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Level up: the core skills of quantity surveying

Gain core knowledge and get a taste of what the profession is all about on the RICS Quantity Surveying: Foundation Programme

Author:

  • Brendon Hooper

14 October 2020

Illustration: Veronica Cerri

Quantity surveying is a specialism that underpins the entire construction industry. And because of rapidly advancing technologies and new ways of working, it is in a constant state of change, which professionals both young and old have to react to and develop with.

For people just starting out in quantity surveying, it is important to build up vital core knowledge that can be applied to your first construction projects. This means gaining a fundamental understanding of construction technology, procurement, design economics, cost of construction works, financial management and commercial management.

RICS has developed a foundation programme on the underpinning principles of this specialism. The online course includes expert instruction on the fundamentals of cost evaluation, procurement types, contract provisions, cost planning, change management, and project final control methods.

Lead trainer Daniel Cadman FRICS, regional director at Faithful+Gould, Manchester, says the course was primarily created to provide an entry level for anyone interested in a career in quantity surveying, from any background.

“It provides a basic level of training, aligned to the assessment of professional competence (APC) core competencies, which allows delegates to get a taste of what quantity surveying is about before committing to a full degree or trainee position in the field,” he says.

However, Cadman is keen to stress that the course is also suitable for anyone, including professionals from a non-quantity surveying background, who may be thinking of changing careers, or even quantity surveyors who have been not been practising for a long time and want to refresh their skills.

“Some members may have non-surveying staff in their firm who are interested in switching to quantity surveying. They may benefit from taking an initial foundation course, before committing to long-term training or a full degree,” he adds.

Djiwhan Kalijan, a project buyer for Staatsolie in Suriname, signed up to the course after collaborating with surveying consultants at work. “I’m working as a buyer in the procurement department of my company and the course provided me with a lot of insights to help me do my job more professionally. I’m now planning on furthering my education into contract management,” he says.

Course delegate Faye O’Hare says the programme provided her with a comprehensive introduction to quantity surveying. “Information was clearly explained and presented well, and it was broken down nicely into six modules, which helped me process the information better. Using case studies and having end-of-unit exams were also a great way to reinforce my knowledge.”

Delivered over six months, this course teaches the practices of quantity surveying in a topic approach. Each unit teaches a competency required by the profession and, using a blended style of online study, delegates will gain a thorough grounding of the required skills.

The course is available digitally, so you can watch the course live and study from a place that suits you. You can interact with your trainer; ask them as many questions as you like through the online platform; and revisit your course through an online recording, which is available after the session.

Dates:  
[Online] 
03 November 2020 
13 January 2021 
10 March 2021 
13 May 2021 
01 July 2021

Duration: 150 hours over 6 months 

Price: £735 + VAT 

(Non-RICS professionals) £925 + VAT

 CPD: 150 hour

Click here to find out more and enrol on the course

"I’m working in the procurement department of my company and the course provided me with a lot of insights to help me do my job more professionally" Djiwhan Kalijan, Staatsolie