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Sector pathways

Sector pathways

When you join RICS, you are assessed on your sector-specific skills, knowledge and experience.

Our sector pathways are used to assess your knowledge, skills and expertise. When you apply to join RICS, you need to select the sector pathway most closely linked to your career experience.

For Associate Members (AssocRICS), there are 10 sector pathways to choose from; for Chartered Members (MRICS) there are 22 sector pathways. These cover the different specialisms within the surveying profession: such as building control, facilities management and valuation.

Details of all the sector pathways and the skills required for each can be found below.

How we assess your skills

For each sector pathway, you will be assessed against a range of specific competencies. These are split between mandatory, core and optional competencies:

  • Mandatory Competencies – personal and professional practice and business skills (these are the same for all sector pathways)
  • Core Competencies – the main skills of your chosen pathway
  • Optional Competencies – additional skills for your chosen pathway.

Each competency is assessed at three levels:

  • Level 1 – knowledge and understanding
  • Level 2 – application of knowledge
  • Level 3 – depth and synthesis of technical knowledge and implementation.

The levels you are required to reach for each competency vary across sector pathways and depending on whether you are applying to be an Associate Member (AssocRICS) or a Chartered Member (MRICS).

Membership enquiries

If you have any questions about joining RICS or our qualifications, please call +65 6812 8193 or complete our membership enquiries form.

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Sector pathways: find the right one for you

  • You ensure that building regulations and other legislation are followed in the design and construction stages of new and altered buildings, giving advice when designs fail to meet standards or where unforeseen problems are found on site. This includes fire safety, energy conservation, structural stability and disabled access.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    To become an Associate Member on the Building Control pathway, you will be assessed against five Core Competencies and one of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Applied sustainability.
    2. Building control inspections.
    3. Construction technology and environment services.
    4. Fire safety.
    5. Legal/regulatory compliance.

    Optional Competencies

    • BIM management
    • Contaminated land 
    • Planning
    • Works progress and quality management

    Download the Building Control Pathway Guide (Associate)

     

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Building Control pathway, you will be assessed against four Core Competencies and four of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies (to Level 3)

    1. Building control inspections.
    2. Fire safety.
    3. Inspection.
    4. Legal/regulatory compliance.

    Optional Competencies: two to Level 3 and one to Level 2

    • BIM management
    • Building pathology
    • Client care (to Level 3) or Data management
    • Conservation and restoration
    • Construction technology and environmental services
    • Contaminated land
    • Measurement
    • Planning and development management
    • Risk management
    • Sustainability
    • Works progress and quality management

    Plus one to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Building Control Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You are involved in all aspects of property and construction from supervising large mixed-use developments to planning domestic extensions. This requires enhanced technical knowledge and enables you to work in niche areas including building conservation, insurance, rights to light, party wall matters and dilapidations.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    To become an Associate Member on the Building Surveying pathway, you will be assessed against six Core Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Building pathology.
    2. Construction technology and environmental services.
    3. Contract administration.
    4. Design and specification.
    5. Inspection.
    6. Legal/regulatory compliance.

    Download the Building Surveying Pathway Guide (Associate)

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Building Surveying pathway, you will be assessed against four Core Competencies and four of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies (to Level 3)

    1. Building pathology
    2. Construction technology and environmental services
    3. Contract administration
    4. Design and specification
    5. Inspection
    6. Legal/regulatory compliance
    7. Fire safety (to Level 1)

    Optional Competencies: two to Level 2

    • BIM management
    • Commercial management
    • Client care (to level 3), or Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures or Health and safety (to Level 3) or Inclusive environments or Sustainability
    • Conservation and restoration
    • Contract practice
    • Design economics and cost planning
    • Development/project briefs
    • Fire safety
    • Housing maintenance, repair and improvements or Maintenance management
    • Insurance
    • Landlord and tenant
    • Measurement
    • Procurement and tendering
    • Project finance
    • Quantification and costing
    • Risk management
    • Works progress and quality management

    Plus one to Level 2 from the full list of technical competencies, including any not already chosen from the optional list.

