20th May 2024
Roger Hannah
Surveying is a crucial profession that impacts various aspects of our built environment, from construction and real estate to infrastructure and urban planning. However, within this field, there is a significant distinction between a chartered surveyor and a regular surveyor. This blog post aims to elucidate these differences, shedding light on their roles, qualifications, responsibilities, and the implications for clients and the industry.
What is Surveying?
Surveying involves the measurement and mapping of our environment using mathematics, specialised technology, and equipment. Surveyors play a vital role in land development, ensuring that projects are completed accurately and efficiently. They work in diverse areas, including construction, land development, property management, and environmental consultancy.
Types of Surveying
Surveying encompasses various specialisations, including:
- Land Surveying: Measuring and mapping land boundaries.
- Building Surveying: involves assessing the condition of buildings and providing advice on repairs and maintenance.
- Quantity Surveying: Managing all costs related to building and civil engineering projects.
- Environmental Surveying: Assessing the environmental impact of projects and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
- Geodetic Surveying: Measuring large areas of the Earth’s surface.
Chartered Surveyors vs Regular Surveyors
Qualifications and Training
Regular Surveyors
A regular surveyor typically holds a degree in surveying or a related field. Their education provides them with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to perform their duties. Depending on their specialisation, they may also undertake additional training or certifications specific to their field. However, the pathway to becoming a regular surveyor is generally less rigorous than that of a chartered surveyor.
Chartered Surveyors
A chartered surveyor, on the other hand, is a professional who has met the stringent standards set by a recognised professional body, such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in the UK. To become chartered, a surveyor must:
- Complete a RICS-accredited degree: This is often more specialised and intensive than a general surveying degree.
- Gain relevant work experience: Typically, this involves at least two years of practical experience under the supervision of a qualified surveyor.
- Pass the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC): This rigorous assessment tests the candidate’s competence, professionalism, and ethical standards.
Achieving chartered status signifies a high level of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to continuing professional development.
Professional Recognition and Regulation
Regular Surveyors
Regular surveyors may work independently or for firms and can offer a broad range of surveying services. However, their work is not subject to the same level of oversight and regulation as that of chartered surveyors. While they can still be highly competent professionals, their qualifications and expertise might not carry the same weight as those of chartered surveyors.
Chartered Surveyors
Chartered surveyors are recognised globally for their expertise and professionalism. They must adhere to the strict codes of conduct and ethical standards set by their accrediting body, such as RICS. This regulatory framework ensures that chartered surveyors maintain high standards in their work and continue their professional development throughout their careers.
RICS, for instance, is a globally respected organisation that ensures its members uphold the highest standards in land, property, construction, and infrastructure. This affiliation not only enhances a surveyor’s credibility but also provides clients with the assurance that they are receiving services from a highly qualified professional.
Scope of Work and Specialisation
Regular Surveyors
The scope of work for regular surveyors can vary widely depending on their area of specialisation. They may perform tasks such as:
- Measuring land and properties
- Conducting building inspections
- Preparing reports and documentation
- Advising clients on property and construction matters
Their work is crucial for various projects, but it might be limited in complexity compared to that of chartered surveyors.
Chartered Surveyors
Chartered surveyors often handle more complex and high-profile projects due to their advanced qualifications and extensive experience. Their scope of work can include:
- Providing expert advice on property and construction matters
- Managing large-scale projects from inception to completion
- Conducting detailed valuations and surveys
- Advising on legal and regulatory compliance
- Acting as expert witnesses in legal disputes
Their expertise allows them to tackle more intricate and demanding tasks, often involving significant financial and legal implications.
Client Assurance and Trust
Regular Surveyors
Clients working with regular surveyors can expect professional services, but the assurance of quality and expertise might not be as robust as with chartered surveyors. Regular surveyors are still capable professionals, but without the endorsement of a recognised professional body, there might be less certainty about their qualifications and adherence to best practices.
