RICS Assessment or Membership? How to Choose the Right Path

For property, construction, and land professionals, RICS is one of the most respected global professional bodies. But many people become confused when deciding whether they should pursue a RICS assessment or apply directly for RICS membership.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different stages of the journey. Choosing the right path depends on your qualifications, experience, and career goals. This article explains the difference and helps you decide which option is right for you.

Understanding RICS Membership

RICS membership means you are formally recognized by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Membership gives you access to:

• Professional recognition and credibility
  
  

• Use of RICS designations (e.g. MRICS, FRICS)
  
  

• Global career mobility
  
  

• Professional standards, guidance, and CPD resources
  
  

However, membership is not automatic. Most professionals must first pass a RICS assessment to demonstrate competence before they can become members.

What Is a RICS Assessment?

A RICS assessment is the process by which RICS evaluates whether a candidate meets the required professional standards. The most common assessments include:

• Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) – the standard route for most candidates
  
  

• Preliminary Review – an eligibility check for experienced professionals
  
  

• Senior Professional / Final Assessment – for advanced or leadership-level candidates
  
  

The assessment tests not only technical knowledge, but also ethics, professionalism, and practical application.

Key Differences: Assessment vs Membership

Simply put: assessment leads to membership.

Which Path Is Right for You?

✔ Choose RICS Assessment If:

• You are not yet chartered
  
  

• You want to become MRICS
  
  

• You need to demonstrate competence through APC
  
  

• You are transitioning from another profession or country
  
  

Most candidates fall into this category and must complete the APC route.

✔ Choose Direct Membership or Senior Routes If:

• You already have extensive professional experience
  
  

• You hold senior leadership roles
  
  

• You may qualify for Senior Professional Assessment
  
  

• You already hold an equivalent professional qualification
  
  

These routes still involve assessment, but they are tailored to experienced professionals and often focus more on strategic competence.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing

1. Your Experience Level

Early-career professionals typically require structured assessment, while senior professionals may qualify for advanced routes.

2. Your Qualifications

Some degrees and professional qualifications are RICS-accredited and may reduce assessment requirements.

3. Your Career Goals

If you want international recognition, chartered status through RICS is often essential.

4. Time and Commitment

Assessment requires preparation, writing, ethics modules, and interviews. Membership requires ongoing CPD and professional compliance.

Common Mistakes Candidates Make

• Assuming they can apply directly for membership without assessment
  
  

• Choosing the wrong pathway for their experience level
  
  

• Underestimating the preparation required for assessment
  
  

• Failing to seek guidance before applying
  
  

Early advice can save time, money, and repeat attempts.

Final Thoughts

RICS assessment and RICS membership are not competing options — they are connected steps in the same professional journey. The right path depends on where you are now and where you want your career to go.

Understanding the difference early helps you plan effectively, avoid delays, and move confidently toward chartered status.

If you are unsure which route applies to you, professional guidance or a preliminary review can provide clarity and direction.