How to become a surveyor

From developing greener transport systems to improving the built environment through urban regeneration, surveyors play a central role in shaping the world and its communities.

There are various ways to get into the surveying profession. You can find out below more about how to become a surveyor with or without a degree, including the requirements needed to qualify as a chartered surveyor (MRICS).

How to become a surveyor without a degree

The first option for becoming an RICS-qualified surveyor is through an apprenticeship. Surveying apprenticeships are jobs that offer the opportunity to qualify at an industry-recognised standard.

An effective way to gain first-hand work experience, develop skills that are in demand nationally and internationally and secure long-term earning potential while you study, apprenticeships are a great route into the global surveying profession.

Open to anyone aged 16 or older and requiring a minimum of 30 hours’ work a week, apprenticeships give you the opportunity to develop your knowledge with a qualification that grants access to an exciting range of surveying careers.

The course length, entry requirements and final qualification will all depend on your chosen apprenticeship:

• Advanced apprenticeship: 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) – this must include English and maths. Typically, this type of apprenticeship course takes between two and four years to complete and you’ll be awarded a Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma.
• Degree apprenticeship: 4 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), plus three A levels. A degree apprenticeship can take between three and six years to complete, with chartered surveyor apprenticeships lasting five years for undergraduates.
   

Find out more about surveying apprenticeships

How to become a surveyor with a degree

You can also become a surveyor by completing a degree in a related subject. Whether a full-time, part-time or online degree is best for you, there are more than 1,200 relevant RICS-accredited courses, covering the subjects:

• surveying
• construction
• civil engineering
  
• building engineering.  

If you don’t have a surveying-related degree, you can still pursue the career by studying an RICS-accredited postgraduate course, which usually leads to a master’s degree or postgraduate diploma. While the surveying profession is open to graduates from all disciplines, degrees that could be helpful in developing relevant skills and knowledge include those in:

• economics
• geography
• languages
• mathematics
• science
• social sciences
• urban and land studies.

Entry qualifications vary between universities, but a typical course in the UK could require the following, by level:

• undergraduate/bachelor’s degree: two or three A levels, a T level, level 3 apprenticeship or equivalent
• postgraduate course: a first degree in any subject.

Those with an RICS-accredited undergraduate or postgraduate surveying degree may have the option of joining a surveying graduate scheme or programme. Some UK employers may also accept applications from people with degrees that are not RICS-accredited.

Learn more about surveying university courses
 

How to become a chartered surveyor

Chartered surveyor status is globally recognised as the gold standard in land, property and the built environment. Becoming a Chartered Member (MRICS) accelerates career progression, as all members are provided with networking opportunities and continual learning to uphold the professional standards expected by RICS.

There are many other benefits of RICS membership, with a key attraction for those who like to travel being the opportunity to work overseas, whether for a global consultancy or as a self-employed surveyor.

So how do you become a chartered surveyor? To qualify as a chartered surveyor, you first need to gain a required combination of relevant experience and qualifications. Then, you must complete the appropriate Chartered Assessment route, the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) being the most common.

You can apply for an assessment to become chartered at any point in your career, but you must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

• between two and five years’ relevant experience in a surveying field after completion of an RICS-accredited degree
• five years of relevant experience and any bachelor's degree, which does not have to be RICS-accredited; or
• ten years of senior or executive experience, including those in leadership roles, with advanced skills, or who are teaching or researching at a university.

After you successfully complete your Chartered Assessment, you will become an MRICS and be able to use the designation chartered surveyor.

Find out more about becoming a chartered member