Becoming a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a significant milestone for professionals in the built environment, property, land, and construction sectors. The RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) is a rigorous process designed to ensure candidates meet the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and technical competence.
This article outlines a practical, step-by-step approach to preparing for the RICS assessment and maximizing your chances of success.
1. Understand the RICS Pathway and Requirements
Before starting your preparation, it is essential to fully understand your chosen RICS pathway, which depends on your qualifications and experience. Common routes include:
- Structured Training (24 or 12 months)
- Preliminary Review
- Senior Professional Route
- Academic Route
Each pathway has different requirements, but all candidates must demonstrate:
- Competence in mandatory and core competencies
- Professional and ethical standards
- Relevant practical experience
Carefully review RICS guidance notes and pathway requirements to ensure you are eligible and following the correct route.
2. Select the Right Competencies
Most candidates are assessed on:
- Mandatory competencies:
- Ethics, Rules and Professionalism (Level 3)
- Sustainability (Level 1)
- Core/Pathway-specific competencies (usually two at Level 3 or a mix of Levels 1–3)
Choose competencies that:
- Closely match your current role and experience
- Allow you to provide strong, real-life examples
- Reflect depth rather than broad but shallow exposure
Choosing the right competencies is one of the most critical success factors.
3. Gain Relevant and Structured Experience
RICS places strong emphasis on quality experience, not just years worked. Your experience should show:
- Increasing levels of responsibility
- Application of professional judgment
- Compliance with RICS standards and best practice
Maintain a detailed experience log, mapping your work clearly to each competency level:
- Level 1 – Knowledge and understanding
- Level 2 – Application of knowledge
- Level 3 – Advice and implementation
The RICS Assessment is the formal evaluation process used by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to determine whether a candidate is qualified for RICS Membership. Through a structured review of professional experience, a case study, CPD evidence, and a final interview, the assessment ensures that applicants meet RICS’ high standards of technical competence, ethics, and professional practice. Successful completion of the assessment leads to RICS Membership, granting the professional recognition to use titles such as AssocRICS, MRICS, or FRICS. Membership provides global credibility, access to industry resources, professional networks, and enhanced career opportunities within the property, land, and construction sectors.
4. Master Ethics and Professional Standards
The Ethics, Rules and Professionalism competency is mandatory and heavily scrutinized.
You must:
- Complete the RICS Ethics Module and Test
- Understand:
- RICS Global Professional and Ethical Standards
- Rules of Conduct
- Conflicts of interest
- Complaints handling procedures
- Professional indemnity insurance (PII)
Expect ethics-related questions during the final assessment interview.
5. Prepare a High-Quality Final Assessment Submission
Your final submission typically includes:
- Summary of experience
- Case study
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record
Case Study Tips:
- Focus on one project or issue
- Clearly explain:
- The problem
- Your role and actions
- Professional challenges
- Ethical or technical decisions
- The outcome and lessons learned
- Demonstrate competence, professionalism, and reflective thinking
6. Prepare Thoroughly for the Final Interview
The final interview usually lasts around 60 minutes and includes:
- Discussion of your case study
- Questions on your competencies
- Ethics and professionalism questions
Preparation tips:
- Re-read your submission carefully
- Be ready to justify decisions you made
- Practice mock interviews with:
- RICS counsellors
- Supervisors/mentors
- RICS study groups
- Answer clearly, honestly, and confidently
Assessors are not trying to catch you out—they want to see professional judgment and competence.
7. Work Closely with Your Supervisor and Counsellor
Your Supervisor and Counsellor play a key role in your success. They can:
- Guide competency selection
- Review experience logs and case studies
- Identify gaps early
- Provide mock interview practice
Regular meetings and honest feedback can significantly improve your readiness.
8. Plan Your Time and Stay Consistent
Preparing for RICS is a marathon, not a sprint. Create a realistic plan that includes:
- Monthly experience reviews
- Regular CPD activities
- Writing and revising your case study early
- Mock interviews well before submission
Consistency reduces stress and improves quality.
9. Common Reasons for Unsuccessful Assessments
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Poor competency selection
- Weak or unclear case study
- Insufficient ethics knowledge
- Inability to explain decisions at Level 3
- Relying too much on team actions instead of your own role
Being aware of these pitfalls helps you address them early.
10. Final Thoughts
Achieving RICS Membership is a demanding but rewarding process. Success depends on:
- Early planning
- Strong ethical understanding
- Clear demonstration of competence
- Honest reflection on professional practice
With structured preparation, regular guidance, and confidence in your experience, you can approach the RICS assessment well-prepared and significantly improve your chances of success.
RICS Assessment and Membership represent a professional pathway and internationally recognized qualification awarded by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The process involves a structured assessment to evaluate a candidate’s professional competence, ethical standards, and practical experience in their chosen field. Upon successful completion of the RICS Assessment, individuals are granted RICS Membership and may use professional designations such as MRICS or FRICS, demonstrating their commitment to global best practices, ongoing professional development, and the highest standards of integrity in the surveying, property, and construction industries.
