Last year I became a chartered quantity surveyor after several years of preparation and study.
My colleague Tristan and I decided to undertake the challenging Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) programme offered by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) when we were both working as cost managers at CHP.
While we were both successful in achieving chartership first time around, at times it felt like a really daunting process!
In this blog, I reflect on my personal experience of completing the APC, my journey from preparation to completion, and the invaluable support I received along the way from my peers at CHP. Tristan and I also share our top tips for chartership success for other cost managers and quantity surveyors setting out on the RICS APC journey.
An investment in my future
I know that the APC programme will play a significant role in shaping my career as a chartered surveyor.
However, when Tristan and I began our APC preparations, we were filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The sheer volume of knowledge we needed to retain for the assessments seemed somewhat “overwhelming” to use Tristan’s words (on more than one occasion!).
Completing the assessment demonstrated my commitment to maintaining high professional standards and validated my expertise, proficiency, and adherence to ethical conduct. The rigorous assessments in various competencies ensure that I am well-prepared to provide reliable advice and services to clients and stakeholders. My technical knowledge has vastly improved and I have a much greater understanding of key construction elements – this is really helpful when pulling together cost models (for recent hotel, residential and industrial projects).
As we progressed and gained confidence in our abilities, our feelings transformed from anticipation and anxiety, into determination and enthusiasm.
More than professional development
The APC journey offers more than just professional development; it also provides opportunities for self-discovery.
Through self-reflection and continuous learning, I identified my strengths and weaknesses, enabling me to focus on personal growth.
The programme encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone, fostering resilience and adaptability. I now approach challenges with a renewed mindset, confident in my ability to overcome obstacles. I’m more comfortable and assured leading client meetings and liaising directly with clients on key projects like CR1 and CR2 – confident in my expertise and more experienced in leading sessions.
It was a similar experience for Tristan. He said: ‘it was the hardest thing I’ve done in my career, but I’m grateful to have gone through the pain barrier and reach the other side. The technical information I learned from the process has been invaluable in my role as a Project Surveyor since’.
One aspect of the APC process which I’ll forever be grateful for is the extent of support and guidance I received from both my colleagues at CHP and the wider industry network.
My colleagues’ encouragement, advice and knowledge really contributed to my success and has strengthened the relationships we have. And the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Learning and Development (L&D) provisions offered by CHP helped me to stay up to date with industry trends and develop my knowledge.
A significant milestone in our cost consultancy careers
Now that I’ve successfully completed the programme, I’m proud of both mine and Tristan’s accomplishments and excited for what the future holds at CHP, a company I’ve genuinely excited to be part of.
Achieving the APC qualification represents a significant milestone in my career. It’s a mark of my professional capabilities and expertise and opens doors to new opportunities for advancement.
CHP’s investment in Tristan and me – and our colleague Harry, based in New York who achieved chartered status in December (congrats Harry!) – demonstrates their commitment to excellence and enhances our reputation as a trustworthy and competent firm.
Clients have confidence in our ability to deliver high-quality services and expert advice. Our pursuit of the highest possible standards and professional qualifications embodies CHP’s values of ‘integrity, pride, and challenge’.
Our tips for APC success
Now we’ve achieved our RICS APC, Tristan and I are looking forward to supporting Molly, Oliver and Emily as they embark on their APC journeys. Reflecting on our own experience of preparing for the APC, Tristan and I have agreed our top tips and advice:
- Set clear goals and create a detailed plan to stay organised.
- Embrace the challenge and view it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
- Seek support and guidance from colleagues, mentors, and professional networks. We’re all here to help!
- Dedicate time for regular CPD and L&D activities to enhance your knowledge and stay current in an ever-evolving industry. This will form a key part of your assessment.
- Maintain a positive mindset, persistence, and resilience to overcome obstacles along the way.
My message to future APC candidates is to embrace the process, seek support, and relish the unexpected benefits along the way. Best of luck on your exciting journey towards becoming chartered surveyors and joining the RICS community.
