What Does It Take To Become A Quantity Surveyor?

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If you're looking for a career that requires a practical approach to work, together with good numerical skills, you might want to consider becoming a quantity surveyor.

Quantity surveyors' work entails managing costings relating to construction projects from the initial estimates right through to the final figures. The work can be carried out in an office environment or actually on-site.

So what qualifications and experience do you need to become a quantity surveyor? Read on for a helpful overview.

Qualifications required for a quantity surveyor role

Although a degree in quantity surveying is desirable, you can use a degree in the following subjects to enter a postgraduate conversion course:

  • construction
  • civil engineering
  • structural engineering
  • mathematics
  • geography

On completion of a two year accredited postgrad course, you will be qualified to work as a quantity surveyors. If an employer sees you as a promising and desirable candidate, they may fund you through your postgrad training.

If you don't have a degree, you could still enter the industry as a technical surveyor, later upgrading your qualifications through part-time study.

To catch a potential future employer's eye, it's well-worth asking around to see if any internships are available or if you could undertake a few weeks' unpaid work experience during university holidays or downtime.

Essential skills you'll need for a career as a quantity surveyor

There are a number of essential skills that you will need to demonstrate in order to become a quantity surveyor.

  1. You must have a logical mind and a methodical, practical way of working.
  2. Your problem solving skills must be creative and strong.
  3. You will need to be good at working with figures, including in areas such as financial management and budgets.
  4. You must be computer literate and willing to learn how to use various design and costing software packages.
  5.  You'll need strong written communication skills and be able to produce accurate and complex reports.
  6. Your team management and negotiation skills will need to be strong to enable you to lead and motivate your team, both in the office and on-site.
  7. You must be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the construction industry and its processes.
  8. You will need to acquire an in-depth knowledge of business and legal matters pertaining to the building and construction fields.

If this sounds like the sort of work you would like to do and you have the right skills and qualifications, why not contact a local quantity surveyor to find out more about joining the industry?

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17 January 2017

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Hi, my name is Robert. For many years I worked for a large corporation, and my employer paid tax on my behalf. I knew that my tax money helped to keep the streets clean and roads repaired, but beyond that, I never gave it a second thought. However, a few years ago, I started work as a freelance graphic artist. I really enjoyed the freedom of being my own boss and setting my own hours, but I didn't like having to fill out my tax returns. I spent many hours learning about how the tax system works and the correct way of filing my tax returns and applying for rebates. I decided to start this blog so I could pass on my knowledge to other self-employed people who are confused by the tax system.

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