Training Courses

Diploma in Adjudication (South Africa)

255 hours formal CPD

Online

From R43000 + VAT

Adjudication is increasingly used across South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa as a preferred method of dispute resolution, offering a faster and cost-effective alternative to litigation. As the South African construction sector expands into new markets where access to courts and formal dispute resolution mechanisms is limited, the demand for highly qualified adjudicators continues to grow.

This 12-month, five-module programme is designed to align with best practices while focusing on the South African legal and contractual framework. It equips participants with a comprehensive understanding of adjudication law, procedures, and decision-writing, ensuring they can operate at recognised standards of competence.

By successfully completing this diploma, professionals will gain an industry-recognised qualification, supporting career progression in dispute resolution and adjudication.

Not in South Africa?

We also offer a programme that is tailored for the below regions:

What is adjudication?

Adjudication is a process designed to provide fast and cost-effective resolutions to conflicts. It involves the appointment of an adjudicator, who reviews the evidence presented by both parties and issues a decision within a set timeframe.

In South Africa, adjudication is increasingly used in construction disputes to help maintain cash flow and project continuity, avoiding lengthy and costly litigation. The process is commonly applied to disputes over payments, delays, defects, and contractual obligations.

Who is this course for?

The RICS Diploma in Adjudication in the Construction Industry (South Africa) is designed for professionals looking to develop their skills in adjudication and advance their careers in dispute resolution. This programme provides a comprehensive understanding of the adjudication process, equipping participants with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to handle complex construction disputes effectively.

This course is suitable for professionals working in:

Construction and engineering
Legal and consultancy services
Contract and project management

Professionals who commonly take this course include:

Quantity Surveyors
Construction and Commercial Managers
Claims Consultants
Legal professionals with a focus on construction law
Project Managers handling contractual disputes

This programme is particularly beneficial for experienced practitioners looking to expand into dispute resolution and enhance their service offerings in the South African construction sector.

Why choose RICS as your training provider?

Completing the RICS Diploma in Adjudication in the Construction Industry (South Africa) enables you to develop the expertise needed to operate at internationally recognised standards and seek fee-earning work as an adjudicator.

With extensive experience in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, RICS is actively shaping adjudication standards worldwide.

This programme is delivered by leading adjudication experts and provides practical, real-world training to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills required to handle complex construction disputes effectively.

What does the course cover?

The RICS Diploma in Adjudication in the Construction Industry (South Africa) provides a comprehensive understanding of adjudication, equipping professionals with the legal knowledge and practical skills required to effectively manage disputes and produce enforceable adjudication decisions. The programme is structured into five modules, each covering key aspects of adjudication in the South African construction industry.

The development and law of adjudication: understand the origins, legal principles, and evolution of adjudication in the South African construction industry.
South African contract, delict, and evidence law: learn how contract law, delict (tort law), and the rules of evidence apply to adjudication, ensuring a strong legal foundation.
Adjudication in major standard form contracts: explore adjudication provisions in JBCC, FIDIC, and NEC contracts, assessing their differences and applicability.
Adjudication practice and procedure: develop the skills needed to initiate, plan, and run adjudication proceedings, from drafting notices to managing submissions.
Decision writing and enforceability: learn how to write clear, well-reasoned, and enforceable adjudication decisions, applying advanced knowledge of South African law.

Course format

The RICS Diploma in Adjudication in the Construction Industry (South Africa) is a 12-month distance learning programme designed to provide flexibility while maintaining a structured and interactive learning experience. The course is divided into five modules, combining self-directed study, live online tutorials, and formal assessments to equip professionals with the skills required for adjudication practice.

Participants will engage in:

Self study: work through course reading and materials, including legal principles, case studies, and adjudication procedures.
Live online tutorials: attend interactive webinars with experienced adjudicators to reinforce learning and clarify complex topics.
Practical application: develop the ability to initiate, manage, and conclude adjudication proceedings, including drafting submissions and producing decisions.
Formal assessments: Complete module-specific assessments, including multiple-choice tests, written assignments, and a time-controlled final examination.
To help you plan effectively, you’ll need to allocate time for:
Course reading: regularly review materials covering adjudication law and procedures.
Self-assessment questions: Use self-assessment questions to test your understanding of the course reading.
Assessment preparation: dedicate time to working on assignments, case studies, and decision-writing exercises to demonstrate your understanding of adjudication.

Required reading materials

A significant aspect of learning in this programme is guided reading. There is an essential textbook that you will be required to source. Other materials will be provided to you.

A Practical Guide to Construction Adjudication, Pickavance

Reading programme may be subject to change, required textbook and edition will be confirmed prior to course commencement.

What do you receive after completing the course?

