When preparing for the RICS APC, one of the most valuable resources I came across was a successful Summary of Experience shared by a former colleague. Seeing a real example gave me a clear understanding of how to structure and populate my own submission effectively. With that in mind, I’m sharing my own Summary of Experience which helped me pass the APC in 2015 and hope you find this a useful resource as you work towards your APC.
RICS APC Summary Of Experience Example
The following Summary of Experience helped me pass the APC successfully in 2015 and I really hope you find this a useful resource.
Ethics, Rules of Conduct & Professionalism
Level 1: I have studied guidance notes around the RICS rules of conduct and completed an ethical standards walkthrough to ensure that I act within the parameters of these rules within my role as a Quantity Surveyor. I recognise the importance of the rules of conduct as they provide a platform for standardisation, consistency of service and maintain professional standards of the RICS and its members. I ensure my actions and behaviours are in accordance with these parameters at all times by acting with integrity, in a professional manner and by treating others with respect. I understand what is expected of me as a member of the RICS.
Level 2: Within my role as Quantity Surveyor I am sure to act in accordance with the parameters of the professional and ethical standards which are set by the RICS. This includes remaining impartial and not biased to any construction organisation over another when reviewing tenders and ensuring that I provide a high standard of service to clients. I appreciate the requirement for confidentiality in my profession in respect of client cost plans, capital expenditure budgets and details of development projects. For example, I have compiled capital expenditure budgets for ‘The Client’ which are highly confidential. It was important that these documents were handled carefully and that no one other than the project team had access to them. I also appreciate the requirements for Professional Indemnity Insurance and the need for individuals and firms to be covered for both previous and current professional work. Within my role as Quantity Surveyor I am sure to act in accordance with the parameters of the professional and ethical standards which are set by the RICS. This includes remaining impartial and not biased to any construction organisation over another when reviewing tenders and ensuring that I provide a high standard of service to clients. I appreciate the requirement for confidentiality in my profession in respect of client cost plans, capital expenditure budgets and details of development projects. For example, I have compiled capital expenditure budgets for ‘The Client’ which are highly confidential. It was important that these documents were handled carefully and that no one other than the project team had access to them. I also appreciate the requirements for Professional Indemnity Insurance and the need for individuals and firms to be covered for both previous and current professional work.
Level 3: During a client meeting when presenting a cost plan to construct two retail concessions within an established retailer, i was asked to reapportion money against the landlords scope of works in order to gain a greater landlord contribution and unfairly reduce the cost of fit-out works for the client. I informed them that I was unable to reapportion money in this manner as it would have counted as serious malpractice and conflicted with the RICS ethical standards of acting with integrity, acting in a way that promotes trust in the profession and treating others with respect. I advised them not to reapportion money to gain an unfair advantage over the Landlord and was sure to present the costs accurately to reflect a true and fair value of the landlords scope of works and client works. I am always diligent and conscious to abide by my companies policy of not accepting gifts, hospitality or services which might suggest improper obligations and be in breach of the RICS ethical standards. During a client meeting when presenting a cost plan to construct two retail concessions within an established retailer, i was asked to reapportion money against the landlords scope of works in order to gain a greater landlord contribution and unfairly reduce the cost of fit-out works for the client. I informed them that I was unable to reapportion money in this manner as it would have counted as serious malpractice and conflicted with the RICS ethical standards of acting with integrity, acting in a way that promotes trust in the profession and treating others with respect. I advised them not to reapportion money to gain an unfair advantage over the Landlord and was sure to present the costs accurately to reflect a true and fair value of the landlords scope of works and client works. I am always diligent and conscious to abide by my companies policy of not accepting gifts, hospitality or services which might suggest improper obligations and be in breach of the RICS ethical standards.
Client Care
Level 1: When engaging with clients, colleagues and third parties I am always conscious to take the time to identify my clients’ needs and gain an understanding of what is expected of me in my role as a Quantity Surveyor. I appreciate the importance of establishing and maintaining good client relationships and am always certain to act in a professional, polite and approachable manner at all times when dealing with my clients. I have never used my firms complaints procedures but I am aware of the procedures which are in place for dealing with complaints should they arise.
