Chartered Surveyor

Chartered surveyors work in many different fields. They may be:

• building surveyors, who advise on the design and construction of buildings
• construction surveyors, who oversee construction projects
• residential property surveyors, who advise on the purchase, sale and development of houses and apartments
• quantity surveyors, who assess and manage the costs related to building projects.

Surveyors usually work Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, but additional hours may sometimes be needed to meet deadlines. They work in offices and on site. Surveying often involves outdoor work, in all weathers.

Salaries range from around £24,000 for a graduate entrant to over £100,000 a year.

A chartered surveyor needs:

• a practical approach to problem-solving
• excellent negotiating skills
• to be methodical and pay attention to detail
• to work well with people at all levels
• an interest in architecture, buildings and property.

Surveyors are employed throughout the UK, but there are more jobs in large cities. Employers include surveying practices, property companies, consultancies, construction companies, estate agents and the public sector. There is considerable competition for graduate jobs with leading surveying firms.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the main professional institution, and membership is essential to become a chartered surveyor. To become a member of RICS, surveyors usually need to take a degree or postgraduate conversion course accredited by RICS. Candidates with HNCs/HNDs or Foundation degrees can top up with further study for RICS-accredited degrees.

It is possible to study for the relevant qualifications part time whilst gaining practical experience with an employer. Apprenticeships may also be available.

After completing a RICS-accredited course, surveyors need to gain further experience before becoming fully qualified. This involves 23 months of structured training whilst in employment, leading to a RICS final assessment interview, known as the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). Upon successful completion of the APC, surveyors can use the letters MRICS after their name.

Most large organisations have a formal promotion structure, and surveyors may progress to senior management. In small organisations, it may be necessary to move to another employer for promotion or to gain wider experience. Self-employment is quite common for surveyors. It is possible to join a private practice as a partner. There are good opportunities to work abroad.

Further details