earning a salary. These programs, such as the Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship, combine on-the-job training with academic study, typically lasting 4-5 years. For instance, Barratt Developments offers a pathway starting from a Trainee Quantity Surveyor to higher roles like Senior Quantity Surveyor and Commercial Manager, all while studying part-time for a BSc (Hons) degree accredited by RICS and CIOB.

Universities like Northumbria and Salford also provide degree apprenticeships that blend theoretical knowledge with applied professional skills. These apprenticeships are a cost-effective way to enter the profession, as tuition fees are covered by your employer and the government, making them an attractive alternative to traditional university degrees.

Quantity Surveyor Degrees

RICS-accredited courses are essential for anyone aiming to become a chartered surveyor, as they are recognised globally for their high standards in surveying education. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) partners with universities to offer over 500 accredited courses, ensuring that the curriculum is relevant to industry needs and recognized by employers as a benchmark of quality.

These courses cover various aspects of land, property, and construction, providing a comprehensive education that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge. Options include undergraduate degrees, master's programs, and flexible learning formats such as online courses and blended learning. By completing an RICS-accredited course, you demonstrate a commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards, significantly enhancing your career prospects in the surveying field

Courses In England

If you're looking to become a quantity surveyor in England without a traditional degree on your QS resume, several non-degree options are available. One effective route is through apprenticeships, such as the Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship, which combines on-the-job training with part-time study, typically taking 4-5 years to complete. Alternatively, you can start as a trainee quantity surveyor and gain experience while working towards professional certifications, often supported by employers' in-house training programs. Distance learning courses from institutions like the University College of Estate Management also offer flexible study options, allowing you to balance work and education. While a degree is common in the field, it’s not always mandatory, and with determination and the right opportunities, you can successfully pursue a career in quantity surveying through these alternative pathways.

RICS-accredited Postgraduate Conversion Course

RICS-accredited Postgraduate Conversion Courses offer a fast-track route into surveying for graduates from non-surveying backgrounds. These intensive programs typically last 1-2 years and cover essential surveying principles and practices. They are designed to meet RICS standards, ensuring graduates gain the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue chartered status. These courses often focus on specific areas like quantity surveying, building surveying, or real estate management. Upon completion, graduates can enter the surveying profession and work towards their Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to become chartered surveyors. Many universities offer these courses in flexible formats, including part-time and distance learning options, making them accessible to working professionals seeking a career chang

Degree Apprenticeship

Degree apprenticeships offer a practical and cost-effective route to becoming a quantity surveyor while earning a salary. These programs combine on-the-job training with academic study, typically lasting 4-5 years. For instance, the Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship allows you to work as a trainee quantity surveyor while studying part-time for a BSc (Hons) degree. Accredited by professional bodies like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), these courses make sure you get the necessary skills and knowledge. Your employer and the government cover tuition fees, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the profession without incurring student debt.

Can You Be A Quantity Surveyor Without A Degree?

Yes, you can become a quantity surveyor without a traditional degree. One popular route is through apprenticeships, such as the Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship, which combines on-the-job training with part-time study. Another option is starting as a trainee quantity surveyor, where employers often provide in-house training and support for professional certifications. Additionally, you can pursue industry-recognized qualifications through organisations like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) via flexible learning options. While having a degree is common, practical experience and determination can also lead to a successful career in quantity surveying through these alternative pathways.

Other Routes

Consider Certificate and Diploma pathways, which provide an alternative to university-based education. Experienced professionals may also pursue RICS membership through an Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to become a Chartered Surveyor.

Gain Professional Experience

Gaining professional experience is key in becoming a Quantity Surveyor. It not only helps in building practical skills but also improves employability.

Quantity surveyor apprenticeships

An apprenticeship with a construction firm offers an excellent entry point into the profession. Open to anyone over 16, apprenticeships combine on-the-job training and education. This route allows us to earn while learning, giving valuable insights into the role of a Quantity Surveyor.

Quantity surveyor work experience

Practical industry experience is vital during their studies. Quantity surveying degrees often include a year-long work placement, significantly enhancing their employment prospects. Such placements frequently lead to job offers and employer sponsorship for the remaining duration of their degree, enabling us to work part-time while studying.

Quantity surveyor Internships

Large companies offer summer internships or shorter placement programs. These provide an opportunity to gain experience in real-world settings, analysing budgets and costs in construction projects. Checking firm websites for internship details is a practical step.

Pursuing these avenues equips us with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to excel as Quantity Surveyors.

Develop Essential Skills

The key skills needed to become a quantity surveyor include:

Achieve Professional Certification

Obtaining professional certification is crucial to a successful career as a Quantity Surveyor. Certification provides recognition and enhances career prospects.

Chartered Status And RICS Membership

Achieving chartered status as a Quantity Surveyor involves becoming a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). After earning an RICS-accredited degree, we must complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This structured training program spans two to three years, focusing on practical experience and on-the-job learning. Once the APC is completed successfully, they get chartered status and RICS membership, officially becoming a RICS Surveyor.

For those asking, "How long does it take to become a quantity surveyor?"—it generally takes about five to six years, combining degree study and APC training. Aspiring professionals can also inquire about "How to become a chartered Quantity Surveyor" without a degree in the UK; postgraduate conversion courses offer a viable path.

Professional certification, particularly RICS membership, significantly impacts a Quantity Surveyor's salary and career progression. Prospective quantity surveyors should prioritize achieving this milestone to enhance their credentials and industry standing.

Career Path And Progression

Progression in the quantity surveying field offers numerous opportunities. Building a career in this domain means continually enhancing skills and qualifications through various stages.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Engaging in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is crucial for staying updated. This involves attending industry conferences, participating in workshops, and completing advanced courses. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) requires members to complete a set number of CPD hours annually, ensuring that they remain competent and knowledgeable in the latest industry trends.

Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)

RICS's Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) is a critical step for becoming a Chartered Surveyor. Post completing an RICS-accredited degree, candidates undergo structured training lasting a minimum of 24 months. During this period, they get practical experience and compile a portfolio showcasing their skills and achievements. Passing the APC, including a QS interview and written components, is essential to attain chartered status.

RICS Surveyor Certification

Becoming an RICS-qualified surveyor opens doors to diverse roles like Quantity Surveying and Building Surveying. Due to its global recognition, RICS certification often leads to higher salaries and improved career prospects. Additionally, those without a degree in Quantity Surveying can still pursue certification through postgraduate conversion courses or alternative pathways like apprenticeships, ensuring comprehensive career growth in the field.

How much could you earn as a quantity surveyor?

Starting salaries for graduate quantity surveyors range from £18,000 to £30,000. These figures serve as an entry point after obtaining a relevant qualification, such as an RICS accredited degree or completing a degree apprenticeship.

As experience and professional status grow, so do earnings. Mid-career quantity surveyors, often with several years of experience and possibly chartered status (MRICS), can expect to earn between £35,000 and £55,000 annually. Achieving chartered status through the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) significantly enhances earning potential, positioning individuals as highly skilled professionals in the field of quantity surveying.

Senior quantity surveyors and those in management roles, such as project managers or directors, can command salaries upwards of £60,000. These roles typically require extensive experience and advanced professional certifications.

In addition to salaries, many quantity surveyors receive benefits such as bonuses, company cars, and pension contributions, adding further value to their total compensation package. Other common perks include healthcare plans, paid professional memberships, and opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD).