Wednesday, 15 June 2011 20:08 The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has developed seven new qualifications in property, land and construction.

These new qualifications will enable those with work experience but without a university education to build a career in the property industry by offering them specialised knowledge in the fields of commercial property management, valuation, building surveying, building control, land and engineering surveying, hydrographic surveying and residential property management.

By completing their qualification, the applicants will attain the RICS Associate membership and will have the option of further studying towards full Chartered Surveyor status.

Heidi Shankster, director of the RICS, explained in more detail: "If you are currently working in the property, land and construction industry, you can join RICS and start working towards your qualification now. If you have four years' relevant work experience or an appropriate vocational qualification, plus a period of work experience, you may already be eligible for assessment.

"While not equating to full Chartered Surveyor status, the qualification represents a significant first step on the ladder for those with aspirations of becoming a Chartered Surveyor."

RICS believes that these seven new qualifications will provide fairer access to the property profession and will increase the number of professionals adhering to RICS standards.

Richard Deeprose, a spokesperson of the Institution, said: "With a great number of professionals adhering to RICS standards the industry can only benefit from increased professionalism and transparency."

Apostolos Kostoulas