How to Become a Quantity Surveyor in the UK: 5 Proven Routes Into a Great Career
Quantity surveying is one of the most talked-about office roles in construction right now. Here are the routes in, with or without a degree, and how to get chartered.
Wondering how to become a quantity surveyor? You are not alone. Quantity surveying is one of the most popular topics in UK construction communities online, mostly from students writing dissertations, site workers wanting to move into an office role and career changers who have heard the pay is decent. It is a good career, and there are more ways in than most people realise.
What Does a Quantity Surveyor Do?
A quantity surveyor, or QS, looks after the money on a construction project. On the client side, that means estimating costs, setting budgets and checking that the contractor is charging fairly. On the contractor side, it means pricing work, managing subcontractors, valuing work done each month and dealing with changes.
It suits people who like numbers but do not want to be stuck behind a desk all day. You will spend time on site, in meetings and negotiating, as well as in spreadsheets.
Route 1: An Accredited Degree
The traditional route is a degree in quantity surveying, or a related subject, accredited by RICS, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Accredited courses cover measurement, construction technology, contracts and law. Many universities offer part-time versions so you can study while working.
Route 2: A Degree Apprenticeship
If you would rather earn while you learn, the chartered surveyor degree apprenticeship lets you work for an employer and study for an accredited degree at the same time, with your fees covered. It usually takes around five years and is designed to lead straight into chartership. Places are competitive, so apply early and make it clear why you want to be a QS rather than just any construction job.
Route 3: Start as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor
Plenty of contractors take on trainee quantity surveyor or assistant QS staff, sometimes with A levels or a level 3 qualification, and then support them through a part-time degree. A surveying technician apprenticeship at level 3 is another way to get started.
This route is popular with people already in construction. If you have worked as an estimator, buyer or site administrator, you already understand how jobs run and how money moves around a project. That counts for a lot.
Route 4: A Conversion Masters
If you have a degree in another subject, you can take an RICS-accredited masters in quantity surveying. These are usually one year full time or two years part time. Graduates from maths, engineering, geography and business often go down this route.
Route 5: Moving Up From Site
Experienced tradespeople and site supervisors sometimes move into commercial roles via estimating or junior QS work. It is not the fastest route, but you bring something many graduates lack: you know what things actually cost to build. Pair that with a part-time qualification and you can make a strong case to an employer.
How to Become a Quantity Surveyor With Chartered Status
To become chartered with RICS, you will normally complete the Assessment of Professional Competence, known as the APC. It involves a period of structured experience, a written submission and a final interview. Chartership is not compulsory to work as a QS, but it helps with senior roles and with moving between employers.
Tips for Getting Your First Quantity Surveyor Job
- Get comfortable with Excel. You will use it every day.
- Learn the basics of standard contracts such as JCT and NEC.
- Show you understand construction, not just maths. Site visits or labouring experience help.
- Tailor your CV to each role. Our free CV checker can show you what is missing.
When you are ready, you can look for trainee and assistant roles on our vacancies page or get in touch through our construction recruitment hub.
How to Become a Quantity Surveyor: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a quantity surveyor without a degree?
Yes. You can start as a trainee or assistant quantity surveyor, or take a surveying technician or chartered surveyor degree apprenticeship, and study while you work.
How long does it take to become a quantity surveyor?
A full-time degree takes three years. A degree apprenticeship usually takes around five years and is designed to lead to chartership.
What qualifications do I need to be a quantity surveyor?
Most employers look for an RICS-accredited degree or a recognised apprenticeship. To become chartered you also need to pass the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence.
Is quantity surveying a good career?
For people who like numbers, negotiation and construction, yes. Every project needs someone to manage costs, so QS skills are used across housing, commercial and infrastructure work.
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