Entry Requirements

There are no specific requirements to begin training as a quantity surveyor, although most entrants have A Levels / Higher Grades. To become a qualified quantity surveyor, you will need to achieve a BTEC or HND/HNC, and to achieve this you will need 4 GCSE passes (A-C) / Standard Grades (1-3).

Qualification can be achieved via the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). To join the CIOB you will need to hold an honours degree plus have 2 years relevant experience or pass the CIOB examination.

There are four ways to qualify as a surveyor and achieve a RICS certificate, and these involve options to study full time to achieve a degree or post-graduate award, or studying part time whilst in relevant work.

The Benefits

Graduate quantity surveyors can expect to earn around £14,000, a chartered surveyor about £24,000, while an associate will earn roughly £35,000. Salaries in London are higher. For further information on salaries refer to professional institutions and industry press.  

The Job  

Once a building project starts it's important that it follows the originally agreed budget. It's the quantity surveyor's job to make sure this happens, by managing cost efficiently and getting the best value out of contractors. It's also their job to negotiate with the client's representative on payments and the final settlement.

The People  

There are approximately 21,500 people employed in quantity surveying in the UK, with many working for large construction companies. They deal with other professionals within their company as well as representatives from sub-contractors and the private quantity surveyor working for the client.

Every day is a different experience with different challenges to face for Chim Lungu, Jennii Chadwick, Luci Curran, Lucy Dee Juniperand Sarah Addis