Corporate Professional Local

Assessment of Professional Competence

RICS Education and Training

July 2006

Candidates guide graduate route to membership

www.rics.org

Candidates guide graduate route to membership

Contents
Section one Section two Introduction
Commitment is key

Section seven APC training whats involved

12

Overview of the APC 3

What is the APC? Graduate routes to membership Graduate routes 1 and 2 at a glance The competency approach Eligibility

Timelines for graduate routes 1 and 2 Day-to-day Interim assessment (graduate route 1) Final assessment application Final assessment records Final assessment checklist

Section eight Section three Before you start training

Registering for the APC Change of employment Change of route to membership

Professional development

15

Section four

Choosing your competencies

The mandatory competencies The technical competencies

7 Section nine 9 Section ten

Professional development plan Personal skills development Technical skills development Professional practice skills development Selection, planning and evaluation Part-time/distance learning/placement students

Critical analysis
Critical analysis format and content Points to watch

17

Section five

Key elements of the APC

Structured training Structured training agreement Diary Log book Progress reports Achievement records Interim and final assessment records Professional development Critical analysis

Final assessment interview

Presentation Interview

18

Section eleven After the assessment 19

Results Referrals Appeals Assessments outside the UK

Section six

The people
Your employer Your supervisor Your counsellor The assessors The RICS training adviser Your local region The APC doctor

11

Section twelve Where to find help

Further information Finally

20

Section thirteen Sample templates

21

Section one
Introduction

Commitment is key
This guide will help you prepare for the commitment and responsibility that go with training for the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). Completing this successfully leads to professional membership of RICS and entitles you to call yourself a chartered surveyor.

Section two
Overview of the APC
What is the APC?
The APC is the practical training and experience which, when combined with academic qualifications, leads to RICS membership. The objective of the APC is to ensure you are competent to practise as a chartered surveyor. The APC normally consists of: a period of structured training a final assessment interview. Your APC structured training will normally continue for a minimum of 24 months, during which you must complete a minimum of 400 days relevant practical experience. This may take longer, depending on your supervisors and counsellors assessment of your progress, but must be completed within six years of your APC registration.

Graduate routes to membership

RICS recognises that some graduates will already have considerable work experience by the time they complete an accredited degree. This is reflected in the APC requirements. RICS reduces the period of structured training for those with more than five years relevant work experience. graduate route 1 is for candidates with limited, or no, prior relevant experience. graduate route 2 is for candidates with at least five years relevant experience. graduate route 3 is for candidates with at least ten years relevant experience. The requirements of graduate routes 1 and 2 are below. Separate guidance on graduate route 3 is available on www.rics.org.

Graduate routes 1 and 2 at a glance

Academic Qualifications Relevant Prior Experience None APC Structured Training APC Final Assessment Interview 60 minute interview including 10 minute presentation Testing on professional practice/ethics

Graduate 1 RICS accredited degree* Part-time and placement year students may enrol on to the APC during the final year of study or during the placement year. At least 12 of the 24 months structured training must be completed after graduating

24 months structured training to meet competency requirements Regular meetings with supervisor/counsellor 48 hours professional development for each 12 months structured training

Graduate 2 RICS accredited degree* The 12 months structured training must be completed after graduating

At least five years relevant experience before starting APC. Pre-degree experience can count

12 months structured training Regular meetings with supervisor/counsellor 48 hours professional development over the structured training period

60 minute interview including 10 minute presentation Testing on professional practice/ethics

*Those undertaking an accredited postgraduate degree part-time may enrol on to the APC and complete the structured training concurrently. They must have graduated from the RICS accredited degree course before being eligible to take the final assessment. Final assessment submissions are detailed on page 14.

The competency approach

The APC structured training period is primarily competencybased. It requires you, the candidate, to demonstrate that you have the skills and abilities needed to perform specific tasks or functions. The competencies are based on attitudes and behaviours as well as skills and knowledge. The specific competencies you must demonstrate depend on the APC pathway you follow. The pathways are listed on page 7. Your choice of pathway will be determined by your employment as you can only demonstrate competence on the basis of actual work experience. Your supervisor, who will normally be your line manager, will advise you on your choice of pathway. The detailed requirements for each pathway are set out in the APC/ATC requirements and competencies guide, July 2006. Your training must be structured to make sure you achieve the required competencies. Throughout the APC your supervisor and counsellor will continually monitor your progress. You will not be able to apply for the final assessment interview until your supervisor and counsellor certify that, in their opinion, you have reached the level of competence required and have fulfilled the minimum training period.