    Download the Building Surveying Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • The principal sectors within commercial real estate are retail, office, industrial and leisure. Your key areas of activity can include purchase, sale and leasing of real estate, property and asset management, landlord and tenant relationships, telecommunications, valuation, property investment advice, development appraisals and real estate finance and funding.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    There are two different options within Commercial Real Estate pathway: Commercial Property Management or Real Estate Agency.

    Commercial Property Management

    To become an Associate Member in Commercial Property Management, you will be assessed against five Core Competencies plus one of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Landlord and tenant.
    2. Measurement and inspection of land and property.
    3. Property management.
    4. Property records/information systems.
    5. Rental appraisal.

    Optional Competencies

    • BIM management
    • Leasing/letting
    • Local taxation/assessment
    • Property management accounting
    • Valuation

    Real Estate Agency

    To become an Associate Member in Real Estate Agency, you will be assessed against six out of seven Core Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Landlord and tenant.
    2. Leasing/letting.
    3. Legal/regulatory compliance. 
    4. Market appraisal. 
    5. Measurement and inspection of land and property. 
    6. Property records/information systems.
    7. Purchase and sale.

    Download the Commercial Real Estate Pathway Guide (Associate)

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Commercial Real Estate pathway, you will be assessed against three Core Competencies and four of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Inspection (Level 3).
    2. Measurement (Level 2).
    3. Valuation (Level 2).

    Optional Competencies: three to Level 3

    • Accounting principles and procedures or Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution or Data management or Sustainability
    • Auctioneering
    • BIM management
    • Building pathology
    • Capital taxation
    • Compulsory purchase and compensation
    • Contaminated land
    • Corporate recovery and insolvency
    • Development appraisals
    • Insurance
    • Indirect investment vehicles
    • Investment management
    • Landlord and tenant
    • Leasing and letting
    • Legal/regulatory compliance
    • Loan security valuation
    • Local taxation/assessment
    • Planning and development management
    • Property finance and funding
    • Property management
    • Purchase and sale
    • Strategic real estate consultancy

    Plus one to Level 3 or two to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Commercial Real Estate Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You play a role in the whole lifecycle of an organisation’s property portfolio, with responsibilities including the analysis and strategic planning of property requirements and managing property in a way that ensures it is occupied to its maximum benefit. You have the potential to make a huge impact on the operation of a business and the experience of its employees.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    For associate membership, there is no sector pathway for Corporate Real Estate. However, you may be interested in our sector pathway for either Commercial Real Estate or Valuation.

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Corporate Real Estate pathway, you will be assessed against four Core Competencies and five of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Business alignment or Strategic real estate consultancy (Level 3).
    2. Business case (Level 2).
    3. Landlord and tenant or Property management (Level 2).
    4. Valuation (Level 1).

    Optional Competencies: three to Level 3 and one to Level 2

    • Change management
    • Inspection
    • Leasing and letting
    • Local taxation/assessment
    • Measurement
    • Performance management
    • Procurement and tendering
    • Programming and planning 
    • Purchase and sale
    • Strategic real estate consultancy
    • Supplier management
    • Sustainability
    • Valuation
    • Workspace strategy

    Plus one to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Corporate Real Estate Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You are a specialist in all aspects of the management, monitoring and assessment of the environment in the context of real estate, land and construction. You work in areas including environmental management, land use and contaminated land, environmental auditing and assessment. You require an in-depth knowledge of legislation, professional due diligence, insurance, investment and all sectors of risk management from groundwater pollution risk to pollution control within the air that we breathe.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    For associate membership, environmental surveying is covered within the sector pathway for Land.

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Environmental Surveying pathway, you will be assessed against five Core Competencies and three of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Environmental management (Level 3).
    2. Legal/regulatory compliance (Level 2).

    Plus, three of the following to Level 3

    • Consultancy services
    • Contaminated land
    • Environmental assessment
    • Environmental audit (and monitoring)
    • Environmental science and processes
    • Inspection
    • Management of the natural environment and landscape
    • Planning and development management

    Optional Competencies: to Level 2

    • Development appraisals
    • Development/project briefs
    • Energy and renewable resources
    • Environmental analysis
    • Forestry and woodland management
    • GIS
    • Ground engineering and subsidence
    • Land use and diversification
    • Management and regeneration of the built environment
    • Measurement
    • Surveying and mapping
    • Sustainability
    • Waste management

    Plus one to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Environmental Surveying Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You are responsible for the total management of all services and built environment infrastructure that support the core business of an organisation. You require knowledge across the whole range of asset and built environment activities while also embracing significant change management and mobilisation programmes.

