The Path to Becoming a Chartered Surveyor in Liverpool
Being a Chartered Surveyor in Liverpool can be rewarding. Many of the benefits include working for yourself and managing your own time to helping people out. But knowing how to become a Chartered Surveyor in Liverpool or elsewhere is essential if you want to beat competition and stay ahead. At CJ Bloor, we’ve been providing property surveys to homeowners in Liverpool for years. Using our experience, we’ve outlined the steps it takes so you know how to become a Chartered Surveyor in the Merseyside city of Liverpool.
1. High school education
The first step towards becoming a Chartered Surveyor is to start with a solid foundation in the skills relevant to the profession. Some of those are studied at high school, such as Maths, Geography, Physics and IT. Surveying involves lots of calculating and measuring, and using technologies, as well as a general understanding of environment and land use.
Usually, you’ll need 5 (A-C) GCSEs or equivalent for an advanced apprenticeship, and A levels or equivalent to get a degree apprenticeship. The GCSEs you need usually include English and Maths. But if you didn’t pass these subjects or didn’t get the grades you wanted, don’t worry. There are plenty of adult courses you can complete, such as at The City of Liverpool College.
2. Degree or apprenticeship
When thinking about how to become a Chartered Surveyor in Liverpool, you’ll need to decide whether you prefer university or an apprenticeship. Both have their benefits to consider. Doing a surveying apprenticeship can mean making money quickly, however you’ll likely need further qualifications down the road. A degree may be most costly and take time, but you may be able to go straight into a graduate position.
If you decide to study at university, it’s a good option to choose a RICS-accredited course. The University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University both offer these. If you’ve already done a degree in a different course, you could choose to study as postgraduate level.
If you opt for a surveying apprenticeship, you can start in paid work from the age of 16. The type of apprenticeship is up to you, so it’s a good idea to think about your needs, availability and speciality. It’s a good option if you like hands-on experiences and prefer learning through doing. Find out more about becoming a RICS member after an apprenticeship.
3. Work Experience
To become a Chartered Surveyor, you’ll need practical experience in the field. You could look for trainee surveyor jobs in Liverpool, or get in touch with companies directly for volunteer positions or internships. Generally, there are lots of possibilities to get work experience to be a Chartered Surveyor in Liverpool. The city is buzzing with housing projects and constantly regenerating, so you’ll likely be in demand.
You can do this as you complete a university degree or if if your apprenticeship permits the hours.
4. Join Professional Organisations
Becoming a member of professional organisations like RICS will grant you access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and support throughout your career. Joining student chapters and attending events can help you make connections with industry professionals and stay informed about the latest developments in the surveying field.
5. Pursue a Graduate or Apprenticeship Scheme
After completing your degree, the next step is to secure a position in a graduate or apprenticeship scheme. Many firms in Liverpool offer such programmes, providing you with the necessary experience and training to become a chartered surveyor. Try searching on job sites such as Indeed, or on RICS to find them. These schemes typically involve rotations through different areas of surveying, allowing you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the profession.
6. The Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)
Next, you’ll need to complete the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) in order to become a Chartered Surveyor. This process typically takes two to three years and consists of structured training, continuous professional development and a final assessment. Over the course, you’ll gain practical experience, develop and hone your skills, and keep up-to-date with changes in industry practices. The final exam involves a written submission, a case study and a final interview with a panel of RICS assessors. After you’ve passed, you’ll obtain the status of a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS), signifying your status as a fully qualified professional in the surveying field.
7. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Even after becoming a Chartered Surveyor, it’s essential to engage in continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain your knowledge and skills. RICS requires its members to undertake at least 20 hours of CPD per year, including 10 hours of formal learning. You can do this through attending conferences, workshops, training courses, and other educational events.
8. Specialisation and Career Advancement
You might know from the beginning, or learn this along the way, but being a Chartered Surveyor who specialises in an area can be useful. Some examples of specialisations include building or quantity surveying, valuations, and planning and development. Or you might want to work specifically with historic or older buildings, or with new developers and first-time buyers.
Developing expertise in a particular area can lead to career advancement opportunities, such as senior surveyor roles or consultancy positions. It can also make marketing easier, as you’ll be known for your niche area.
These are the steps on how to become a Chartered Surveyor in Liverpool. It may sound like a lot, but you can be in the industry fairly quickly, developing and defining your skills. By staying engaged in continuous professional development and specialising in a particular area, you can create a successful and fulfilling career in the surveying industry.