In addition to achieving the required levels of knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the competencies, you must also demonstrate that you: are a good ambassador for your profession, RICS and your employer are aware of the professional and commercial implications of your work understand your clients and employers objectives have an up-to-date and developing knowledge of legal and technical matters relevant to the work you do and the law of the region or country in which you practise have the confidence to work unsupervised.

Eligibility
To register and start your APC you must be in suitable employment with a firm that has a structured training agreement in place. If this is not in place, provisional enrolment is possible. Further details are given on page 9. The point at which you are eligible to start the APC depends on: whether the RICS accredited degree you are taking (or have completed) is undergraduate or postgraduate the mode of study you are following. Note: For all candidates, the accredited degree course must be successfully completed before applying for the final assessment interview.

Section two
Overview of the APC
Undergraduate start points
Undergraduate start points Graduate route 1 Full-time Start structured training as soon as you are in relevant employment Start structured training as soon as you have completed second level of the degree. A maximum 12 months can be completed concurrently with your studies. The second 12 months training must be after successful completion of the accredited degree Start structured training when you start your work placement, provided you have also completed the second level of the degree. The second 12 months training must be after successful completion of the accredited degree Graduate route 2 Start structured training as soon as you are in relevant employment Start 12 months structured training after successful completion of the accredited degree

Part-time/distance learning

Placement (sandwich)

Start 12 months structured training after successful completion of accredited degree

Postgraduate start points

Full-time Part-time/distance learning Start structured training as soon as you are in relevant employment Start structured training as soon as you begin your course provided you are in relevant employment. You can complete the required structured training concurrently with your studies

Section three
Before you start training
Registering for the APC
A delay of a few weeks in your enrolment could put your final assessment back six months, as final assessments are normally held twice a year. Closing dates are given on www.rics.org In addition to this guide, there are the following enrolment documents: the APC guide for supervisors, counsellors and employers, July 2006 the APC/ATC requirements and competencies guide, July 2006 this details the competencies you need to achieve for your APC pathway enrolment form obtainable from RICS Contact Centre (see page 20). You and your employer MUST read the guides carefully. You must send the enrolment form, completed by you and your employer with the correct fee, to RICS Membership Operations Enrolment Team. Details of the fees and diary start date are sent with the enrolment form. You must submit all the required material otherwise your enrolment cannot be accepted. Once accepted, RICS will confirm your registration and give you a start date for recording your experience.

Change of employment
A change of employer form is available on www.rics.org. You must complete and return this to RICS Contact Centre (see page 20) if you change your employment during the training period. You must have your experience in that employment signed off by your supervisor and counsellor before you leave. Your new employer must have a structured training agreement in place. RICS will record the change or tell you what you need to do to resolve any problems.

Change of route to membership

If, during the period of your APC registration, RICS approves a change to your route to membership, eg from graduate route 1 to graduate route 2, your start date for the new route will be the day RICS receives your request to change.

Section four
Choosing your competencies
The APC pathways are as follows. Arts and antiques Building control Building surveying Commercial property practice Environment Facilities management Geomatics (including hydrographic) Housing management and development Machinery and business assets Management consultancy Minerals and waste management Planning and development Project management Property finance and investment Quantity surveying and construction Research Residential property practice Residential survey and valuation Rural Taxation allowances Valuation Each APC pathway requires a period of structured training during which you complete the mandatory and technical competencies that make up the minimum requirements for the APC. You must fulfil the competencies specified in your APC pathway to the required levels. The competencies have three levels of attainment that are progressive in terms of skills and abilities: Level 1 knowledge and understanding Level 2 application of knowledge and understanding Level 3 reasoned advice and depth of technical knowledge.

to level 3
Conduct rules, ethics and professional practice

to level 2
Client care Communication and negotiation Health and safety

to level 1
Accounting principles and procedures Business planning Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures Data management Sustainability Teamworking

The mandatory competencies

These competencies are a mix of the professional practice, interpersonal, business and management skills that are considered common to, and necessary for, all surveyors. These competencies are compulsory for all candidates. You must achieve the following minimum standards.

The technical competencies

For each APC pathway, specific technical competencies must be achieved. These are divided into core and optional. It is important that you give careful thought to your choice and combination of competencies. The combination of core and optional competencies will reflect the work you do in your day-to-day environment (driven by the needs of your employer/clients). You will be advised on your choice by your supervisor and counsellor. You can also discuss this with an APC doctor. Do not necessarily expect to make your full choice of optional competencies at the start of your training. Your choice may alter as your training develops. The choice and combination of competencies will be a reflection of your judgement and that of your supervisor and counsellor. At the final assessment interview, the assessors will take these choices into account and will consider their appropriateness. The number of days taken to reach the appropriate level of competence will depend on a combination of the following: the starting point has there been any previous experience your aptitude and speed of progress with the competency the quality of the training and experience provided the particular competency. Note: there is no minimum requirement for the number of training days under each competency other than, in total, a minimum of 400 days within 24 calendar months structured training for graduate route 1 candidates and 200 days within 12 calendar months structured training for graduate route 2 candidates. Candidates will not necessarily achieve the required level of competence within the minimum training period.