Level 2: Part of client care is understanding your clients’ requirements and helping to deliver their goals. During my secondment at Network Rail within the first week I arranged a meeting with my client to identify their objectives and set targets to work towards. One of their main objectives was to ensure strict project financial control and cost reporting were maintained on a portfolio of around 60 projects. This was achieved through using Oracle Projects software which I had no previous experience of using. I made every effort to develop my understanding and proficiency of using this software as quickly as possible to ensure this was achieved. I also held regular meetings with my client utilising my firms client performance feedback process to monitor my performance and highlight any areas where I could improve. This assisted in providing a further platform to understand my clients needs and allowed continuous improvement to ensure their requirements were fulfilled.
Communication & Negotiation
Level 1: Through my academic studies and professional career I have developed a good understanding of communication in both oral, written and presentation forms. I am aware of the need to keep a clear audit trail via written communications. I also appreciate oral communications in certain circumstances are more appropriate, for example if an issue has arisen onsite it may be more appropriate to visit site with the associated parties to review the issue and discuss face to face to find a solution. This can subsequently be recorded in a written communication such as an email. It is important to understand that different clients have different communication requirements/ preferences, for example some clients like to discuss matters face to face where possible, some like to discuss matters over the telephone and others prefer written communication. Tailoring my communications based on each client’s preferences is essential.
Level 2: I have completed presentations internally in APC forums on different topics. I have also presented cost plans to clients, including an internal fit-out cost plan to a relatively inexperienced client. This consisted of me providing copies of the cost plan and discussing the content, costs, exclusions and assumptions with the client ensuring they understood the document. At Network Rail I chaired monthly financial reporting meetings with the client and scheme project managers to discuss the progress of each scheme and update each cost plan accordingly. I prepared the Oracle Projects reporting software to display the cost of work done, forecasts and contingencies on screen and amended and discussed these with each project manager accordingly. I believe in doing this, I developed my presentation, communication and negotiation skills to a high standard. I have further developed my negotiation skills through negotiating contract sums and agreeing final accounts with contractors.
Health & Safety
Level 1: I have obtained a CSCS card (Construction Site Visitor) which has given me a good understanding of health and safety through studying the CSCS book and passing the test. I have also undertaken asbestos awareness training. I am aware that the construction industry is governed by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the CDM regulations. I also understand the importance of health and safety in the construction industry due to the nature of the work undertaken. I have also studied the RICS guidelines on surveying safely.
Level 2: I am a regular site visitor and therefore ensure that I have been inducted appropriately on each site I visit, I always wear my personal protective equipment, ensure I read signage and be vigilant of dangers and risks around me. I am aware of the requirement to complete method statements and risk assessments for undertaking work to ensure that it is carried out in the most appropriate and safest manner possible with any potential risks identified. When working at Clugston Construction part of my role as an employee was to report any unsafe working on site and offer feedback of how site safety could potentially be improved through a take time procedure. I have ensured method statements and risk assessments are returned by newly appointed subcontractors prior to start on site.
Business Planning
Level 1: I have a basic understanding of business planning and how this essentially contributes to meeting company aims and objectives. I would attend and contribute during monthly team meetings at EC Harris where our head of client service would discuss financial reports of the performance of each business sector, how teams were performing, a SWOT analysis and any new contract wins. I also participated in a research project to identify new Public Private Partnership opportunities for the highways sector in the US which provided an insight into how EC Harris identified new opportunities to win work. My firm provide an annual business update which includes a summary of the current economic climate and how this affects our industry. Business objectives and targets are discussed which include relationships with existing, new and potential clients. Potential opportunities and the new services we can offer clients are also discussed. I appreciate how planning to maintain and develop client relationships along with identifying new opportunities to provide additional new services will help expand our service proposition and deliver business growth.
Accounting Principles & Procedures
Level 1: I have a basic understanding and knowledge of accounting principles and procedures gained from my working experience as a Quantity Surveyor. I have been exposed to contractor’s annual financial statements, including profit and loss accounts and balance sheets which have been requested to be included within tender returns. This has given me knowledge of different company structures and the elements that are considered for profit and loss accounts and balance sheets.
