What’s New in the 2026 RICS Senior Professional Assessment Applicant Guide?
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?
The RICS have released an updated Senior Professional Assessment (SPA) Applicant Guide (dated March 2026). You can download a copy here.
Whether you are an SPA candidate preparing to submit your application or acting as a Counsellor to SPA candidates, it is essential to understand the latest requirements, submission formatting rules and interview integrity standards set by RICS.
Here is a summary of the key changes and updates introduced in the 2026 Applicant Guide.
Strict Policies on Generative AI & Plagiarism
The most notable addition to the 2026 guide is a new policy section titled Plagiarism and the use of AI:
Generative AI prohibited - candidates must not use generative AI software (such as ChatGPT) to produce content for or to write their vetting form or final assessment submission.
Allowed digital tools - spelling, grammar and word-count checking tools are allowed. Any other technological aids require prior approval via a formal Reasonable Adjustment application.
Automated AI detection checks - RICS uses software to run both plagiarism and AI-detection checks on all submissions. Submissions flagged for suspicious AI-generated content or plagiarism will be subject to formal regulatory investigation, potential disciplinary action or removal from the assessment process. It is not worth the risk!
Enhanced Interview Security & Screen Sharing Rules
To maintain the integrity of the online interview process, RICS has expanded the powers of assessment panels during the online assessment.
Live screen sharing - the Chairperson now has authority to ask a candidate to share their computer screen at any point during the 60-minute interview. This ensures candidates do not have access to their written submissions, notes or AI software during the interview.
Comprehensive 360° room checks - the pre-interview environmental check requires candidates to conduct a 360-degree pan of their surroundings, explicitly including the area above them, their desktop and the floor area.
Clearer Case Study Word Count & Formatting Guidelines
RICS has provided clear formatting instructions regarding case study word counts (1,000–1,500 words per case study):
Calculated via Microsoft Word - submission word counts are calculated using standard MS Word parameters.
What is INCLUDED in the word count - all body text from the introduction to the conclusion, including all headings and sub-headings.
What is EXCLUDED from the word count - project name, project dates, confidentiality statements, table of contents, competency tables and appendices.
Embedded tables & charts - any charts or tables embedded directly within the body text are included in the word count. To optimise your available word count, place all supporting charts, photos and diagrams in the appendices.
Technical Case Study Competency Mapping
The updated guide provides clear instructions on mapping competencies across the three required case studies:
Case Study #1 (Senior Profile) - covers a project demonstrating Leadership, Managing People, and Managing Resources.
Case Study #2 (Core Technical) - must cover a minimum of two technical competencies drawn directly from the core list of your chosen pathway (including at least one at Level 3).
Case Study #3 (Core Technical & Optional Technical) - must cover a minimum of two technical competencies from either the core or optional list for your pathway and must use different competencies than those demonstrated in Case Study #2.
Summary Checklist for SPA Candidates
Before submitting your application on the RICS Assessment Platform, ensure you have verified:
Originality - your written submissions are entirely your own work, with no generative AI content used.
Word count compliance - each case study strictly adheres to 1,000–1,500 words, with body tables moved to appendices to avoid exceeding limits.
Validity period - projects discussed in your case studies fall within the rolling 36-month window prior to your submission date.
CPD logging - you have recorded 20 hours of CPD over the previous 12 months (at least 50% of your total must be formal).
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.