Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long does the APC process typically take?

This depends on what route you take on the APC, eg. how experienced/qualified you are. We have set out a couple of scenarios and some considerations below:

  • Most grad QS (RICS-accredited degree): expect ~24 months of structured training before you can sit Final Assessment.

  • More experienced (≈5+ years): you may qualify for a 12-month route or the Senior Professional route (no fixed training period but extra criteria).

  • Real world: allow 2-3 years end-to-end (enrol, prep documents, next interview slot etc.). Scheduling: interviews usually run twice a year (May & Nov in the UK). Miss one and it’s typically a ~6-month wait.

Q2: When exactly are the submission and interview dates?

RICS publishes specific dates each session. Generally:

  • For a May (Spring) final assessment, you’ll likely need to submit all documents by February / March, and interviews typically occur in April/May with results by June .

  • For a November (Autumn) assessment, submissions are due by late August or September, interviews in Oct/Nov, and results by late Nov or December.

Q3. What if my work experience doesn’t cover a required competency?

A very common question... the key is to fix it early:

  • Tell your Supervisor/Counsellor and request tasks/shadowing or a short project switch in that area.

  • Top-up with CPD/case studies and log it; be ready to explain how you’d handle X if asked.

  • Try a mini-secondment/mentoring session with a chartered colleague to get practical exposure.

Q4: How do I choose a good case study project?

Pick a recent project (within the last two years) where you played a meaningful role and there was a real decision or challenge to analyse.

Mid-sized is often best: big enough to be interesting, small enough that your contribution is clear.

Get permissions as needed and anonymise client details. It helps if the project naturally touches core QS areas such as cost control and contract issues

Q5: I’ve heard about “levels” in competencies. How do I demonstrate I’ve reached Level 3

Level 1 is know, Level 2 is do, Level 3 is advise. Use verbs that signal judgement - advised, recommended, negotiated, justified, and tie your advice to outcomes: savings achieved, risks reduced, programme impact. You’re demonstrating autonomous professional thinking, not just task completion.

Q6: What if I get asked a question in the interview and I have no clue?

Pause, stay calm, and be professional. It’s acceptable to say you’d verify the detail in the relevant source before advising. Outline how you’d approach the problem and the factors you’d consider. Don’t bluff; integrity always scores higher than guesswork. Remember - APC assessors interview a large number of candidates so they know how to spot red flags.

Top tip: If you blank, ask to return to the question later. Many panels will oblige.

Q7: How should I prepare for the APC interview?

Know your submission line-by-line. They will probe what you wrote. Refresh QS fundamentals (procurement, contracts, cost planning, ethics), rehearse your presentation out-loud.

Be organised in advance, sort the logistics: venue, attire, timings. On the day, aim for a calm, professional conversation. Remember, on paper you already meet the bar; now you’re confirming it!

Q8: The RICS guidance and online platform confuse me. Where can I get help if I’m stuck?

There are a few places where you can obtain additional support. APC Ready are happy to help with queries, so feel free to reach out or browse our website for further resources. Your Supervisor/Counsellor should be your first port of call, they’ve been through it. Ask specific, practical questions, so they can give you targeted help.

Treat the latest RICS Candidate Guide + QS Pathway Guide as your source of truth (download it and keywordsearch). We also recommend you to build a small peer huddle, and use RICS Matrics/LinkedIn for tips. Of course, then cross-check everything against the official docs. We also recommend regular coaching sessions with a coaching provider/your supervisor/a colleague/a friend to do Q&A’s - we find this helps maintain momentum and we see the fastest progress with candidates who take regular sessions

Q9: What are common mistakes (“rookie mistakes”) that APC candidates make?

There are many! Last-minute writing, thin, generic logs, an unorganised CPD diary; neglecting ethics/mandatory areas; answering a different question; busy slides; case studies that describe rather than decide; and poor formatting.

Another big one: contradictions between your case study and Summary of Experience, ensure these are kept consistent.

Q10: Any advice for the actual interview day?

There are a few places where you can obtain additional support.

APC Ready are happy to help with queries, so feel free to reach out or browse our website for further resources..

Your Supervisor/Counsellor The RICS Candidate Guide and portal are the official reference (dense but accurate).

Peers, Matrics groups and LinkedIn communities offer practical tips (sense-check advice).

Workshops, mock interviews or coaching can add structure if you want extra accountability.