One of the most important parts of the RICS APC process is demonstrating your understanding and application of various competencies. These competencies are split into three levels—Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3—each representing a deeper stage of knowledge and responsibility.
Whether you’re preparing your Summary of Experience or getting ready for the Final Assessment, understanding what each level means is critical to your success. Let’s break it down.

🧠 Level 1: Knowledge and Understanding

At Level 1, you are expected to demonstrate that you have a sound theoretical understanding of the competency. This usually comes from your academic studies, formal training, or background reading.

✅ You must be able to:
Define key terms and principles
Explain standard processes or methodologies
Understand the relevant legislation or guidance

Example:
In Construction Technology, you should be able to describe different types of foundations and explain when each is appropriate.

Tip: Don’t just list what you know—show how you’ve learned it (e.g., through CPD, training sessions, or technical reading).

🛠️ Level 2: Application of Knowledge

Level 2 moves beyond theory. Here, you need to show how you’ve applied your knowledge in real-world scenarios through your work.

✅ You must be able to:
Carry out tasks or deliver services
Apply techniques and follow procedures
Demonstrate your contribution to projects or decisions

Example:
In Quantification and Costing, you should describe a situation where you measured a building using RICS-approved methods and provided accurate data for cost planning.

Tip: Be specific. Use real projects, your role, the outcome, and what you learned from the experience.

🧑‍💼 Level 3: Reasoned Advice and Decision-Making

Level 3 is the highest and most advanced level. It requires you to demonstrate that you can give professional, reasoned advice to clients or stakeholders and make informed decisions independently.

✅ You must be able to:
Lead tasks or projects
Make strategic or technical decisions
Advise clients or senior professionals with confidence

Example:
In Valuation, you should describe how you advised a client on the valuation of a property, explaining the basis of value, assumptions made, and the impact of market conditions.

Tip: Highlight communication, judgement, and the ability to tailor your advice to different stakeholders.

📌 How Assessors Evaluate the Levels

Assessors will:
Expect clear, real-life examples aligned to each level
Ask questions during the interview that test whether you’ve genuinely operated at that level
Look for depth, structure, and confidence in your answers

Pro Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your competency examples at Levels 2 and 3.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Understanding and accurately demonstrating Levels 1, 2, and 3 is essential for passing your APC. It’s not just about doing the work—it’s about showing assessors that you know, apply, and advise with professionalism and confidence.

🔍 Before submission, review each competency:
Are your examples clear and aligned to the right level?
Can you speak confidently about them in an interview?