What is a chartered surveyor?

The definition of ‘chartered surveyor’ is a surveyor who has gained, and consistently demonstrates, a high level of skill or competence in their field of work, recognised by the award of formal accreditation from RICS.

Chartered members (MRICS) are globally recognised as professionals who can provide the highest level of advice within their sector – and with 22 different specialisms, known as sector pathways, there’s a community of RICS experts specialising in each.

But what does a chartered surveyor do day to day and why should you use one? Chartered surveyors are involved in a range of projects, from planning high-tech housing and creating vibrant workplaces to playing a key role in sustainable developments and improving public health through new transport systems. To understand more about this valuable profession – including the types of chartered membership and the differences between chartered and non-chartered surveyors – keep reading.

What is the difference between a surveyor and a chartered surveyor?

Chartered surveyors are regulated by RICS and must hold the recognised qualifications and experience before passing the APC. Once surveyors have obtained globally renowned chartered status, they are required to undertake continued professional development (CPD) to ensure they are working to the highest standards and levels of trust and accountability.

Only members and fellows of RICS are allowed to call themselves ‘chartered’ and use MRICS or FRICS after their names; both labels are hallmarks of professional excellence on an international scale.

On the other hand, while qualified surveyors without chartered status (i.e. those with a degree relevant to surveying) do have the knowledge of their respective sectors to complete tasks for which they have been trained, their level of expertise is not the same as chartered surveyors.

What does a chartered surveyor do?

With so many different types of surveying, there isn’t a single job description for all surveyors with chartered status. Defining what chartered surveyors do on a daily basis depends on the area they specialise in within land, property and construction.

Some common duties across key specialisms such as building, environmental, valuation and quantity surveying could include:

• examining buildings for structural defects
• providing valuations for property and other asset types
• offering expert advice on environmental issues and construction
• measuring and collecting data on specific areas of land, including information about boundaries, buildings and features, both natural and man-made
• providing an accurate report of the potential impact of any development or engineering works
• making sure that the financial position of construction projects is accurately reported and controlled effectively, and
• managing the contractual relationships between the various parties involved in any building project.

Learn more about the different types of surveyors and what they do here.

Types of chartered membership

RICS has three designations: Associate, Member and Fellow. Learn more about each one using the dropdowns below.

Why use a chartered surveyor?

RICS chartered status is a mark of quality, assurance and professionalism worldwide. You can trust that you are dealing with a highly trained and experienced professional who can provide expert guidance relating to property, land and construction – all while being unbiased, fair and transparent.

Chartered surveyors maintain a high level of technical property and market knowledge, meaning they can share trusted, independent advice on which to base your property decisions. For example, getting a level-three home buyer or building survey from a regulated and insured RICS surveyor could save you thousands of pounds if faults are found before purchasing your new home.

To make sure that Chartered Members offer the quality of advice and level of integrity required, RICS chartered status is only awarded to individuals who meet the most rigorous requirements for both qualifications and experience, as well as those who are prepared to maintain these high standards in the public interest. To uphold these high professional standards of conduct, there are mandatory rules (CPD) outlined by RICS that mean its members must keep up to date with legislation, best practice and industry news.