Expert Witness Certificate
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From £2100 + VAT
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Overview
When disputes arise in the built environment, and they end up in court or arbitrations, an expert witness is someone who, by virtue of their training and experience, is called to give opinion evidence on matters outside a judge or tribunal’s knowledge.
Gain the expertise needed to excel as an expert witness by understanding the responsibilities of the role with the RICS Expert Witness Certificate programme. Delivered by seasoned professionals in the field, this comprehensive training equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to confidently navigate the complexities of expert witness work.
Ensure you are complying with the official RICS Standards and Guidance that this programme is developed from. This programme is suitable for all professionals working within the built environment who want to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical competencies required to act as an Expert Witness.
A recognised benchmark of quality
Those that are successful in completing the course, have expert witness experience and who meet our criteria will be eligible to apply for ‘RICS Accredited Expert Witness’ status. This status is recognised in the market as an important benchmark of quality, which assists expert witnesses in attracting private appointments by solicitors, clients and professional representative firms.
Course format
This is a blending learning programme consisting of three webinars and three online workshops.
Participants will engage in report writing and role-play cross-examination exercises. Course assessments include five multiple-choice tests, alongside the evaluation of an expert report and cross-examination. Finally, participants will undergo an informal interview.
You will have the opportunity to be assigned a mentor who can help develop your knowledge.
Attendance at online sessions is mandatory to successfully complete the course. Please check the below dates and times carefully.
Name |
Date and time |
Focus |
Introduction |
Mon 23 Sep 2024 |
Course introduction and overview. Pre-reading available here from 16 September 2024. |
Competency A |
Thu 26 Sep 2024 |
Managing the appointment. |
Competency A |
Thu 3 Oct 2024 |
Managing the appointment. |
Competency B |
Thu 10 Oct 2024 |
Managing the post appointment process. |
Competency C |
Thu 24 Oct 2024 |
Constructing a comprehensive expert report. |
Competency C |
Thu 31 Oct 2024 |
Constructing a comprehensive expert report. |
Competency D |
Thu 14 Nov 2024 |
Discussions between experts. |
Competency E |
Fri 5 Dec 2024* |
Delivering effective evidence in court. *Dependent on delegate numbers, further dates may need to be arranged for the cross examination sessions w/c 9 December. |
Learning outcomes
- Establish your role before you begin work. Understand your duties to the tribunal, including receiving instructions, managing fees and navigating conflicts of interest. Understanding legal processes such as discovery and disclosure, admissibility and privilege.
- Learn practical steps to take post-appointment. This includes document review, preliminary reports and initial legal team meetings, ongoing conflict checks and further consideration of fees.
- Write a comprehensive expert report, adhering to legal requirements and RICS standards. Understand the report structure, amendment procedure, and employ techniques for effective report writing.
- Gain proficiency in expert witness meeting procedures, including understanding historical context, court-ordered and party-initiated meetings, preparation methods, adhering to RICS guidance, complying with court directions, drafting joint statements and declarations.
- Understand evidence presentation, courtroom dynamics, roles within the court, oath-taking procedures. Recognise the importance of staying within your field of expertise, preparation, professional conduct, concurrent evidence methods.
Meet the trainer
Mark Thomas
Managing Director, Thomas Sands Consulting Ltd
Mark specialises in construction related disputes – he is a practising Arbitrator, Adjudicator and Expert Witness Quantity Surveyor. He's undertaken expert witness appointments for over 30 years, and Expert Witness training for over 25 years. Mark is a past member of the Council of the Academy of Experts and of the Council of the CIArb and used to be Director of the CIArb’s Expert Witness courses. Mark's style of teaching is full-on, and certainly challenging as he packs every lecture with as much practical input as he can. He provides his delegates with hand-on hints and tips that they can use the next day, not just in 5 years’ time.
Download the course guide
Published date: 22 April 2024
See what previous attendees say
“This course exceeded my expectations. The most interesting aspect of the course was the one to one time provided by the legal experts who each hosted a seminar on an area of their expertise. They provided their guidance and experience as well as detailing practical examples of case law and scenarios that affect and govern those acting as an expert witness. Obtaining the EWAS certification has had an immediate impact upon my career and job role. The company I am employed by has now created a new service line for Boundary Disputes, which I manage.”
Richard Crow
Senior Associate Director, Trident BC (2024)
“The course tutors had a real enthusiasm for the subject matter, were extremely knowledgeable and delivered the course in a fun and practical way. The supporting material and reading matter provided by RICS was comprehensive, well organised and accessible. It has provided added confidence when advising clients on Expert Witness matters and third-party referrals, drafting of Expert Witness reports and dealing with opposing parties’ Experts.”
Ian Wickerson
Partner, Residential Development, Bidwells (2024)
Group discounts
- Book three or more places and get 10% off
Only one discount available per booking. This cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer from RICS. Please note the group booking discount will not be applicable with the Early Bird rate (if any).
To benefit from the group discounts, please email drstraining@rics.org or call +44 (0) 2476868584.
Frequently asked questions
We recommend all delegates have a basic understanding of English and English reading. There are large parts of the course which involve pre-reading and background reading. You will also be expected to take part in discussions during workshops and write an expert report which you will then be cross-examined on in a role-play type scenario.
Once you've obtained experience as an Expert Witness, you can apply for accreditation. For this you'll need to attend a panel interview.
If you'd like to discuss exemptions, please contact us directly at drstraining@rics.org and we'll be able to advise you.
Yes. The course cannot be take out of order as each competency builds upon the knowledge from the previous.
If you can't make the dates you booked originally, you'll be deferred to a later course.
Yes. We have an online forum on our Online Learning Academy (OLA) where you can communicate with fellow delegates and our training team.
Pre-reading materials are provided. If you wish to be accredited you'll need to undergo the accreditation application process and interview which involves an additional fee.
