Writing your competency statements is one of the most important—and most challenging—parts of the RICS APC process. Whether you’re working on your Summary of Experience or preparing for the final assessment, your ability to demonstrate your knowledge, experience, and judgement clearly is critical.
However, many candidates make avoidable errors that weaken their submission and confuse assessors. Let’s explore the top mistakes in competency writing—and how to avoid them.

🚫 1. Writing Too Vaguely or Generically

The mistake: Using broad, non-specific statements like “I worked on various projects” or “I understand the contract process.”
Why it hurts you: Assessors can’t evaluate your competence without concrete evidence of what you did, how you did it, and the outcome.
✅ Fix it: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) with real project examples. Be specific about your role and decisions.

🚫 2. Mixing Up the Competency Levels

The mistake: Writing Level 1 theory in Level 2 or 3 sections, or failing to show progression from knowledge to application to advice.
Why it hurts you: Each level has clearly defined expectations. If you don’t match them, assessors may assume you’re not ready for chartership.
✅ Fix it:
Level 1 = what you know
Level 2 = what you’ve done
Level 3 = what advice you’ve given
Make sure your examples reflect the correct level.

🚫 3. Not Demonstrating Professional Judgement at Level 3

The mistake: Describing tasks or processes without showing how you made decisions or advised a client.
Why it hurts you: Level 3 is about being a trusted professional who can guide clients confidently. Missing this undermines your readiness.
✅ Fix it: Clearly show why you recommended a solution, how you weighed risks, and how your advice impacted the project or client.

📝Read: How to Demonstrate Level 3 Competency Effectively

🚫 4. Repetitive or Overlapping Examples

The mistake: Reusing the same project and scenario across multiple competencies with minimal variation.
Why it hurts you: It limits the breadth of your experience and makes your submission appear weak or one-dimensional.
✅ Fix it: Use a range of projects that highlight different challenges, sectors, or responsibilities. Show growth and adaptability.

🚫 5. Not Using RICS Terminology and Guidance

The mistake: Writing in your company’s internal terms or local jargon without aligning with RICS definitions and best practices.
Why it hurts you: Assessors look for alignment with RICS professional standards. Using unfamiliar or inconsistent terms can create confusion.
✅ Fix it: Refer to the RICS Pathway Guide, Rules of Conduct, and relevant guidance notes to ensure you’re using correct terms and approaches.

🚫 6. Neglecting the Reflective Element

The mistake: Only describing what you did, without showing what you learned or how you improved.
Why it hurts you: Assessors value growth, development, and self-awareness—especially in structured training routes.
✅ Fix it: Include short reflections:
“This taught me…”
“Next time I would…”
“I learned the importance of…”

🚫 7. Poor Grammar and Formatting

The mistake: Submitting entries with inconsistent formatting, typos, or long, unreadable paragraphs.
Why it hurts you: It reduces professionalism and makes it harder for assessors to review your submission.
✅ Fix it: Use clear headings, short paragraphs, and bullet points where appropriate. Proofread thoroughly—or ask someone else to review it.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Competency writing isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s your opportunity to prove you’re ready to become an MRICS professional. Avoiding these common mistakes can make your submission stronger, clearer, and far more convincing to the assessor panel.