By GIH
08 Oct 2025

RICS APC: The Key to Becoming a Chartered Surveyor

You can consider being deeply involved in a significant construction project where you notice problems that others overlook. Your suggestions solve these issues, and clients begin to see you as a true expert. This is the advantage that MRICS status gives you. The RICS APC is the way to make this happen. It is the main way to prove your skills and gain respect in the surveying world.

This blog explains the whole process. You will learn the RICS Assessment requirement, who is eligible and how to prepare.

What is RICS APC?

RICS APC stands for Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Assessment of Professional Competence. This is how surveyors prove their expertise and ethical conduct in demanding situations. It's an indicator of readiness for key positions in property, construction, or land surveying.

It is established to maintain standards within the profession. The RICS APC aligns with international industry needs. Candidates select a specialization, like valuation or project management, that corresponds with their work.

This certification helps to enhance your confidence in the profession. Because clients seek surveyors who are recognized for following the set standards.

The Structure of the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence

The RICS Assessment of Professional Competence is structured into three main components. Initially, a review of submitted documents is performed. Next, candidates participate in a final interview to support their claims of competence.

All roles require a few fundamental skills, like communication and ethical behaviour. The topics include regulations like health and safety. Technical skills are specific to each pathway and could involve building measurement or land valuation.

Selecting the appropriate pathway depends on your routine tasks. Specializing in residential properties is suitable if you often work with homes. Similarly, a commercial pathway works well if you deal with offices. Choosing a relevant pathway makes proving your skills simpler. It can be helpful to begin by listing past projects to determine the best fit.

Differences Between Associate and Full Membership Pathways

Associate RICS is an entry-level grade suited for those with less experience compared to the full MRICS status. It allows individuals to develop fundamental skills before attempting the RICS APC.

The full MRICS route requires a greater degree of substantiation, such as leading teams or resolving intricate issues. Transitioning from associate to full membership is possible as one's career progresses.

Why is the RICS APC important?

The RICS APC has an impact on the surveying world. It makes ethical behavior and green methods common in projects. In areas like commercial property, this results in easier transactions because people trust the surveyors.

People in the profession agree that having chartered status makes you look better to employers. Over 50,000 members use it to work around the world. If you don't have it, you could lose chances at important jobs.

Also, it keeps standards high in the field. Surveyors who pass the test are better at following rules about sustainability.

Qualifications and Requirements

Candidates must meet specific ethical, experiential, and educational requirements to be eligible for the RICS APC. One must first determine if their background is a fit. The RICS seeks individuals who can translate learning into practical application.

You need to have one or more years of relevant work experience. It is important for the length and the quality of that work history.

Ethical conduct is also key. Adherence to the RICS code of conduct and demonstration of integrity are required.

Required Education

A degree from a school approved by RICS is usually what you need. Relevant fields of study include surveying or construction. If your degree is in another area, you can also get in through apprenticeships.

Refer to the RICS site for their list of approved schools. Choosing the right program from the start will save you trouble. If not, you may have to retake classes.

You can also get structured training, even without a degree.

Work Experience and Growth

Try to get 12 to 24 months of supervised work. You will have a supervisor or senior colleague to monitor your progress. Keep records of all your projects, from site visits to writing reports.

You should keep a journal of your learning. And note down the problems you faced and how you addressed them. This helps show you are ready for the RICS Assessment.

Start keeping records from the beginning. It helps to make the submission process easy. If you have a range of experiences, such as working in both urban and rural settings. This makes your application stronger.

Follow the RICS Rules of Conduct from the beginning.

You must also take their course on ethics. It goes over honesty in business and taking care of clients.

Basic abilities include communication and accounting. Required skills include sustainability and law. Technical abilities depend on your specific path; for example, building surveyors need skills in inspection.

Check the RICS guides regularly. They explain what the assessors want to see. If you meet these standards, you should pass.

Conclusion

Becoming a chartered surveyor through the RICS APC can really help your career. It's about choosing the right path and acing that crucial interview, each part making you better. You'll earn respect, find better work, and have a voice in what happens in the industry.

What's important? First, make sure you qualify—education, experience, and ethics count. Create a great portfolio with real-life work. Find a supportive supervisor and take advantage of RICS resources.

Why wait? Visit the RICS website today. Begin your MRICS path and see your career.

FAQs

Q. What is RICS APC?

The RICS APC, or Assessment of Professional Competence, is the last step to becoming a Chartered Surveyor. It checks if you know your stuff and can handle real-world situations.

Q. Who can apply for RICS APC?

If you have the right degree or qualifications and some work experience in surveying, you’re good to apply.

Q. What's involved in the APC process?

You will need to keep a logbook, write something to submit, and go to a final interview. They will check your skills, how you make judgments, and how ethical you are.

Q. How do I get ready for the APC interview?

Practice talking about your projects and choices. Go over what you’re supposed to know and think about what you’ve learned. If you need help, ask mentors or coworkers.

Q. Why does the RICS APC matter?

It’s the way to become a Chartered Surveyor. Passing it shows employers and clients that you’re skilled and professional.