Regulatory schemes

What regulatory schemes are

Regulatory schemes set the requirements for carrying out specific areas of surveying.
We require membership of a regulatory scheme for areas of practice where additional oversight is needed due to potential risks to consumers and the public. This establishes clear rules, standards and safeguards for those practising.

Who they are for

Regulatory schemes are for members or firms undertaking defined types of surveying work (such as valuation).
Only those who meet the relevant requirements can register onto a scheme, and only those on the scheme can practice in these areas.
Currently there is only one regulatory scheme for individual members – the Valuer Registration Scheme. If you are a member of RICS doing valuation work, you must join. Check with your employer to find out if they provide sponsorship.
Surveying firms can, and in some cases must, register for regulation by RICS. Where regulated firms hold client money, they must join the Client Money scheme. As a regulated firm there are also two regulatory schemes, as well as the ability to sponsor employees for Valuer Registration.

How they work

Each scheme sets out specific eligibility criteria, alongside ongoing obligations. Individuals and firms must apply, demonstrate they meet the requirements, and agree to comply with scheme rules.
Once registered, they are monitored through audit, assurance and enforcement processes to ensure standards are maintained and practice remains compliant.
RICS members and regulated firms cannot practice in these specific areas if they are not a member of the relevant regulatory scheme.

Find the information you need

Available resources for individual members

Valuer registration

The independent quality assurance process of Valuer Registration reinforces the highest professional standards.

Valuer Registration Assessment

RICS Valuer Registration is a monitoring programme for all RICS professionals undertaking valuations in accordance with RICS Valuation Standards.

RICS Regulatory Scheme fees

RICS enforces three key regulatory schemes: Client Money Protection, Valuer Registration, and the Designated Professional Body (DPB) Scheme to uphold professional standards and protect public interest.