Conflict Avoidance, Management and Dispute Resolution Procedures
Level 1: I am aware that due to the nature of construction projects, conflicts may occur but where possible this needs to be avoided. I have worked on projects where contradictions in the drawn information at tender stage has led to conflict during the construction period which could have been avoided by the consultants co-ordinating the design better. Where conflicts have arisen on any of my projects, for example over the validity of variation claims, I have always managed the process through effective communication and negotiation to reach an amicable solution. If a conflict cannot be resolved by the parties involved via communication and negotiation, the building contract will have a mechanism for dispute resolution, which could be via arbitration or adjudication. The JCT contract also has a mediation clause which states the parties should give serious consideration to mediation which is a form of alternative dispute resolution.
Data Management
Level 1: As a Quantity Surveyor, I receive various forms of data, from electronic documents such as spreadsheets, photos and programmes, hard copy documents such as reports and correspondence and also in media formats such as CD’s and flash drives. Likewise, the information I send out is in all the above formats and we also issue tenders and drawings via an online portal. My firm have a quality management system, which dictates how we store and manage this information and data. When we create a new job, this automatically creates a job number and folder on the system with pre-set folders depending on the service being delivered, i.e. QS, PM, EA. Electronic information must be stored in these folders which will ensure it can be appropriately located in both the near and distant future if necessary. Our email system also automatically creates a folder for each new job for storing emails; all received and sent emails must be stored in these folders, again to ensure accessibility now and in the future. My firm’s quality management system also has a system for creating folders for any hard copy information, paper, CD’s, flash drives, drawings, etc.
Sustainability
Level 1: I appreciate the importance of improving sustainability levels in the construction industry and how what we do has a social, economic and environmental impact locally, nationally and globally. I am aware that building regulations are becoming more stringent to control these impacts and that local authorities are imposing BREEAM assessments on developments to encourage sustainable design, construction and operations. Through private study I have developed my knowledge of SKA rating which is an environmental assessment for fit-out works operated by the RICS. I am aware sustainability starts with the land which is developed, through to selecting the appropriate materials and methods of construction through to the running and lifespan of the building.
Teamworking
Level 1: Team working is an integral part of my work and the success of my projects. I have good relationships working with the design teams and contractors. On secondment at Network Rail, I worked within a large team of scheme project managers, engineers, planners, procurement managers and commercial managers. Without the expertise and contribution of each member of the team it would not have been possible to manage a large portfolio of projects. Communication and ability to adapt to different dynamics and environments is instrumental to effective and successful team working. When chairing the monthly financial report meetings for Network Rail, it was important to take a lead role in order to obtain the relevant information from the scheme project managers in order to update the cost reports in a timely but accurate manner. During my team involvement working for ‘The Client’, the meetings are driven by the Project Manager who discusses a set itinerary where I am required to provide input on the cost implications of different construction options, procurement progress and risk items.
Contract Practice
Level 1: I am aware from my academic studies and professional experience of the fundamental elements that make up a contract and how they are used within a construction project, generally by the Employer, Main Contractor and Subcontractors. Through my project experience and workshops I have an awareness of how contracts set out each parties rights and obligations including the payment provisions, mechanisms for change and scope of works to be undertaken. I understand that construction contracts are governed by the Construction Act and construction legislation. For example the JCT 2011 suite was updated to reflect when the Construction Act was amended in 2011. I have a basic awareness of the various forms of standardised contracts such as the JCT Minor Works and Intermediate suites and when the different forms would be used taking into account factors such as the procurement route in use, the client’s risk profile and their desire to retain control of the design.
Level 2: Through working on retail projects I have had experience of using various JCT contracts such as an Intermediate Building Contract with Contractor’s design and Minor Works Building Contract. I have compiled and produced contract documents and issued these accordingly on behalf of my clients. My post contract duties have included carrying out valuations on projects which has given experience of negotiating variations, dealing with retention and materials off site. By reviewing the contract I ensured that the correct retention percentage was used when carrying out valuations and subsequently released at the correct levels following Practical Completion and the defects liability period end date. I have negotiated final accounts with ‘The Client’s’ supply chain who are listed under a JCT Framework Agreement. Whilst producing contract documents I have been able to gain experience of liquidated damages and the procedures to follow once practical completion has been issued by the contract administrator.
