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The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a globally recognised professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property, construction, and infrastructure. People often use the terms RICS Assessment and RICS Membership interchangeably, but they are not the same. Understanding the difference is essential for anyone planning a career pathway with RICS.

This article breaks down what each term means and how they relate to each other.

What Is RICS Membership?

RICS Membership refers to your formal status as a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Membership confirms that you meet RICS’ professional, ethical, and competency standards.

There are different levels of RICS membership, including:

• Student Member – For those studying an RICS-accredited qualification
  
  

• Associate (AssocRICS) – An entry-level professional status
  
  

• Chartered Member (MRICS) – Full professional qualification
  
  

• Fellow (FRICS) – Senior status for experienced professionals
  
  

Being an RICS member allows you to:

• Use internationally recognised professional designations (e.g. MRICS)
  
  

• Access career support, CPD resources, and global networks
  
  

• Be bound by the RICS Rules of Conduct
  
  

• Enhance professional credibility and employability
  
  

Membership is the outcome—the professional standing you achieve.

What Is RICS Assessment?

RICS Assessment is the process you must complete to achieve or progress within RICS membership. The most well-known assessment route is the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

RICS assessments typically evaluate:

• Your technical knowledge and chosen pathway competencies
  
  

• Practical work experience
  
  

• Ethical and professional standards
  
  

• Communication and professional judgement
  
  

Depending on your route, an assessment may include:

• A summary of experience
  
  

• Case study or final assessment submission
  
  

• Ethics module and test
  
  

• Final assessment interview
  
  

In short, the assessment is how RICS decides whether you are eligible for a certain level of membership.

How RICS Assessment and Membership Work Together

The relationship between the two is straightforward:

• RICS Assessment = the evaluation process
  
  

• RICS Membership = the professional status you receive after passing
  
  

You cannot become a Chartered Member (MRICS), for example, without successfully completing the required RICS assessment. Similarly, assessments are not standalone qualifications-they exist to grant or upgrade membership.

Key Differences at a Glance

Which One Do You Need?

• If you are starting out, you apply for RICS membership and complete the required assessment.
  
  

• If you are already a member and want to progress, you will undertake another assessment to upgrade your membership level.
  
  

• If you are asking which is “more important,” membership is the goal—but assessment is the gateway.
  
  

Conclusion

RICS Assessment and RICS Membership are closely linked but serve different purposes. The assessment is the structured evaluation of your competence, experience, and ethics, while membership is the professional recognition you earn by successfully completing that assessment.

Understanding this distinction helps you plan your RICS journey more confidently—whether you are aiming for Associate, Chartered, or Fellow status.