How to become a chartered surveyor

Let’s start at the beginning. A chartered surveyor is defined as a specialist in properties who can assess any potential defects, future problems, and offer a valuation for a property.[1] 

e.surv is the UK’s largest residential surveying firm, employing over 600 surveyors who are either Associates, Members or Fellows of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). As experienced residential property experts, a surveyor is trained to provide an independent report on quality and value of the property you’re thinking of buying, identifying any known issues that could cause future complications and enabling you to judge whether the investment is good. Known problems such as damp surfaces, structural issues and fast growing, invasive vegetation like Japanese knotweed are among some of the reasons a chartered surveyor may suggest that a property isn’t a suitable or reliable investment.

Most (but, not all) chartered surveyors, complete a RICS-accredited degree course. This could be in surveying, engineering relating to buildings or construction, followed by professional training. [2]

If your degree is not RICS accredited, you’ll be required to take a postgraduate course in surveying, either through a company’s training scheme, apprenticeship or by studying full-time at a RICS-accredited university. It could be possible to start work as a surveying technician and progress further if you have an HNC or HND foundation degree in either surveying or construction.

To become a chartered surveyor with e.surv, you’ll need the relevant qualifications, the determination to learn, and a passion for property. Because surveyors work with a variety of clients, from homeowners to mortgage lenders, you’ll need a range of skills to have a successful career in the profession:

• The ability to solve problems and take initiative
• The ability to work accurately and efficiently
• The ability to interpret and understand professional and relative data
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the flexibility to negotiate and deliver presentations to others
• The ability to plan, prioritise, work to deadlines, and make effective use of your time

Getting started

Whether you’re about to leave school, are an undergraduate, or have a few years of relevant experience under your belt, there are a number of routes into residential surveying.

[4] Study a course at university. If the university lifestyle appeals to you more than workplace experience, consider taking a at university. Through a graduate scheme, you can apply to become a fully qualified chartered surveyor. There are over 300 RICS-accredited degrees across over 50 different universities within the UK, covering land, property and construction.

Undergraduate degrees. After you have completed your A levels, Highers, or equivalent qualification, you can choose your ideal surveying course from the many RICS-accredited options available.

Postgraduate degrees. If you’ve already completed an undergraduate degree, you have the opportunity to take a master’s degree in surveying – directly leading to a path of progression to become a surveyor.

Take a Sava course. Do you work in the property industry and want to develop your skills? Perhaps you’re looking for a completely new career? Either way, the Sava Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation could be perfect for you. Click here to find out more.

 Join a specialist graduate residential surveying programme. e.surv has kickstarted the careers of over 160 graduate surveyors. Through a combination of “on the job” experience and classroom-based training, our trainee surveyors, receive targeted tuition covering a number of essential “technical” and “mandatory” competencies outlined by RICS. This is delivered through a mix of seminars, workshops and assignments.

Outside the classroom, trainees work from their local areas, alongside their designated mentor. This time is invaluable to our trainees as they are able to carry out real-life surveys with friendly support from an experienced e.surv surveyor.

Find out more about the e.surv Graduate Residential Surveying Programme, read the stories of our recent graduates, downline our graduate brochure, and apply online. Or call us on 0800 169 9661