Section five
Key elements of the APC
Structured training: the formal, structured approach to the delivery of training and experience over any given period. Structured training agreement (STA): all employers with APC candidates must have a structured training agreement in place. This document must be approved by your RICS Training Adviser (RTA). Contact details of all RTAs are on www.rics.org. Your employer is responsible for ensuring this requirement is met. Your employer will draw up training plans demonstrating a commitment to ensure you obtain all the required experience and follow the APC training process correctly and professionally as detailed in the APC guides and in accordance with the RICS Rules of Conduct. Unless already approved and listed on the RICS web document of approved training providers, the STA should be sent to the local RTA for review and approval before you apply to enrol on the APC. Once approved by the RTA, the employer will be listed on www.rics.org

Main elements of the structured training agreement (STA)

Your supervisor and counsellor are responsible for developing the STA and establishing appropriate training arrangements that provide a route map through the APC. In particular they use their experience to help you: decide the relevant pathway by careful reading of the APC requirements interpret and choose the most appropriate competencies identify the breadth and depth of relevant experience needed to fulfil the APC competencies and plan your work to achieve this fully document these training plans in the STA. In some cases this may involve secondment to other departments or organisations. This documented training plan, showing how the competency requirements will be met, constitutes the heart of the STA but also covers the following areas: the role and responsibilities of the supervisor and counsellor information on the employer organisation and areas of activity a statement of the employers commitment to training, whether they pay for APC/RICS subscriptions, and any time allowed for APC training information on how the required professional development is to be achieved, paying particular attention to the guidance in the APC guides arrangements and key timescales for monitoring the training programme, including regular meetings with supervisor and counsellor, interim and final assessment records, critical analysis and submissions for final assessment commitment by you to follow the APC guidance, keep your diary and all other documentation up to date, prepare for meetings with your supervisor and counsellor and ensure all necessary reports are prepared to agreed timescales. A proforma STA can be downloaded from www.rics.org

Diary: you must maintain a day-to-day diary of your training and experience. You will use it to complete the log book and achievement records. You should not record a period of less than half a day. You do not need to record the mandatory competencies in your diary. These are an intrinsic part of your day-to-day work and are not normally part of the minimum days of experience. However, you must record your attainment of the mandatory competencies in your achievement record. A diary template is on www.rics.org Log book: you must complete the log book each month. It summarises your diary showing the training, in numbers of days, grouped under the core and optional competency headings. You must not record any experience against more than one competency. For each day you record you must decide which competency that days experience covers. You cannot multi-code individual entries to more than one competency. You must not record less than half a day. Progress reports: internal reports written at regular intervals as follows: the supervisors reports completed every three months the supervisors and counsellors reports completed every six months. The reports should comment on your training to date, experience gained and on the abilities you have demonstrated. You should add your own comments to the reports. These reports are not submitted to RICS but may be requested by RTAs or APC doctors when discussing progress with you. Many supervisors and counsellors will want to use their firms own report forms. Alternatively blank templates are on www.rics.org Achievement records: your supervisor and counsellor must date and sign the mandatory and technical achievement records to confirm that you have met the competencies to the required levels.

Interim and final assessment records: written reports which summarise how your experience and training meet the competency and professional development requirements. The assessment records show your supervisors opinion on your progress. They must be signed and dated by your supervisor and be countersigned by your counsellor. It is your supervisor and counsellor, at the time of your application for the final assessment interview, who must be satisfied that you have achieved the specific competencies. If you change employer you must continue the achievement record, diary and log book in the usual way, clearly showing the change of employment. Professional development: the systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of professional knowledge, understanding and skill throughout your career. As part of the structured training you must undertake a minimum of 48 hours professional development for each year of structured training. Further details are given on pages 15-16. Critical analysis: a written report of your involvement in a project or projects during your training. It must provide a critical appraisal of the project together with an outline of the lessons you learned. It will provide important evidence of the competencies you have achieved. The critical analysis must give detailed evidence of your ability to work competently and to apply the knowledge relevant to your APC pathway. Further details are given on pages 17.

