Achieving Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) status is one of the most significant milestones in a property professional's career. It requires rigorous experience, ethical compliance, and successfully passing the highly demanding Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). We spoke with Esme Briggs following her recent success to understand the dedication and strategy it took to earn her MRICS. Esme shares an honest account of the preparation process, the toughest challenges she faced, and the invaluable support that made the difference.
Q: What exactly does becoming a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) involve?
A: Becoming Chartered means proving that you work to the high professional standards set by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). You build up your experience, record your competencies, complete your ethics training, and then present your case study and summary of experience at the final Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This is a one-hour interview style assessment in front of a panel.
Q: How would you describe the last few months of preparation and the final assessment day?
A: In the last few months, my routine became fully centred around revision. This involved going over my submission, practising my case study presentation, and many Q&As. It was intense, but I felt fully prepared by the assessment day.
Q: What was the single most challenging part of the APC process, and how did you overcome it?
A: The most challenging part was the interview-style assessment process which I had to get used to. I managed this through practice, with numerous Q&As with other people in the industry (friends and strangers). Everyone was incredibly kind in giving up their time to question me, which really helped build my confidence and familiarity with the process.
Q: If you had to give one piece of advice to someone starting their APC journey, what would it be?
A: My advice would be to find someone else going through the APC at a similar stage to study with, as you can learn a lot from each other’s experiences. I’d also recommend doing a few mock interviews early on, as they really help build confidence and identify areas to improve.
Q: How important was the full support from your team at Potter Space, and how did that support manifest itself during your busy preparation period?
A: The support from Potter Space was invaluable. They gave me dedicated time during work hours for revision, including sessions with a mentor and Q&As, which made a significant difference in helping me prepare effectively. Everyone also regularly checked in to see how I was getting on, which was very encouraging.
Esme's journey highlights that the APC is not just an assessment of technical knowledge, but a test of endurance and a demonstration of professional maturity. Her emphasis on peer support and the critical role of dedicated employer time provides a clear roadmap for future candidates. Congratulations to Esme on achieving her MRICS status—a testament to her hard work and the support of the Potter Space team.
