If you’re planning to become professionally recognized in the construction, property, or infrastructure industry, you’ve likely asked this question:

Which comes first — RICS Assessment or RICS Membership?

The short answer is simple:

RICS Assessment comes first. Membership comes after you pass.

But let’s explore what that really means and how the process works.

Understanding RICS

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is a globally respected professional body that sets standards in land, property, real estate, construction, and infrastructure.

Professionals who meet its standards earn internationally recognized designations such as:

• MRICS – Member of RICS
  
  

• FRICS – Fellow of RICS
  
  

However, you don’t automatically become a member. You must first go through a formal assessment process.

Step 1: RICS Assessment – The Qualification Process

The RICS Assessment is the evaluation stage. It is how RICS determines whether you meet its professional and ethical standards.

The most common route is the APC (Assessment of Professional Competence), which typically includes:

• Structured training (12–24 months depending on experience)
  
  

• Documented professional experience
  
  

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
  
  

• A case study
  
  

• A final professional interview
  
  

Other routes may apply depending on your qualifications and experience level.

During this stage, you are considered a candidate, not yet a member.

This is the step that comes first.

Step 2: RICS Membership – The Professional Status

Once you successfully pass your assessment, you are awarded RICS Membership.

At this stage:

• You can use the designation MRICS after your name
  
  

• You must comply with RICS ethical and professional standards
  
  

• You gain global recognition
  
  

• You access professional networks and industry credibility
  
  

Membership is the result — not the starting point.

Why the Confusion?

Many professionals mix up the two terms because:

• The assessment process is often called “doing RICS”
  
  

• People say “I’m applying for RICS” when they actually mean applying for the assessment
  
  

• Both are part of the same journey
  
  

But technically:

• Assessment = The evaluation process
  
  

• Membership = The status granted after passing
  
  

A Simple Analogy

Think of it like a university degree:

• The assessment is like completing your exams.
  
  

• The membership is like receiving your graduation certificate.
  
  

You cannot receive the certificate without passing the exams.

Why This Order Matters

Understanding the sequence helps you:

• Plan your training timeline properly
  
  

• Choose the correct assessment route
  
  

• Prepare documentation early
  
  

• Avoid confusion during application
  
  

It also sets realistic expectations — membership is earned, not applied for directly.

Well-known platforms such as WritingAhead.com and RplWritingServices.com fall into this category, offering structured support tailored to RICS pathways, including APC and RPL routes.

Final Answer

So, which comes first?

✅ RICS Assessment
⬇
🏆 RICS Membership

If you're starting your professional journey with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, focus first on understanding and preparing for the assessment route that matches your experience.