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RICS APC Lifeline – New Candidate and Counsellor Guides


Building a Better You


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What is this blog about?

 

In this week’s blog, we take a look at the updated RICS APC candidate and counsellor guides. Make sure you check out the changes if you are submitting your RICS APC final submission in Session 2 2025 and beyond.

 

What has changed in the APC candidate guide?

 

There are a number of updates to the various RICS APC candidate guides.

 

Specifically, clarity has been provided on:

  • Backdating – by up to 6 months

  • The difference between the diary and the log book – the diary is for the candidate’s recording of diary days and is not submitted, the log book summaries the total diary days per level and per technical competency and MUST be submitted

  • Case study requirements and content

  • Word count for the case study – including content from the start of the introduction to the end of the conclusion (including headings, sub-headings and any charts or tables), but not including the cover page, contents page and any appendices

  • Word count for the summary of experience – everything you write apart from titles of the competencies and levels

  • Reasonable adjustments have been clarified

  • Apprentices

  • Updated structured training plan

 

The word count requirements have also been similarly updated in the AssocRICS candidate guide.

 

What has changed in the SPA candidate guide?

 

In the SPA candidate guide, RICS have clarified the competency requirements for the three case studies.

 

In particular:

  • Case study 2 (technical) must focus on a ‘minimum of two core technical competencies, including at least one to Level 3. The competencies must be from the core list in your pathway’

  • Case study 2 (technical) must focus on a ‘minimum of two technical competencies. The competencies must be from the core and/ or optional list in your pathway and must be different to the competencies used for case study 2’

 

All three case studies should provide evidence of your SPA competencies. In addition, each case study must clearly reference the mandatory and technical competencies demonstrated.


What has changed in the counsellor guide?

 

Previously, there were separate counsellor guides for the various APC routes. Now, they have been combined into one simple counsellor guide, with separate advice for the structured training, preliminary review, SPA, specialist and academic APC routes and AssocRICS.


In addition, all counsellors need to have completed their RICS Counsellor Training by 9 September to be able to sign off candidates on the RICS Assessment Platform.

 

What have RICS updated in terms of AI and plagiarism in all of the new guides?

 

In terms of AI and plagiarism, RICS state that candidates cannot use AI tools to write their submissions. This includes content generating tools such as ChatGPT.

 

However, candidates can use proof reading tools to assist with grammar, spelling and word count reduction. Where a candidate has identified needs and a technological aid is required, they will need to submit a reasonable adjustment application for approval from RICS.

 

RICS will also continue to undertake plagiarism and AI detection checks as usual. An offence of this nature is extremely serious and the candidate will be subject to investigation and potential disciplinary action by RICS Regulation.

 


How can we help?




  • 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.


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