Property Elite x RICS Matrics London - RICS APC Speed Mentoring
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Building a Better You
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What is this blog about?
Undertaking your RICS APC interview requires substantial preparation and revision. The pressure at this time of year is high, as candidates undertake e-mock interviews and practice rapid-fire interview Q&A.
In a recent ‘Speed Mentoring' session hosted by RICS Matrics London, newly qualified surveyors joined Property Elite’s David Reynolds to provide a blueprint for candidates aiming for chartership in 2026. The session moved beyond basic tips to provide in-depth insights into the mechanics of the RICS APC final interview.
The 50-Minute Sprint
While the full interview is an hour long, the panel reminded candidates that the questioning phase is actually only 50 minutes once the 10-minute presentation has been completed.
In that time, a candidate can expect 60 to 80 questions. This requires a quick-fire response style and being punchy, direct and avoiding unnecessary preamble. Being able to think on your feet is also a key skill to practice!
Mastering Ethics
Ethics, Rules of Conduct and Professional Practice is the only competency where a serious error can lead to an automatic referral.
One of the panel members shared that a concern that ethics questioning can sometimes be hypothetical and situational.
If an assessor provides a scenario that appears to lack detail, the best approach is to provide structured advice based on different assumptions (e.g., 'If the situation is A, I would advise X; if it is B, I would advise Y'). Use your real life experience to answer hypothetical questions and bring your response up to level 3.
The other panel members then reminded candidates to be aware of the various RICS decision Trees; specifically the Ethics Decision Tree and the CPD Decision Tree.
Assessors often ask candidates to name a specific question from these to verify their actual familiarity with the guidance.
Navigating Technical 'Curveballs'
What do you do when you don't know the answer? The mentors were clear: never guess.
The panel suggested the ‘safe pair of hands’ approach. If you are stuck, acknowledge the question and explain that you would consult the relevant guidance, an experienced colleague or an external specialist. This demonstrates that you know where to find the right information and would not provide negligent or poorly considered advice to a client.
2026 Hot Topics: What to Watch
Candidates must be aware of the current industry landscape. The panel identified several key areas for 2026:
Sustainability and ESG - a focus across all pathways, including new RICS guidance and the costs of compliance.
Market volatility - Quantity Surveying & Construction candidates must understand how global conflicts and economic conditions can affect estimates and risk management.
Legislative reforms - surveyors should be prepared for questions on leasehold reform and the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 consultation.
Artificial intelligence - RICS’s recent Professional Standard relating to AI is a must-read for candidates on all pathways.
Final Words of Wisdom
David Reynolds concluded the session with a vital reminder: the interview is about you. Use 'I' instead of 'we' to ensure the assessors can clearly identify your personal contribution and competence.
Preparation is everything; if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.
Conclusion
The panel shared plenty of excellent advice during the discussion. If you’d like to book Property Elite to provide a speaker at your upcoming RICS Matrics (pro bono) or in-house event, just get in touch by emailing jen@property-elite.co.uk.
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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.