The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is one of the most prestigious and globally recognised professional bodies in the fields of land, property, construction, and infrastructure. Established to promote and enforce the highest professional and ethical standards, RICS plays a critical role in shaping best practice across the built and natural environment. Its members operate in over 140 countries and are trusted by governments, businesses, and the public alike.
Becoming a member of RICS – particularly achieving Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) status—is widely regarded as a mark of professional excellence. It demonstrates not only technical competence and practical experience, but also a strong commitment to ethical behaviour, professionalism, and continuous development. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the complete RICS Assessment and membership journey, from entry routes and eligibility requirements to final assessment and ongoing professional obligations.
1. Understanding RICS Membership Levels
RICS offers a structured membership framework designed to accommodate individuals at different stages of their education and professional careers. These membership levels allow candidates to progress gradually while developing the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience.
1.1 Student Member
Student membership is intended for individuals who are currently studying for an RICS-accredited qualification or a related degree. This level allows students to familiarise themselves with RICS standards, ethics, and professional expectations at an early stage.
Student members benefit from access to learning resources, professional guidance, and networking opportunities. Membership is either free or available at a minimal cost, and no formal assessment is required at this stage. Student membership provides a strong foundation for progression into professional membership categories.
1.2 Associate (AssocRICS)
Associate membership is designed for early-career professionals who may not yet meet the full requirements for chartered status. It offers recognition of practical competence and commitment to professional standards.
The AssocRICS route typically requires less professional experience than MRICS and involves a simplified assessment pathway, focusing on applied knowledge and practical skills. While not equivalent to chartered status, AssocRICS can enhance employability and provide a stepping stone toward full membership.
1.3 Chartered Member (MRICS)
Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) is the most widely recognised and respected RICS designation. It is considered the gold standard of professional competence in surveying and built environment disciplines.
Achieving MRICS status requires candidates to complete structured training, demonstrate relevant professional experience, pass the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), and adhere strictly to ethical and professional standards. Chartered members are recognised globally and are permitted to use the “MRICS” designation after their name.
1.4 Fellow (FRICS)
Fellowship represents the highest level of RICS membership and is awarded to senior professionals who have made a significant contribution to the profession. Candidates for Fellowship typically possess substantial experience, leadership responsibilities, and professional influence.
Unlike MRICS, Fellowship is awarded through an application process rather than examination, and applicants must demonstrate outstanding professional achievement and commitment to RICS values.
2. Eligibility Routes to RICS Membership
RICS recognises that candidates come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. As a result, it offers multiple eligibility routes to accommodate different qualifications and career paths.
2.1 Accredited Degree Route
This is the most direct route for candidates who hold an RICS-accredited undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Accredited programmes are aligned with RICS competency requirements, meaning graduates are already equipped with relevant technical knowledge.
Candidates following this route are typically required to complete 12 to 24 months of relevant professional experience before applying for final assessment. The exact duration depends on the level of qualification and employment role.
2.2 Non-Accredited Degree Route
Candidates whose degrees are not RICS-accredited can still pursue RICS membership. However, they may be required to demonstrate a broader range of experience or complete additional assessments to ensure their knowledge meets RICS standards.
This route often involves a longer period of structured training and closer scrutiny of professional experience, ensuring that all candidates meet the same competency benchmarks regardless of academic background.
2.3 Senior Professional Route
The Senior Professional Route is designed for highly experienced individuals who have typically worked in the profession for 10 years or more and hold senior or leadership positions.
Rather than completing the full APC process, these candidates undergo a streamlined assessment focusing on professional competence, leadership, ethics, and strategic decision-making. This route acknowledges extensive experience while maintaining rigorous assessment standards.
3. The RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)
The Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) is the primary pathway to achieving Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) status. It is a structured, competency-based assessment designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to practice independently and ethically.
The APC ensures that candidates possess not only technical expertise, but also professional judgement, ethical awareness, and effective communication skills.
