The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a globally respected professional body for property, construction, land, and infrastructure professionals. For many aspiring chartered surveyors, one common point of confusion is understanding the difference between RICS Assessment and RICS Membership – and deciding which path is right for their career stage.
This article breaks down both options and helps you make an informed choice.
Understanding RICS Membership
RICS Membership refers to formally joining the institution and earning the right to use a professional designation such as:
- AssocRICS (Associate)
- MRICS (Member)
- FRICS (Fellow)
Membership demonstrates that you meet RICS’ standards for professionalism, ethics, and competence.
Who Is RICS Membership For?
RICS membership is ideal if you:
- Want international recognition as a qualified professional
- Are building a long-term career in surveying or the built environment
- Need professional credibility to progress, win clients, or move internationally
Benefits of Membership
- Global professional recognition
- Use of protected professional titles (e.g., MRICS)
- Access to RICS resources, guidance, and networking
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) support
- Enhanced career mobility and earning potential
Membership is not automatic—you must qualify through an assessment process.
What Is RICS Assessment?
RICS Assessment is the evaluation process you must complete to become a RICS member. The most common route is the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), though other routes exist depending on experience.
What the Assessment Involves
Depending on your pathway, the assessment may include:
- Academic qualification review
- Structured training and competencies
- A case study and final assessment interview
- Ethics and professionalism modules
Assessment is essentially the gateway to membership.
Who Needs to Take an Assessment?
You need to complete a RICS assessment if:
- You are not already a RICS-qualified professional
- You want to upgrade from AssocRICS to MRICS
- You are applying through experience-based or senior professional routes
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | RICS Assessment | RICS Membership |
| Purpose | Qualification process | Professional status |
| Duration | Temporary (until completion) | Ongoing |
| Outcome | Eligibility for membership | Use of RICS designation |
| Mandatory? | Yes, to qualify | Yes, to stay active |
| Fees | Assessment and training fees | Annual subscription |
How to Choose the Right Path
Choose RICS Assessment if:
- You are early or mid-career and not yet chartered
- You need formal validation of your skills
- You want to achieve MRICS or AssocRICS status
Choose RICS Membership if:
- You have already passed the assessment
- You want to maintain your chartered status
- You want long-term professional recognition
In reality, most professionals don’t choose one or the other—they complete the RICS Assessment first and then maintain membership throughout their career.
Final Thoughts
RICS Assessment and RICS Membership are not competing options—they are two stages of the same professional journey. The assessment proves your competence, while membership sustains your professional standing.
If your goal is to advance in the built environment sector with global credibility, the right path is clear:
Assessment first. Membership for life-long professional growth.
