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Writer's pictureJen Lemen

RICS APC Lifeline – 6 Year Rule

Updated: Oct 30, 2023



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 today's blog about?


In this week’s blog, we take a look at the 6 year rule – clarifying what this might mean for you and your APC.


We have been asked about this many times, so we now have official clarification from RICS on the issue for you.


You can also listen to our CPD podcast on Anchor for more free AssocRICS and RICS APC training and support.


If you don't have time to read our full blogs, you can watch our short CPD summary videos on YouTube.


What is the 6 year rule?


In the RICS APC Candidate Guide, it states that, ‘when you enrol as a candidate, you are making a commitment to become a chartered surveyor (MRICS). You have 6 years from your date of enrolment to achieve the MRICS qualification’.


What might this mean for me?


The official RICS response relating to the 6 year rule states that…


‘There is a 6-year qualification window in the RICS Regulations and By-laws, which were terms agreed at enrolment.


Individuals may not have been aware of this ruling in the past, however the RICS would like to assist in gaining the RICS qualification, therefore are offering a 12-month extension to submit.


Please see below three options to consider:


  1. Accept the offered 12-month extension to sit your final assessment, therefore you will need to come forward for Final Interview in either Session 1 or Session 2 2020.


  1. You may be eligible to swap your route to membership to gain the MRICS qualification, depending on your qualifications and experience. This may change the structure of your Interview.


  1. Switch your route to membership to Associate (AssocRICS) either via Direct Entry (subject to membership of another professional body) or via Associate Assessment which doesn’t include a Final Assessment Interview.


If candidates switch to AssocRICS or Preliminary review (or other routes to membership), they would still need to come forward by the date given, 31/12/2020, unless an extension has been granted’.


Will RICS consider circumstances on a case-by-case basis? Yes.


If you are facing difficulties as a result of the 6 year rule, you will need to email RICS at APCsupport@rics.org (cc. in enrolmentsuk@rics.org) outlining the circumstances which have prevented you from coming forward.


What else can I do?


Speak to us, we will be able to advise which option is likely to be best for you and to provide the comprehensive support you may need to prepare your documents and sit your interview in the required timescales. For example, our Monthly Mentoring packageprovides a bespoke support programme leading you to APC success.


How can we help?


  • Don't leave it too late to book your submission feedback and review, which provides two rounds of feedback from a current assessor on your RICS APC submission.

  • We offer a range of short and long-term support packages in our eShop, including our popular Monthly Mentoring service, as well as APC question packs, 1-2-1 mentoring and e-mock interviews.

  • 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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