Quantity surveyor | Explore careers (2024)

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a quantity surveyor

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
a graduate training scheme

University

You could do a quantity surveying degree or a postgraduate conversion course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Useful degree subjects include:

construction
structural or civil engineering
maths
geography
economics
land studies

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

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Apprenticeship

You could take a surveying technician advanced apprenticeship, followed by further training on the job, or a chartered surveyor or construction quantity surveyor degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

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Work

You could start work as a surveying technician or surveying assistant, and study part-time to become a quantity surveyor.

Other Routes

You could get a postgraduate surveying qualification through a graduate trainee scheme with a company or through distance learning with the University College of Estate Management.

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Registration

you can register with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors to become a chartered surveyor through the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) scheme

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a quantity surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors andGo Construct.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

maths knowledge
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
analytical thinking skills
knowledge of engineering science and technology
persistence and determination
knowledge of building and construction
the ability to use your initiative
thinking and reasoning skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

find out a client's needs and assess if the plans are feasible
work out quantities and costs of materials, time and labour for tenders
negotiate contracts and work schedules
advise on legal matters, including risks and disputes
monitor sub-contractors and stages of construction
report on costs and prepare accounts for payment
keep up to date with construction methods and materials
follow health and safety and building regulations

Working environment

You could work at a client's business or in an office.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior quantity surveyor or move into senior project management, supply chain management, consultancy work or self-employment.

You could specialise in areas like planning, risk assessment or contract disputes.

Another option is to move into lecturing at a university or college.