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 this week's blog about?
In this week’s blog, we look at the changes RICS have made in the latest (February 2024) AssocRICS candidate guide.
You can download a full copy of the Candidate Guide here.
What has changed?
There are three key changes that RICS have made to the AssocRICS Candidate Guide.
These relate to:
The People – page 2
Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments – page 7
Candidate Support – page 8
What has changed in relation to ‘The People’?
RICS have provided further clarity on the various roles required as part of your AssocRICS journey.
Every candidate needs a Counsellor. They must be AssocRICS or MRICS and will support you through your AssocRICS training. They will be responsible for signing you off before you submit your written assessment to RICS, confirming that you have achieved the appropriate competency levels required for your pathway.
They may not have qualified on the same pathway as you and may not have experience in all of your competencies. This could be the case if they qualified some time ago or now work in a different sector or environment.
However, they will have undertaken their Counsellor training and will be able to provide you with support on the AssocRICS process. This will require in-depth discussion of your experience during regular (at least 3 monthly) Counsellor meetings.
RICS emphasise that it is your responsibility, as an AssocRICS candidate, to find your own Counsellor – this is not something that RICS can provide for you.
All candidates also need a Proposer, who essentially provides a character reference as part of your application. The Proposer role can be fulfilled by your Counsellor.
RICS also outline the role of your assessors; there are two who will review and assess your written submission. One is the lead assessor and is responsible for writing the referral report, if you are unfortunately unsuccessful.
What do RICS say about access arrangements and reasonable adjustments?
RICS commits to preventing discrimination in line with the Equality Act 2010 (and the protected characteristics).
They will make reasonable adjustments if you are defined as disabled by the Equality Act 2010 and would be disadvantaged in relation to someone who is not disabled (if the adjustments were not made).
Any reasonable adjustments will be made on a case-by-case basis and tailored to your specific needs. You can apply for reasonable adjustments when you submit using the RICS Assessment Platform. Ensure you read the Access Arrangements: Reasonable Adjustments policy when submitting to ensure you receive the support you need.
What Candidate Support do RICS provide?
RICS have re-written this section to confirm the support they provide to candidates, including webinars, online drop-ins, various support packages, podcasts and LionHeart.
How can we help?
Don't leave it too late to book your submission feedback and review, APC question pack, e-mock interview or 1-2-1 mentoring. We also provide revision quizzes, revision guides and a CPD Webinar Package.
We offer a range of short and long-term support packages in our eShop, including our popular Monthly Mentoring and Kick Start packages. These can include an RICS APC or AssocRICS Counsellor in certain circumstances.
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.