Level 3: Advising on the most appropriate forms of contract is an important aspect of my job. Working on small and medium sized retail projects I have advised clients on whether to use the Minor Works Contract or Intermediate Building Contract depending on their individual requirements and the project in question. When working on the retail development on behalf of ‘The Client’ I was involved in the deferment of possession of the site and gained experience in assessing the Main Contractors loss and expense claim. I have advised ‘The Client’ on collateral warranty recommendations to be used alongside a flooring package subcontract as they required a guarantee to accompany the purchase of a resin flooring system.
Construction Technology & Environmental Services
Level 1: My project involvement has developed my awareness of the various work stages from design to completion and through private study I have gained knowledge of the RIBA work stages. I regularly attend site meetings to review progress and undertake valuations and have witnessed different projects at varying stages of construction. This has given me an understanding of how the elements of a building inter-relate. For example how a steel frame is connected to the foundations via holding down bolts, how rain screen cladding is fixed to an external blockwork wall via a bracket system and how an internal stud partition is constructed.
Level 2: When working on a refurbishment of lecture theatres for Leeds Met University, one of the client’s key requirements was to install acoustic panelling to achieve sound proofing and hard wearing floor finishes due to the high volume of footfall. In contrast when working for Associated British Foods on the development of a food processing facility, a key requirement was to achieve a large unobstructed floor area via a portal frame solution. I therefore appreciate that there are differing design solutions based on the different types, uses and occupation of buildings. My post contract experience working on St Bedes and Frederick Gough secondary schools provided exposure to the different foundation types such as piling and pad foundations and external wall constructions such as brick and blockwork versus glazed curtain walling. When working on a refurbishment of lecture theatres for Leeds Met University, one of the client’s key requirements was to install acoustic panelling to achieve sound proofing and hard wearing floor finishes due to the high volume of footfall. In contrast when working for Associated British Foods on the development of a food processing facility, a key requirement was to achieve a large unobstructed floor area via a portal frame solution. I therefore appreciate that there are differing design solutions based on the different types, uses and occupation of buildings. My post contract experience working on St Bedes and Frederick Gough secondary schools provided exposure to the different foundation types such as piling and pad foundations and external wall constructions such as brick and blockwork versus glazed curtain walling. When working on a refurbishment of lecture theatres for Leeds Met University, one of the client’s key requirements was to install acoustic panelling to achieve sound proofing and hard wearing floor finishes due to the high volume of footfall. In contrast when working for Associated British Foods on the development of a food processing facility, a key requirement was to achieve a large unobstructed floor area via a portal frame solution. I therefore appreciate that there are differing design solutions based on the different types, uses and occupation of buildings. My post contract experience working on St Bedes and Frederick Gough secondary schools provided exposure to the different foundation types such as piling and pad foundations and external wall constructions such as brick and blockwork versus glazed curtain walling.
Level 3: I have advised on cost and programme implications for differing construction solutions. For example, I have advised on the cost difference between a variable refrigerant flow air conditioning system and twin split system for a proposed building. This allowed the client to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with the acquisition of an existing shell unit whilst being aware of the additional costs associated with a compulsory VRF system required by the Landlord. I have also advised on the cost difference between different road construction types of an entrance and car park where it was agreed with the designer that the original road depth specification was unnecessary and subsequently reduced to deliver a saving for the client.
Procurement & Tendering
Level 1: I am aware of the main types of procurement routes including their advantages, disadvantages and how risks are apportioned to the parties involved. I have an appreciation of the factors that determine which procurement route is the most appropriate to use, for example client objectives surrounding time, cost and quality performance. The available options for selecting a contractor can be categorised into both competitive and negotiated forms of tendering. My project experience and APC seminars have provided an understanding of the different methods of competitive tendering available, compiling and issuing tender documentation, negotiation with tendering parties and appointing the successful contractor on the basis of the tender returns. I have also gained experience of negotiated forms of tendering through partnering agreements where my clients have had a requirement to undertake a continuous programme of construction projects.