    IFMA-RICS: The most significant collaboration in the history of FM

    Together, IFMA, the International Facility Management Association, and RICS are defining and standardising credentials, practices standards and professional development for the global FM industry through its collaboration formed in April 2016.

    When you attain your qualification at Associate, Member or Fellow level you can automatically benefit from IFMA membership at no additional cost while the collaboration continues.

    We believe our reciprocal arrangement serves the best interests of the FM profession and RICS will provide more details once you have qualified and before sending your personal and membership details to IFMA.

    Find out more information on the RICS/ IFMA collaboration.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    To become an Associate Member on the Facilities Management pathway, you will be assessed against six out of seven Core Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Analysis of client requirements.
    2. BIM management.
    3. Contract practice.
    4. Procurement and tendering.
    5. Project financial control and reporting.
    6. Property management.
    7. Supplier management.

    Download the Facilities Management Pathway Guide (Associate)

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Facilities Management pathway, you will be assessed against four out of 10 Core Competencies and four of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies: two to Level 3 and two to Level 2

    1. Asset management.
    2. Business alignment.
    3. Client care (must be to Level 3).
    4. Legal/regulatory compliance.
    5. Maintenance management.
    6. Performance management.
    7. Procurement and tendering.
    8. Project finance.
    9. Supplier management.
    10. Workspace strategy.

    Optional Competencies: two to Level 3 and one to Level 2

    • Big data
    • BIM management
    • Business case
    • Change management
    • Commercial management
    • Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures or Data management or Health and safety (must be taken to Level 3) or Inclusive environments or Sustainability
    • Construction technology and environmental services
    • Consultancy services
    • Contract administration
    • Contract practice
    • Design and specification
    • Environmental management
    • Landlord and tenant
    • Managing projects
    • Measurement
    • Risk management
    • Smart cities and intelligent buildings
    • Stakeholder management
    • Strategic real estate consultancy
    • Waste management
    • Works progress and quality management

    Plus one to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Facilities Management Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You are the information provider of the land and property lifecycle. You collect, interpret, analyse and present spatially related information on the natural, built, social and economic environments. You are driven by technology and its role in maintaining land law and informing other socio-economic decision making.

    At associate level, geomatics is divided into two distinct pathways:

    • geospatial surveying – focused on the technical role of land and engineering surveying for property and infrastructure, including measured building surveys and utilities surveying
    • hydrographic surveying – focused on the technical role of marine surveying of inland waters and rivers, seas and the deep oceans, including engineering surveys for marinas and offshore surveys for oil and gas installations and construction. 

    Please note: for other land uses, such as rural, natural environment, minerals and waste management, please consult our Land and Resources pathway.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    Geospatial

    To become an Associate Member on the Geospatial pathway, you will be assessed against six out of 10 Core Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. BIM management.
    2. Cadastre and land management.
    3. Engineering surveying.
    4. Geodesy.
    5. GIS.
    6. Legal/regulatory compliance.
    7. Mapping.
    8. Measurement of land and property.
    9. Property records/information systems.
    10. Remote sensing and photogrammetry.

    Download the Geomatics Pathway Guide (Associate)

    Hydrographic

    To become an Associate Member on the Hydrographic pathway, you will be assessed against two Core Competencies and four our of five Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Geodesy.
    2. Hydrographic (marine) surveying.

    Optional Competencies

    • GIS 
    • Legal/regulatory compliance
    • Mapping
    • Remote sensing and photogrammetry
    • Use of the marine environment.

    Download the Hydrographic Pathway Guide (Associate)

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Geomatics pathway, you will be assessed against four out of 12 Core Competencies and four of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies: three to Level 3

    1. Cadastre and land administration.
    2. Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures.
    3. Engineering surveying.
    4. Geodesy.
    5. GIS.
    6. Hydrographic surveying.
    7. Legal/regulatory compliance.
    8. Measurement.
    9. Remote sensing and photogrammetry.
    10. Surveying and mapping.
    11. Surveying of land and sea.
    12. Use of the marine environment.

