apc candidate guide

Assessment of Professional CompetenceRICS Education and Training

July 2006

www.rics.org

Corporate Professional Local

Candidate’s guide – graduate route to

membership

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Candidate’s guide – graduate route to membership

ContentsSection one Introduction 2

Commitment is key

Section two Overview of the APC 3What is the APC?Graduate routes to membershipGraduate routes 1 and 2 – at a glanceThe competency approachEligibility

Section three Before you 6start trainingRegistering for the APCChange of employmentChange of route to membership

Section four Choosing your 7competenciesThe mandatory competenciesThe technical competencies

Section five Key elements 9of the APCStructured trainingStructured training agreementDiaryLog bookProgress reportsAchievement recordsInterim and final assessment recordsProfessional developmentCritical analysis

Section six The people 11Your employerYour supervisorYour counsellorThe assessorsThe RICS training adviserYour local regionThe APC doctor

Section seven APC training – 12what’s involvedTimelines for graduate routes 1 and 2Day-to-dayInterim assessment (graduate route 1)Final assessment applicationFinal assessment recordsFinal assessment checklist

Section eight Professional 15developmentProfessional development planPersonal skills developmentTechnical skills developmentProfessional practice skills developmentSelection, planning and evaluationPart-time/distance learning/placementstudents

Section nine Critical analysis 17Critical analysis format and contentPoints to watch

Section ten Final assessment 18interviewPresentationInterview

Section eleven After the assessment 19ResultsReferralsAppealsAssessments outside the UK

Section twelve Where to find help 20Further informationFinally

Section thirteen Sample templates 21

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Section oneIntroduction

Commitment is keyThis guide will help you prepare for thecommitment and responsibility that go withtraining for the Assessment of ProfessionalCompetence (APC). Completing this successfullyleads to professional membership of RICS andentitles you to call yourself a chartered surveyor.

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Section twoOverview 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 normallyconsists of:

• a period of structured training

• a final assessment interview.

Your APC structured training will normally continue for aminimum of 24 months, during which you must complete aminimum of 400 days’ relevant practical experience. This maytake longer, depending on your supervisor’s and counsellor’sassessment of your progress, but must be completed withinsix years of your APC registration.

Graduate routes to membershipRICS recognises that some graduates will already haveconsiderable work experience by the time they complete anaccredited degree. This is reflected in the APC requirements.RICS reduces the period of structured training for those withmore than five years’ relevant work experience.

• graduate route 1 is for candidates with limited, or no, priorrelevant 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 onwww.rics.org.

Academic Qualifications Relevant Prior APC Structured Training APC Final Assessment Experience Interview

Graduate routes 1 and 2 – at a glance

*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.

Graduate 1RICS accredited degree*

Part-time and placement yearstudents may enrol on to the APCduring the final year of study orduring the placement year. At least 12 of the 24 months’structured training must becompleted after graduating

None • 24 months’ structuredtraining to meetcompetency requirements

• Regular meetings withsupervisor/counsellor

• 48 hours’ professionaldevelopment for each 12months’ structured training

• 60 minute interviewincluding 10 minutepresentation

• Testing on professionalpractice/ethics

Graduate 2

RICS accredited degree*

The 12 months’ structuredtraining must be completed aftergraduating

At least five years’ relevantexperience before startingAPC. Pre-degree experiencecan count

• 12 months’ structuredtraining

• Regular meetings withsupervisor/counsellor

• 48 hours’ professionaldevelopment over thestructured training period

• 60 minute interviewincluding 10 minutepresentation

• Testing on professionalpractice/ethics

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The competency approachThe APC structured training period is primarily competency-based. It requires you, the candidate, to demonstrate that youhave the skills and abilities needed to perform specific tasksor functions. The competencies are based on attitudes andbehaviours 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 youremployment as you can only demonstrate competence on thebasis of actual work experience. Your supervisor, who willnormally be your line manager, will advise you on your choiceof pathway. The detailed requirements for each pathway areset out in the APC/ATC requirements and competenciesguide, July 2006.

