by jbs031510 e3 — March 17, 2010—The U.K.’s RICS (the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) has extended its new grade of Associate membership to include the project management sector of the property industry. With AssocRICS, those with relevant experience or qualifications working within project management now have the chance to achieve an internationally recognized professional qualification, says the organization.
AssocRICS will provide more project managers with the opportunity to gain recognition for their skills with a qualification that will certify ethical standards and competence levels. It is an entry-level professional qualification that offers an alternative to the RICS graduate route for those without a degree.
AssocRICS can also offer a progressive route to chartered project management surveyor status for highly skilled professionals by enabling project managers with vocational competence to undertake study modules to work towards a final assessment of professional competence.
The Associate Assessment process is online and competency based, and the qualification is achieved by demonstrating that RICS standards have been met through relevant work experience and/or qualifications.
Property Management is the fifth specialization added since AssocRICS was launched in 2009. The Associate qualification is also available to those working in Facilities Management (added January 2010), Quantity Surveying and Construction, Residential Estate Agency, and Residential Survey and Valuation in the U.K. Those working outside the U.K. and in other property fields are directed to the Web site for RICS’ Assessment of Technical Competence (ATC).