10

Section six
The people
To achieve your goal of becoming a chartered surveyor, you will work with a number of people during your training. Your employer: must complete the APC enrolment form with you. Your employer must encourage you, make facilities and time available to you and ensure you complete certain documents at the right time. This is covered in the structured training agreement you make with your employer. Some employers may not be able to give you access to the full range of experience needed. If this is the case you may need to gain a temporary secondment to supplement your experience or even change employer. Your supervisor: normally but not necessarily a chartered surveyor, your supervisor is appointed at your work place. Your supervisor, normally your line manager, is responsible for giving you guidance on your training and day-to-day work. Your counsellor: must be a chartered surveyor and is usually (but does not have to be) appointed at your work place. The counsellor works in partnership with your supervisor and will assess your achievement record. They both decide when you are ready to apply for final assessment, certify all the documents you submit for final assessment, and ensure your training is structured to meet the needs of your APC pathway. RICS will record details of your counsellor to ensure that up-to-date information about the APC can be communicated. You must inform RICS if your counsellor changes. The supervisor and counsellor should normally be different people. Either your supervisor or counsellor must have experience of the competency requirements of your chosen APC pathway. If your supervisor or counsellor changes during your training, you must ensure your original supervisor/ counsellor certifies the relevant parts of the documents you will submit. The assessors: chartered surveyors who conduct your final assessment interview. The interview panel has a minimum of two members. All assessors are specially trained for this purpose. The RICS training adviser (RTA) (UK only): professional trainers appointed by RICS on a part-time basis who advise employers on setting up and running structured training agreements. They also advise on the best way of assessing trainees, and approve and monitor the training schemes. Your local region: in the UK, can provide some of the activities you need to fulfil your professional development. The APC doctor (UK only): a volunteer chartered surveyor appointed by RICS and available to give general advice. If at any time during your training you need an APC doctor, contact the RICS Contact Centre or look on www.rics.org

11

Section seven
APC training whats involved
Graduate route 1 minimum timeline
Month
APC enrolment

1 2

Supervisor and counsellor appointed. Start diary, log book, recording professional development

3-month supervisors meeting

3 4 5

6-month supervisors meeting 6-month counsellors meeting

6 7 8

9-month supervisors meeting

9 10 11

12-month interim assessment with supervisor and counsellor

12 13 14

Begin identifying suitable project(s) for critical analysis

15-month supervisors meeting

15 16 17
Critical analysis identify and agree subject, prepare synopsis, discuss with supervisor/counsellor

18-month supervisors meeting; 18-month counsellors meeting

18 19 20 21 22

23-month final assessment meeting with supervisor and counsellor Earliest date for final assessment interview

23 24

Critical analysis complete

12

Section seven
APC training whats involved
Graduate route 2 minimum timeline
Month
APC enrolment Supervisor and counsellor appointed. Start diary, log book, recording professional development

Begin identifying suitable project(s) for critical analysis

2
3-month supervisors meeting

3 4 5
Critical analysis identify and agree subject, prepare synopsis, discuss with supervisor/counsellor

6-month supervisors meeting 6-month counsellors meeting

6 7 8

9-month supervisors meeting

9 10

11-month final assessment meeting with supervisor and counsellor Earliest date for final assessment interview

11 12

Critical analysis complete

Day-to-day
Your supervisor and counsellor must keep in regular contact with you but ultimately you are responsible for your day-to-day activities. You must: ensure your day-to-day work covers the required competencies of your APC pathway keep your diary in a format that will encourage meaningful discussion at the formal quarterly reviews of progress against the competencies and will assist with the preparation of your assessment records discuss before, and evaluate after, any planned training or professional development events keep notes of examples of practical experience and casework to assist at your quarterly reviews.

Interim assessment for candidates on graduate route 1

You must, with your supervisor and counsellor, complete an interim assessment within a month of recording 12 months training (from your confirmed start date or on completion of your industry placement). This will help you review your progress to date and plan the rest of your training. For the interim assessment record you should write up to 2 000 words, approximately 500 words against mandatory competencies, 1 000 words against technical competencies and 500 against professional development. See template 6 on page 26. A blank template is on www.rics.org Your supervisor and counsellor will check your interim assessment record, diary, log book and professional development, ensuring they are a complete and accurate record of your training to date.

13

This is a vital stage of your training, as it will: act as a self assessment tool against your training plan provide guidance as to the breadth and depth of your training ensure that you achieve a balanced approach in your training involve your supervisor and counsellor at this critical mid-point help with your written communication skills ready for the reports you will prepare for the final assessment. Your supervisor and counsellor will complete the future training box on the interim assessment record. If you are an industry placement student, the future training box should be completed when you restart employment after completing your studies. If your placement is for less than 12 months you should complete the interim assessment at the end of the placement (minimum period nine months) and undertake the additional time when you restart employment. The declaration of completion of the interim assessment, template 7, must be sent to RICS within one month of completion of your first 12 months structured training. Failure to submit at this point will delay the date of your final assessment. It must also be submitted to RICS again as part of your final assessment submissions. Note: on visits to employers, your RTA may ask to see your completed interim assessment record. Failure to provide this will result in your final assessment date being delayed. You will have to do a further 12 months training from the interim assessment date. It is therefore vital you complete it on time and it is readily available.

Special needs and disabilities

RICS will be responsive to candidates with special needs or disabilities. It will do its utmost to ensure that suitable arrangements are made to assist candidates. It is, therefore, essential that you give suitable notice to RICS of any special needs or disabilities you have, to ensure appropriate assistance is available at the assessment centre.

Log book
See sample template 2 on page 22. After application for final assessment, you must continue to record your experience in your log book. This ongoing record is essential for candidates who are referred.

Mandatory and technical achievement records

You must ensure your supervisor and counsellor sign your achievement records showing the competencies you have achieved and that these are to the required levels, or you will not be accepted for final assessment. See sample templates 4 and 5 on pages 24 and 25. A blank template is on www.rics.org.

Final assessment record

Your final assessment record should be approximately 2 000 words (in total), with approximately 500 words against each heading: mandatory, core, optional, professional development. You should describe how you have developed your experience to meet the competency requirements. This will give the assessors a clear indication of how you have been building up your experience. See sample template 8 on page 28.

Final assessment application

It is your responsibility to keep all key dates in your work schedule. All the assessment information is on www.rics.org. You will have decided your target final assessment date with your supervisor. To apply for final assessment: send your application to RICS during the dates shown on www.rics.org. You will then have one month to complete and send to RICS your final assessment submissions (graduate route 3 candidates see separate guidance). These submissions must be complete or you will not be eligible to take the final assessment. Once these submissions are received by RICS, you will be sent confirmation of the date, time and venue of your final assessment. You will be sent these details one month prior to your assessment. To defer your final assessment: contact RICS immediately if you decide that you will not be ready for your target final assessment date.

Your assessment record is an important part of your final assessment and the panel will use it: to focus on the work you have undertaken to assess the breadth and depth of your professional experience to assess your communication skills as a basis for many of the questions. Note: because the final assessment record and critical analysis are not prepared under examination conditions, a high standard of technical accuracy, literacy and presentation is expected. A checklist for final assessment submissions is on www.rics.org

14

Section eight
Professional development
It is your responsibility to plan and achieve professional development. For each 12 months structured training, you must undertake a minimum 48 hours professional development (see sample template 3 on page 23). This helps you to gain extra skills and knowledge which are not always possible to get within the week-to-week business of the practice. For example, you might study business management, professional ethics or information technology through formal training courses, distance learning programmes or more informal structured reading. It is important your supervisor and counsellor take an active interest and help with the planning and evaluation of your professional development. Special attention must be given to the principles underpinning professional development. It should be: gained in a structured manner based on an explicit process of selecting, planning and evaluating the activities reflect learning from informal training sources eg structured reading, secondments. Professional development should complement and support your mandatory and technical competencies. RICS suggests the following framework to help you and your employer design a flexible plan that reflects your development needs.

Professional development plan

Personal skills development: linked to mandatory competencies normally 16 hours per year Technical skills development: linked to core/optional competencies normally 16 hours per year Professional practice skills development: linked to professional practice competencies, code of ethics and conflicts of interest normally 16 hours per year

15

Personal skills development

Development of transferable personal and interpersonal skills such as: communication client care data management information technology teamworking.

Part-time/distance learning/ placement students

If you are on a part-time or distance learning accredited degree, RICS will consider your final year as counting towards your professional development for that year. This should be supplemented by other professional development activities for that year. If you are a placement student, you may be taking structured study as part of your year in industry. You must have a certificate from your university confirming this. You must submit this with your application for final assessment as it will contribute to the 48 hours professional development. However, this will not provide all your professional development and should be supplemented by other activities.

Technical skills development

Development of competencies related to your APC pathway. This could include short update sessions and skills-based training.

Professional practice skills development

Development of professionalism: understanding client care conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures RICS code of conduct, professional practice and bye-laws structure and role of RICS.

Selection, planning and evaluation

You should discuss your selection of topics with your supervisor and counsellor. You must provide evidence of a planned, systematic approach to your choice, making clear the relationship between the topics and the development of the competency. You must evaluate the benefits of your professional development and provide evidence of this as part of your summary of experience in the interim and final assessment records, showing the key learning gained from each element. Private study and structured reading is acceptable as part of your professional development but should not be more than two thirds of the total hours required in any 12 months of structured training.

