Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
RICS is a globally recognised professional body that sets and maintains the highest standards in the built and natural environments. Founded in the UK, RICS operates internationally to effect positive change across property, land, construction, and infrastructure sectors.
Core Mission
RICS exists to:
- Set professional standards that ensure quality and consistency across surveying and built environment professions
- Regulate and support chartered surveyors worldwide through membership, qualifications, and ongoing professional development
- Protect consumers by maintaining high ethical and professional standards among its members
Key Services
Professional Standards & Guidance
RICS publishes authoritative standards including the famous Red Book (RICS Valuation - Global Standards) and the Black Book (construction standards), which are widely recognized benchmarks in the industry.
Professional Development
- CPD (Continuing Professional Development) logging and tracking
- Professional Skills & Development Training - bespoke corporate and in-house training delivered by experts
- Assessment Platform for professional qualifications
Membership Services
- Membership renewal and status management
- Access to professional networks through boards, committees, and engagement groups
- Concession applications for membership fees
Consumer Resources
- Free consumer guides to help navigate property decisions
- Find a Surveyor service connecting consumers with qualified professionals
Dispute Resolution
RICS offers a dedicated Dispute Resolution Service (DRS) for construction and property-related disputes, including mediation and arbitration services.
Regulation & Compliance
- Rules of Conduct for members
- Reporting concerns mechanism
- Sector-specific standards across valuation, construction, and property management
Target Audience
Chartered surveyors, property professionals, construction industry professionals, real estate consultants, land managers, quantity surveyors, building surveyors, valuation professionals, and consumers seeking qualified surveying services
Key Features
- Professional membership and chartered status for surveyors
- RICS Valuation Standards (Red Book) - global valuation benchmark
- Construction Standards (Black Book)
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) tracking
- Professional Skills & Development Training programs
- Find a Surveyor directory service
- Dispute Resolution Service (DRS)
- Consumer guides for property decisions
- Assessment platform for professional qualifications
- Sector standards and regulatory guidance
- Rules of Conduct and ethical framework
- Global news and industry insights
Use Cases
- Property valuation and appraisal services
- Building surveying and condition assessments
- Construction project management and quantity surveying
- Land management and rural surveying
- Real estate advisory and consultancy
- Dispute resolution in construction and property matters
- Professional development for built environment professionals
- Consumer guidance on property purchases and decisions
- Corporate training for built environment skills development
- Regulatory compliance and professional standards adherence
Pros
- Globally recognised professional qualification and brand
- Comprehensive standards framework trusted worldwide
- Extensive professional development resources
- Strong consumer protection through regulated membership
- Wide network of chartered professionals across 140+ countries
- Free consumer resources and guides available
Cons
- Membership fees can be significant for individual professionals
- Professional qualification process is rigorous and time-consuming
- Primarily focused on UK-origin standards, though globally applied
Pricing
Membership fees vary by status and region; concessions available for eligible members. Training programs are priced separately.
