Starting your RICS APC journey is a major milestone—but before diving into competencies and case studies, the first and most important decision you need to make is choosing the right APC pathway. With 22 different options available, from Quantity Surveying to Project Management, selecting the right one can shape your entire experience and determine your success.
Here’s how to choose the RICS APC pathway that best fits your career.

🎯 1. Match the Pathway to Your Current Role

The pathway you select should closely reflect your current job responsibilities and experience. Review what you do day-to-day—are you involved in cost management, building inspections, planning, valuation, or land management?
Example:
If you’re managing construction costs and contracts → Quantity Surveying
If you work in building diagnostics, refurbishment, or project advice → Building Surveying
If you handle property valuation and leasing → Commercial Real Estate or Valuation

📘 2. Read the Pathway Guides Carefully

Each pathway has a dedicated RICS Pathway Guide, outlining:
Technical competencies (core to your pathway)
Mandatory competencies (required for all)
Optional competencies (you choose based on your experience)
Required levels (1: knowledge, 2: application, 3: advice)
These guides show what you’re expected to demonstrate and help you assess whether your experience aligns.

🔗 You can download these from the RICS website or read our blog on Which sector pathways are available for the RICS APC?

🧑‍💼 3. Talk to Your Line Manager or APC Counsellor

Before locking in your choice, speak with someone senior at your workplace or your designated RICS counsellor. They can help confirm whether your work experience aligns with your chosen pathway and advise if another one might suit your career trajectory better.

🔄 4. Consider Future Career Goals

Think not just about your current job, but where you want to be in the next 3–5 years. Choose a pathway that supports your ambitions. For example:
A role in development planning? → Planning & Development
Managing a rural estate or agricultural land? → Rural Pathway
Interested in investment and fund management? → Property Finance & Investment

🚫 5. Avoid Choosing Based Solely on Popularity

It might be tempting to choose a common pathway like Quantity Surveying, but if your experience doesn’t match the competencies, it can make writing your submission—and passing the interview—much harder.

✅ 6. Double-Check Pathway Compatibility

Some roles might overlap multiple pathways. In such cases, compare 2–3 relevant pathway guides side-by-side and choose the one where:
You can demonstrate more Level 2 and Level 3 competencies
You’ve had consistent, relevant experience
You feel confident presenting real-life examples

🏁 Final Thoughts

Choosing the right APC pathway is crucial to a successful chartership journey. It ensures that your submission reflects your strengths, your interview feels natural, and you’re evaluated on what you truly do best. Take the time to review your role, explore the guides, and consult with a mentor before deciding.