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Sector pathways

During your journey towards a RICS qualification, you are assessed on your sector-specific skills, knowledge and experience.

You will select the sector pathway most closely linked to your area of expertise.

For Associate qualification (AssocRICS) there are 13 sector pathways available.

For Chartered qualification (MRICS) there are 22 sector pathways.

Closure of the 2015 Chartered Assessment Pathways

The 2015 pathways will be closed on 30 November 2025. Visit the Closure of the 2015 Chartered Assessment Pathways page for further details.

Sector pathways: Competencies guide

Download the guide

Sector Pathways: Competencies Guide (PDF 1.36MB)

Published date: 07 February 2022

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:

Competencies

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

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

Applied sustainability.
Building control inspections.
Construction technology and environment services.
Fire safety.
Legal/regulatory compliance.

Optional Competencies

BIM management
Contaminated land
Planning
Works progress and quality management

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)

Building control inspections.
Fire safety.
Inspection.
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 (Associate) (PDF 0.12MB)

Published date: 22 March 2017

Download the Building Control Pathway Guide (Chartered) (PDF 0.64MB)

Published date: 17 July 2018

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

Building pathology.
Construction technology and environmental services.
Contract administration.
Design and specification.
Inspection.
Legal/regulatory compliance.

Chartered Member (MRICS)

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

Core Competencies (to Level 3)

Building pathology
Construction technology and environmental services
Contract administration
Design and specification
Inspection
Legal/regulatory compliance
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 (Associate) (PDF 0.11MB)

Published date: 21 March 2017

Download the Building Surveying Pathway Guide (Chartered) (PDF 0.70MB)

Published date: 14 March 2018

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

Landlord and tenant.
Measurement and inspection of land and property.
Property management.
Property records/information systems.
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

Landlord and tenant.
Leasing/letting.
Legal/regulatory compliance.
Market appraisal.
Measurement and inspection of land and property.
Property records/information systems.
Purchase and sale.

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

Inspection (Level 3).
Measurement (Level 2).
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 (PDF 0.72MB)

Published date: 31 January 2024

RICS Associate Assessment Commercial Property Feb 2017 (PDF 0.12MB)

Published date: 21 March 2017

RICS Associate Assessment Real Estate Agency Feb 2017 (PDF 0.12MB)

Published date: 21 March 2017

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

Business alignment or Strategic real estate consultancy (Level 3).
Business case (Level 2).
Landlord and tenant or Property management (Level 2).
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) (PDF 0.66MB)

Published date: 15 February 2018

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

Environmental management (Level 3).
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) (PDF 0.70MB)

Published date: 19 June 2018

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.

Associate Member (AssocRICS)

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

Core Competencies

Analysis of client requirements.
BIM management.
Contract practice.
Procurement and tendering.
Project financial control and reporting.
Property management.
Supplier management.

Chartered Member (MRICS)

To become a Chartered Member on the Facility 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

Asset management.
Business alignment.
Client care (must be to Level 3).
Legal/regulatory compliance.
Maintenance management.
Performance management.
Procurement and tendering.
Project finance.
Supplier management.
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 Facility Management Pathway Guide (Associate) (PDF 0.11MB)

Published date: 21 March 2017

Download the Facility Management Pathway Guide (Chartered) (PDF 0.87MB)

Published date: 15 February 2018

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

BIM management.
Cadastre and land management.
Engineering surveying.
Geodesy.
GIS.
Legal/regulatory compliance.
Mapping.
Measurement of land and property.
Property records/information systems.
Remote sensing and photogrammetry.

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

Cadastre and land administration.
Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures.
Engineering surveying.
Geodesy.
GIS.
Hydrographic surveying.
Legal/regulatory compliance.
Measurement.
Remote sensing and photogrammetry.
Surveying and mapping.
Surveying of land and sea.
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 (Associate) (PDF 0.14MB)

Published date: 03 July 2017

Download the Geomatics Pathway Guide (Chartered) (PDF 0.73MB)

Published date: 15 February 2018

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

Geodesy.
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) (PDF 0.13MB)

Published date: 21 March 2017

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

Engineering science and technology (mandatory).
Client care.
Contract practice.
Cost prediction and analysis.
Procurement and tendering.
Programming and planning.
Project controls.
Quantification, costing and price analysis.
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) (PDF 0.71MB)

Published date: 16 February 2018

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.

