📌 What is the Summary of Experience?

The Summary of Experience (SoE) is a core part of your RICS APC submission It provides assessors with a clear, structured overview of how you have gained and applied the required competencies throughout your career. This document is where you demonstrate how you’ve achieved each of the mandatory, technical, and optional competencies at Levels 1, 2, and 3.

📘 Download the SOE template from RICS Website

You must provide evidence of your experience at the correct levels:
Level 1: Knowledge and understanding
Level 2: Practical application of knowledge
Level 3: Reasoned advice and independent decision-making

📄Read our blog about Understanding Levels 1, 2, and 3 in APC Competencies

A well-written SoE demonstrates not just your knowledge but also your practical experience and professional judgement—key to achieving MRICS status.

✍️ Tips to Write a Strong Summary of Experience

✅ 1. Follow the RICS Pathway Guide
Each pathway has specific competency requirements and level expectations. Always align your descriptions with the latest RICS Pathway Guide to ensure your submission meets the criteria.

✅ 2. Use the STAR Method
Structure each example using:
Situation: What was the context?
Task: What were you required to do?
Action: What actions did you personally take?
Result: What was the outcome?
This method helps provide clear, concise, and evidence-backed narratives.

✅ 3. Be Specific and Personal
Avoid general statements like “I was involved in…” Instead, specify your role, responsibilities, and contributions. Use “I” rather than “we” to demonstrate your personal input.

✅ 4. Match the Right Level
Ensure that:
Level 1 includes definitions, standards, and understanding.
Level 2 describes practical experience and tasks you’ve completed.
Level 3 shows the advice you’ve given, decisions made, and professional judgement.

📄Read about How to Demonstrate Level 3 Competency Effectively

✅ 5. Highlight a Range of Experiences
Draw examples from various projects to show breadth and depth in your experience. This strengthens your competency coverage and impresses assessors.

📌 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Writing vague or generic statements
Repeating the same project for multiple competencies
Failing to demonstrate the required level of competence
Using jargon without clear explanations

📄Read about Top Mistakes Candidates Make in Competency Writing

✅ Final Thoughts
A strong Summary of Experience can set you apart in your APC assessment. Start early, keep your examples updated, and review each competency critically. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from your APC counsellor or mentors to refine your submission.