Your training must be structured to make sure you achievethe required competencies. Throughout the APC yoursupervisor and counsellor will continually monitor yourprogress. You will not be able to apply for the finalassessment interview until your supervisor and counsellorcertify that, in their opinion, you have reached the level ofcompetence 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 mustalso demonstrate that you:

• are a good ambassador for your profession, RICS and your employer

• are aware of the professional and commercial implicationsof your work

• understand your clients’ and employer’s objectives

• have an up-to-date and developing knowledge of legal andtechnical matters relevant to the work you do and the lawof the region or country in which you practise

• have the confidence to work unsupervised.

EligibilityTo register and start your APC you must be in suitableemployment with a firm that has a structured training agreementin 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 finalassessment interview.

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Undergraduate start points

Undergraduate start points

Graduate route 1 Graduate route 2

Full-time Start structured training as soon as youare in relevant employment

Start structured training as soon as youare in relevant employment

Part-time/distance learning Start structured training as soon as you havecompleted second level of the degree. A maximum 12 months can be completedconcurrently with your studies. The second12 months’ training must be after successfulcompletion of the accredited degree

Start 12 months’ structured trainingafter successful completion of theaccredited degree

Placement (sandwich) Start structured training when you startyour work placement, provided you havealso completed the second level of thedegree. The second 12 months’ trainingmust be after successful completion ofthe accredited degree

Start 12 months’ structured trainingafter successful completion ofaccredited degree

Postgraduate start points

Full-time Start structured training as soon as you are in relevant employment

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

Section twoOverview of the APC

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Registering for the APCA delay of a few weeks in your enrolment could put your finalassessment back six months, as final assessments are normallyheld twice a year. Closing dates are given on www.rics.org

In addition to this guide, there are the following enrolmentdocuments:

• 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 toachieve 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 youremployer with the correct fee, to RICS Membership OperationsEnrolment Team. Details of the fees and diary start date are sentwith the enrolment form. You must submit all the requiredmaterial otherwise your enrolment cannot be accepted.

Once accepted, RICS will confirm your registration and give youa start date for recording your experience.

Change of employmentA ‘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 thetraining period. You must have your experience in thatemployment signed off by your supervisor and counsellor before you leave.

Your new employer must have a structured training agreementin place. RICS will record the change or tell you what you needto do to resolve any problems.

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

Section threeBefore you start training

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 trainingduring which you complete the mandatory and technicalcompetencies that make up the minimum requirements for the APC.

You must fulfil the competencies specified in your APC pathwayto the required levels. The competencies have three levels ofattainment 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.

The mandatory competenciesThese competencies are a mix of the professional practice,interpersonal, business and management skills that areconsidered common to, and necessary for, all surveyors. These competencies are compulsory for all candidates.

You must achieve the following minimum standards.

Section fourChoosing your competencies

to level 2Client care

Communication and negotiation

Health and safety

to level 1Accounting principles and procedures

Business planning

Conflict avoidance, management and disputeresolution procedures

Data management

Sustainability

Teamworking

to level 3Conduct rules, ethics and professional practice

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The technical competenciesFor 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 andcombination of competencies. The combination of core andoptional competencies will reflect the work you do in your day-to-day environment (driven by the needs of youremployer/clients). You will be advised on your choice by yoursupervisor and counsellor. You can also discuss this with anAPC doctor. Do not necessarily expect to make your full choiceof optional competencies at the start of your training. Yourchoice may alter as your training develops.

The choice and combination of competencies will be a reflectionof your judgement and that of your supervisor and counsellor. At the final assessment interview, the assessors will take thesechoices into account and will consider their appropriateness.

The number of days taken to reach the appropriate level ofcompetence 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 oftraining days under each competency other than, in total, aminimum of 400 days within 24 calendar months’ structuredtraining for graduate route 1 candidates and 200 days within 12 calendar months’ structured training for graduate route 2candidates. Candidates will not necessarily achieve the requiredlevel of competence within the minimum training period.

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Section fiveKey elements of the APC

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Structured training: the formal, structured approach to thedelivery of training and experience over any given period.

Structured training agreement (STA): all employers withAPC candidates must have a structured training agreement inplace. This document must be approved by your RICS TrainingAdviser (RTA). Contact details of all RTAs are on www.rics.org.Your employer is responsible for ensuring this requirement ismet. Your employer will draw up training plans demonstrating acommitment to ensure you obtain all the required experienceand follow the APC training process correctly and professionallyas detailed in the APC guides and in accordance with the RICSRules of Conduct.

