RICS opens up the residential profession

RICS has launched the second phase of its new AssocRICS qualification.

This new qualification will provide a route for those who have not gone through the usual RICS graduate route to qualification in the areas of residential survey and valuation work as well as residential agency for sales and lettings.

AssocRICS provides a recognised qualification and a new and attractive option to many who would like to pursue a career in property. Those who choose to go down this route will be properly trained to provide a professional service to their clients and will be subject to training and RICS rules including those on acting ethically and with integrity.

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

Buying and selling property often represents the most important financial transactions that consumers undertake. As a result, consumers want to deal with professionals who will act professionally and ethically. Associate Members qualified through the Residential Survey and Valuation route will be competent to undertake a broad range of residential mortgage valuations of single properties, although more complex or higher value properties will remain the domain of the fully qualified members of RICS.

Launch partners for the residential survey and valuation qualification are Countrywide Surveyors and E-Surv and for the residential estate agency qualification; Andrews, Carter Jonas, Fine & Country, Grainger, Hamptons International and Winkworth.

This new entry-level qualification is an opportunity for many, who would like a career in the property sector, but have previously been denied access to a professional qualification due to a lack of academic qualifications. For the first time they will have an opportunity to work towards attaining chartered status.

"The new qualification is a further building block in RICS' strategy to raise standards in the residential sector. It will assist employers in recruiting and developing an appropriately skilled workforce; and it will give consumers further confidence that they will be provided with a professional service if they use a surveyor that is regulated by RICS. This has to be good news all around."
Louis Armstrong, RICS chief executive

source : Rics