When I first heard about RICS Membership, I thought it was just another fancy title people put after their name to look impressive on LinkedIn. But after speaking with professionals who’ve been through the RICS Assessment and seeing how it changed their careers—both in the UK and overseas—I realised it’s so much more than that.
Whether you’re working in quantity surveying, project management, valuation, or property development, becoming part of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) can be a game-changer for your professional future.
What is RICS Membership?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a globally recognised professional body that sets standards in the built environment sector. RICS members—especially those with Chartered status (MRICS or FRICS)—are respected for their technical expertise, ethical standards, and professional credibility.
Membership isn’t automatic. You need to prove your skills and knowledge through a RICS Assessment, such as the APC (Assessment of Professional Competence), Senior Professional Route, or Specialist Pathways.
Why RICS Membership Matters in 2025
The construction and property industry is evolving fast. In the UK, major infrastructure projects like HS2 and net-zero housing developments are demanding highly skilled professionals. In the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, megaprojects like NEOM are creating opportunities for internationally recognised experts.
Having RICS Membership puts you in a league of professionals whose skills are recognised in over 140 countries. According to a 2025 RICS market report, members earn on average 20–25% more than non-members in similar roles—both in the UK and overseas.
How the RICS Assessment Works
If you want to join, here’s a quick breakdown of the RICS Assessment process:
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Choose Your Pathway – Depending on your qualifications and experience, you might go through the APC, senior professional route, or academic route.
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Log Your Experience – You’ll need to document your projects, responsibilities, and competencies in detail.
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Prepare for the Final Interview – This is where you demonstrate your technical knowledge, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.
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Pass and Get Chartered – Once you succeed, you can use the MRICS title after your name.
Benefits of RICS Membership
1. Global Career Mobility
With RICS Membership, you can work in London, move to Dubai, or take on a project in Sydney without starting from scratch. Employers and clients instantly recognise your credentials.
2. Professional Credibility
When you’ve passed the RICS Assessment, it’s proof that you meet strict global standards—not just in technical skills, but also in ethics.
3. Higher Earning Potential
Recent salary surveys show that RICS members often command higher salaries and more senior roles compared to non-members in the same sector.
4. Networking Opportunities
From RICS conferences in London to workshops in Riyadh, being a member opens doors to connect with top professionals worldwide.
5. Staying Ahead
RICS provides continuous professional development (CPD) resources, so you’re always ahead of industry changes—whether it’s sustainability standards or new construction tech.
My Personal Take on RICS
I know someone who was a project manager in the UK for years but struggled to land senior roles overseas. After completing the RICS Assessment and becoming Chartered, he was hired for a multi-billion-pound project in Saudi Arabia. His salary doubled, but more importantly, he gained the kind of international exposure that completely changed his career trajectory.
That’s the power of this membership—it’s not just about status, it’s about real, tangible opportunities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about your career in construction or property, RICS Membership is one of the best investments you can make. The RICS Assessment might be challenging, but the global recognition, higher earning potential, and access to elite networks make it worth the effort.
In 2025, with major projects booming both in the UK and abroad, having MRICS after your name could be the edge you need to stand out in a competitive market.
If you’d like, I can also prepare a step-by-step RICS APC preparation checklist so readers know exactly how to get started on their membership journey. That would make this even more actionable.