Building a better you
Property Elite’s sole aim is to build better property professionals - supporting your career every step of the way, whether you are an AssocRICS or RICS APC candidate or a MRICS or FRICS Chartered Surveyor simply seeking engaging CPD.
We provide a wide range of training and support, so why not find out more on our website about how we might be able to support you? We work with candidates across all RICS APC and AssocRICS pathways, routes to assessment and geographic regions.
Don’t forget to sign up online for your free 15 minute AssocRICS or RICS APC consultation, including a review of your referral report if you have been referred. You can also book your bespoke training or support services directly through our eShop.
Not sure about signing up? Make sure you read what our recent successful candidates have to say in our Testimonials.
What is today's blog about?
This week, we are looking at the RICS AssocRICS qualification and how you can go about achieving it. This is only Part 1 of a series of articles focussing on the RICS AssocRICS qualification.
You can also listen to our CPD podcast on Anchor for more free AssocRICS and RICS APC training and support.
If you are due to submit your AssocRICS assessment this Spring or Autumn, make sure you download our E-book Guide and Submission Checklist.
What is AssocRICS?
AssocRICS recognises work-based experience and vocational qualifications. It shows that you are qualified, regulated and trusted, whilst providing a stepping stone to full chartered status (MRICS).
What are the benefits?
There are many reasons why you may want to become AssocRICS:
Meaning - it’s a great feeling to see AssocRICS after your name. Be proud and enjoy the associated respect from clients and colleagues
Recognition - clients seek out qualified surveyors - it’s part of your personal brand and instills confidence in what you do. Put yourself ahead of the competition
Professionalism - you’ll work to the high standards set by RICS, assisted by the comprehensive guidance and support they provide
Network - who you know can be just as important as what you know. The RICS provides a great way to meet other professionals and boost your profile
Career progression - promotions can be dependent on getting qualified. When you are ready, the sooner you do it - the better
Am I eligible?
There are four key routes to AssocRICS membership:
4 years’ work experience
Approved HND, HNC, NVQ3, BTEC or foundation degree + 2 years’ work experience
Relevant undergraduate degree + 1 years’ work experience
Direct entry via membership of an approved professional body
Upon satisfying one of the above routes, you’ll then need to pass the AssocRICS written assessment and online ethics module.
In the case of direct entry, you only need to pass the online ethics module.
Upon becoming AssocRICS qualified with valuation as one of your technical competencies you can apply to become an AssocRICS Registered Valuer.
You can also apply if you didn’t follow the valuation pathway, however, you’ll have to undergo additional assessment first.
How long will it take and how much does it cost?
Generally, candidates take 6-12 months to become AssocRICS qualified. RICS charges an enrolment fee, plus an annual subscription fee.
How do I chose a pathway and competencies?
You’ll need to choose an AssocRICS pathway within the specialisms of land, property or construction. Examples include Commercial Property Management, Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying and Valuation. The full list can be found on the RICS website.
You will need to read the pathway and competency guides to check that your pathway and choice of 6 technical competencies reflect your work-based experience.
There are also 8 mandatory competencies you need to satisfy, irrespective of pathway and technical competency choice, which relate to wider business skills:
1. Client care
2. Communication and negotiation
3. Conduct rules, ethics and professional practice (although you do not have to write this up in your experience summary)
4. Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures
5. Data management
6. Health and safety
7. Sustainability
8. Teamworking
Who supports me?
You will need a counsellor to guide you through the AssocRICS process. This is usually a qualified member (AssocRICS plus 4 years’ experience, MRICS or FRICS) from your firm.
We recommend meeting your counsellor every 4-6 weeks to review your progress and ensure that you are on the right track for success.
Before starting work on your submission, we recommend completing a self-assessment form, which can be downloaded from your pathway section of the RICS website.
We also recommend reading the AssocRICS Candidate Guide to ensure you understand the process of becoming AssocRICS qualified.
What next?
If you are due to submit your AssocRICS assessment this Spring or Autumn, make sure you download our E-book Guide and Submission Checklist.
You can also contact us to sign up for a free 15 minute consultation or to book in your submission review without delay.
It’s generally never too late and there is always something we can do to support you to AssocRICS success!
How can we help?
Don't leave it too late to book your submission feedback and review, which provides two rounds of feedback from a current assessor on your RICS APC submission.
We offer a range of short and long-term support packages in our eShop, including our popular Monthly Mentoring service, as well as APC question packs, 1-2-1 mentoring and e-mock interviews.
Head to our blog archive to access even more free CPD and AssocRICS and RICS APC training and support.
Download your free AssocRICS and RICS APC resources, including e-books and revision quizzes.
Find out more about our bespoke AssocRICS and RICS APC training and support, before booking your free 15 minute consultation.
Not sure about signing up? Make sure you read what our recent successful candidates have to say in our Testimonials.
Stay tuned for our next blog post to help build a better you
N.b. Nothing in this article constitutes legal, professional or financial advice.