WHAT IS A CHARTERED SURVEYOR? A chartered building surveyor is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and a professional who provides expert advice on land, property and construction issues. Professionalism and integrity are key to the surveyor, and the profession is regulated in the public interest by RICS, which was founded in London in 1868. The words "chartered surveyor" cannot be adequately translated into other languages. As a result, these words are used worldwide and mean "property professional." There are over 100,000 chartered surveyors in some 100 countries, all of who have to meet the same high standards to practice. Only chartered surveyors are allowed to use the MRICS or FRICS after their names. These letters confirm membership as a Member or a Fellow of RICS, respectively.

WHAT DOES A CHARTERED BUILDING SURVEYOR DO? Chartered building surveyors provide professional advice on many issues regarding the development, construction, and occupation of residential and commercial properties. Their extensive training ensures that they are well trained in building technology, governmental codes and regulations, building contracts, building techniques, methods and systems, and construction costs. Primarily, building surveyors are trained to opine on the physical condition of a building or to render forensic services or problem analysis to identify and remedy construction deficiencies. All types of clients rely on surveyors for representation in building disputes and to resolve the complexities of planning and building regulations.

WHAT IS RICS EUROPE? Based in Brussels, RICS Europe provides support and assists the development and coordination of national associations. The office also monitors the work of the European institutions for its impact on the property and construction worlds and informs national associations accordingly. There are 19 national associations of chartered surveyors in Europe, which form the European Society of Chartered Surveyors. While most of RICS membership is based in the UK, there are now about 3000 members practicing in continental Europe and the Republic of Ireland. Members can now be found in most of the European Union and increasingly in the USA and Eastern European countries as well.

The standard route to becoming a chartered surveyor requires: a university degree which is accredited by RICS; two-year practical experience in various areas of real estate; and successful completion of the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)

Chartered surveyors are bound by strict rules of conduct on matters such as client confidentiality, conflict of interest, and codes of conduct. RICS Europe associations promote these standards of professional practice.