How to qualify

The Associate qualification is achieved via a simple and easy-to-use online tool so you don't need to take time off during working hours to attend college. The qualification is achieved by demonstrating that you meet RICS standards through evidence of work experience in your day to day role.

There are 5 steps to achieving the Associate qualification:

Step 1 – Registration

Simply register online setting out your work experience, existing academic and/or vocational qualifications and/or membership of other professional bodies. This will determine the requirements for your assessment.

Some candidates will be eligible for direct entry and can progress directly to Step 5.

Step 2 – Assessment plan

Your assessment plan, based on the information you provided during registration, will set out the requirements for you to complete the Associate Assessment.

The assessment plan will indicate the number of years’ relevant experience that you will need to have completed before you can come forward for assessment. This experience can include any previous experience already gained.

If you have already gained the required experience you will be able to come forward for assessment, building your portfolio of work-based evidence using written work taken from your everyday role.

Step 3 – Portfolio of work-based evidence

You will be asked to assemble a portfolio of work-based evidence online via the Managed Learning Environment (MLE) which will allow you to:

•  Record and track progress against the competencies

•  Upload documented work-based evidence to demonstrate your competence

•  Upload evidence of relevant qualifications

•  Record structured development and learning outputs – 48 hours gained within the 12 months
   prior to assessment

Step 4 – Associate Assessment

Once you have submitted the evidence required against each competency, it must be signed off by an RICS member who is familiar with your work (typically this would be your line manager). You are then ready to apply for Associate Assessment.

A panel of two Associate Assessors will review your portfolio online. If you successfully meet the competency requirements, you will pass and qualify as an Associate. Candidates who don't meet all the competency requirements will be referred and advised of the additional evidence required for assessment.

Further information on gaining the Associate qualification is available here

 

Step 5 – Ethics module

All candidates must successfully complete the RICS online ethics module.