A Career in surveying - Route from Dip HI to Tech RICS Mortgage Valuer

The RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) approves the Diploma in Home Inspection (Dip HI) as a relevant work-based learning qualification for Technical Membership of the RICS (Tech RICS).

In order to achieve Tech RICS status, all candidates need to gain at least 100 tariff or 'Calibration' points. The Dip HI qualification provides 75 tariff points. There are two ways to top-up the additional 25 points required:

Option 1: Dip HI plus five years relevant industry experience;

Option 2: Dip HI plus an additional 12 months 'Structured Training' gained by working within a firm of chartered surveyors;

For Home Inspectors who have not gained their qualification through a firm of chartered surveyors, Option 2 is likely to be their preferred choice.

There are rules for what may be regarded as 'Structured Training'. Essentially this training must be relevant to the needs of the Candidate who must be able to show that they have been exposed to the correct competencies relevant to their work role.

The structured training needs to take place during the 'Diary and Log-Book' period which is likely to take around 12 months.

The Core Competencies and Optional Competencies as defined by the RICS, will vary dependant upon chosen pathways.

Valuation and Survey competencies will be highly relevant to anyone supported through a firm of chartered valuation surveyors, so special arrangements will need to be made so far as structured training and mentoring are concerned.

The company who takes you on as a Tech RICS candidate will need to nominate Counsellor who takes responsibility for mentoring you through the ATC (Assessment of Technical Competence) process, and who makes the decision as to whether you are ready to go forward for Final Assessment.

The Route may be summarised as follows:

1. Candidate completes a standard resume (CV);
2. Candidate formally enrols with RICS and describes the chartered surveyor mentoring arrangements;
3. RICS confirm Enrolment;
4. Candidate starts doing the Diary and Log-Book;
5. After 12 months, if the Counsellor/Mentor is happy that the candidate has had the structured training and is competent in the core areas for valuation and survey activity, they sign-off the candidate as ready to go forward for Final Assessment;
6. Final Assessment of the candidate takes place.

Final assessment does not ordinarily involve an interview, but is usually by written submission. However, if the candidate is referred on the submission, or a decision is not clear, the candidate may be referred to interview.

Importantly, there are only two sittings per year of the interview.

If a candidate wishes to take the Residential Survey and Valuation pathway, then they are also required to complete specific valuation modules. This is outlined on the notes following the calibration table, with regard to HI Diploma holders.

Some candidates may have 100 points already, made up from other boxes on the calibration table. If this is the case then they could potentially apply for direct access and be ready for final assessment immediately.

For more information about our Route from Dip HI to Tech RICS Mortgage Valuer we offer, contact us.

For more information about EPCs, HCRs, HIs and DEAs please read the governments Home Information Pack site.

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