16

Section nine
Critical analysis
The critical analysis is a written report of a project or projects with which you have been involved during your training. Your choice of topic is very important and must reflect your APC pathway. You may be working for a large organisation where you have been involved with a complex instruction or project. Your role and contribution could be an appropriate topic. Alternatively, the instruction or project may be more straightforward and not of great financial value. It may simply be typical of the work you have been involved with during your training. Ideally your critical analysis should focus on one aspect of your work. You may want to use a number of projects to highlight an issue or aspect of your work. The project may be based on, or include, work undertaken outside your country of practice. You are not necessarily expected to be running the project. It is your involvement or role in the team that you must outline, analyse and comment on. If the project has been running for some time you may not have been involved from the start, your involvement may not have been continuous, or the project may not be finished when you prepare your critical analysis. In this latter case, you should provide a prognosis of the outcome. If you know the outcome between sending in your critical analysis and your interview, include it in your presentation. Your proposed solution: you must give a detailed account of the reasons supporting your adopted course of action. Relate your reasons to the technical competencies. Think about all the aspects that support your decision, for example client care, financial, technical, professional, rules of conduct, ethics and conflicts of interest. Conclusion and analysis of experience gained: finally, and most importantly, your conclusion must provide a critical appraisal of the outcomes, with a statement of what you learned from the experience. This part of your report should comprise approximately one third of the total number of words. You should look at the project, consider what has gone well and identify what did not go well. You can then plan how you might improve the next time you carry out a similar task. Stand back from the project and reflect on what you have learned. The assessors will use your critical analysis as a starting point to question you beyond what you actually did, probing your understanding of your projects wider issues. Start thinking about these processes while you are writing your critical analysis so you are well prepared for the interview. Focus on matters that cross the whole project.

Critical analysis format and content

The critical analysis must be: word processed a maximum of 3 000 words (excluding the appendices) signed and dated by you and include photographs and plans (no larger than A4 size when folded). You must explain not only the project itself but the processes you followed and the rationale behind your decision-making. Your focus must be on analysing the project: do not simply provide a summary of what it involved. It is quality not quantity that counts. Appendices should support your report, not add to or expand on it. You should include the following four aspects. Key issues: your project may be complex. If you select too many key issues you will skim the surface instead of providing a detailed analysis. Be selective. Think about the depth required as being to about level three of the various competencies involved. There may be one key issue that can form the basis of your critical analysis. Options: before proposing a solution to a client, you should consider all the options, demonstrating your ability to think logically, laterally and professionally. You must demonstrate you have genuinely considered the options. Give reasons why some options may not be feasible.

Points to watch
Confidentiality: you must ensure you have your employers and clients consent to disclose any sensitive details in your critical analysis. If you cannot get this consent you should disguise facts that might otherwise make the project identifiable. Note: the information contained in your critical analysis will be treated in the strictest confidence by the panel of assessors. References: extracts from acts of parliament, case law and other sources should not be quoted at length but essential references must be given. Total word count: you must include a word count at the end. You can include notes on what you have included in the count. Finally: your critical analysis must reflect your abilities in the following areas: written and graphic communication professional standards of organisation and presentation analysis, reflective thought and problem solving learning from experience gained.

17

Section ten
Final assessment interview
Final assessment interviews are normally held twice a year and take place at an assessment centre. The interview will last approximately one hour and is designed to determine whether you: express yourself clearly in an oral presentation and interview can demonstrate, in support of your written submissions, your understanding of the knowledge gained and competencies achieved during your training have an acceptable understanding of the role and responsibilities of a chartered surveyor can apply your professional and technical skills to benefit those who employ your services.

Interview
The interview will be conducted by a panel comprising a minimum of two chartered surveyors, trained and selected for this role. At the interview you will be questioned on: your presentation and critical analysis your final assessment record including your professional development record the broader aspects of your experience and knowledge, including ethics, RICS rules of conduct and current issues of concern to the profession. The assessors will base the questioning on the law and practice of the country in which the interview is held. On the critical analysis, the assessors will normally ask you about what you did and about why you took a particular approach. They will also ask about your understanding of the wider issues surrounding your report. The assessors will be trying to determine your general level of ability; they do not expect you to be an expert in every area of professional activity. They will be looking to ensure you have achieved at least the minimum required levels of competence in key areas for the clients you serve, and that you understand the level of professional conduct expected of a member of RICS. The assessors will take a holistic view of your training, final assessment submissions, presentation and interview. Poorer performance in one area may be balanced out by an excellent performance elsewhere.

