Surveyor CPD Hub

How to become a chartered surveyor (MRICS)

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“Chartered surveyor” is the status a lot of people are really aiming for when they ask how to get into surveying. It’s not a single job — it’s a mark of assessed competence that sits on top of a discipline (building, quantity, valuation and more). This guide explains what chartered (MRICS) status means and how to get there.

If you’re still choosing a discipline, start with how to become a surveyor; if you’ve chosen one, this page is about getting chartered in it.

What “chartered” actually means

A chartered surveyor has achieved chartered status with a professional body — in the UK, almost always MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). It tells employers and clients that your competence has been assessed against a recognised standard, across a chosen pathway (e.g. building surveying, quantity surveying, valuation).

It’s a professional designation, not a legal licence — but in practice it’s expected for senior roles and required for certain regulated work, such as Red Book valuations.

AssocRICS vs MRICS

RICS offers more than one level of membership:

  • AssocRICS — an associate-level qualification, often used as a stepping stone, typically with lower entry requirements.
  • MRICS — full chartered membership, the designation most people mean by “chartered surveyor”, usually achieved via the APC.

How to become MRICS

The route depends on your starting point, but generally:

  1. Hold an RICS-accredited qualification (or follow a recognised experience route).
  2. Build structured practical experience in your pathway.
  3. Pass the RICS APC — the Assessment of Professional Competence. See the dedicated RICS APC guide.
RICS membership routes and APC requirements change. Confirm the current criteria with RICS for your pathway and entry point before planning your route.

Is it worth it?

For most surveying careers, yes — chartered status broadens the work open to you, supports higher earnings, and is often a condition of senior or regulated roles. But you can build valuable experience (and income) in surveying roles while you work towards it.

Keep your CPD current

Chartered status comes with ongoing CPD obligations. Get into the habit early — see our RICS CPD requirements guide and the free CPD directory.

How I can help

I train people entering the profession and can help you map a realistic route to chartered status. My CPD courses are in development — join the list for early access and a launch discount.

Frequently asked questions

What is a chartered surveyor?

A chartered surveyor is a surveyor who has achieved chartered status with a professional body — in the UK, usually MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). It signals assessed competence to a recognised professional standard.

What's the difference between AssocRICS and MRICS?

AssocRICS is an associate-level RICS qualification, often a stepping stone; MRICS is full chartered membership, typically achieved via the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). MRICS is the more widely recognised 'chartered surveyor' designation.

How do I become MRICS?

Generally through an RICS-accredited qualification plus a structured period of practical experience, assessed by the RICS APC. There are different entry routes depending on your qualifications and experience. See our RICS APC guide.

Do I have to be chartered to work as a surveyor?

No — many people work in surveying roles without being chartered. But chartered status is widely expected for senior roles, certain regulated work (like Red Book valuations) and client confidence, so most aim for it.

How long does it take to become chartered?

It varies by route and entry point, but typically several years combining an accredited qualification with the required experience before the APC assessment.