Unless already approved and listed on the RICS web documentof approved training providers, the STA should be sent to thelocal RTA for review and approval before you apply to enrol onthe APC. Once approved by the RTA, the employer will be listedon www.rics.org

Main elements of the structured training agreement (STA)Your supervisor and counsellor are responsible for developingthe STA and establishing appropriate training arrangements thatprovide a route map through the APC. In particular they usetheir 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 otherdepartments or organisations.

This documented training plan, showing how the competencyrequirements will be met, constitutes the heart of the STA butalso 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 employer’s commitment to training,whether they pay for APC/RICS subscriptions, and any timeallowed for APC training

• information on how the required professional development isto be achieved, paying particular attention to the guidance inthe APC guides

• arrangements and key timescales for monitoring the trainingprogramme, including regular meetings with supervisor andcounsellor, interim and final assessment records, criticalanalysis and submissions for final assessment

• commitment by you to follow the APC guidance, keep yourdiary and all other documentation up to date, prepare formeetings with your supervisor and counsellor and ensure allnecessary reports are prepared to agreed timescales.

A proforma STA can be downloaded from www.rics.org

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Diary: you must maintain a day-to-day diary of your training andexperience. You will use it to complete the log book andachievement records. You should not record a period of lessthan half a day. You do not need to record the mandatorycompetencies in your diary. These are an intrinsic part ofyour day-to-day work and are not normally part of the minimumdays of experience. However, you must record your attainmentof 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 ofdays, grouped under the core and optional competencyheadings. You must not record any experience against morethan one competency. For each day you record you must decidewhich competency that day’s experience covers. You cannotmulti-code individual entries to more than one competency. You must not record less than half a day.

Progress reports: internal reports written at regular intervalsas follows:

• the supervisor’s reports completed every three months

• the supervisor’s and counsellor’s 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. Thesereports are not submitted to RICS but may be requested byRTAs or APC doctors when discussing progress with you.

Many supervisors and counsellors will want to use their firm’sown report forms. Alternatively blank templates are onwww.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 therequired levels.

Interim and final assessment records: written reports whichsummarise how your experience and training meet thecompetency and professional development requirements.

The assessment records show your supervisor’s opinion on yourprogress. They must be signed and dated by your supervisorand be countersigned by your counsellor. It is your supervisorand counsellor, at the time of your application for the finalassessment interview, who must be satisfied that you haveachieved the specific competencies.

If you change employer you must continue the achievementrecord, diary and log book in the usual way, clearly showing thechange of employment.

Professional development: the systematic maintenance,improvement and broadening of professional knowledge,understanding and skill throughout your career. As part of thestructured 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 aproject or projects during your training. It must provide a criticalappraisal of the project together with an outline of the lessonsyou learned. It will provide important evidence of thecompetencies you have achieved. The critical analysis must givedetailed evidence of your ability to work competently and toapply the knowledge relevant to your APC pathway. Further details are given on pages 17.

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Section sixThe people

To achieve your goal of becoming a chartered surveyor, you willwork with a number of people during your training.

Your employer: must complete the APC enrolment form withyou. Your employer must encourage you, make facilities andtime available to you and ensure you complete certaindocuments at the right time. This is covered in the structuredtraining agreement you make with your employer. Someemployers may not be able to give you access to the full rangeof experience needed. If this is the case you may need to gain atemporary secondment to supplement your experience or evenchange employer.

Your supervisor: normally but not necessarily a charteredsurveyor, your supervisor is appointed at your work place. Your supervisor, normally your line manager, is responsible forgiving 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 willassess your achievement record. They both decide when youare ready to apply for final assessment, certify all the documentsyou submit for final assessment, and ensure your training isstructured to meet the needs of your APC pathway. RICS willrecord details of your counsellor to ensure that up-to-dateinformation about the APC can be communicated. You mustinform RICS if your counsellor changes.

The supervisor and counsellor should normally be differentpeople. Either your supervisor or counsellor must haveexperience of the competency requirements of your chosenAPC pathway. If your supervisor or counsellor changes duringyour 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 finalassessment interview. The interview panel has a minimum oftwo members. All assessors are specially trained for thispurpose.

