Think of the APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) as practical training and experience which, when added to your full-time study and learning received at university, leads to your RICS membership.

It is the process by which RICS ensures you are competent to practise as a chartered surveyor. The APC normally (graduate route 1) consists of:

• A minimum of 24 months' training, during which you must achieve specific competencies
• Professional development
• Keeping a diary and log book of your relevant training and experience
• An interim assessment after 12 months, detailing your progress so far
• Final written submissions including log book, reports and assessment forms
• An assessment interview after 24 months, making a presentation at an assessment centre.

Your APC training will continue for a minimum of 24 months, during which you must do a minimum of 400 days' relevant practical experience.

It may take longer, depending on your supervisor’s and counsellor’s assessment of your progress, but must be gained within six years.

During this time, your training must be structured to make sure you achieve the competencies as set out by your chosen APC pathway.

ou will need to gain extra knowledge, reinforcing your practical experience, to achieve these competencies.

You can do this by attending extra courses or structured study.

This extra study must reflect and enhance market practice, and can extend beyond the conventional boundaries of surveying.

Throughout the APC your supervisor and counsellor will continually monitor your progress of the specific competencies. 

You will not be able to apply for the final assessment until your supervisor and counsellor certify that, in their opinion, you have reached the level of competence required.

In addition you must have fulfilled the minimum training period by the time of your interview.

Please note that before starting your period of monitored training, you will need to apply for RICS membership and enrol onto the APC.

This can be done at the How to Join section or by contacting RICS.

In addition to achieving the required levels of knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the competencies, you must also demonstrate that you:

• are a good ambassador for your profession, RICS and employer
• are aware of the professional and commercial implications of your work
• understand your clients' and employer's objectives
• have an up-to-date and developing knowledge of legal and technical matters relevant to the work that you do and the law of the region or country in which you practise
• have developed the confidence to work unsupervised.

Additional information
Please note that this website only refers to the latest version of guidance notes.

Changes to the APC will be announced in general news releases and made prominent on this website.

If you are affected by any of the changes to either the rules or administrative procedures you will be kept informed at the appropriate stage by the Membership Operations Department.