Level 2: I have managed the tendering process on the majority of my projects, which has included agreeing contract sums through both an agreed schedule of rates and single stage selective tendering. Tender documentation normally includes but is not limited to an invitation to tender, project information schedule, contractual details, form of tender, instructions to tenderers, drawings, specifications and a pricing document. I have experienced how the procurement route in use can impact on the tender process. ‘The Client’ utilise a construction management route with an appointed design team to provide a technical design at tender stage in order to maintain greater quality control. This means there is very little room for variance between the specifications of tenders received. In contrast, when working on a refurbishment of lecture theatres for Leeds Met University, I experienced how poorly defined employer’s requirements provides the employer with less control over the design and creates a wider variance in the price and specification of tenders received. I carried out post tender interviews when working for ‘The Client’ with the tendering contractors to determine which party was to be appointed, including standardisation of tender returns to provide an accurate, like for like comparison.
Level 3: Working on a commercial factory extension, I advised ‘The Client’ to adopt a single stage selective tendering route as opposed to tendering solely with a previously used supplier in order to create a level of pricing competition. I advised on which contractors should be selected for tendering and managed this process which included holding post tender interviews to appoint the successful party by considering the client’s requirements. I have produced tender reports for ‘The Client’ to recommend the appointment of Contractors on the basis of cost, quality and compliance with employer’s requirements for the installation of smoke extract vents at the retail development. I advised ‘The Client’ on the implications that resulted from novating their designer from a traditional procurement route to a design and build route as at the start of the project they were in breach of the contractual terms in place by issuing instructions and contacting the novated designer directly.
Project Financial Control & Cost Reporting
Level 1: I have developed my knowledge of project financial control methods through attending seminars and my project involvement. From this I understand the need to control and monitor costs throughout the life of a construction project, keeping the client informed at all times. Through attending a professional seminar at Network Rail I was able to develop my awareness of managing contingency and risk allowances, provisional sums and prime costs sums. These allowances need to be monitored and expended appropriately again keeping the client informed of the expenditure. My project involvement has demonstrated how cost is inter-related with time and quality and how important it is to monitor these factors when controlling cost. From working on projects in Ireland I have monitored changes in the revised building regulations and the additional costs associated with this to update cost plans and reports to ensure they were brought to the attention of the client.
Level 2: During my role as Quantity Surveyor at Clugston Construction I prepared various financial reports during the construction phase of my projects, these included producing subcontract liabilities to report internally our financial commitments and forecast margin against each subcontract package. During my secondment at Network Rail I managed the monthly cost reporting process for a portfolio of approximately 60 projects utilising Oracle Projects software. These reports advised the client on the cost of work done to date, forecast spend for the following financial periods and a review of the remaining risk allowances. For ‘The Client’ I have produced cost reports during the construction phase of my projects to inform the client of their financial position at the agreed periods, for example, monthly or weekly. Dependent upon the clients preference and procurement route, my reports may include, an executive summary, an analysis of contingency and risk status, approved changes/ instructions and pending changes, summary of provisional sums, PC sums and progress against these, risk register, cash flow forecast/ comparison against actual expenditure and status of professional fees.
Level 3: At project commencement I am always sure to establish the reporting protocol depending on the client and project requirements. Network Rail utilised fixed price lump sum contracts with little scope for change on a large portfolio of small value projects, the reporting procedure was operated on a monthly basis as it would have been unsuitable to issue reports more frequently. Working for ‘The Client’ on fast track retail schemes which typically last 8 weeks, there has been a large scope for change with provisional sums and quantities that can sometimes account for circa 20% of the contract sum value. In these circumstances a reporting protocol of weekly cost reports was adopted to keep the client well updated. I advised ‘The Client’ to adopt a standardised change request form in order to reduce the prolongation of agreeing variations and improve the cost control of the project throughout the post contract stages. Agreeing the risk and contingency allowances at the commencement of each project is an important aspect of my role at my firm. These allowances are constantly reviewed and updated as the scheme progresses by taking into account outstanding risk on each project.
Quantification & Costing of Construction Works
Level 1: I am aware from both University and my work experience of the principles and methods of measurement. I am aware that the New Rules of Measurement published by the RICS have superseded the Standard Method of Measurement (SMM7). It is important to understand the methods of measurement to ensure the correct definitions and quantities are used in the quantification of construction works. I am aware of different methods of costing construction works such as utilising previous similar projects which can be rebased for inflation and location factors if necessary, testing the market via enquiries to suppliers, in-house cost data, using BCIS and price books such as SPONS.
