21 December 2021

A quantity surveyor is responsible for controlling estimates and costs for large construction projects and ensuring the structures meet legal and quality standards.

Take a look at our quantity surveyor job role page to understand more about the role.

Most employers will expect you to have a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited qualification. There are multiple ways you can gain quantity surveyor qualifications: a university course, an apprenticeship, on the job experience or a graduate scheme.

Once you’re a RICS member you will have to carry out additional qualifications to ensure you can provide the highest level of surveying.

 

If you can, get on-the-job experience

Studying to become a quantity surveyor can take several years to qualify depending on your chosen route so it could be a while until you physically do the job.

Many training routes offer placements which allow you to gain on-the-job experience and acquire working industry knowledge. By having this experience so early on in your career, it will help you to secure a job in the future and show your dedication to the role.

RICS offer a search tool to find the contact details of local surveyors who might be able to offer on-the-job experience.

 

Take up quantity surveying courses

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) give accreditation to certain National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), apprenticeships and site management qualifications. If you’re an individual who wishes to earn whilst you learn or you prefer not to study full-time then this is a great option to explore. Check out the different course on the CIOB website.

To become a fully qualified quantity surveyor you must obtain a RICS membership and carry out an assessment of professional competency (APC) course. It’s a two-year structured training pathway which provides the individual with a certification to show their competence and that they meet the high standards of professionalism required. Depending on your previous experience within the industry, there are several route you can take on the APC – explore here in more detail.

Once you’re a member of RICS, you must complete 20 hours of continuous professional development (CPD), which could include events, conferences, running a workshop, professional courses or in-house training.

 

Consider an apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is an alternative option to gain quantity surveyor qualifications. It will allow you to learn skills on the job and immerse yourself in the industry to start building up a professional network. The government website is a great site to find apprenticeships near you – find your dream course here.

If you have started your surveying journey, a RICS approved Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship programme is a great option to further your skills, knowledge, and industry experience. At the end of the surveyor degree apprenticeship, you will have achieved a BSC Hons in Quantity Surveying.

There are several benefits to a degree apprenticeship:

  • No accrued debt
  • Get paid a salary
  • Gain practical experience
  • Work under qualified quantity surveyors professionals.

Get good A level results

There are no set A levels which are required for a career in quantity surveying, however the subjects which might be the most beneficial are:

  • Maths
  • Business studies
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • Design and technology.

If you choose to go to university, it’s important to get good A levels results to secure a place on your chosen BSC Hons Quantity Surveying course.

 

Go to a RICS an CIOB accredited university

Quantity surveyors are responsible for ensuring construction projects meet the required legal and quality standards, so it is very important to ensure the individual has received the required qualifications.

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the international body who train and regulate chartered surveyors. Many universities offer RICS-accredited courses in quantity surveying, and some include placement years to allow you to acquire work experience. By choosing to study a RICS accredited course, you can be reassured that the course will have strict rules and regulations to abide to so the teaching you receive will be in-depth and detailed.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is a global organisation and the largest professional body for construction management and leadership. Like RICS, CIOB provide accreditation to some university courses that meet their required standards and will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need for a successful career in quantity surveying.

 

Start your journey today

If you’ve found your quantity surveying pathway then get started today – find out what the job entails and hear from Callum Gemmell, an assistant quantity surveyor, about his experience.

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