Cap on RICS APC and AssocRICS Assessment Attempts
- Jen Lemen
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Building a Better You
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What is this blog about?
In this week’s blog, we look at the new cap on RICS APC and AssocRICS assessment attempts, which RICS will introduce from 1 January 2026. All RICS APC and AssocRICS candidates and their counsellors should be aware of the changes.
When does the change take effect?
From 1 January 2026.
What changes have RICS made?
RICS have introduced new policy around the amount of assessment attempts that RICS APC and AssocRICS candidates can take.
An attempt is defined as any referral after 1 January 2026, including if you decide to change your sector-specific pathway. If a candidate successfully appeals a referral or a complaint is upheld (and the interview result is determined void), then this will not count as an attempt under the new policy.
This is limited to:
Four per membership grade (AssocRICS or MRICS)
A final, fifth attempt may be made after the candidate has complete a further 12 months of work-based experience
Previous assessments (referrals) will not count towards the total – so candidates will start their total number of attempts afresh from 1 January 2026.
In addition, if a session 2 2025 RICS APC candidate had their interview delayed by RICS to January or February 2026, then this will not be included under the new policy. This provides parity across candidates who should have been assessed before the end of 2025.
The total number of assessment attempts is per membership grade – so up to five for AssocRICS and up to five for the APC.
Why have RICS introduced the cap?
The cap aims to ensure that candidates only come forward for assessment when they are ready.
Counsellors, therefore, should only sign off and bring candidates forward for assessment when their documents are up to the required standard and the candidate is prepared for their interview.
Candidates and counsellors should review referral reports carefully and ensure that the key referral issues are dealt with prior to resubmission. This could include gaining further experience, working on interview style and confidence, accruing additional CPD on selected competencies or re-writing sections of the final submission.
What can you do to be successful first time?
Here are our five top tips to be successful in your first attempt at the RICS APC final assessment interview:
Work with your counsellor throughout the process and benefit from their expertise and knowledge of the process. Ensure that you meet with them regularly and arrange for their final sign off of your work well in advance of your assessment window opening. Last minute sign offs are often problematic in terms of submission quality.
Don’t go forward for assessment if you are not ready. Work on your weaknesses instead and submit when you have a robust final submission, sufficient level 3 advisory experience and have time to commit to interview preparation. Remember, you do not have to submit at the earliest possible date if you are not ready.
Ensure that your submission is of the highest quality possible, including specific examples, key knowledge of RICS guidance and legislation, level 3 reasoned advice and adequate CPD.
The RICS APC process takes a lot out of you, both in times of time and energy. If you have significant life events that are ongoing or coming up, think about how they might affect your submission and interview. The support of your loved ones, family, friends and colleagues will be invaluable as you proceed to interview.
If you have anxiety about your interview, work on this as early as possible. It is a stressful and challenging environment, but it is one that everyone can excel in with the right preparation. Your assessors are trained by RICS to provide a positive environment and we will help to put you at ease as much as possible. It is a professional interview, however, and working on your confidence and keeping your nerves at bay will help you perform at your best.
If you have any doubts about whether you are ready, or you would benefit from additional support – please get in touch by email, phone or by booking a free 15m consultation with one of the team.
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.
