How to become a chartered surveyor

Chartered surveyors help shape the world in which we live. From building the latest stadiums and reimagining our cities to delivering sustainable developments, they play a crucial role in the futures of generations to come. It is an extremely varied and rewarding career.

If you’re considering a career in surveying, here we run through how to become a chartered surveyor and how long it takes, including the potential routes.

You’ll also discover the average chartered surveyor salary, as well as the benefits that come with RICS chartered membership.

Applying to become a Chartered Surveyor

One way to qualify is via the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

RICS recognises that a mix of academic and professional qualifications with relevant experience provide the skills and levels of competence to become a chartered surveyor.

The eligibility requirements to begin the APC are:

• RICS accredited degree – At least 24 months’ structured training and a minimum of 96 hours’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
• RICS accredited degree with a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience – At least 12 months’ structured training and a minimum of 48 hours’ CPD.
• RICS accredited degree with a minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience – Demonstrate a minimum of 48 hours’ CPD over the preceding 12 months. No structured training period required.
• Bachelor degree or higher (or membership of an RICS approved professional body) with a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience (at least 12 months must be post qualification) – Successfully complete the preliminary review and a minimum of 48 hours’ CPD.

It is also possible to qualify as a chartered surveyor with a surveying apprenticeship. More information on surveying apprenticeships can be found here.

Separate to the APC, we also have dedicated routes for those Senior, Specialist and Academic positions.  Find out more about the RICS qualification standards and routes to entry here.

How much does a chartered surveyor earn?

Depending on factors such as level of experience, specialism or sector, location (e.g. London) and expected hours, the average chartered surveyor (the letters (MRICS) salary can start at £23,000 for a newly qualified graduate and reach six figures for an experienced senior role, such as a Fellow (FRICS).

Associate members of RICS (AssocRICS) typically start at a lower salary but can earn somewhere in the middle of that range, with the average AssocRICS salary standing at circa £45,000 in the UK.

Chartered surveyors earn on average £16,000 more than their non-RICS counterparts.

Why become a chartered surveyor?

Achieving chartered surveyor status is globally recognised as the gold standard in the surveying industry. Becoming MRICS helps you to accelerate your career progression, as all chartered surveyors are provided with networking opportunities and continual learning opportunities to uphold the professional standards expected by RICS.

There are many other benefits of RICS membership. For example, if you like to travel and want to make a difference to communities around the world, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to work overseas, whether for a global consultancy or as a self-employed surveyor. You’ll also have access to the latest industry insights and expert thinking, as well as the chance to build a global professional network.

Your employability in the industry will also be greatly enhanced by earning chartered status.