Chartered Surveyors
Clients who engage chartered surveyors benefit from a higher level of assurance and trust. The rigorous process to attain chartered status, combined with ongoing professional development and adherence to strict ethical standards, ensures that clients are receiving top-tier expertise. Chartered surveyors are often preferred for complex or high-value projects where the stakes are higher and the margin for error is minimal.
Ethical Standards and Continuing Professional Development
Regular Surveyors
While regular surveyors are expected to adhere to ethical standards, the enforcement and regulation of these standards can vary. Continuing professional development (CPD) is encouraged but not always mandatory, which can lead to variations in the up-to-date knowledge and skills among regular surveyors.
Chartered Surveyors
For chartered surveyors, ethical standards and CPD are mandatory and rigorously enforced. Professional bodies like RICS require their members to engage in continuous learning and development to maintain their chartered status. This commitment ensures that chartered surveyors remain at the forefront of industry developments, providing clients with the most current and accurate advice.
The Path to Becoming a Chartered Surveyor
Educational Requirements
The journey to becoming a chartered surveyor typically begins with obtaining a degree accredited by RICS. These degrees cover various aspects of surveying, including technical skills, legal knowledge, and professional practice.
Gaining Practical Experience
After completing their degree, aspiring chartered surveyors must gain relevant work experience. This period, usually lasting at least two years, allows them to apply their knowledge in practical settings under the guidance of experienced professionals. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing the competence and confidence needed for the APC.
The Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)
The APC is the final hurdle in the journey to becoming a chartered surveyor. This comprehensive assessment evaluates the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and professional conduct. It includes a written submission, a presentation, and an interview with a panel of experienced surveyors. The APC ensures that only those who meet the highest standards of competence and professionalism achieve chartered status.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Once chartered, surveyors must engage in CPD to maintain their status. This involves regular training and development activities to stay updated with industry trends, technological advancements, and changes in legislation. CPD ensures that chartered surveyors provide the highest quality service throughout their careers.
The Benefits of Hiring a Chartered Surveyor
Expertise and Experience
Chartered surveyors bring a wealth of expertise and experience to any project. Their rigorous training and extensive practical experience enable them to handle complex tasks with precision and confidence. Whether it’s a property valuation, a construction project, or an environmental assessment, clients can trust that they are in capable hands.
Professionalism and Ethical Standards
The professionalism and ethical standards upheld by chartered surveyors provide clients with peace of mind. Knowing that their surveyor adheres to a strict code of conduct and is committed to ongoing professional development ensures that clients receive the highest quality service.
Comprehensive and Reliable Advice
Chartered surveyors are equipped to offer comprehensive and reliable advice on a wide range of issues. Their advanced knowledge and skills enable them to provide solutions that are not only effective but also compliant with the latest regulations and best practices.
Enhanced Credibility and Trust
Engaging a chartered surveyor enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of a project. Whether it’s securing funding, obtaining planning permission, or resolving legal disputes, the involvement of a chartered surveyor can significantly impact the outcome. Their professional status and affiliation with respected bodies like RICS offer an added layer of assurance to clients and stakeholders.
Risk Management and Mitigation
Chartered surveyors play a crucial role in risk management and mitigation. Their thorough assessments and expert advice help identify potential issues early on, allowing for proactive measures to be taken. This foresight can save clients time, money, and stress, ensuring that projects proceed smoothly and successfully.
Key Takeaways
The distinction between a chartered surveyor and a regular surveyor is significant, with implications for their qualifications, scope of work, and the level of assurance they provide to clients. Chartered surveyors, with their rigorous training, professional recognition, and commitment to continuous development, offer a higher level of expertise and reliability. For clients, engaging a chartered surveyor means benefiting from top-tier professional services, enhanced credibility, and comprehensive, reliable advice.
Whether you are embarking on a property development project, need a detailed property valuation, or require expert advice on environmental compliance, a chartered surveyor brings unparalleled value to your endeavour. Understanding this distinction allows clients to make informed decisions, ensuring that their projects are handled with the utmost professionalism and expertise.