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

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

Download the Land and Resources Pathway Guide (Associate) (PDF 0.16MB)

Published date: 21 March 2017

Download the Land and Resources Pathway Guide (Chartered) (PDF 0.77MB)

Published date: 03 February 2020

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

Business case.
Business planning.
Consultancy services.
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) (PDF 0.66MB)

Published date: 15 February 2018

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

Minerals management or Waste management (Level 3).
Legal/regulatory compliance (Level 2).
Plus three to Level 3 from:
Environmental assessment
Environmental audit (and monitoring)
Ground engineering and subsidence
Inspection
Landlord and tenant
Legal/regulatory compliance
Local taxation/assessment
Planning and development management
Surveying and mapping
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 (PDF 0.61MB)

Published date: 31 January 2024

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

Object identification (Level 3).
Research methodologies and techniques (Level 3).
Valuation (Level 2).
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) (PDF 0.57MB)

Published date: 15 February 2018

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

Development appraisals (Level 3).
Planning and development management or Spatial planning policy and infrastructure (Level 3).
Legal/regulatory compliance (Level 2).
Valuation (Level 2).
Measurement (Level 1).
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) (PDF 0.75MB)

Published date: 19 June 2018

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

Commercial management of construction.
Construction technology and environmental services.
Contract practice.
Procurement and tendering.
Programming and planning.
Project administration.
Project evaluation.
Risk management.

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

Contract practice (Level 3).
Development/project briefs (Level 3).
Leading projects, people and teams (Level 3).
Managing projects (Level 3).
Programming and planning (Level 3).
Construction technology and environmental services (Level 2).
Procurement and tendering (Level 2).
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 (PDF 0.65MB)

Published date: 31 January 2024

RICS Associate Assessment Project Management Feb 2017 (PDF 0.11MB)

Published date: 21 March 2017

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

Financial modelling.
Inspection.
Investment management (including fund and portfolio management).
Property finance and funding.
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) (PDF 0.64MB)

Published date: 15 February 2018

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

Construction technology and environmental services.
Contract practice.
Procurement and tendering.
Project financial control and reporting.
Quantification and costing of construction works.

Optional Competencies

BIM management
Commercial management of construction
Design economics and cost planning

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

Commercial management (of construction works) or Design economics and cost planning.
Construction technology and environmental services.
Contract practice.
Procurement and tendering.
Project finance (control and reporting).
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 (Associate) (PDF 0.12MB)

Published date: 21 March 2017

Download the Quantity Surveying and Construction Pathway Guide (Chartered) (PDF 0.82MB)

Published date: 03 February 2020

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

Landlord and tenant.
Leasing/letting.
Legal/regulatory compliance.
Market appraisal.
Measurement and inspection of land and property.
Property records/information systems.
Purchase and sale.

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

Building pathology.
Housing maintenance, repairs and improvements.
Housing management and policy.
Housing strategy and provision.
Inspection (mandatory to at least Level 2).
Leasing and letting.
Legal/regulatory compliance.
Market appraisal.
Measurement (mandatory to at least Level 2).
Property management.
Purchase and sale.
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
Procurement and tendering
Property finance and funding
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 Real Estate Agency Pathway Guide (Associate) (PDF 0.12MB)

Published date: 21 March 2017

Download the Residential Pathway Guide (PDF 0.75MB)

Published date: 31 January 2024

Residential Property Management

To become an Associate Member on the Residential Property Management pathway, you will be assessed against six of the nine Core Competencies.

Core Competencies

maintenance management
property management
property management accounting
relationship management and dispute handling
applied sustainability
housing management and policy
landlord and tenant
property records/information systems
risk management

Download the Residential Property Management Pathway Guide (Associate) (PDF 0.13MB)

Published date: 21 March 2017

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

Building pathology.
Inspection.
Legal/regulatory compliance.
Measurement of land and property.
Property records/information systems.
Valuation.

Download the Residential Survey and Valuation Pathway Guide (Associate) (PDF 0.10MB)

Published date: 21 March 2017

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

Agriculture.
Management of the natural environment and landscape.
Property management.
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 or two to Level 2 from either the Core Competencies or Optional Competencies.

Download the Rural Pathway Guide (Chartered) (PDF 0.59MB)

Published date: 15 February 2018

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

Accounting principles and procedures.
Capital allowances.
Construction technology and environmental services.
Quantification and costing (of construction works).
Valuation.
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) (PDF 0.62MB)

Published date: 19 February 2018

You will produce high quality valuations 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

Inspection.
Legal/regulatory compliance.
Measurement of land and property.
Property records/information systems.
Valuation.

Optional Competencies

Analysis and appraisal
Building pathology

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

Inspection.
Valuation.
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 (Associate) (PDF 0.11MB)

Published date: 21 March 2017

Download the Valuation Pathway Guide (Chartered) (PDF 0.82MB)

Published date: 15 February 2018

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

Accounting principles and procedures.
Asset identification and assessment.
Valuation of businesses and intangible assets.
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) (PDF 0.58MB)

Published date: 15 February 2018

Apply to join RICS

There are two main types of RICS qualification - Associate member (AssocRICS) and Chartered member (MRICS). Each require you to pass an assessment. We offer different flexible ways through the assessment process, and will support you throughout your journey to qualifying as a member.

The regulatory functions of RICS relating to entry and admission to the profession are led and overseen by Standards and Regulation Board (SRB).

RICS Support Packages

Embrace your professional development, navigate your way to professional status or drive your organisation forward with our support packages.