As you approach the final stages of your RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), the final step in your submission process is the Signed Counsellor Declaration. This acts as a formal endorsement of your readiness to sit the final assessment—and it’s a mandatory part of your submission.

✅ What Is the Signed Counsellor Declaration?

The Signed Counsellor Declaration is a statement completed and signed by your APC Counsellor—a qualified RICS professional who has supported and monitored your progress during the APC journey. By signing, your counsellor confirms that:
You have completed all the required training
You have achieved competency at the appropriate levels
You are fully prepared to undertake the final assessment
It’s more than a formality—it’s a professional assurance of your capability.

📥 Where to Find It

Once you’ve uploaded all your submission documents to the Assessment Resource Centre (ARC), inform your Counsellor that your submission is ready for review. Your Counsellor will then log into ARC, assess your documents, and formally approve them within the platform. This approval is essential for your submission to proceed to final assessment.

🧭 Role of the Counsellor

Your counsellor’s role is to:
Guide you through your training period
Review your competencies regularly
Provide feedback and ensure quality of documentation
Sign the declaration once you meet the APC requirements
Without their approval, your final assessment submission won’t be accepted.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Engaging your Counsellor too late: Your Counsellor should be actively involved throughout your APC journey—not just at the final stage.
Not allowing enough review time: Provide your Counsellor with sufficient time to thoroughly review your documents before submission.
Failing to plan for revisions: Always build in buffer time to address feedback and refine your submission based on your Counsellor’s comments.

🏁 Final Thoughts

The Signed Counsellor Declaration validates your journey and readiness to progress to chartership. Treat it with importance, maintain strong communication with your counsellor, and ensure everything is complete well before your submission deadline.