The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a globally recognized professional body promoting and enforcing the highest international standards in the valuation, management, and development of land, real estate, construction, and infrastructure.
Becoming a full member of RICS, known as MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), is a significant achievement in the surveying profession. This article outlines the steps to attain this prestigious qualification.
1. Meet the Educational Requirements
The first step towards MRICS status is to complete a RICS-accredited degree. These are typically bachelor’s degrees in subjects related to surveying, such as:
- Real Estate Management
- Quantity Surveying
- Building Surveying
- Land Surveying
- Construction Management
If your degree is not RICS-accredited, you may need to complete a postgraduate conversion course.
2. Gain Relevant Work Experience
After completing your education, you need to gain practical experience in the surveying field. RICS requires a minimum amount of relevant work experience to apply for membership, which varies depending on your chosen pathway. You can find the specific requirements on the RICS website (https://www.rics.org/join-rics). Generally, expect a minimum of two years of experience. This period allows you to apply your academic knowledge in real-world scenarios and develop professional competencies.
3. Choose Your Assessment Pathway
RICS offers several pathways to membership, depending on your experience and qualifications:
- Graduate Route: For those with an RICS-accredited degree and at least two years of experience.
- Professional Experience Route: For experienced professionals without an accredited degree. This route may require additional qualifications or experience.
- Senior Professional Route: For senior industry professionals with at least 10 years of experience.
4. Complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)
The APC is a crucial step in becoming MRICS. It’s a structured training program that typically takes 12-24 months to complete, though the timeframe can vary depending on individual circumstances.. The APC includes:
- Regular meetings with your supervisor and counselor
- Maintaining a diary of your professional experience
- Completing a set of competencies relevant to your chosen pathway
- Writing a critical analysis of a project you’ve worked on
- Preparing a summary of experience
5. Submit Your Application
Once you’ve completed the APC, you can submit your application for MRICS status. This includes:
- Your detailed record of experience
- Your case study
- Supporting documentation
6. Attend the Final Assessment Interview
If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to a final assessment interview. This is typically a one-hour session where you’ll present your case study and answer questions from a panel of RICS assessors.
7. Receive the Result
After the interview, the assessment panel will make a recommendation. If successful, you’ll be elected to full membership of RICS and can use the designation MRICS after your name.
8. Maintain Your Membership
Once you’ve achieved MRICS status, you need to maintain it through:
- Paying annual subscription fees
- Completing at least 20 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year
- Adhering to RICS professional and ethical standards
Becoming MRICS is a challenging but rewarding process that demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the highest standards in surveying. It opens up numerous career opportunities and gives you global recognition in the field.
RICS and MRICS FAQs
RICS is the professional body, and MRICS is the qualification awarded to its members. Think of it this way: RICS is the university, and MRICS is the degree a qualified graduate receives.
A: RICS stands for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. It’s a globally recognized professional body for professionals involved in land, real estate, construction, and infrastructure. RICS sets standards, enforces ethics, and provides qualifications for its members.
A: MRICS stands for Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. It’s a designation awarded to qualified professionals who meet RICS’s stringent criteria for education, experience, and commitment to ethical practice. MRICS signifies expertise and adherence to the highest professional standards in surveying.