RICS Update – New CPD 2026 Requirements
- Jen Lemen
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Building a Better You
Property Elite’s sole aim is to build better property professionals - supporting your career every step of the way, whether you are an AssocRICS or RICS APC candidate or a MRICS or FRICS Chartered Surveyor simply seeking engaging CPD.
We provide a wide range of training and support, so why not find out more on our website about how we might be able to support you? We work with candidates across all RICS APC and AssocRICS pathways, routes to assessment and geographic regions.
Don’t forget to sign up online for your free 15 minute AssocRICS or RICS APC consultation, including a review of your referral report if you have been referred. You can also book your bespoke training or support services directly through our eShop.
Not sure about signing up? Make sure you read what our recent successful candidates have to say in our Testimonials.
What is this blog about?
In this week’s blog, we look at the new RICS CPD requirements from 1 January 2026 onwards. This is essential reading for all RICS members; FRICS, MRICS and AssocRICS.
IMPORTANT NOTE: RICS APC and AssocRICS candidates need to continue following the requirements in the candidate guides, and record CPD using the online assessment platform. You could be asked about the changes in your final assessment interview, however, so you do need to know about them!
You can read a full copy of the new rules and supplementary RICS guidance here.
Who do the new rules apply to?
All RICS members (including FRICS, MRICS and AssocRICS).
When is the CPD recording year?
1 January to 31 December. However, your CPD record for the preceding year must be formally submitted by 31 January of the following year.
I.e., your 1 January to 31 December 2025 CPD record must be completed by 31 January 2026.
A failure to submit adequate CPD can lead to administrative and/or disciplinary action. RICS do audit member CPD records, including the quality and relevance of learning activities undertaken.
How much CPD is required?
20 hours minimum, of which at least 10 hours must be structured learning. Your CPD activities should be relevant, adequate and appropriate to your area of practice. You can, of course, log more CPD than the minimum requirements!
CPD activities can be recorded in blocks of 30 minutes or more. If you have activities of lesser duration, you can block and record these together.
If you are undertaking an externally accredited award, such as a degree or a diploma, which is longer than 10 hours in total – then you can carry forward 20 hours of this as CPD. This can be recorded as up to 10 hours of CPD in the next two CPD recording years.
Are there any exemptions to the full requirements?
Yes, see page 4 of the full RICS rules for how to apply. Relevant circumstances include exceptional hardship, retirement, not practising, family raising, caring, unemployed, seeking work and ill health.
What is structured vs unstructured learning?
Structured learning is defined as:
‘Learning activities where learning outcomes can be easily identified and where the member will enhance their knowledge of a particular subject or their professional skills in a way that is relevant to their work. Typically this includes webinars, seminars, conferences, lectures and workshops, but not ‘keep up to date’ reading or listening to podcasts’.
By contrast, unstructured learning is defined as:
‘Self-managed learning that is relevant or related to the member’s professional role and has a clear learning purpose, but where there is a less guided approach to the learning content and/or learning method. This could include activities such as private study, on-the-job training, attendance at informal seminars or events, ‘keep up to date’ reading and listening to podcasts’.
If you are not sure about whether a CPD activity is structured or not, then you can use the RICS CPD Decision Tree to help.
Are there any areas of mandatory CPD?
Yes, you must undertake CPD on three key areas:
Ethics and professionalism
AI, data and technology
Sustainability
This mandatory CPD must be structured learning and last for a minimum of 1 hour. These topics must be covered on a three yearly rolling basis.
How should you record your CPD activities?
Either using the new RICS Member App or RICS My Account online.
Each CPD activity recorded must have an accompanying learning outcome, i.e., what you learnt or now understand from having undertaken the CPD activity.
A new requirement is to submit an annual reflective statement explaining:
The rationale behind your choice of CPD activities, linking this to your career and learning needs
How your CPD activities has impacted upon your professional development
How your CPD activities has impacted upon your CPD planning for the following year
How can Property Elite help me to meet my CPD requirements?
We recommend subscribing to our CPD webinar package, as well as checking out our upcoming live events (online and in person).
How can we help?
Don't leave it too late to book your submission feedback and review, APC question pack, e-mock interview or 1-2-1 mentoring. We also provide revision quizzes, revision guides and a CPD Webinar Package.
We offer a range of short and long-term support packages in our eShop, including our popular Monthly Mentoring and Kick Start packages. These can include an RICS APC or AssocRICS Counsellor in certain circumstances.
Head to our blog archive to access even more free CPD and AssocRICS and RICS APC training and support.
Download your free AssocRICS and RICS APC resources, including e-books and revision quizzes.
Find out more about our bespoke AssocRICS and RICS APC training and support, before booking your free 15 minute consultation.
Not sure about signing up? Make sure you read what our recent successful candidates have to say in our Testimonials.
Stay tuned for our next blog post to help build a better you.
N.b. Nothing in this article constitutes legal, professional or financial advice.
