Quantity surveyor
A quantity surveyor manages all costs relating to building and civil engineering projects, from the initial calculations to the final figures. Surveyors seek to minimise the costs of a project and enhance value for money, while still achieving the required standards and quality. Many of these are specified by statutory building regulations, which the surveyor needs to understand and adhere to.
A quantity surveyor may work for either the client or the contractor, working in an office or on-site. They are involved in a project from the start, preparing estimates and costs of the work. When the project is in progress, quantity surveyors
The title of the job may also be referred to as a construction cost consultant or commercial manager.
Typical tasks may include:
Areas requiring more specialised knowledge include:
The most straightforward route into quantity surveying is with a first degree in quantity surveying, accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) , will improve your chances.
It is also possible to gain a relevant postgraduate conversion degree after studying another subject. Useful first degree subjects include:
HND/HNC Diplomates may register as technical surveyors but many opt to top-up their qualification. This may be done by following an RICS-recognised distance-learning course or part-time/day-release route towards a degree.
Entry without a degree or HND is sometimes possible by working your way up through the industry. Some employers may be willing to fund part-time degree top-up courses, while others may prefer graduates. Those with non-relevant degrees need to take an RICS-recognised postgraduate conversion course.
Further study is essential in order to gain professional qualifications and membership of RICS. Relevant work experience, either on site or within an office, gives you a valuable start.
Candidates also need to show evidence of the following:
A work experience placement gives you an understanding of the construction industry as a whole and also what skills are required in this environment.
Many large, private practice firms have an annual intake of graduates and may have closing dates in December or January. Others, including smaller employers, may accept speculative applications.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
In order to progress, it is important to have professional qualifications. Membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is normally gained with an approved degree in quantity surveying and the completion of the competence-based training programme, the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
Technical surveyors work as hands-on specialists alongside surveyors who are chartered. After obtaining an HND/C, technical surveyors need to complete the Assessment of Technical Competence (ATC).
These competency assessments encompass two years of structured, practical training with an employer, ending with a RICS professional assessment.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is becoming an important aspect of maintaining professional competencies and practice standards. RICS have established a lifelong learning programme for recording any professional development. The process may include open learning, private study (academic papers/industry publications), attending conferences and events, running workshops and further study or in-house training. Developing and maintaining professional competencies throughout your career are keys to progression.
Experienced quantity surveyors may undertake project management, effectively controlling the whole of a project on behalf of the client from initial design stage through to completion. This development is largely due to the growth of expertise in cost predictions and control. It has led surveyors to use their skills in wider spheres of activity, e.g. cost engineering in the petro-chemical and engineering industries. With experience, some take on more strategic roles in value engineering and risk assessment, while others may specialise in contractual disputes.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has many members who work as quantity surveyors. Students seeking work in the civil engineering, petro-chemical and general engineering construction industries may consider joining the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES) , approximately half of whose members are qualified quantity surveyors. Similarly, it may be worth joining the The Association of Cost Engineers (ACostE) .
There are opportunities for working abroad. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) advertises vacancies with international employers through the jobs section of their website, RICS Recruit .
The three major employers of quantity surveyors are the offices of private practice quantity surveyors (PQS), the surveying sections of building and civil engineering contractors, and local authorities and government agencies.
Many of these employers operate as multidisciplinary teams or departments, so quantity surveyors are likely to be working alongside other surveying professionals, such as civil engineers and architects. Quantity surveyors who work for contractors are often likely to be based on-site, working with site agents or contract managers.
Other types of organisations likely to employ quantity surveyors include large engineering consultancies and housing associations. Specialist house builders seek the expertise of quantity surveyors, as do some commercial companies, or indeed any public body with a large property portfolio.
Large international mechanical contractors and petroleum engineering companies often recruit quantity surveyors under the alternative title of cost engineer.
Academic departments may also be approached by employers, so it is worthwhile keeping in touch with tutors.
Recruitment consultancies, working closely with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) , and the local and national press sometimes offer temporary and permanent vacancies.
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