MenuIf you are considering purchasing a property, you should consult a surveyor who belongs to the primary and most widely recognised organisation for qualified surveyors is the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Founded in 1868 and established by Royal Charter, RICS is a global professional body that regulates and promotes the property, land, construction, and infrastructure sectors. It currently has over 134,000 members operating in more than 140 countries.
Why RICS is the Primary Body
- Protected Titles: Only Chartered Members or Fellows of RICS are legally permitted to use the title “Chartered Surveyor“.
- Global Standards: RICS sets international standards for ethics, conduct, and technical competence, which are often required by major lenders and government bodies.
- Sector Breadth: Unlike specialist bodies, RICS covers 22 different specialisms (sector pathways), including residential, commercial, valuation, quantity surveying, and geomatics.
- Regulation: RICS independently regulates its members and registered firms to protect the public interest.
Professional Membership Grades for the RICS
These are the primary levels of accreditation for practicing professionals:
- Associate (AssocRICS): The entry-level professional qualification. It is often a vocational route for those with relevant work experience (typically 4 years) or a mix of experience and non-accredited qualifications.
- Chartered Member (MRICS): The most common professional level. To achieve this, you must typically have an RICS-accredited degree and pass the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
- Fellow (FRICS): The highest professional grade, awarded to Chartered Members (MRICS) who have demonstrated exceptional career achievements
Although the RICS is the premier professional organisation for surveyors, there are a few others. I have referenced these below:
The Residential Property Surveyors Association uses four primary membership grades to categorise residential specialists and firms. Unlike other bodies that cover commercial sectors, the RPSA focuses exclusively on residential property.
Individual Membership Grades
These grades are based on specific qualification levels and the types of surveys the member is competent to perform.
- Full Member*: Designed for surveyors who undertake complex inspections requiring investigative analysis, such as Building Surveys.
- Requirements: A residential surveying qualification at NVQ Level 6 (e.g., BSc in Surveying, DipRSurv, or DipHI) or equivalent accreditation as an experienced practitioner.
- Alternative: Full members of other bodies like CABE, CIOB, RICS, or IStructE can also join this grade.
- Technical Member (RPSATech): Aimed at professionals conducting “Level 1” non-invasive inspections that do not require a suspicion trail.
- Common Roles: Snagging specialists, energy assessors (DEAs), and those handling inventories or dilapidations.
- Requirements: Minimum NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline or through the APEL route.
- Student Member: For individuals currently enrolled in a recognised course of study that will lead to a qualification for either Technical or Full membership.
Organisational Grade
- Affiliate Member: A grade for firms (typically 3+ practitioners) where at least 50% of active surveyors are already individual RPSA members. Smaller firms (1-2 practitioners) can often use the affiliate designation at no cost if at least one surveyor is a Full or Technical member.
*While there is no specific post-nominal for individual Full members, they are often identified by their RPSA accreditation for specific survey products like the Home Condition Survey.
Whilst members of the The Institute of Structural Engineers, are not surveyors, they are often called upon to analyse specific structural issues, such as assessing the loadbearing capacity of beams etc. The following grades allow members to use post-nominal letters and register with the Engineering Council.
- Fellow (FIStructE): The highest level of membership, reflecting senior status and an outstanding contribution to the profession.
- Member (MIStructE): For fully qualified Chartered Structural Engineers. Requires passing the Professional Review Interview and the 7-hour Chartered Membership Exam.
- Associate (AIStructE): For experienced engineers who demonstrate high professional competency. While eligible for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration, it does not allow the title “Chartered Structural Engineer” unless the main exam is also passed.
- Incorporated Member (IMIStructE): For engineers focused on solving design problems using standard methods of analysis. These members can register as Incorporated Engineers (IEng).
- Technician Member (TIStructE): For those skilled in producing structural drawings and documents, eligible for Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration
The Chartered Association of Building Engineers
The members of this organisation, mostly specialise in Building Regulations and Control, but they do have a Residential Surveyors Section. These following senior grades recognise advanced technical expertise and professional standing
- Chartered Fellow (FCABE C.Build E): The highest accolade, awarded to those demonstrating exceptional leadership and a significant contribution to the building engineering profession.
- Chartered Building Engineer (MCABE C.Build E): Denotes advanced technical expertise and is a professional title exclusive to CABE members.
- Chartered Member (MCABE): For those with high ethical standards and professional competence. Requirements typically include a Level 4-6 qualification and between 2 to 4 years of experience, followed by a technical report and professional interview.
Developmental & Entry Grades
These grades are designed for those progressing toward chartered status.
- Graduate Member (Grad CABE): Open to those with a Bachelor’s degree (Level 6) or equivalent. It focuses on converting theoretical knowledge into practical experience.
- Associate Member (ACABE): A preparatory route for those with a Level 4 qualification and at least two years of experience. It is often held for about five years before upgrading to MCABE.
- Technician Member (Tech CABE): An entry-level grade for those with a Level 3 qualification working in a relevant role.
Lastly, the Chartered Institute of Building, mostly specialise in ConstructionManagement, although some members do use their skills to perform Residential or Commercial Surveys.
The following grades represent the highest levels of professional recognition in the construction industry.
- Chartered Fellow (FCIOB): The most prestigious grade, designed for senior professionals with at least five years of experience in strategic leadership roles. Applicants typically need a Level 6 qualification and must demonstrate a significant contribution to the industry.
- Chartered Member (MCIOB): The standard for professionally qualified construction managers. It requires a Level 6 qualification (or equivalent through the APEL route) and passing the Professional Review, which assesses occupational and management competence.
Specialist & Technical GradesTechnical Member (TechCIOB): A newer grade for specialists (e.g., stonemasons, BIM technicians, or health and safety specialists) who may not be in traditional management roles but possess high-level technical excellence.