How To Become A Surveyor Without A Degree
Surveyors are in high demand. They provide valuable services to the public and private sectors, ensuring that construction projects go smoothly and that land is properly valued. They make sure that roads are built correctly, bridges are safe, and buildings are sound. But how do you become a professional surveyor without a degree? It’s not as hard as you might think.
The first step is getting your foot in the door. If you can find an entry-level position at a surveying firm or government agency, that’s great! You’ll be able to learn on the job and get some experience under your belt before you have to take any exams or tests for certification. If this isn’t possible, though, try taking classes at a community college or vocational school to brush up on your math skills while earning credits toward future degrees in architecture or civil engineering—both of which require knowledge of surveying concepts like trigonometry and geometry.
Once you have the basics down pat, it’s time to take some exams! There are two main ways of getting certified: either by passing a national exam through the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) or by passing an exam.
How To Become A Surveyor Without A Degree
1) Gain a RICS accredited quantity surveying qualification
No doubt one of your first questions will be ‘what qualifications do I need to become a chartered quantity surveyor?’
To become a chartered surveyor and reach your full earning potential, you’ll need to become a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – the global professional body responsible for the promotion and enforcement of surveying standards.
If you’re new to the sector, you must first complete an RICS accredited qualification, before gaining the professional experience needed to complete your professional assessment and add the letters MRICS after your name.
During an RICS approved qualification, you’ll be introduced to the knowledge and professional competencies deemed necessary by the Institution to become one of their members and to prove to employers that you have the skills they need to succeed with their next project.
2) Choose the right RICS accredited course for you
The type of quantity surveying course you choose will depend on a number of factors – from your educational background to the time you have available. It’s important to do your research and pick the education pathway that’s right for you and your aspirations.
Quantity Surveying postgraduate conversion course
If you hold a first degree in an unrelated subject, you could take a postgraduate quantity surveying conversion course, such as our RICS accredited Masters degree in Quantity Surveying.
Achieving a Masters in Surveying is a common entry route for those joining the profession a little later in life, and one that is highly valued by industry and the profession.
A full-time postgraduate course in surveying will usually take one year, while those choosing a part-time or distance learning option are looking at a minimum of two years of study.
Part-time or distance learning quantity surveying courses are sensible if you’re looking to earn as you learn. These more flexible, less intensive courses are designed to help you balance your degree alongside working full-time, even if your current job is in another sector entirely.
Most people fund their Masters through postgraduate loans, with the UK government offering up to £10,000 for PG study.
Degree Apprenticeship
If you haven’t got a degree, you could join an RICS approved Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship. This pathway will see you working as a trainee quantity surveyor while you study a surveying degree on a part time basis, gaining both theoretical and practical knowledge as you go.
A degree apprenticeship usually takes five years to complete. You will need to find an employer that will support you through the programme. However, the qualification should result in gaining MRICS status upon completion. You can also earn a salary as you train (usually between £16,000 and £18,000 a year) and will avoid incurring student debt.
Undergraduate degree in Quantity Surveying
If you don’t have a degree but the idea of going to university appeals, you could enrol on an undergraduate BSc in Quantity Surveying.
An undergraduate degree will traditionally take three years when studied full time on campus. Depending on the university you choose, there may be a chance to take a placement year or learn part time which will extend your learning journey.
Going to university will require fees. However, a number of undergraduate loans do exist to help students fund their education.
3) Complete your APC and become chartered
The final step towards becoming a chartered surveyor with MRICS status is taking the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
For those taking a Chartered Surveying Degree Apprenticeship, sitting the APC is all part of the programme – you should achieve MRICS status when you complete your course. However, if you have less than five years of practical experience, such as those entering the profession after university, becoming chartered means completing the APC by gaining a minimum of 24 months of postgraduate experience with an appropriate employer.
In an industry that needs more quantity surveyors, securing employment as a graduate quantity surveyor can be relatively straightforward. Many firms offer career opportunities for people with an RICS accredited degree – an assurance that they have the academic knowledge, competencies and commitment needed to work proficiently in the sector. Starting salaries for a graduate quantity surveyor job tend to be around £18,000-£30,000.
Once in a suitable role, having an RICS approved qualification means you’ll be free to start your APC straight away, completing the final stages of your training and your journey towards a new life as a chartered quantity surveyor.
Becoming a chartered quantity surveyor with Northumbria University
Find out more about our other RICS accredited Quantity Surveying courses we offer below
- Surveying (Quantity Surveying) MSc
- Quantity Surveying BSc (Hons)
- Quantity Surveying BSc (Hons) Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship
Alternatively, if you’re interested in Real Estate or Building Surveying, we also offer specialist distance learning courses in these similarly in-demand pathways: