General questions

What does APC stand for?
Assessment of Professional Competence - a period of structured practical training that ends with a final assessment to assess the aspiring chartered surveyor's competence to practise.

I keep hearing the words 'Local/National Associations' - is this a different organisation from RICS?
No. Local/National Associations are not a separate body to RICS. They are the RICS local offices representing the interests of chartered surveyors in particular countries.

I am based in a country where there is no local APC infrastructure in place. How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed by written submission. This means that you will not be expected to travel to another country for an interview. 

How do I know where RICS has a Local/National Association in place?
ll of our Local/National Associations are listed on this website.

Is the 'Route to Membership' and 'APC faculty route' the same thing?
No, they are different. Route to membership is the route you follow to join RICS depending on your academic and professional experience, for example graduate route, senior professional route. APC faculty route is the competency route you choose to complete your APC, for example construction, valuation, building surveying.

Can I change my optional competencies?
Yes. You do not need to inform RICS but you must ensure that all the requirements of your chosen APC route are met to all levels.

Can you tell me what optional competencies I've chosen?
RICS does not keep a record of your chosen competencies - it is your responsibility to keep all records of your work.

If I change employer, do I need to inform you?
Yes. You must complete a change of employer form, which can be downloaded from the right hand column of this page.

Can I change my APC faculty route?
Yes, this is possible, but you will need to cover all the competencies of the new route before being eligible for final assessment and notify RICS on apc@rics.org.

What's the current pass rate of the APC?
65%.

How many people sit the APC each year?
Approximately 2 700 worldwide (2004 figures).

Does the APC cover all aspects of surveying?
Yes. Each candidate follows the competency-based training programme but chooses a specific faculty route to specialise in to achieve Chartered Surveyor status.

What support can RICS give me throughout my APC?

• APC doctors - volunteer chartered surveyors appointed by RICS to guide candidates through the system.
• RICS training advisers - who advise employers on structured training schemes, give advice on the best way of assessing trainees and accredit/monitor the schemes (UK candidates).
• Buddy mentor scheme - a pen pal service mainly for candidates with no national association (non-UK candidates).
• Local RICS offices - regional staff can provide some of the activities you need to fulfil professional development.
• The RICS website and discussion forums (www.rics.org/AspNetForums).
• RICS staff (contactrics@rics.org).

I still have some questions - who can I ask?
RICS has a fully trained Contact Centre team who will be able to advise you on general APC queries. You can email on contactrics@rics.org or telephone +44 (0)870 333 1600.