Assessment of Professional Competence: A structured period of practical training and experience, which when combined with academic qualifications, leads to Chartered status.

A Chartered Surveyor appointed by the Society to provide advice and guidance to candidates about to (re)sit Final Assessment.

An associate trainee member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors is one who is enrolled on an SCS / RICS - accredited Level 8 surveying degree course, but has not yet completed the degree.

A particular skill: business-related, interpersonal or technical. The APC is comprised of a cross-section of such competencies, each set to a particular level.

A counsellor is a Chartered Surveyor who oversees a trainees' APC. They are responsible for planning the training professional qualification, monitoring the trainees' progress and signing them off as being ready for Final Assessment.

A reduced minimum 12-month APC period. This option is available for trainees with a minimum ten years’ relevant surveying experience.

The culmination of the APC. This is a 2-part process – the submission of documentation and a 1-hour interview. Final Assessments are held twice a year for each division – spring and autumn.

The standard minimum 24-month APC period.

Professional Member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors. A full member of the SCS, having successfully completed the APC.

Pre-Qualification Structured Learning. Additional training that a trainee undertakes during the course of their APC. This can comprise training courses, CPD lectures, structured reading and research, postgraduate study and voluntary work. PQSL is a pre-cursor for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) which is requirement of all Chartered Surveyors.

A candidate who is not successful at Final Assessment is referred and receives a referral report, setting out the reasons for referral. Referred candidates can reapply at the next sitting of the Final Assessments.

A trainee member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors is one who is enrolled on to the APC.