The RICS training adviser (RTA) (UK only): professionaltrainers appointed by RICS on a part-time basis who adviseemployers on setting up and running structured trainingagreements. They also advise on the best way of assessingtrainees, and approve and monitor the training schemes.

Your local region: in the UK, can provide some of theactivities you need to fulfil your professional development.

The APC doctor (UK only): a volunteer chartered surveyorappointed 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

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Section sevenAPC training – what’s involved

3-month supervisor’s meeting

6-month supervisor’s meeting 6-month counsellor’s meeting


12-month interim assessment with supervisor and counsellor


Earliest date for final assessment interview

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

Begin identifying suitable project(s) for critical analysis

Critical analysis – identify and agree subject, preparesynopsis, discuss with supervisor/counsellor

Critical analysis complete

18-month supervisor’s meeting; 18-month counsellor’s meeting

23-month final assessment meeting with supervisor and counsellor

Month

Graduate route 1 minimum timeline

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Section sevenAPC training – what’s involved

Day-to-dayYour supervisor and counsellor must keep in regular contactwith you but ultimately you are responsible for your day-to-dayactivities. You must:

• ensure your day-to-day work covers the requiredcompetencies of your APC pathway

• keep your diary in a format that will encourage meaningfuldiscussion at the formal quarterly reviews of progress againstthe competencies and will assist with the preparation of yourassessment records

• discuss before, and evaluate after, any planned training orprofessional development events

• keep notes of examples of practical experience and caseworkto assist at your quarterly reviews.

Interim assessment – for candidates on graduate route 1You must, with your supervisor and counsellor, complete aninterim assessment within a month of recording 12 months’training (from your confirmed start date or on completion of yourindustry placement). This will help you review your progress todate and plan the rest of your training.

For the interim assessment record you should write up to 2 000words, approximately 500 words against mandatorycompetencies, 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 interimassessment record, diary, log book and professionaldevelopment, ensuring they are a complete and accurate recordof your training to date.

11-month final assessment meeting with supervisor and counsellor

Critical analysis complete

Critical analysis – identify and agree subject, preparesynopsis, discuss with supervisor/counsellor


6-month supervisor’s meeting 6-month counsellor’s meeting


Earliest date for final assessment interview

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

Begin identifying suitable project(s) for critical analysis

Month

Graduate route 2 minimum timeline

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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 thereports you will prepare for the final assessment.

Your supervisor and counsellor will complete the future trainingbox on the interim assessment record.

If you are an industry placement student, the future training boxshould be completed when you restart employment aftercompleting your studies. If your placement is for less than 12months you should complete the interim assessment at the endof the placement (minimum period nine months) and undertakethe additional time when you restart employment.

The declaration of completion of the interim assessment,template 7, must be sent to RICS within one month ofcompletion of your first 12 months’ structured training. Failure tosubmit at this point will delay the date of your final assessment.It must also be submitted to RICS again as part of your finalassessment submissions.

Note: on visits to employers, your RTA may ask to see your completed interim assessment record. Failure toprovide this will result in your final assessment date beingdelayed. You will have to do a further 12 months’ trainingfrom the interim assessment date. It is therefore vital youcomplete it on time and it is readily available.

Final assessment applicationIt is your responsibility to keep all key dates in your workschedule. All the assessment information is on www.rics.org. You will have decided your target final assessment date withyour supervisor.

To apply for final assessment: send your application to RICSduring the dates shown on www.rics.org. You will then have onemonth to complete and send to RICS your final assessmentsubmissions (graduate route 3 candidates – see separateguidance). These submissions must be complete or youwill not be eligible to take the final assessment. Oncethese submissions are received by RICS, you will be sentconfirmation of the date, time and venue of your finalassessment. You will be sent these details one month prior toyour assessment.

To defer your final assessment: contact RICS immediately if you decide that you will not be ready for your target finalassessment date.

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

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

Mandatory and technical achievementrecordsYou must ensure your supervisor and counsellor signyour achievement records showing the competencies youhave 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 blanktemplate is on www.rics.org.

