Surveyor CPD Hub

How to become a building surveyor in the UK

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Building surveying is the discipline most people picture when they think “surveyor” — the person who inspects a building, works out what’s wrong with it, and advises what to do. This guide explains how to become a building surveyor in the UK: what the job involves, the routes in, and how to specialise. It’s written by a working surveyor who also trains people entering the field, so it’s the practical version, not the brochure one.

Not sure which kind of surveyor you want to be yet? Start with the broader how to become a surveyor overview, then come back here.

What a building surveyor does

A building surveyor assesses the condition and performance of buildings. Day to day that can include:

  • Inspecting and diagnosing defects — damp, movement, roofing, timber, damp and mould, and more.
  • Writing condition reports and advising on repairs and maintenance.
  • Advising on compliance — building regulations, fire safety, accessibility.
  • Specifying and overseeing works, sometimes acting as contract administrator.

It’s broad by design, which is part of the appeal — and it’s a natural base for specialising later (damp, energy, retrofit, party wall).

How to qualify as a building surveyor

The main routes:

  1. RICS-accredited degree → RICS APC. A building surveying (or related) degree accredited by RICS, followed by the Assessment of Professional Competence to become chartered (MRICS).
  2. Surveying apprenticeship. Earn while you learn — see surveying apprenticeships.
  3. Conversion route. A graduate from another subject takes an accredited conversion master’s.
Accredited course lists, the APC and apprenticeship standards change. Confirm the current requirements with RICS before committing time or money.

Skills, earnings and demand

Skills that matter: a methodical eye for defects, sound technical knowledge, clear writing, and good client communication.

Earnings: vary by region, employer and chartered status.

Demand: steady and arguably rising, as building safety, retrofit and housing-condition regulation (Awaab’s Law, MEES) all lean on competent surveyors.

Specialising from building surveying

Building surveying is a springboard. Common specialisms:

Keep your CPD current

From day one, build the habit of keeping up. The free CPD directory lists building-pathology and general surveying CPD worth your time, each with a note on who it suits.

How I can help

I’m a working surveyor who trains new students, so I can help you weigh the routes and avoid expensive wrong turns. My CPD courses are in development — join the list for early access and a launch discount.

Frequently asked questions

What does a building surveyor do?

A building surveyor assesses the condition of buildings — identifying defects, advising on repairs, maintenance and compliance, preparing reports, and often overseeing works. It's a broad, hands-on discipline covering everything from damp and structural movement to fire safety and accessibility.

What qualifications do I need to be a building surveyor?

The common route is an RICS-accredited building surveying degree (or a conversion course) followed by the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to become chartered. Apprenticeships are also available.

How long does it take to become a building surveyor?

Typically several years: an accredited degree plus a structured period of experience leading to the APC. Apprenticeship routes combine work and study over a comparable timeframe.

Do building surveyors need to be chartered?

Not legally — but chartered status (MRICS) is widely expected by employers and clients and opens more work. Many start in surveying roles and work towards it. See our RICS APC guide.

Is building surveying a good career?

Yes — it's varied, in steady demand, and increasingly important as building safety, retrofit and housing-condition regulation expand. If you like buildings, problem-solving and fieldwork, it's a strong choice.