Why Should You Consider RICS Membership?

When I first started my career in property valuation, I didnt think much about professional memberships. I was focused on getting a job, learning the ropes, and building experience. But as time went on, I noticed something: the people who were getting promoted faster, landing international roles, or starting their own consultancy all had one thing in common they were members of RICS , the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

At first, I thought it was just a fancy title. But after doing some research and going through the process myself, I realized that RICS Membership isnt just about adding letters after your name its about growing your career, gaining global recognition, and proving youre serious about your profession.

So if you're asking yourself, Should I invest in RICS membership? let me walk you through what I learned, step by step.

What Exactly Is RICS?

RICS stands for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors . Its a UK-based but globally respected organization that sets the standards for professionals in areas like:

• Real estate and property
• Construction and infrastructure
• Land and resource management
• Valuation and asset management

Becoming a member means youve met high professional, educational, and ethical standards. Once you pass their assessment process, you can use titles like MRICS (Member) or FRICS (Fellow) and trust me, those three letters carry weight.

Why Does RICS Matter for Your Career?

Heres the truth: in many countries, you can work in real estate or construction without being part of any formal body. So why bother with RICS Registration ?

Well, heres what changed for me once I became a member:

1. More Job Opportunities

After I got my MRICS, recruiters started reaching out to me more. Companies loved seeing that I was part of a globally recognized institution. Some even required RICS membership for senior roles.

2. Higher Earning Potential

While salaries vary, I saw a clear jump in income after becoming a member. Employers were willing to pay more because they knew Id been assessed to an international standard.

3. Global Recognition

RICs is accepted in over 146 countries. That meant if I ever wanted to move to the UK, Australia, UAE, or anywhere else, my qualification would still count.

4. Increased Credibility

Clients trusted me more. When I signed off on a valuation report, they knew it wasnt just my opinion it was backed by a strict code of ethics and best practices.

5. Professional Growth

Being part of RICS comes with access to exclusive resources, training, and networking events. I found myself learning new things every month which kept my skills sharp and relevant.

How Do You Become a RICS Member?

There are a few ways to join, but the most common path for people without a RICS-accredited degree is through the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC RICS Pathways) .

Let me break down how I did it.

Step 1: Check If You Qualify

Before applying, I checked the RICS website to see if my background fit one of their routes. There are two main options:

• Direct Entry : If you have a RICS-accredited degree.
• APC Route : If you dont, but have relevant experience.

I fell into the APC group I had a degree in economics and five years of property valuation experience.

Step 2: Find a Mentor

To go through the APC RICS Pathways , you need a mentor someone whos already a RICS member and can guide you through the process.

I reached out to a colleague who was MRICS and asked if hed be willing to support me. He said yes, and having his guidance made a huge difference.

Step 3: Start Logging Your Experience

During the APC, you document your work experience and map it to specific competencies set by RICS things like:

• Valuation methods
• Ethics and compliance
• Client communication
• Project management

Each entry needed to show not only what I did, but how I followed RICS best practices.

I used templates provided by RICS to structure my entries. At first, it felt like extra paperwork but over time, it actually helped me reflect on my work and improve my approach.

Step 4: Prepare Final Report and Interview

Once I had enough logged experience (about 18 months), I submitted my final report and prepared for the interview.

The interview was with a panel of two RICS assessors. They asked questions about my examples, how I handled challenges, and how I applied RICS standards.

I was nervous but once we started talking, it felt more like a conversation than an exam. I answered honestly, gave real examples, and stayed calm.

A few weeks later, I got the email:
Congratulations, youve passed the APC.

That moment changed everything.

Is the APC RICS Pathways Worth It?

Yes absolutely.

If youre serious about building a long-term career in real estate, property, or construction, going through the APC RICS Pathways is one of the best investments you can make.

It gives you:

• A globally respected qualification
• A structured way to grow professionally
• Access to a powerful network
• Higher earning potential
• More confidence in your work

And the process itself while challenging teaches you valuable lessons about professionalism, ethics, and best practices that will serve you for life.

Tips from My Own Journey

Based on what I went through, here are a few tips that might help you:

? Start Early

Dont wait until you feel ready start gathering documents and researching the APC RICS Pathways now. Even small steps add up.

? Find a Good Mentor

A supportive mentor can save you time and stress. Reach out to RICS members in your network or connect through RICS forums.

? Keep Detailed Records

Log your work carefully. Use RICS templates to structure your entries properly.

? Review the RICS Guidance Often

RICs provides official guides and examples read them. Theyll help you understand exactly whats expected.

? Practice Explaining Your Work

Youll need to talk about your projects during the interview. Practice summarizing them clearly and confidently.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, investing in RICS Registration was one of the smartest decisions Ive made for my career.

It gave me credibility, opened doors I hadnt imagined, and pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.

Whether youre early in your career or looking to take the next big step, the APC RICS Pathways offers a proven route to success.

So if youre asking yourself, Is RICS worth it? my answer is a strong YES.

Take the leap. Learn the process. Get the qualification.

Your future self will thank you.