This Professional Guide details the necessary steps to achieve Chartered Surveyor status.
We recognize the importance of professional accreditation for construction and property services at John Burke Associates. As a leading practice of Chartered Surveyors, Clerks of Works, and Chartered Building Consultants, we are often asked: How to become a Chartered Surveyor?
The article explains the essential steps necessary to achieve Chartered Surveyor status in the UK and describes the educational qualifications and professional standards required for this esteemed career.
What Is a Chartered Surveyor?
A Chartered Surveyor represents a qualified professional who operates under the regulations of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The designation indicates excellence in competence and integrity combined with professional practice across multiple surveying disciplines including building and quantity surveying as well as land surveying and project management.
John Burke Associates operates at the national level by providing surveying and consultancy services to clients in the private, commercial and public sectors. Chartered status enables professionals to deliver accredited expertise that builds client trust—a core value for our team at John Burke Associates.
Step 1: Obtain the Right Qualifications
Most individuals start their professional journey through obtaining a RICS-accredited degree from a relevant field.
Building Surveying
Quantity Surveying
Construction Management
Real Estate
Those who graduate without an accredited degree can advance through a different path by obtaining additional academic credentials or through relevant professional experience.
Step 2: Join the RICS As a Candidate
After securing the required academic credentials you should enrol as a candidate member with RICS as the subsequent action. After enrolling as a candidate member of RICS you can begin professional development through the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) which represents the recognized way to achieve chartership.
Step 3: Complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)
The Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) functions as a structured two-year training program. It requires candidates to:
Candidates must obtain hands-on training in the surveying field they have selected
Candidates must gain practical experience while working alongside a Chartered Surveyor who holds proper credentials.
Demonstrate competence in core and pathway-specific areas
Candidates must prepare and submit both a professional development plan and a written submission as part of their assessment process.
Complete a final interview session with a panel of evaluators
Through this rigorous procedure, candidates with essential expertise and ethical standards become Chartered.
Step 4: Pass the Final Assessment
In the RICS Assessment Interview which concludes the process candidates exhibit their professional background while assessors evaluate their understanding and application of standards together with their professional conduct. Successful candidates achieve the elite MRICS title which stands for Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Alternative Routes
Individuals who lack a conventional degree can achieve Chartered status using alternative pathways.
Members can initially obtain Associate (AssocRICS) Membership and have the option to upgrade it later.
Extensive professional experience opens the way to Senior Professional Routes leading to Chartered status.
Specialist Assessment in niche surveying areas
These career paths acknowledge diverse abilities and enable individuals to create customized career development plans.
Why Become a Chartered Surveyor?
Chartered status offers numerous benefits:
Enhanced career opportunities
Greater earning potential
Professional recognition
Access to global networks
Commitment to high ethical and technical standards
Our active support for continuous professional development within John Burke Associates stems from our understanding of its benefits to both our clients and the entire industry.
Final Thoughts
The initial step to build a respected career within the surveying and construction industry involves learning how to become a Chartered Surveyor. Chartership serves as an important professional milestone regardless of whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned professional in your field.
John Burke Associates takes pride in our collaboration with top-tier professional experts. We uphold the highest standards of excellence, which align with both RICS and construction industry requirements.