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

Your assessment record is an important part of your finalassessment and the panel will use it:

• to focus on the work you have undertaken

• to assess the breadth and depth of your professionalexperience

• to assess your communication skills

• as a basis for many of the questions.

Note: because the final assessment record and criticalanalysis are not prepared under examination conditions, a high standard of technical accuracy, literacy andpresentation is expected.

A checklist for final assessment submissions is onwww.rics.org

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Section eightProfessional development

It is your responsibility to plan and achieve professionaldevelopment. For each 12 months’ structured training, you mustundertake a minimum 48 hours’ professional development (seesample template 3 on page 23). This helps you to gain extraskills and knowledge which are not always possible to get withinthe week-to-week business of the practice. For example, youmight study business management, professional ethics orinformation technology through formal training courses, distancelearning programmes or more informal structured reading. It isimportant your supervisor and counsellor take an active interestand help with the planning and evaluation of your professionaldevelopment.

Special attention must be given to the principles underpinningprofessional development. It should be:

• gained in a structured manner

• based on an explicit process of selecting, planning andevaluating the activities

• reflect learning from informal training sources eg structuredreading, secondments.

Professional development should complement and support yourmandatory and technical competencies. RICS suggests thefollowing framework to help you and your employer design aflexible plan that reflects your development needs.

Professional development planPersonal skills development: linked to mandatory competencies – normally 16 hours per year

Technical skills development: linked to core/optionalcompetencies – normally 16 hours per year

Professional practice skills development: linked to professionalpractice competencies, code of ethics and conflicts of interest – normally 16 hours per year

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Personal skills developmentDevelopment of transferable personal and interpersonal skills such as:

• communication

• client care

• data management

• information technology

• teamworking.

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

Professional practice skills developmentDevelopment of professionalism:

• understanding client care

• conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolutionprocedures

• RICS code of conduct, professional practice and bye-laws

• structure and role of RICS.

Selection, planning and evaluationYou should discuss your selection of topics with your supervisor and counsellor. You must provide evidence of aplanned, 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 professionaldevelopment and provide evidence of this as part of yoursummary of experience in the interim and final assessmentrecords, showing the key learning gained from each element.Private study and structured reading is acceptable as part ofyour professional development but should not be more than two thirds of the total hours required in any 12 months ofstructured training.

Part-time/distance learning/placement studentsIf you are on a part-time or distance learning accredited degree,RICS will consider your final year as counting towards yourprofessional development for that year. This should besupplemented by other professional development activities for that year.

If you are a placement student, you may be taking structuredstudy as part of your year in industry. You must have a certificatefrom your university confirming this. You must submit this with yourapplication for final assessment as it will contribute to the 48hours’ professional development. However, this will not provide allyour professional development and should be supplemented byother activities.

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Section nineCritical analysis

The critical analysis is a written report of a project or projectswith which you have been involved during your training. Yourchoice of topic is very important and must reflect your APCpathway. You may be working for a large organisation where youhave been involved with a complex instruction or project. Yourrole and contribution could be an appropriate topic. Alternatively,the instruction or project may be more straightforward and notof great financial value. It may simply be typical of the work youhave been involved with during your training. Ideally your criticalanalysis should focus on one aspect of your work. You maywant to use a number of projects to highlight an issue or aspectof your work. The project may be based on, or include, workundertaken outside your country of practice.

You are not necessarily expected to be running the project. It isyour involvement or role in the team that you must outline,analyse and comment on. If the project has been running forsome time you may not have been involved from the start, yourinvolvement may not have been continuous, or the project maynot be finished when you prepare your critical analysis. In thislatter case, you should provide a prognosis of the outcome. Ifyou know the outcome between sending in your critical analysisand your interview, include it in your presentation.

Critical analysis format and contentThe 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 processesyou followed and the rationale behind your decision-making.Your focus must be on analysing the project: do not simplyprovide a summary of what it involved. It is quality not quantitythat counts. Appendices should support your report, not add toor expand on it.

You should include the following four aspects.

• Key issues: your project may be complex. If you select toomany key issues you will skim the surface instead of providinga detailed analysis. Be selective. Think about the depthrequired as being to about level three of the variouscompetencies involved. There may be one key issue that canform the basis of your critical analysis.

