Professional Accreditation

9 months ago
Ashley
6 minutes

Professional Accreditation for Quantity Surveyors: Your Gateway to Expertise in Contracts, Procurement, and Dispute Resolution

As the construction and procurement industries grow increasingly complex, Quantity Surveyors (QS) play a vital role in managing project costs, contracts, and risks. To maintain the highest standards of practice, professional accreditation is crucial. It validates your expertise, boosts credibility, and enhances career prospects, especially when working with specialised contracts like the NEC (New Engineering Contract) or handling procurement and arbitration processes.

For QS professionals looking to elevate their careers, obtaining professional accreditation from bodies like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) opens doors to advanced opportunities in cost management, contract administration, and dispute resolution.

What is Professional Accreditation?

Professional accreditation is the formal recognition by a governing body that a Quantity Surveyor has met the required competencies, ethical standards, and knowledge necessary to practice effectively. Accredited QS professionals are recognised for their ability to handle complex contracts, manage procurement processes, and resolve disputes through arbitration.

For QS professionals, the most recognised accrediting bodies include:

  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
  • Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)
  • Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
  • Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
  • International Cost Engineering Council (ICEC)

These organisations set the benchmark for skills in areas like cost control, procurement management, contract administration (particularly for NEC contracts), and arbitration.

Why is Professional Accreditation Important for Quantity Surveyors?

  1. Credibility & Trust: Accreditation signals to employers, clients, and stakeholders that you adhere to global industry standards. This is especially important when managing large-scale projects that use complex contracts like NEC or when overseeing procurement processes governed by CIPS standards.
  2. Career Advancement: Accreditation is often a prerequisite for senior QS roles, especially for those involved in NEC contracts, procurement-heavy projects, or dispute resolution. Specialising in procurement with CIPS or arbitration with CIArb can provide a significant edge in the job market.
  3. Contract and Dispute Resolution Expertise: Accredited QS professionals are well-equipped to administer contracts like NEC3 and NEC4, which are known for their collaborative approach to project management. Additionally, qualifications from CIArb help QS professionals manage and resolve disputes, an increasingly critical skill in complex construction projects.
  4. Global Recognition: Accreditation from bodies like RICS, CIPS, and CIArb is recognised worldwide, allowing QS professionals to work on international projects or across borders without needing further qualifications.
  5. Ethical and Professional Standards: Accredited QS professionals are bound by a strict code of ethics, ensuring they operate with integrity in all aspects of their work, including contract negotiation, procurement, and arbitration.
  6. Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Accredited professionals must commit to lifelong learning, keeping up with the latest developments in contracts like NEC, procurement regulations, and arbitration procedures. This ensures that they remain at the forefront of the industry.

Steps to Achieve Professional Accreditation as a Quantity Surveyor

1. Academic Qualifications

To begin the accreditation journey, aspiring QS professionals must first obtain a degree in Quantity Surveying or a related field. Many accrediting bodies, including RICS, CIPS, and CIArb, require candidates to have completed an accredited program to ensure their academic foundation meets industry standards.

2. Work Experience

QS professionals are typically required to accumulate practical experience, often under the guidance of a chartered surveyor. Experience with projects using NEC contracts or handling procurement processes can be particularly valuable, as these skills are highly sought after.

3. Professional Competency Exams

Accredited bodies like RICS require candidates to pass rigorous assessments, such as the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), which evaluates expertise in key areas like procurement, contract administration, and dispute resolution.

For those focusing on procurement, CIPS offers globally recognised qualifications, while CIArb provides specialised training in arbitration and dispute management, which are essential for resolving conflicts in large construction projects.

4. CPD and Lifelong Learning

After becoming accredited, QS professionals must continue their professional development. This includes staying updated on the latest NEC contract revisions, procurement techniques, and arbitration trends to maintain their accreditation and stay competitive in the field.

Key Professional Bodies for Quantity Surveyors

  1. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): RICS is the leading global body for QS professionals, offering the prestigious title of “Chartered Surveyor.” RICS accreditation ensures proficiency in all aspects of quantity surveying, including contracts and cost management.
  2. Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS): CIPS accreditation is highly valued for QS professionals involved in procurement and supply chain management, ensuring they are well-versed in procurement best practices and regulations.
  3. Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb): CIArb offers specialised qualifications in arbitration and dispute resolution, which are essential for QS professionals managing contractual disputes. CIArb accreditation is ideal for QS professionals looking to add arbitration to their skill set.
  4. Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB): CIOB accreditation focuses on QS professionals working within the construction sector, providing specialised knowledge in construction project management and cost engineering.
  5. International Cost Engineering Council (ICEC): ICEC certification is recognised globally, enabling QS professionals to work on international projects that require expertise in cost engineering and management.

Understanding NEC Contracts and Their Importance to Quantity Surveyors

The NEC contracts are now widely regarded as a leading standard for project management, focusing on collaboration, flexibility, and equitable risk-sharing. NEC contracts are used across sectors such as infrastructure, public projects, and utilities, and QS professionals must be adept at administering these contracts. Accreditation from bodies like RICS, CIPS, and CIArb ensures that QS professionals have the required skills to manage NEC3 and NEC4 contracts effectively.

For QS professionals, expertise in NEC contracts is critical, as they are often the preferred contractual framework for large-scale, complex projects. Accredited QS professionals are responsible for ensuring that projects adhere to NEC principles, including clear communication, risk management, and cost control.

The Role of Arbitration in Quantity Surveying

Dispute resolution is a growing area of responsibility for QS professionals, particularly those involved in large construction projects. With accreditation from CIArb, QS professionals gain the skills needed to resolve disputes through arbitration, which is faster and more cost-effective than litigation. Arbitration is becoming a critical service for quantity surveyors working with contracts like NEC, where the potential for disputes can arise over delays, payments, or contract changes.

Benefits of Joining a Professional Body

  • Networking Opportunities: Accredited QS professionals gain access to a vast network of peers, industry experts, and potential clients through organisations like RICS, CIPS, and CIArb.
  • Access to Resources: Members enjoy access to cutting-edge research, publications, and training in contracts like NEC and dispute resolution strategies, helping them stay competitive in the industry.
  • Career Security and Legal Support: Professional bodies often offer legal protection and support for their members, especially in cases of contractual disputes or professional liability issues.

Conclusion

Pursuing professional accreditation is a critical step in the career of any Quantity Surveyor. Whether you’re managing complex NEC contracts, navigating procurement with CIPS, or resolving disputes through CIArb, professional accreditation equips you with the skills, credibility, and global recognition needed to succeed. With the support of ongoing professional development, accreditation ensures you remain competitive and capable in this fast-evolving industry.

Ready to take the next step toward professional accreditation? Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or need advice on how to get started!