On 1 July 2006, RICS launched in the UK the new, improved APC/ATC that simplified the procedures and more closely matched the needs of industry and the profession. This followed a comprehensive feedback exercise that took account of the views of faculties, employers, training managers, RICS Training Advisers, assessors, candidates and QA Auditors.
An updated suite of guides is available. The documents are business-like, focused and relevant. Candidates and their employers are provided with a cost-effective set of management tools that demonstrate to the profession and the public that RICS continues to implement rigorous and clearly defined criteria when selecting potential members to join RICS.
Two new pathways (formerly 'routes' have been added – the APC pathway, 'Property Finance and Investment' which reflects current international demand, and the ATC pathway, 'Home Inspection', in preparation for forthcoming legislation in England and Wales. The revised 'QS and Construction' pathway mirrors the needs of the external market, recognising the equal status of consultant and contractor surveyors.
Mandatory competencies have been rationalised; 'Law' and 'Self Management' are subsumed into other competencies, while 'IT' and 'Collection and retrieval of data' have been merged. 'Environmental Awareness' has been replaced with 'Sustainability' in line with RICS policy and global aspirations.
Technical competencies have been more clearly defined by the Faculties, and will shortly be augmented by a commentary from each Faculty/Forum. Employers are given further guidance on the selection of optional competencies, through the re-introduction of closed lists. This avoids double counting, and the selection of competencies that do not genuinely relate to the work of the individual.
The new guides also reinforce the principle that candidates can only submit their final assessment paperwork after competencies have been achieved. The employer’s training programme (competency achievement planner) should continue to reflect this. Final assessments are still held in spring and autumn, but RICS staff are working to reduce the gap between submission and interview.
The requirements for candidates with previous experience are incorporated into the new guides. Anyone with at least five years’ experience has the opportunity to complete their structured training within 12 months. Those with ten years’ experience can be assessed as soon as possible, provided that competencies have already been achieved.
Apart from that, the principles of the APC/ATC have not changed. Namely, the employer still selects competencies, and tells the candidate (and RICS) how those competencies will be achieved. The employer still sets the timetable and regularly assesses progress, adjusting the training plan as appropriate. Also, the employer eventually certifies that the candidate is competent to progress to final assessment.
Employers should re-visit their existing structured training proposals and update them to reflect the new definitions and reference numbers. They should also revise their forward plans, to target a spring or autumn date. These rules now apply to everyone who registers in the UK. If you have a candidate with more than 12 months to go before final assessment, then you have the option of transferring them on to the new definitions and requirements.
Employers, supervisors and counsellors in Scotland can contact Alan at A.Melvin@Napier.ac.uk. Other employers, should consult their local RTA.
