Quantity surveyor
Managerial

Related videos on a quantity surveyor

How to become a quantity surveyor

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• a graduate training scheme

University

You could do a quantity surveying degree or a postgraduate conversion course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Useful degree subjects include:

• construction
• structural or civil engineering
• maths
• geography
• economics
• land studies

University (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Apprenticeship

You could take a surveying technician advanced apprenticeship, followed by further training on the job, or a chartered surveyor or construction quantity surveyor degree apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start work as a surveying technician or surveying assistant, and study part time to become a quantity surveyor.

Other routes

You could get a postgraduate surveying qualification through a graduate trainee scheme with a company or through distance learning with the University College of Estate Management.

More info

Registration

• you can register with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors to become a chartered surveyor through the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) scheme

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a quantity surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Go Construct.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• persistence and determination
• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you'll do

Day to day

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• finding out a client's needs and assessing if their plans are feasible
• working out quantities and costs of materials, time and labour for tenders
• negotiating contracts and work schedules
• advising on legal matters, including risks and disputes
• monitoring sub-contractors and stages of construction
• writing regular reports on costs and preparing accounts for payment
• keeping up to date with construction methods and materials
• following health and safety and building regulations

Working environment

You could work at a client's business or in an office. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time. You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience, you could become a senior quantity surveyor or move into senior project management, supply chain management, consultancy work or self-employment. You could specialise in areas like planning, risk assessment or contract disputes. Another option is to move into lecturing at a university or college.