Level 2: Within my role at my firm I have been responsible for quantification and costing of construction works at various stages of a project. I have produced order of cost estimates for Primark, TJX & Litton properties at RIBA stage 1. These have subsequently developed into formal cost plans at stages 2,3 & 4 as the design evolves. During my role at Clugston Construction I produced the bills of quantities for a ground works subcontract package at Mars Petcare and subsequently quantified and valued change during the post contract stages. When working for ‘The Client’ I have measured and agreed contract sums using an agreed schedule of rates in addition to other pricing methods such as quotations from sub-contractors and dayworks if the works are not quantifiable using labour, material, plant and overhead & profit rates.
Level 3: I have advised on appropriate methods of measurement and costing, for example at the retail development an additional bulkhead was required; rates for bulkheads elsewhere in the building were included in the pricing schedule. The contractor submitted costs approximately twice as expensive as the rates included in the contract sum analysis and I therefore refuted the costs and advised that the rates contained with the contract sum analysis were utilised to value the cost of the change. Selecting the appropriate pricing document is generally dependent upon the form of contract utilised, for example I advised Beyond Medispa to utilise a pricing schedule with a Minor Works JCT contract as opposed to a Bill of Quantities as this cannot be used with this form. I have negotiated the value of construction works at different stages such as for agreement of the contract sum, variations during the construction stage and for final account agreements. I have agreed variations and final accounts, valuing the change appropriately and seeking advice from other professionals if necessary.
Risk Management
Level 1: I have developed my understanding of how risks are managed and mitigated throughout the life of the project. Construction risks could relate to health and safety, cost, time, quality or various other implications. From attending a Delever workshop on Risk Management, I am aware how risk is quantified by the probability of the event occurring and the implications/ impact to the project should the event occur. Probability is often shown as a percentage or categorised as very high/ high/ medium/ low/ very low risk of occurrence. Implications are often measured against time and cost impacts. I also developed my awareness of software packages such as the Monte Carlo Analysis which can create risk models. Through private study I have learned how the different procurement routes allocate risk in varying ways. For example, design and build routes apportion more risk with the contractor, whereas construction management routes apportions more risk with the employer.
Level 2: When working for ‘The Client’ on the refurbishment and extension of Liverpool Church Street I attended a scoping visit to assess the risks associated with the project. This included a review of the risk register, asbestos survey and FM report to identify any issues with the existing buildings. During this involvement I contributed to the identification of risks, confirmed who would take ownership of the risk, suggested mitigation strategies and advised on the potential implications of time and cost. A key part of my role when working for ‘The Client’ is to agree the percentage contingency allowance by taking into account the level of outstanding risk on the project. This will constantly be reviewed and adjusted as the project progresses and the risk profile of the scheme changes.
Contract Administration
Level 1: From my project experience and university studies I have an awareness of various standardised forms of contract which are used within the construction industry, for example the JCT Minor Works, Intermediate and Design and Build suites and the basic contractual mechanisms operated at various stages of the contract. Each form of contract contains mechanisms for payment, change procedures, dispute resolution, possession and completion but may approach these differently. For example the JCT Intermediate Building Contract contains provisions for use of a Bill of Quantities, sectional completion and nominated contractors whereas the Minor Works form does not. The contracts will identify an administrator, for example the Design & Build form references an employer’s agent whereas the Intermediate form references a contract administrator whose role is essentially to administrate the contract, ensuring certificates and instructions are issued in accordance with this terms contained within the contract. These include but are not limited to certificates for completion, payments and instructions.
Level 2: Through assisting the project manager on various schemes for ‘The Client’ I have gained experience of producing contract instructions under a JCT Intermediate Building Contract 2011 Edition. During the construction of a retail development I issued an instruction to the contractor to install a temporary fire alarm system at the request of the Landlord and subsequently managed the change control procedure in accordance with the contract terms and conditions. I ensured that ‘The Client’ as the employer remained compliant with the payment provisions laid out in the contract by carrying out valuations at the correct intervals and subsequently issued payment and pay less certificates. I was involved in the deferment of possession on the retail development by one week due to legal issues associated with agreement of the tenancy agreement and subsequently assessed the contractor’s entitlement to claim loss and expense.
