A Brief APC Guide for Quantity Surveying RICS Candidates

We're now in APC results season, and having seen several posts celebrating individual successes I thought it worth putting together a short (ish) guide to the process of becoming a Chartered Quantity Surveyor.

It took me many years to build up the motivation to get myself Chartered so two top tips:

• The Christmas Break is a good time to make a start on the APC.
• Get yourself a counsellor who keeps you accountable - I used DeLever Limited .1. Understanding the APC Process

The APC for Quantity Surveyors is a thorough process, intended to evaluate your competence in key technical and professional areas. To begin, you must have a relevant academic background, typically a university degree accredited by RICS. If your qualifications are non-accredited, RICS provides a preliminary review to assess their equivalency.

Registration and Eligibility: The first step is registering for the APC, which involves submitting your academic and professional credentials for RICS approval. It's essential to understand the eligibility criteria, which include a mix of educational qualifications and relevant work experience. Candidates typically require a minimum of two years of professional experience, under the supervision of a qualified RICS professional.

Structured Training: Once registered, you embark on a structured training period, usually spanning 24 months. This phase is vital for gaining practical experience across various competencies. You must regularly record your experiences and learnings, which form the basis of your APC diary. This diary is a critical component of your APC submission, as it demonstrates your practical exposure and development in Quantity Surveying.

Competency Development: During the training, focus on developing a wide range of competencies. The RICS framework categorizes these into mandatory, core, and optional competencies. You're expected to show proficiency in each mandatory competency and select appropriate core and optional competencies that align with your career goals and the demands of your role.

Submission of Documentation: Post-training, you'll need to submit a detailed report encapsulating your experiences, learnings, and competencies developed during the structured training. This report includes a written summary of your experience, a case study, and a record of your professional development.

The Final Assessment: The culmination of the APC is the final assessment, which typically involves a presentation and an interview conducted by a panel of RICS assessors. This is your opportunity to showcase your competencies, professional judgment, and technical knowledge in Quantity Surveying.

Timeline Planning: Adhering to RICS timelines for the APC process is crucial. It's best for you to consult the RICS APC calendar and plan accordingly regularly.

2. In-Depth Look at Competency Requirements Competency development is at the heart of the APC process. As a Quantity Surveyor, your competency framework is comprehensive, and designed to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for professional practice.

Mandatory Competencies: These are essential competencies required for all RICS pathways. For Quantity Surveying, they include:

• Ethics and Professional Practice: Understanding and adhering to ethical guidelines and professional standards set by RICS.
• Client Care: Building and maintaining professional relationships, understanding their needs, and providing high-quality services.
• Communication and Negotiation: Effective communication skills, both in writing and verbally, and the ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts professionally.

Each mandatory competency must be addressed in your APC diary and final submission, with examples from your professional experience demonstrating your proficiency.

Core Competencies: Core competencies are specific to the Quantity Surveying pathway and are vital for your professional practice. They include:

• Cost Planning and Control: Skills in preparing and managing cost estimates, budgeting, and cost control mechanisms.
• Contract Practice: Understanding and applying principles of contract law, procurement, and tendering processes.
• Construction Technology and Environmental Services: Knowledge of construction processes, materials, and the impact of environmental factors on construction projects.

In your APC documentation, provide specific examples of how you've applied these competencies in your professional projects, highlighting your role and the outcomes.

Optional Competencies: Optional competencies allow you to specialize and demonstrate expertise in areas beyond the core requirements. These can include:

• Project Management: Skills in managing construction projects, including planning, execution, and resource management.
• Sustainability: Understanding and applying sustainable practices in construction and project management.
• Dispute Resolution: Skills in identifying, managing, and resolving disputes in construction projects.

When selecting optional competencies, consider areas where you have significant experience or where you wish to specialize further. Demonstrate your expertise through detailed examples in your APC submission.

3. Documenting Experience Documenting your professional experience is a critical component of the APC. It's essential not only to record the tasks and projects you've been involved in but also to reflect on what you've learned and how you've applied your knowledge and skills.

Maintaining a Detailed Diary: Your APC diary should be a comprehensive record of your professional experiences, detailing the competencies you've developed. Include specific projects, your roles, the challenges you faced, and how you addressed them. This diary is not just a log; it's a reflection of your professional journey.