Completing the RICS Diploma in Adjudication in the Construction Industry (South Africa) demonstrates your expertise in adjudication and your commitment to professional dispute resolution. Here’s what you gain:

RICS Diploma in Adjudication in the Construction Industry (South Africa): a formal qualification that provides the legal knowledge and practical skills required to act as an adjudicator or represent parties in adjudication.
Gain expertise aligned with global best practices in adjudication, enhancing your professional credibility in your region.
Develop the ability to produce well-reasoned adjudication decisions through practical training and mentorship.

This qualification is a recognised industry standard, supporting professionals in furthering their dispute resolution expertise and progressing towards adjudication practice.

Assessment format

The assessment process for the RICS Diploma in Adjudication (South Africa) ensures that participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to act as adjudicators.

What to Expect

Module assessments: each module is assessed individually through a combination of multiple-choice tests, short-answer questions, and written assignments.
Time-controlled examination: the final module includes a timed assessment where candidates must produce an enforceable adjudication decision.
To successfully complete the Diploma, participants must achieve a minimum of 55% in Module 1 – 4 and a 70% pass rate in Module 5, which focuses on delivering an adjudication decision.

Resitting assessments

If you’re unsuccessful in an assessment, you can resit with the next cohort. Resits incur a fee ranging from ZAR 2,500 – 4,000 (plus VAT if applicable) depending on the type of assessment.

Course schedule

The Diploma is structured across 5 modules, with a blend of self-study, tutorials, and exams. Each unit begins with independent reading, followed by scheduled tutorials that provide in-depth discussions and support. After completing the tutorials, there will be an exams or an assignment to submit. Download the course calendar below to see the scheduled tutorials and assessment dates. Please be aware that dates may be subject to change.

Download the course guide

Diploma in Adjudication in the South African Construction Industry - Brochure (pdf 0.72MB)

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See what previous attendees say

“I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent undertaking the RICS Diploma in Adjudication. I studied alongside an interesting group of people from across the construction and engineering industry in Southern Africa, with a broad range of skills, experience and sector focus. Our tutors brought a wealth of first-hand experience from South African and international adjudication, sharing valuable guidance on what to expect when playing the role of an adjudicator and practical hints and tips on how to approach some of the challenges adjudicators face. I would recommend the course to anyone who is interested in becoming an adjudicator or learning more about how adjudication is developing in this part of the world.”

Stephanie McDonald

Senior Consultant, Bowmans

For your business

Equip your team with the skills they need to excel in adjudication. The RICS Diploma in Adjudication in the Construction Industry (South Africa). programme provides comprehensive training tailored to professionals in the built environment.

Contact Us

To discuss training options for your employees or to take advantage of group discounts, contact our dedicated training support team:

Email: drseducation@rics.org

Payment terms

Initial 25% down payment required during booking to secure place.

Remainder balance will be divided into three instalments, which will need to be paid throughout course duration.

Please note reading materials are not provided and costs vary depending on where you purchase them.

Price Summary

RICS Professional

ZAR R43000 + VAT

Non-member

ZAR R45000 + VAT

Notify me about upcoming courses

Starting September 2025
Starting September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Reading materials are not provided and costs vary depending on where you purchase them.

No, however you'll need to have a good concept of English and be able to produce essays and exam answers in English. The tutorials and assessments will be conducted in English with some marks in the assessments being attributed to; English, punctuation and grammar.

The diploma runs for 12 months, however you do have 4 years from your first registration to complete the diploma.

Yes, you can but please bear in mind that this diploma is based on the South African industry.

When registering, you have the option to pay for the full course upfront or choose our payment plan. Our payment plan allows you to pay in four equal instalments, with each instalment due every 3 months throughout the course. To secure your place, a 25% down payment is required at the time of booking.

We currently aren’t able to offer any exemptions for this programme.

Yes - you'll have access to a discussion forum where you can communicate with other delegates and get support from our dedicated training and qualifications team.

All tutorials are recorded but to benefit from discussions and activities which take place at the tutorials we highly recommend they are attended.

You can resit the assessments, however there is a resit fee of ZAR 2,500 – 4,000 (plus VAT if applicable) for each assessment.

We understand that this diploma is often completed alongside work and personal commitments so we will allow you to defer your learning to a later diploma cohort. Deferrals will be charged at ZAR 2,500 plus VAT. Please bear in mind that this diploma needs to be completed within 4 years of its start date.

The final unit assessment consists of producing an enforceable decision in the allocated time. It's a case study style assessment where you'll be provided with a scenario and must use this information to produce an enforceable decision.

Yes - each unit has a reading programme that is broken down to guide you through your reading of the textbook and additional materials.

From R43000

+ VAT

Diploma in Adjudication (South Africa)