    Plus Measurement to Level 1.

    Optional Competencies: one to Level 3 and two to Level 2

    • Big data
    • BIM management
    • Construction technology and environmental services
    • Consultancy services
    • Data management
    • Development/project briefs
    • Environmental assessment
    • Ground engineering and subsidence
    • Management of the natural environment and landscape
    • Planning and development management

    Plus one to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Geomatics Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You work on built infrastructure projects in transport, energy, petrochemicals, oil and gas, mining and resources, or water. You are responsible for the project and cost management of the infrastructure from inception to post-completion. Your skills will cover project finance, building information modelling (BIM) and asset management.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    For associate membership, there is no sector pathway for Infrastructure. However, you may be interested in our sector pathway for either Planning and Development or Quantity Surveying and Construction.

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Infrastructure pathway, you will be assessed against five Core Competencies and three of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies: to Level 3

    1. Engineering science and technology (mandatory).
    2. Client care.
    3. Contract practice.
    4. Cost prediction and analysis.
    5. Procurement and tendering.
    6. Programming and planning.
    7. Project controls.
    8. Quantification, costing and price analysis.
    9. Risk management.

    Optional Competencies: two to Level 2

    • Asset management
    • BIM management
    • Compulsory purchase and compensation
    • Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures or Sustainability
    • Contract administration
    • Cross cultural awareness in a global business
    • Leading projects, people and teams
    • Managing projects
    • Project finance
    • Stakeholder management
    • Supplier management

    Plus one to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Infrastructure Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You provide advice across the entire land and property lifecycle from land registration/mapping to management to development to remediation and re-use. The United Nations concept of Fit for Purpose (FFP) is at the heart of capacity building in this critical area of practice. Your role is to balance the need for assets (property, infrastructure or resources) with the limits of the planet’s natural resources, utilising technology and dispute resolution skills to achieve the right results.

    For Associate membership, your role will be focused on one of: environmental; planning and development; minerals and waste management; or rural.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    To become an Associate Member on the Land and Resources pathway, you will be assessed against six out of 11 Core Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    • Access and rights over land.
    • Development/project briefs.
    • Inspection/reporting.
    • Landlord and tenant (including rent reviews and lease renewals).
    • Legal/regulatory compliance.
    • Mapping.
    • Measurement of land and property.
    • Planning.
    • Property management.
    • Property records/information systems.
    • Valuation.

    Download the Land and Resources Pathway Guide (Associate)

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Land and Resources pathway, you will be assessed against seven of the Optional Competencies.

    Optional Competencies: five to Level 3 and one to Level 2

    • Access and rights over land
    • Agriculture
    • Big data
    • Cadastre and land administration
    • Client care (must be to Level 3)
    • Compulsory purchase and compensation
    • Consultancy services
    • Contaminated land
    • Development appraisals
    • Economic development
    • Energy and renewable resources
    • Engineering surveying
    • Environmental management
    • Geodesy
    • GIS
    • Hydrographic surveying
    • Inspection
    • Land use and diversification
    • Landlord and tenant
    • Legal/regulatory compliance
    • Management of the natural environment and landscape
    • Masterplanning and urban design
    • Measurement
    • Minerals management
    • Planning and development management
    • Property management
    • Risk management
    • Smart cities and intelligent buildings
    • Spatial planning policy and infrastructure
    • Strategic real estate consultancy
    • Surveying and mapping
    • Sustainability
    • Valuation
    • Waste management

    Plus one to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Land and Resources Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You are a natural strategist, working in any organisation where real estate plays a significant part in the business. You are trained in economics, business and management skills and provide consultancy skills to identify and implement business solutions to real estate problems at any stage of the land and property lifecycle.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    For associate membership, there is no sector pathway for Management Consultancy. However, you may be interested in our sector pathway for Project Management.

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Management Consultancy pathway, you will be assessed against four Core Competencies and three of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Business case.
    2. Business planning.
    3. Consultancy services.
    4. Research methodologies and techniques.