Writing Effective Competency Statements: When documenting your competencies, clarity and specificity are key. For each competency, provide concrete examples from your work experience. Describe the situation, the actions you took, the skills and knowledge you applied, and the outcomes. Reflect on what you learned from each experience and how it contributed to your professional development.

For instance, when documenting your experience in cost planning, detail a specific project where you were responsible for preparing the budget. Discuss how you approached the task, the methods and tools you used, the challenges you encountered, and how you overcame them. Reflect on the importance of accuracy and efficiency in cost planning and how this experience has honed your skills in this area.

Linking Experience to Competencies: It's important to directly link your experiences to the RICS competency framework. This not only demonstrates your practical experience but also shows your understanding of how these experiences align with professional standards and expectations.

4. Preparation for the Assessment Preparing for the final assessment involves not only revising your technical knowledge and competencies but also effectively presenting your professional journey.

Writing a Compelling Submission: Your written submission is your first chance to impress the assessors. It should be well-structured, clear, and concise, with each section thoroughly addressing the relevant competencies. Make sure your submission is free from errors and compellingly presents your experiences and learnings.

Developing a Strong Case Study: The case study is a critical part of your submission. Choose a project where you played a significant role and which showcases a range of competencies. Structure your case study to narrate the project, your involvement, the challenges faced, and the outcomes. Highlight how you applied your technical knowledge and professional judgment to achieve success.

Crafting an Effective Summary of Experience: Your summary of experience should tie together your practical experiences with the theoretical knowledge and competencies required by RICS. This is where you demonstrate how your hands-on work translates into professional competence. Be sure to reflect on your growth and learning throughout your career.

5. The Interview Process The final interview is a crucial part of the APC, where you demonstrate your competence and professionalism in person. It typically includes a presentation, often based on your case study, followed by a Q&A session with the assessors.

Types of Questions to Expect: Be prepared for a range of questions during your interview. These can include technical questions related to Quantity Surveying, queries about your written submission, and hypothetical scenarios to assess your professional judgment and ethical considerations.

Presentation Skills: Your presentation skills are as important as the content. Practice your case study presentation multiple times to ensure you're clear, concise, and engaging. Pay attention to your body language, eye contact, and voice modulation. Be prepared to answer follow-up questions and engage in a discussion about your case study.

6. Study and Revision Tips Effective preparation is key to passing the APC. Develop a study plan that covers all necessary competencies and aligns with the RICS guidelines. Utilize RICS resources, including the APC pathway guide for Quantity Surveying, which offers detailed information on each competency and the expectations of the assessors.

Time Management: Balancing work commitments with your study schedule is crucial for consistent progress. Allocate specific times for studying and revising, ensuring you cover all areas comprehensively. Break down your revision into manageable sections, focusing on areas where you feel less confident.

Utilizing RICS Resources: Take advantage of RICS workshops, seminars, and online resources. These can provide valuable insights into the APC process and offer tips on preparing effectively. Engaging with these resources can also help you stay updated on industry trends and best practices.

7. Seeking Support and Mentorship A mentor or supervisor who is an RICS chartered professional can provide invaluable guidance throughout the APC process. They can offer insights based on their experiences, provide feedback on your preparation, and support you in addressing any areas of weakness. Additionally, joining study groups or online forums can provide peer support and facilitate knowledge exchange with fellow candidates.

A shout-out here must go out to DeLever Limited who have dragged myself and countless others through the process.

8. Conclusion Successfully navigating the RICS APC as a Quantity Surveying candidate is a journey of professional growth and learning. With thorough preparation, a deep understanding of the competencies required, and effective stress management, you can confidently approach the assessment and achieve your goal of becoming a chartered professional.

As we delve into the APC results season, I hope this guide serves as a helpful resource for aspiring Chartered Quantity Surveyors embarking on this challenging but rewarding journey.

Becoming Chartered is a testament to one's commitment, expertise, and professional growth in the field of Quantity Surveying.

If you're starting this journey or are in the midst of it, remember that your perseverance and dedication are shaping not only your professional future but also the future of our industry.

#RICS #APCJourney #CharteredQuantitySurveyor #ProfessionalDevelopment #SurveyingSuccess