• Options: before proposing a solution to a client, you shouldconsider all the options, demonstrating your ability to thinklogically, laterally and professionally. You must demonstrateyou have genuinely considered the options. Give reasons whysome options may not be feasible.

• Your proposed solution: you must give a detailed account of the reasons supporting your adopted course ofaction. Relate your reasons to the technical competencies.Think about all the aspects that support your decision, forexample client care, financial, technical, professional, rules ofconduct, ethics and conflicts of interest.

• Conclusion and analysis of experience gained: finally,and most importantly, your conclusion must provide a criticalappraisal of the outcomes, with a statement of what youlearned from the experience. This part of your report shouldcomprise approximately one third of the total number ofwords. You should look at the project, consider what has gonewell and identify what did not go well. You can then plan howyou 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 toquestion you beyond what you actually did, probing yourunderstanding of your project’s wider issues. Start thinkingabout these processes while you are writing your critical analysisso you are well prepared for the interview. Focus on matters thatcross the whole project.

Points to watchConfidentiality: you must ensure you have your employer’sand client’s consent to disclose any sensitive details in yourcritical analysis. If you cannot get this consent you shoulddisguise 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 andother sources should not be quoted at length but essentialreferences 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 thefollowing areas:

• written and graphic communication

• professional standards of organisation and presentation

• analysis, reflective thought and problem solving

• learning from experience gained.

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Section tenFinal 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 determinewhether you:

• express yourself clearly in an oral presentation and interview

• can demonstrate, in support of your written submissions, yourunderstanding of the knowledge gained and competenciesachieved during your training

• have an acceptable understanding of the role andresponsibilities of a chartered surveyor

• can apply your professional and technical skills to benefitthose who employ your services.

PresentationYou will give a 10-minute presentation to the assessors on thepurpose, investigations and conclusions of your critical analysis.

Note: presentation facilities will not be provided at assessment centres.

InterviewThe interview will be conducted by a panel comprising a minimumof 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 professionaldevelopment record

• the broader aspects of your experience and knowledge,including ethics, RICS rules of conduct and current issues ofconcern 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 aboutwhat you did and about why you took a particular approach. They will also ask about your understanding of the wider issuessurrounding your report.

The assessors will be trying to determine your general level ofability; they do not expect you to be an expert in every area ofprofessional activity. They will be looking to ensure you haveachieved at least the minimum required levels of competence inkey areas for the clients you serve, and that you understand thelevel of professional conduct expected of a member of RICS.

The assessors will take a holistic view of your training, finalassessment submissions, presentation and interview. Poorerperformance in one area may be balanced out by an excellentperformance elsewhere.

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Section elevenAfter the assessment

ResultsRICS will send your results by first-class post 21 days after yourinterview. It is your responsibility to check RICS has your up-to-date address. You will receive either a pass or a referral. If youare successful you will be awarded professional membership ofRICS (MRICS). If you receive a referral you will be informed ofthe next steps to be taken.

For security and data protection reasons, RICS will not giveresults over the telephone, by fax, email or to a third party.

ReferralsIf the outcome is a referral you will be sent a referral reportexplaining why the assessors reached this decision. To beeligible for re-assessment you must normally:

• record a minimum of a further 100 days’ relevant professionalexperience

• do a minimum of a further 24 hours’ professionaldevelopment

• write a new critical analysis or, if required, re-submit theoriginal, suitably updated and amended

• agree with your supervisor and counsellor how you willaddress 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 untilyou are successful. If you have not applied for the next availableassessment the above is a minimum requirement; for examplethe professional development requirement will increase for everysix-month period.

AppealsYou will have 10 working days from the date of the results letterfrom RICS to make an appeal. Details of how to make anappeal are on www.rics.org. Appeals may be made for one ofthree reasons:

• administrative or procedural matters: for example, the panelmay not have been provided with the correct information

• questioning and testing of competence that has concentratedtoo much outside of the main areas of training andexperience

• 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.

Assessments outside the UKMany countries around the world have national associationswhich administer the APC. Where there is no localrepresentation, assessments are administered by theMembership Operations Department in the UK.

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Section twelveWhere to find help

Completing the APC carries with it a lot of responsibility andcommitment. Extensive support and guidance are available forcandidates and employers.

