Are you in construction, property, valuation or surveying? You have probably heard of RICS- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

If you are reading this, that means you are thinking about whether becoming a member of RICS is worth your time and money. That is a completely reasonable question and one that many practitioners in property, construction and land management at some time express during their careers.

We have experienced that as well. Years ago, We sat at my desk and had to make a decision whether the process was going to really help you in your career development or was that just another form of over-priced paper.

As most individuals do, We was exposed to RICS when members of the company told me that I ought to consider becoming chartered. We did not know that at the moment and could never understand how and why that was something big. Then, to be quite frank, We posed the question many will as well:

Is it worth being a member of RICS?

And that is precisely why WritingAhead where the UK gets all their pro writing assistance needs, is here to deconstruct it and reveal to you why it is, indeed, worth the go when support and assistance with the writing are provided by experts and that too without any hassle or 100% guarantee. Now here is why.

What Does RICS Membership Actually Mean?

The fact that you are a chartered member of RICS implies that you have been verified and deemed an international standard in the following areas:

Professional knowledge
Morality and ethics
Devotion in maintaining your skills current

When you become successful it is possible to append MRICS (Member) or subsequently FRICS (Fellow) to your name.

It is not only letters. It communicates to the employer, clients and coworkers that you do not take your profession lightly.

What You Have to Do to Get RICS Membership

Many will picture it as something that can only be used by years-long experienced individuals or senior managers- yet that is not the case.

And here is how it goes:

Be able to produce a recognized degree or a similar qualification
Get APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) done
Demand work experience in the area (between 2 and 5 years, unless otherwise).
Present professional case study and executive summary
Clear a professional interview with examiners

You must also demonstrate that you have undertaken Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and undertake CPD on a yearly basis.

It is not easy, but not impossible. And you have RICS resources, mentors and occasionally even employer training behind you.

When RICS Surveying Might Not Be Urgent

It is only natural that one would say that not always RICS Surveying is necessary right away.

If you’re:

At an early stage in your career
The fact that it is a pure technical job where one does not have to interact with clients
You do not know whether you want to commit to property or building long-term

...then waiting and concentrating on acquiring some experience may be the right decision and membership should be revisited in the future.

Membership of RICS is not free: it is an investment in time, effort and money; you need to ensure that it is relevant to your ambitions.

What Data Shows RICS and Salary

As indicated by the salary surveys published by RICS itself, such professionals with charter qualification will earn more in comparison to their peer professionals who have not obtained information on chartering.

In others the disparity may amount to as much as 10-20% higher wages, particularly in occupations such as:

Quantity surveyor
Project manager
Valuation surveyor
Commercial manager

Naturally, the figures differ depending on where you are and what you are doing- but by and large the MRICS status carries weight in the employment marketplace.

Recomendation - Is Joining CIOB a Smart Career Move?

RICS Surveying Process Isn’t as Scary as It Sounds

At the beginning we thought the APC may never be possible. The real business is to demonstrate what you already know, and not to pass a textbook test.

RICS assessors do not want to trip you up, they will want to examine:

That you comprehend and adhere to professional norms
That you are reflective and able to justify a decision you made.
That you continue learning (in CPD)
Treating it as the story of your work honestly and clearly is my tip that assisted me.

Other Hidden Benefits of RICS Surveying

In addition to employment and remuneration membership of RICS also provides:

The ability to enjoy best-practice guides and standards (useful on a day-to-day basis)
Online studies and webinars
The local networking events
Bringing as a member of such internationally respected things

It enables you to become a member of an international professional network - which is inspiring.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Oh, yes,-assuming that you are aiming at making a permanent career in surveying and or property or construction, and you wish to:

Take on senior or management positions
Carry out big projects or work in leading companies
Establish reputation and confidence of clients
Work abroad

Then RICS membership would be more than worth it. It rewards in credibility, career choices and self-confidence.

It makes you an authoritative figure, and opens increased vocational prospects and, most of all, aids you in developing as a professional and a human being. However, that is no magic bullet. It requires efforts, time and money.

Ask yourself: