RICS opens up the profession

RICS has launched a new qualification which will open the surveying profession to professionals previously faced with the non-graduate glass ceiling.

The new entry-level qualification which carries the letters AssocRICS, replaces the TechRICS qualification and will be rolled out across a number of specialist areas of the surveying profession starting with Quantity Surveying, closely followed by Residential Survey & Valuation and Residential estate agency.

AssocRICS will offer those working in land, property and construction a progressive, non-graduate route to chartered status. It will deliver a professional qualification to a broader cross-section of individuals while ensuring that standards are advanced in the sector.

Employers will benefit from an upskilled, professional workforce, improved staff retention and a wider skilled recruitment pool. Consumers will reap the benefit of support staff achieving a recognised level of competence, bound by RICS ethics and rules of conduct, and supported by a regulatory regime.

The Associate assessment process is online and competency based. The qualification is achieved by demonstrating that RICS standards have been met through relevant work experience.

This new entry-level qualification is an opportunity for many excellent property professionals who previously have been denied access to a professional qualification due to a lack of academic qualifications.

RICS is keen to recognise the experience and competence of a broad section of workers and offer them the opportunity to attain chartered status and remove barriers to social mobility and career progression."
Louis Armstrong, RICS chief executive

source : RICS