    Optional Competencies: one to Level 3 and one to Level 2

    • Business alignment
    • Change management
    • Corporate finance
    • Corporate recovery and insolvency
    • Data management
    • Development appraisals
    • Development projects/briefs
    • Economic development
    • Managing resources
    • Performance management
    • Programming and planning
    • Property finance and funding
    • Smart cities and intelligent buildings
    • Strategic real estate consultancy
    • Workspace strategy

    Plus one to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Management Consultancy Guide (Chartered)

  • You are an advisor, supporting mineral extraction or waste management operations from the initial prospecting stage to the ultimate restoration and after-use of each site. In addition to knowledge of geology, mining and quarrying and the related economics and legislation, you have the practical management, negotiation and consultation skills to engage with landowners, the public, and other built environment, legal and finance professionals.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    For associate membership, minerals and waste management is covered within the sector pathway for Land.

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Minerals and Waste Management pathway, you will be assessed against five Core Competencies and three of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Minerals management or Waste management (Level 3).
    2. Legal/regulatory compliance (Level 2).
    3. Plus three to Level 3 from:
    4. Environmental assessment
    5. Environmental audit (and monitoring)
    6. Ground engineering and subsidence
    7. Inspection
    8. Landlord and tenant
    9. Legal/regulatory compliance
    10. Local taxation/assessment
    11. Planning and development management
    12. Surveying and mapping
    13. Valuation

    Optional Competencies: two to Level 2

    • Consultancy services
    • Contaminated land
    • Contract administration
    • Development appraisals
    • Development project briefs
    • Energy and renewable resources
    • Risk management
    • Sustainability
    • Works progress and quality management

    Plus one to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Minerals and Waste Management Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You are involved in the valuation, sale, purchase, management and conservation of personal property, arts and antiques. This includes, but is not limited to, fine art, collectibles, heritage assets, antiques and jewellery, whether in public or private ownership.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    There's currently no associate pathway for Personal Property/Arts and Antiques.

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Personal Property/Arts and Antiques pathway, you will be assessed against four Core Competencies and five of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Object identification (Level 3).
    2. Research methodologies and techniques (Level 3).
    3. Valuation (Level 2).
    4. Auctioneering (Level 1).

    Optional Competencies: three to Level 3 and one to Level 2

    • Accounting principles and procedures or Business planning or Communication and negotiation (must be taken to Level 3)
    • Auctioneering
    • Capital taxation
    • Conservation and restoration
    • Insurance
    • Purchase and sale

    Plus one to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Personal Property/Arts and Antiques Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You promote the use of effective land management and administration as one of the primary drivers behind sustainable development. This is not only about the physical aspects of the built and natural environment, but also the social, economic and environmental aspects. Your strategic perspective, combined with practicality, allows you to help achieve the world’s sustainable development needs.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    For associate membership, planning and development is covered within the sector pathway for Land.

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Planning and Development pathway, you will be assessed against six Core Competencies and three of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Development appraisals (Level 3).
    2. Planning and development management or Spatial planning policy and infrastructure (Level 3).
    3. Legal/regulatory compliance (Level 2).
    4. Valuation (Level 2).
    5. Measurement (Level 1).
    6. Surveying and mapping (Level 1).

    Optional Competencies: two to Level 3

    • Access and rights over land
    • BIM management
    • Cadastre and land administration
    • Compulsory purchase and compensation
    • Contaminated land
    • Design and specification
    • Development/project briefs
    • Economic development
    • Environmental assessments
    • Housing strategy and provision
    • Leasing and letting
    • Management and regeneration of the built environment
    • Masterplanning and urban design
    • Measurement
    • Planning and development management or Spatial planning policy and infrastructure (whichever is not selected as a core competency)
    • Project finance
    • Purchase and sale
    • Risk management
    • Strategic real estate consultancy
    • Surveying and mapping
    • Sustainability

    Plus one to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Planning and Development Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You occupy a central role in the development process driving successful completion of construction projects. From developing the project brief to selecting, appointing and coordinating project teams, you represent clients through the full construction programme, managing the inputs clients, consultants, contractors and other stakeholders.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    To become an Associate Member on the Project Management pathway, you will be assessed against six out of eight Core Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Commercial management of construction.
    2. Construction technology and environmental services.
    3. Contract practice.
    4. Procurement and tendering.
    5. Programming and planning.
    6. Project administration.
    7. Project evaluation.
    8. Risk management.

