How to Get RICS Membership Through RICS Assessment?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is one of the most respected professional bodies in land, property, construction and built environment sectors worldwide. Earning RICS Membership - whether as AssocRICS (Associate) or MRICS (Chartered Member)—through the RICS assessment process signifies that you meet global professional standards and ethical practice.
1. Understand What RICS Membership Is
RICS membership provides global recognition, professional credibility, and wider career opportunities. The two main professional grades are:
AssocRICS – Associate Member
MRICS – Chartered Member
Both require candidates to demonstrate competencies through structured assessments under RICS rules and standards.
2. RICS Assessment – The Core Route
The Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) is the central process used by RICS to assess a candidate’s suitability for membership, especially for MRICS (Chartered Member). It evaluates whether you have the experience, skills, ethical understanding and professional competence expected.
2.1 Eligibility & Routes to Start Assessment
Before applying, you must determine which eligibility route applies to your education and experience level:
For Chartered (MRICS):
Hold a RICS-accredited degree plus relevant work experience
Hold any bachelor’s degree + at least 5 years’ relevant experience
Have 10+ years’ advanced experience without a degree
For Associate (AssocRICS):
1+, 2+, or 4+ years of relevant experience depending on qualifications held.
Once you identify your eligibility, you can apply to enrol as a candidate and begin your assessment.
3. Key Steps in the Assessment Pathway
3.1 Create an RICS Account and Apply
Create an online RICS account if you don’t already have one.
Select the appropriate membership pathway.
Upload required details: qualifications, CV, employment history and fees.
Once your application is submitted and verified, you will be enrolled and notified of the next steps.
3.2 Complete RICS Professionalism (Ethics) Module
All candidates must complete the RICS Professionalism (ethics) module before the final assessment. This is an e-learning and online test focused on professional behaviour and ethical standards.
3.3 Choose Your Pathway and Competencies
RICS asks you to select a sector pathway that aligns with your role (e.g., surveying, valuation, construction). Each pathway has a set of competencies you must demonstrate:
Mandatory Competencies – Essential professional skills
Core Competencies – Technical skills specific to your pathway
Optional Competencies – Additional relevant capabilities
Under APC, you are typically assessed on a mix of these through your submissions and final interview.
3.4 Prepare Your Submission
Your assessment submission should include:
A summary of your professional experience
Case studies showing real examples of your work
Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Completed training records (if structured route applies)
For APC candidates, your submission guides the assessment panel’s understanding ahead of your interview.
3.5 Final Assessment Interview
Your final assessment typically involves a professional interview. For APC, this is online and includes:
A short presentation on your case study
Follow-up questioning by the RICS panel on your competencies and professionalism
Successful performance leads to approval for membership.
4. Alternative Assessment Routes
If you’re not following the traditional APC, RICS offers other assessment-based membership routes:
4.1 Senior Professional Assessment
For those with significant industry leadership experience (typically 10+ years, or 5+ with a postgraduate degree). This route demonstrates your advanced professional responsibilities.
4.2 Specialist Assessment
Suitable if your experience is highly specialized in a niche area of practice. You will submit focused evidence and be interviewed on specialist competencies.
4.3 Academic Assessment
For candidates whose relevant experience stems from academic teaching or research work in a surveying or built environment discipline.
5. Recognition of Professional Qualifications (RPQ)
If you already hold professional qualifications or membership from an approved body, you might be eligible for Recognition of Professional Qualifications (RPQ) (formerly called Direct Entry). This can sometimes exempt you from parts of the assessment process, subject to RICS approval and meeting experience criteria.
6. After Your Assessment
Once you pass the assessment interview:
RICS will inform you of your membership status.
You’ll receive your official membership pack.
You become eligible to use MRICS or AssocRICS designatory letters.
Conclusion
Gaining RICS membership through RICS Assessment is a rigorous but rewarding process, designed to ensure you meet the highest global standards of professionalism. Whether you pursue the traditional APC, or a senior/specialist/academic assessment route, success requires clear evidence of experience, professional competence, ethical understanding, and preparation.