3.1 Enrolment
To begin the APC process, candidates must:
- Hold an appropriate RICS membership category (usually student or associate)
- Enrol through the RICS online portal
- Select a relevant pathway and set of competencies aligned with their professional role
Once enrolled, candidates enter a period of structured training during which they develop experience and record their progress.
4. Choosing Competencies
Competencies are at the core of the RICS assessment framework. They define the skills and knowledge required for specific professional roles and ensure consistency across the profession.
4.1 Mandatory Competencies
All candidates must complete the following mandatory competencies:
- Ethics, Rules and Professionalism (Level 3):
This competency assesses understanding and application of ethical standards, professional conduct, and regulatory requirements. - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Level 1):
This competency focuses on awareness and understanding of inclusive practices within professional environments.
4.2 Core and Pathway Competencies
In addition to mandatory competencies, candidates must select:
- One core competency at Level 3, directly related to their main area of practice
- One or two optional competencies, typically at Levels 1 or 2
Each competency is structured across three levels:
- Level 1 – Knowledge and understanding
- Level 2 – Application of knowledge
- Level 3 – Providing advice and implementation
5. Structured Training and Professional Experience
A key requirement of the RICS process is the completion of relevant professional experience, ensuring candidates can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations.
Candidates are required to complete:
- 12–24 months of structured experience
- Experience aligned with selected competencies
- Ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Experience is formally recorded using:
- Case logs
- Summary statements
- CPD records
These records demonstrate progression, competence, and reflective learning.
6. Ethics Module and Ethics Test
Ethics forms the foundation of RICS professional standards. All candidates must complete the RICS Ethics Module and pass the Ethics Test before proceeding to final assessment.
The module covers:
- Professional integrity
- Conflicts of interest
- Complaints handling
- Ethical decision-making
Failure to pass the ethics requirement prevents candidates from progressing, highlighting the central importance RICS places on ethical conduct.
7. Final Assessment Submission
Once all requirements are met, candidates submit their final assessment application, which typically includes:
- A summary of professional experience
- A case study of approximately 3,000 words
- CPD records
- Confirmation of ethics test completion
The case study is a critical component and demonstrates:
- Professional judgement
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ethical awareness
- Practical application of competencies
8. Final Assessment Interview
The final assessment interview usually lasts around 60 minutes and is conducted by two trained RICS assessors.
The interview includes:
- Discussion of the submitted case study
- Questions on selected competencies
- Ethics and professionalism scenarios
- Practical, situation-based questions
The interview assesses not only technical competence, but also communication skills, confidence, and professional judgement.
9. Assessment Outcome
Following the interview, candidates may receive one of three outcomes:
- Pass: The candidate is awarded MRICS status
- Refer: Further development or resubmission is required
- Fail: Rare and usually related to serious competency or ethics issues
Successful candidates are entitled to use the designation Chartered Surveyor (MRICS).
10. Maintaining RICS Membership
Achieving chartered status is not the end of the journey. RICS members must maintain professional standards through:
- Annual CPD requirements
- Compliance with the RICS Rules of Conduct
- Payment of annual membership fees
- Commitment to lifelong learning
Failure to meet these obligations can result in disciplinary action.
11. Benefits of RICS Membership
RICS membership provides numerous professional advantages, including:
- Global recognition and credibility
- Enhanced career mobility
- Increased earning potential
- Professional trust and accountability
- Access to resources, guidance, and professional networks
Conclusion
The RICS assessment and membership process is a rigorous and carefully structured system designed to uphold the highest standards of professionalism within the built environment. While the journey demands commitment, discipline, and continuous development, it ensures that Chartered Surveyors possess the technical expertise, ethical integrity, and professional judgement required in a global industry.
For individuals seeking long-term professional recognition and career advancement in land, property, construction, and infrastructure, RICS Membership represents a powerful and internationally respected credential.