    Download the Project Management Pathway Guide (Associate)

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Project Management pathway, you will be assessed against eight Core Competencies and two of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Contract practice (Level 3).
    2. Development/project briefs (Level 3).
    3. Leading projects, people and teams (Level 3).
    4. Managing projects (Level 3).
    5. Programming and planning (Level 3).
    6. Construction technology and environmental services (Level 2).
    7. Procurement and tendering (Level 2).
    8. Project finance (Level 2).

    Optional Competencies: one to Level 2

    • Accounting principles and procedures or Communication and negotiation (must be to Level 3) or Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures or Sustainability
    • BIM management
    • Commercial management
    • Consultancy Services
    • Contract administration
    • Development appraisals
    • Legal/regulatory compliance
    • Maintenance management
    • Performance management
    • Purchase and sale
    • Stakeholder management
    • Supplier management
    • Works progress and quality management

    Plus one to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Project Management Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You are involved in services relating to property finance advice or provision, or indirect property investment. You may work within a bank or other financial institution or be from a property firm that supports or manages property as an investment class. Although your focus is on the financial attributes of property, rather than its physical attributes, you also require experience of inspecting buildings.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    For associate membership, there is no sector pathway for Property Finance and Investment. However, you may be interested in our sector pathway for either Quantity Surveying and Construction or Valuation.

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Property Finance and Investment pathway, you will be assessed against five Core Competencies and three of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies: three to Level 3 and one to Level 2

    1. Financial modelling.
    2. Inspection.
    3. Investment management (including fund and portfolio management).
    4. Property finance and funding.
    5. Valuation (Level 1).

    Optional Competencies: one to Level 3 and one to Level 2

    • Accounting principles and procedures
    • Capital taxation
    • Corporate finance
    • Development appraisals
    • Indirect investment vehicles
    • Landlord and tenant
    • Leasing/letting
    • Local taxation/assessment
    • Property management
    • Purchase and sale
    • Research methodologies and techniques
    • Strategic real estate consultancy
    • Valuation

    Plus one to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Property Finance and Investment Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You are the cost manager for construction projects. This will initially involve the capital expenditure phase of a building or facility, from feasibility to design and construction. You can also be involved with extensions, refurbishment, maintenance and demolition of a facility. Your experience may be in residential, commercial, industrial, leisure, agricultural or retail facilities; for all you require the ability to manage cost effectively, equating quality and value with individual client needs.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    To become an Associate Member on the Quantity Surveying and Construction pathway, you will be assessed against five Core Competencies and one of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Construction technology and environmental services.
    2. Contract practice.
    3. Procurement and tendering.
    4. Project financial control and reporting.
    5. Quantification and costing of construction works.

    Optional Competencies

    • BIM management
    • Commercial management of construction
    • Design economics and cost planning

    Download the Quantity Surveying and Construction Pathway Guide (Associate)

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Quantity Surveying and Construction pathway, you will be assessed against six Core Competencies and two of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies: to Level 3

    1. Commercial management (of construction works) or Design economics and cost planning.
    2. Construction technology and environmental services.
    3. Contract practice.
    4. Procurement and tendering.
    5. Project finance (control and reporting).
    6. Quantification and costing (of construction works).

    Optional Competencies: two to Level 2

    • Capital allowances
    • Commercial management (of construction works) or Design economics and cost planning (whichever is not selected as core competency)
    • Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures or Sustainability
    • Contract administration
    • Corporate recovery and insolvency
    • Due diligence
    • Insurance
    • Programming and planning
    • Project feasibility analysis
    • Risk management

    Download the Quantity Surveying and Construction Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • For the Research pathway, you must demonstrate competence in research that is applied to the delivery of solutions to a wide range of projects, employing a range of approaches and relating to numerous locations. There is no separate guide for the Research pathway. This is because the competencies and areas of knowledge and practice belong to one of the other pathways.

    The core competencies you will have to demonstrate that are research-specific to Level 3 are:

    • client care
    • data management
    • research methodologies and techniques.

    The other technical competencies selected from that pathway should be demonstrated, in most cases, to Level 1. So, while assessors will need to be assured you have a genuine theoretical knowledge, you do not need to evidence any practical experience.

