Embarking on the RICS APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) is a significant milestone in any surveyor’s career. Whether you’re going through the Structured Training, Senior Professional, or Preliminary Review route, understanding the RICS APC timeline is key to staying organized and confident throughout the process.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the typical APC timeline — from enrolment to interview — and what you can expect at each stage.

📌 1. Enrolment (Month 0)

Your APC journey begins by enrolling with RICS. This includes:
Choosing your APC route and pathway
Submitting your qualifications and experience for approval
Paying the enrolment fee
Being assigned an RICS membership number and access to the online portal

You can apply to join RICS by visiting the RICS website.

📝 Tip: Make sure your employer supports your pathway and you have an MRICS counsellor in place.

📚 2. Structured Training Period (12–24 Months)
(Only applicable to the Structured Training route)

During this period, you must:
Log experience in a daily or weekly diary
Complete your CPD log (minimum 48 hours/year)
Develop mandatory, technical, and optional competencies
Meet regularly with your APC counsellor and supervisor
Start identifying a suitable case study project

🧠 Tip: Treat your training period like a project — set monthly goals and track your competency progress.

📖 3. Preparing Your APC Submission (Months 18–24 for Structured Training or Months 0-6 for Prelims/Non Structured Training)

As your training period nears completion, begin working on your final submission, which includes:
Summary of experience
Case study
CPD log (minimum 48 hours/year)
Complete Professionalism module
Final sign-off by your counsellor

📝 Tip: Start drafting your case study and SoE early — waiting until the last month creates unnecessary pressure.

🧑‍⚖️ 4. Submission to RICS (Month 24 or earlier for Structured Training or Month 6 or earlier for Prelims/Non Structured Training)

Once your documents are complete and signed off, submit everything via the RICS online Assessment Resource Centre Platform.
RICS will review your application to ensure:
All required documents are included
Your counsellor has validated your experience
You’ve completed the RICS Professionalism module

📬 You’ll receive a confirmation email and your assessment will be scheduled in the next assessment window.

🎤 5. Final Assessment Interview (1–3 Months After Submission)

Your interview will be 60 minutes long and includes:
A 10-minute presentation based on your case study
Competency-based questioning
Ethics, professional practice, and pathway-related topics
You’ll be assessed by 2–3 MRICS assessors, who will evaluate your professionalism, judgment, and readiness to practice.

🗣️ Tip: Conduct mock interviews with your counsellor or a mentor to boost confidence.

✅ 6. Results & Chartership (Usually 2–4 Weeks Post Interview)

RICS will notify you by email with the result. You’ll receive:
PASS: Welcome to MRICS status! You’ll receive your digital badge and membership certificate.
Referral: Feedback will be provided to help you resubmit in the next assessment round.

🏁 Celebrate your success — achieving MRICS is a globally recognized milestone!