Presentation
You will give a 10-minute presentation to the assessors on the purpose, investigations and conclusions of your critical analysis. Note: presentation facilities will not be provided at assessment centres.

18

Section eleven
After the assessment
Results
RICS will send your results by first-class post 21 days after your interview. It is your responsibility to check RICS has your up-todate address. You will receive either a pass or a referral. If you are successful you will be awarded professional membership of RICS (MRICS). If you receive a referral you will be informed of the next steps to be taken. For security and data protection reasons, RICS will not give results over the telephone, by fax, email or to a third party.

Appeals
You will have 10 working days from the date of the results letter from RICS to make an appeal. Details of how to make an appeal are on www.rics.org. Appeals may be made for one of three reasons: administrative or procedural matters: for example, the panel may not have been provided with the correct information questioning and testing of competence that has concentrated too much outside of the main areas of training and experience any form of discrimination. When an appeal is made it must: be in writing, accompanied by the appropriate fee be made by you and not a third party clearly state the grounds on which the appeal is being made, supported by appropriate evidence.

Referrals
If the outcome is a referral you will be sent a referral report explaining why the assessors reached this decision. To be eligible for re-assessment you must normally: record a minimum of a further 100 days relevant professional experience do a minimum of a further 24 hours professional development write a new critical analysis or, if required, re-submit the original, suitably updated and amended agree with your supervisor and counsellor how you will address the deficiencies identified in the referral report submit the referral assessment record (template 9) if you change any of your competencies you must provide an additional updated achievement record plus the original record. Once you have completed the above, you will be re-interviewed. You must continue to maintain and record your experience until you are successful. If you have not applied for the next available assessment the above is a minimum requirement; for example the professional development requirement will increase for every six-month period.

Assessments outside the UK

Many countries around the world have national associations which administer the APC. Where there is no local representation, assessments are administered by the Membership Operations Department in the UK.

19

Section twelve
Where to find help
Completing the APC carries with it a lot of responsibility and commitment. Extensive support and guidance are available for candidates and employers. If you need any help during the training period please call: RICS Contact Centre T F E W +44 (0)870 333 1600 +44 (0)20 7334 3811 contactrics@rics.org www.rics.org

Further information
Please visit the comprehensive RICS website at www.rics.org/careerseducationandtraining/ assessmentofprofessionalcompetence for further information on: how to qualify including APC templates regional offices RICS training advisers APC doctors guidance and support.

Finally
Remember to ensure that RICS has your up-to-date email address.

20

Section thirteen
Sample templates
Template 1 Cover page for final assessment submissions
Please note that this template has slightly changed since first published in July 2006.

Assessment of Professional Competence

Candidates name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Block capitals)

Candidates membership number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Date of registration for APC: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

APC pathway: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Current supervisors name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Block capitals)

Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . number: (if applicable)

Current counsellors name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Block capitals)

Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . number: (if applicable)

Supervisors and counsellors declaration We confirm that these APC submissions are an accurate record of the candidates training and experience, and that the critical analysis is the candidates own work.

Interim assessment (graduate route 1 only)

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(supervisor)

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(counsellor)

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Final assessment

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(supervisor)

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(counsellor)

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Additional comments from supervisor and/or counsellor:

21

Template 2 Log book

Name: .(in block letters)

NB: You are not required to record mandatory competencies You must not record less than half a day
APC pathway: Commercial property practice Month number Competency title and number T083 Valuation T044 Inspection T057 Measurement of land and property T048 Landlord and tenant T070 Property management 1 5 1 0 2 6 2 1 3 8 0 5 4 10 4 1 5 4 1 2 6 2 3 3 7 6 1 0 8 6 2 1 9 1 3 6 10 5 0 8 Year 1 11 7 1 6 12 3 1 3 Total number of days 63 19 36

2 1

5 0

0 6

6 4

0 7

1 3

6 4

3 0

4 1

10 0

1 3

0 2

38 31 187

Grand total

Month number Competency title and number T083 Valuation T044 Inspection T057 Measurement of land and property T048 Landlord and tenant T070 Property management T050 Leasing/letting T073 Purchase and sale Grand total 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Year 2 23 24 Total number of days

Note: this is a sample

22

Section thirteen
Sample templates
Template 3 Professional development
Name: .(in block letters)

APC pathway: Commercial property practice

(Please state number of hours spent in total on each professional development activity within each 12-month period of professional training)

Professional development Please record the number of hours and type of professional development.