    Your assessment is based on your ability to conduct and report on research. The main focus will be on your skills as a researcher. Questioning at final assessment will be about actual research projects you have undertaken. For example:

    • how did you establish the client brief?
    • what information sources did you identify?
    • how did you organise the data?
    • how did you organise the project as a whole?
    • what techniques and methodologies did you use for data collection, storage and analysis?
    • how effectively did you consider the client’s information needs, present your findings, and cover aspects that will shed genuine light on a problem so that the client got the maximum benefit from the research?

  • You are committed to the smooth operation of the housing market by specialising in one or more of the following services: sale, purchase or lettings, residential development, planning, investment or lending, property management, surveys, or valuation. You may specialise further based on your employer and client-base, where your focus may be on single private dwellings, residential blocks, social housing or large community developments.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    There are three different options within Residential pathway: Real Estate Agency, Residential Property Management or Residential Survey and Valuation.

    Real Estate Agency

    To become an Associate Member on the Real Estate Agency pathway, you will be assessed against six out of seven Core Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Landlord and tenant.
    2. Leasing/letting.
    3. Legal/regulatory compliance.
    4. Market appraisal.
    5. Measurement and inspection of land and property.
    6. Property records/information systems.
    7. Purchase and sale.

    Download the Real Estate Agency Pathway Guide (Associate)

    Residential Property Management

    To become an Associate Member on the Residential Property Management pathway, you will be assessed against four Core Competencies and two of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Maintenance management.
    2. Property management.
    3. Property management accounting.
    4. Relationship management and dispute handling.

    Optional Competencies

    • Applied sustainability
    • Housing management and policy
    • Landlord and tenant
    • Property records/information systems
    • Risk management

    Download the Residential Property Management Pathway Guide (Associate)

    Residential Survey and Valuation

    To become an Associate Member on the Residential Survey and Valuation pathway, you will be assessed against six Core Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Building pathology.
    2. Inspection.
    3. Legal/regulatory compliance.
    4. Measurement of land and property.
    5. Property records/information systems.
    6. Valuation.

    Download the Residential Survey and Valuation Pathway Guide (Associate)

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Residential pathway, you will be assessed against four out of 12 Core Competencies and four of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies: two to Level 3 and two to Level 2

    1. Building pathology.
    2. Housing maintenance, repairs and improvements.
    3. Housing management and policy.
    4. Housing strategy and provision.
    5. Inspection (mandatory to at least Level 2).
    6. Leasing and letting.
    7. Legal/regulatory compliance.
    8. Market appraisal.
    9. Measurement (mandatory to at least Level 2).
    10. Property management.
    11. Purchase and sale.
    12. Valuation (mandatory to at least Level 2).

    Optional Competencies: two to Level 3 and one to Level 2

    • Auctioneering
    • Capital taxation
    • Compulsory purchase and compensation
    • Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures or Sustainability
    • Data management
    • Development appraisals
    • Environmental assessments
    • Indirect investment vehicles
    • Investment management (including fund and portfolio management)
    • Land use and diversification
    • Landlord and tenant
    • Loan security valuation
    • Local taxation/assessments
    • Maintenance management
    • Planning and development management
    • Property management
    • Purchase and sale
    • Risk management
    • Spatial planning policy and infrastructure
    • Strategic real estate consultancy
    • Supplier management

    Plus one to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Residential Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You understand how the countryside works and the interrelationships that exist in terms of the people who live and work there. Your skills apply across agriculture, rural estate management, landscape, valuation, auctioneering and asset management. You enable the rural economy to flourish not only because of your professionalism and technical expertise, but also because of your business acumen, advocacy and leadership in the rural community.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    For Associate membership, rural practice is covered within the sector pathway for Land.

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Rural pathway, you will be assessed against four Core Competencies and eight of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies: one to Level 3

    1. Agriculture.
    2. Management of the natural environment and landscape.
    3. Property management.
    4. Valuation.