What Is The Summary Of Experience
The APC Summary of Experience is where you take your real life surveying tasks and day to day achievements and allocate this in to each of the competencies that are required on your particular pathway, whether that is Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying, Commercial Real Estate, Valuation or Project Management etc. The Summary of Experience is comprised of brief statements of how your experience has achieved the mandatory and technical competencies at each of the required levels.
The mandatory and technical competencies are required at various levels for example level 1 is knowledge and awareness, Level 2 contains references to your practical surveying experience and Level 3 is experience where you have provided your advice. The submission is issued to the RICS and the assessors who will be conducting your final assessment interview. They are looking for evidence that you can do the relevant job at the required level. They will base the majority of the final assessment interview questioning on your submission documentation as the APC is a record of how you personally have demonstrated the levels of competence required. Therefore, it’s very important to base the majority of revision around your own submission and know your documentation in a great level of detail to the point where you are comfortable in talking the assessors through all of the experience you have referenced. All of the competency requirements both mandatory and the ones specific to your pathway are listed out in the competency requirements and pathway guides which are available to download on the RICS website. Before you start this process I’d highly recommend printing out both guides so you can use these to sense check your experience against.
How To Complete The Summary Of Experience
Whilst referring to previous submission examples is useful, please see a full step by step explanation on how to complete the Summary of Experience as follows:
Step 1 – Download the Pathway and Candidate Guides
These guides contain the examples of experience you can refer to within your submission and how this can be allocated against each of the competencies. They are an essential reference point for all APC candidates so be sure to keep a copy of these close by when completing your submission.
Step 2 – Record Experience in your APC Diary
The screen shot below provides an example of how to populate your diary entries. If we have produced a Cost Plan, this experience could be allocated against the Design Economics and Cost Planning competency at Level 2. Remember that Level 1 is knowledge and awareness, Level 2 is practical experience and Level 3 is where you have provided advice. The diary record needs to be populated in either half or full days. We also need to record which competency each ½ day is allocated against.
We only need to reference the client or project title and include brief descriptions of the work you have carried out.
Step 3 – Allocate your experience into the correct competencies
Refer back to your diary entries and allocate your experience into each of the competencies within your Summary of Experience document whilst referring back to the candidate guide. For example the below extract from the candidate guide shows that if a candidate had presented a cost plan to a client or design team, this experience should be allocated against Level 3 of the Design Economics and Cost Planning Competency.
Step 4 – Write up your experience within your submission
Now its time to write up your experience by loading up your Summary of Experience document and populating clear, concise examples of the work you have undertaken. Be sure to allocate this into the correct competency and correct level. Sentences should be constructed using perfect grammar, punctuation and spelling. Refer to the example submission below as a guide on how to populate your submission. Be broad and refer to multiple projects, clients and contract types where possible.
Step 5 – Review with counsellor and supervisor
Aim to review your Summary of Experience every 3 months with your supervisor and every 6 months with your supervisor and counsellor. Ask them to check the entries to ensure they are allocated appropriately with correct spelling, punctuation and grammar. When they are satisfied with the entries, ask your supervisor and counsellor to sign off your competencies at the appropriate level.
Summary Of Experience Word Count Limits
The RICS are very prescriptive around the word count limits for the Summary of Experience and Case Study. They can reserve the right to cancel your final assessment interview if the word counts are exceeded. Part of the rationale behind this is making sure that you are able to understand and comply with a client’s brief. Unlike some university assignments there is no 10% margin for error so please be sure to comply with the following word counts when writing up your summary of experience:
- Summary of Experience Mandatory Competencies – 1,500 words
- Summary of Experience Core Competencies – 4,000 words
- Case Study – 3,000 Words including Headings and Subheadings but excluding the appendices and contents page.
Successful Examples: Summary Of Experience Submissions
- Quantity Surveying – Click Here
- Building Surveying – Click Here
- Commercial Real Estate – Click Here
- Valuation – Click Here
- Project Management – Click Here
RICS APC Q&A STUDY GUIDES
