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What is this week's blog about?
In this week’s blog, we look at the changes RICS have made in the latest (February 2024) APC candidate guide.
You can download a full copy of the Candidate Guide here.
What has changed?
RICS have made a number of changes, including:
Clarity over enrolment and backdating, including placement years
Structured training continuity
Career breaks and CPD
Case study date
Proposer and Seconders
Interview location
Access arrangements, reasonable adjustments and special considerations
Candidate support
What has changed in relation to enrolment and backdating?
RICS have provided clarity on enrolment for structured training candidates.
Candidates must be enrolled to start to accrue their structured training dates. Thus, if you are not enrolled then you cannot log any structured training days in your diary.
Candidates can backdate their enrolment onto structured training by up to 6 months (up from a previous maximum of 4 months). You will need to provide written confirmation from your Counsellor or employer to do this – so if you leave a firm ensure you ask for written evidence before you depart.
If you are a student on a placement year, within a RICS-accredited sandwich degree, then you need to ensure that you enrol on structured training at the commencement of your placement year.
RICS also clarify that you have a 5 year validity period to log structured training, rolling back from your submission date. This means that your structured training does not have to be undertaken in one continuous period.
What has been updated in relation to CPD?
If you have taken or are taking a career break (i.e., not in employment and logging structured training), then you do not have to record any CPD during this period.
What has been updated in relation to the Case Study?
The case study start and end dates must be stated in writing within your case study. This avoids any doubt over whether your Case Study falls within the 2 year validity period of not. This period rolls back from your submission date.
What key RICS APC roles have been clarified?
RICS have clarified the role of the Proposer and Seconders, who essentially provide a character reference when you submit for final assessment. You need three parties in total; all must be MRICS or FRICS and one can be your Counsellor.
What do RICS say about your interview environment?
RICS confirm that you must sit your final assessment interview in a ‘private and appropriate location’. If you are in a public place or on any form of transport, then your interview will be cancelled. Ensuring that you sit your interview in a private, professional environment not only means that you will perform at your best, it ensures that you are demonstrating the utmost professionalism in your conduct.
What do RICS say about access arrangements, reasonable adjustments and special considerations?
RICS commits to preventing discrimination in line with the Equality Act 2010 (and the protected characteristics).
They will make reasonable adjustments if you are defined as disabled by the Equality Act 2010 and would be disadvantaged in relation to someone who is not disabled (if the adjustments were not made).
Any reasonable adjustments will be made on a case-by-case basis and tailored to your specific needs. You can apply for reasonable adjustments when you submit using the RICS Assessment Platform. Ensure you read the Access Arrangements: Reasonable Adjustments policy when submitting to ensure you receive the support you need.
Special considerations, on the other hand, relate to a temporary but significant personal difficulty experienced at the time of your assessment. Examples include illness, injury or a significant life event that impacts upon your ability to be assessed. RICS have a similar policy, Access Arrangements: Special Considerations, that you should read before you send your request via email to adjustments@rics.org (at least 5 days prior to your interview date).
Read both policies here.
What Candidate Support do RICS provide?
RICS have re-written this section to confirm the support they provide to candidates, including webinars, online drop-ins, various support packages, podcasts and LionHeart.
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.
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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.