    Optional Competencies: three to Level 3 and two to Level 2,

    • Access and rights over land
    • Agriculture
    • Auctioneering
    • Compulsory purchase and compensation
    • Forestry and woodland management
    • Land use and diversification
    • Landlord and tenant
    • Management of the natural environment and landscape
    • Planning and development management
    • Property management
    • Purchase and sale
    • Valuation

    Plus one to Level 3 and two to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Rural Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You provide tax advice on transfers of existing land and property, as well as new construction. You are most likely to be working within commercial property, but your services may extend to utilities, transportation and public services buildings. Your role is two-fold: to give strategic advice on tax positions and available tax allowances at the start of an acquisition or project, followed by proposals to minimise tax liabilities during use and at the point of disposal.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    For associate membership, there is no sector pathway for Taxation Allowances. However, you may be interested in our sector pathway for either Commercial Real Estate or Project Management.

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Taxation Allowances pathway, you will be assessed against six Core Competencies and two of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies: to Level 3

    1. Accounting principles and procedures.
    2. Capital allowances.
    3. Construction technology and environmental services.
    4. Quantification and costing (of construction works).
    5. Valuation.
    6. Contract practice (to Level 2).

    Optional Competencies: two to Level 2

    • Capital taxation
    • Contaminated land
    • Design economics and cost planning
    • Development appraisals
    • Due diligence
    • Insurance
    • Property finance and funding
    • Property management
    • Risk management
    • Sustainability

    Download the Taxation Allowances Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You will produce high quality valuations of property, machinery and/or business assets based on robust practice standards. Professional valuations are vital to a healthy property/asset market and a stable economy, forming the basis of performance analysis, financing decisions, transactional or development advice, dispute resolution, taxation and various statutory applications.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    To become an Associate Member on the Valuation pathway, you will be assessed against five Core Competencies plus one of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies

    1. Inspection.
    2. Legal/regulatory compliance.
    3. Measurement of land and property.
    4. Property records/information systems.
    5. Valuation.

    Optional Competencies

    • Analysis and appraisal
    • Building pathology

    Download the Valuation Pathway Guide (Associate)

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Valuation pathway, you will be assessed against three Core Competencies and up to four of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies: to Level 3

    1. Inspection.
    2. Valuation.
    3. Measurement (to Level 2)

    Optional Competencies: three to Level 3, or two to Level 3 and two to Level 2

    • Accounting principles and procedures or Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures or Data management or Sustainability
    • Auctioneering
    • Building pathology
    • Capital taxation
    • Compulsory purchase and compensation
    • Construction technology and environmental services
    • Contaminated land
    • Corporate recovery and insolvency
    • Development appraisals
    • Indirect investment vehicles
    • Insurance
    • Investment management (including fund and portfolio management)
    • Landlord and tenant
    • Leasing and letting
    • Legal/regulatory compliance
    • Loan security valuation
    • Local taxation/assessment
    • Planning and development management
    • Property finance and funding
    • Property management
    • Purchase and sale
    • Strategic real estate consultancy
    • Valuation of businesses and intangible assets

    Download the Valuation Pathway Guide (Chartered)

  • You will produce high quality valuations of businesses and other intangible assets based on robust practice standards. Professional valuations are vital to a healthy market and a stable economy, forming the basis of performance analysis, financing decisions, transactional or development advice, dispute resolution, taxation and various statutory applications.

    Associate Member (AssocRICS)

    For associate membership, there is no sector pathway for Valuation of Business and Intangible Assets. However, you may be interested in our sector pathway for Valuation.

    Chartered Member (MRICS)

    To become a Chartered Member on the Valuation of Business and Intangible Assets pathway, you will be assessed against four Core Competencies and up to four of the Optional Competencies.

    Core Competencies: to Level 3

    1. Accounting principles and procedures.
    2. Asset identification and assessment.
    3. Valuation of businesses and intangible assets.
    4. Valuation reporting and research.

    Optional Competencies: one to Level 3 or two to Level 2

    • Capital allowances
    • Compulsory purchase and compensation
    • Corporate finance
    • Corporate recovery and insolvency
    • Purchase and sale
    • Taxation

    Plus one to Level 3 and two to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

    Download the Valuation of Businesses and Intangible Assets Pathway Guide (Chartered)

Charles Blandignieres
Charles Blandignères MRICS

After 10 years with RICS in France, I’ve never regretted this choice. The experience has allowed me to meet exceptional real estate professionals. We embody positive values that I’m proud to share.

Charles Blandignères MRICS
Project director, Union Investment Real Estate, Paris

Find out more about RICS membership