Month number 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9

Year 1 10 11 12 Total

24.10.06 Attended presentation skills workshop to support development of mandatory competency, Communication and negotiation, also Teamworking 12.12.06 CPD study pack rent reviews T048 Landlord and tenant practical update on issues covered in degree course

Grand total

Professional development Please record the number of hours and type of professional development.

Month number 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Year 2 22 23 24 Total

Grand total

Note: this is a sample

23

Template 4 Mandatory achievement record

NB: The level column goes to the minimum level required as a mandatory competency. All levels shown must be signed off. If you take a mandatory competency as a core or optional to a higher level, you must record that higher level on template 5.

Level M005 Conduct rules, ethics and professional practice 1 2 3 M003 Client care 1 2 M004 Communication and negotiation 1 2 M008 Health and safety 1 2 M001 Accounting principles and procedures M002 Business planning M006 Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures M007 Data management M009 Sustainability M010 Teamworking 1 1 1 1 1 1

Supervisor Date and sign

Counsellor Date and sign

24

Section thirteen
Sample templates
Template 5 Technical achievement record APC pathway: Quantity surveying and construction

Ref No. T016

Title Contract practice

Level 1 2 3

Supervisor Date and sign

Counsellor Date and sign

T013

Construction technology and environmental services

1 2 3

T062

Procurement and tendering

1 2 3

T067

Project financial control and reporting

1 2 3

T074

Quantification and costing of construction works

1 2 3

T010

Commercial management of construction

1 2 3

T025

Due diligence

1 2

T066

Project evaluation

1 2

Note: this is a sample

25

Template 6 Interim assessment record

Please note that this template has slightly changed since first published in July 2006.

(Graduate route 1 only)

Months 1-12 Please record your summary of experience/training completed with reference to specific competencies where applicable. This must be sent to RICS with your final assessment submissions NB: Maximum 2000 words

Summary of experience/training completed Mandatory 500 words

Technical 1000 words

PD 500 words

Future training (written by the supervisor and counsellor)

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(supervisor)

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name (block capitals): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Membership no (if applicable): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(counsellor)

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name (block capitals): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Membership no: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

26

Section thirteen
Sample templates
Template 7 Declaration of completion of interim assessment (Graduate route 1 only)
Months 1-12 NB: A copy of this must be forwarded to RICS within one month of completion of the first 12 months structured training. Failure to submit this declaration at the required time will delay the date of your final assessment. The original must be sent to RICS with the candidates final assessment submissions.

Candidates name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (block capitals) Candidates membership number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

APC pathway: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Certification by supervisor/counsellor that:

a) training and development has been reviewed after 12 months

b) candidate will receive a further minimum of 12 months training before final assessment

c) interim assessment record, log book and professional development are complete and up to date

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(supervisor)

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name (block capitals): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Membership no (if applicable): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(counsellor)

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name (block capitals): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Membership no: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(candidate)

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

27

Template 8 Final assessment record

Please note that this template has slightly changed since first published in July 2006.

Graduate route 1: Months 12-24 and onwards NB: Maximum 2 000 words (500 words under each heading) Graduate route 2: 12 Months NB: Maximum can be extended to 3 000 words to reflect experience prior to APC enrolment Please record your summary of experience/training completed with reference to specific competencies, where applicable.

Summary of experience/training completed Mandatory

Core

Optional

PD

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(supervisor)

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name (block capitals): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Membership no (if applicable): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(counsellor)

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name (block capitals): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Membership no: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28

Section thirteen
Sample templates
Template 9 Referral assessment record
Summary of progress after additional minimum 100 day training period

This should be approximately 1 000 words

Please record your summary of experience/training completed with reference to specific competencies, where applicable.

Dates Mandatory

Summary of experience/training completed since referral

Core

Optional

PD

29

Template 10 Declaration of completion of referral assessment

Candidates name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (block capitals) Candidates membership number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

APC pathway: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Certification by supervisor/counsellor that:

a) training and development has been reviewed in preparation for re-assessment

b) these APC submissions are complete and up to date, represent an accurate record of the candidates further training and experience, and the critical analysis is the candidates own work.

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(supervisor)

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name (block capitals): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Membership no (if applicable): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(counsellor)

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name (block capitals): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Membership no: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(candidate)

Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

30

www.rics.org

RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is the largest organisation for professionals in property, land, construction and related environmental issues worldwide. We promote best practice, regulation and consumer protection to business and the public. With 120 000 members, RICS is the leading source of property related knowledge, providing independent, impartial advice to governments and global organisations.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors 12 Great George Street Parliament Square London SW1P 3AD United Kingdom T +44 (0)870 333 1600 F +44 (0)20 7334 3811 contactrics@rics.org www.rics.org

December 2006/3 000/RICS ED&T/36652/Sterling