If you need any help during the training period please call:

RICS Contact Centre

T +44 (0)870 333 1600

F +44 (0)20 7334 3811

E [email protected]

W www.rics.org

Further informationPlease 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.

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

21

Section thirteenSample templates

Template 1 – Cover page for final assessment submissionsPlease note that this template has slightly changed since first published in July 2006.

Assessment of Professional Competence

Candidate’s name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Block capitals)

Candidate’s membership number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

Current supervisor’s name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Block capitals) number:

(if applicable)

Current counsellor’s name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Block capitals) number:

(if applicable)

Supervisor’s and counsellor’s declaration

We confirm that these APC submissions are an accurate record of the candidate’s training and experience, and that the criticalanalysis is the candidate’s own work.

Interim assessment (graduate route 1 only)

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (supervisor) Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (counsellor) Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Final assessment



Additional comments from supervisor and/or counsellor:

Template 2 – Log book

Name: ………………………………………………………………………………………….(in block letters)

NB: You are not required to record mandatory competenciesYou must not record less than half a day

APC pathway: Commercial property practice

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Competency title and number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Total number of days

T083 Valuation 5 6 8 10 4 2 6 6 1 5 7 3 63

T044 Inspection 1 2 0 4 1 3 1 2 3 0 1 1 19

T057 Measurement of land 0 1 5 1 2 3 0 1 6 8 6 3 36and property

T048 Landlord and tenant 2 5 0 6 0 1 6 3 4 10 1 0 38

T070 Property management 1 0 6 4 7 3 4 0 1 0 3 2 31

Competency title and number 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Total number of days

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 187

Grand total

Month number Year 1

Month number Year 2

Note: this is a sample

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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 developmentPlease record the number of hours and type of professional development. Month number Year 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Total

24.10.06Attended presentation skills 4workshop – to support development of mandatory competency, Communication and negotiation, also Teamworking

12.12.06CPD study pack – 4rent reviews – T048 Landlord and tenant – practical update on issues covered in degree course

Professional developmentPlease record the number of hours and type of professional development. Month number Year 2

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Total

Grand total

Grand total


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.

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Level Supervisor CounsellorDate and sign Date and sign

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 1

M002 Business planning 1

M006 Conflict avoidance, management and 1dispute resolution procedures

M007 Data management 1

M009 Sustainability 1

M010 Teamworking 1

25


Template 5 – Technical achievement record

APC pathway: Quantity surveying and construction

Ref No. Title Level Supervisor CounsellorDate and sign Date and sign

T016 Contract practice 1

2

3

T013 Construction technology 1

and environmental services 2

3

T062 Procurement and tendering 1

2

3

T067 Project financial control and reporting 1

2

3

T074 Quantification and costing 1

of construction works 2

3

T010 Commercial management of construction 1

2

3

T025 Due diligence 1

2

T066 Project evaluation 1

2


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


Name (block capitals): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Membership no (if applicable): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


Name (block capitals): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Membership no: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

26

Summary of experience/training completed

Mandatory500 words

Technical1000 words

PD500 words

Future training (written by the supervisor and counsellor)

27


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’ structuredtraining. Failure to submit this declaration at the required time will delay the date of your final assessment. Theoriginal must be sent to RICS with the candidate’s final assessment submissions.

Candidate’s name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(block capitals)

Candidate’s membership number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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





Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (candidate) Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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.





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Summary of experience/training completed

Mandatory

Core

Optional

PD

29


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 Summary of experience/training completed since referral

Mandatory

Core

Optional

PD

Template 10 – Declaration of completion of referral assessment

Candidate’s name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(block capitals)

Candidate’s membership number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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





Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (candidate) Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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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 candidate’s further training andexperience, and the critical analysis is the candidate’s own work.

www.rics.org

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The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors12 Great George StreetParliament SquareLondon SW1P 3ADUnited Kingdom

T +44 (0)870 333 1600F +44 (0)20 7334 [email protected]

RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is the largestorganisation for professionals in property, land, construction andrelated 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 propertyrelated knowledge, providing independent, impartial advice togovernments and global organisations.

apc candidate guide

Documents

property t048

final assessment

future training

month counsellors

month supervisors

structured

final assessment

final assessment