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Quantity surveyor

Alternative titles for this job include

Quantity surveyors oversee construction projects, managing risks and controlling costs.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£80,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a quantity surveyor

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • a graduate training scheme

University

You could do a quantity surveying degree or a postgraduate conversion course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Useful degree subjects include:

  • construction
  • structural or civil engineering
  • maths
  • geography
  • economics
  • land studies

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could take a surveying technician advanced apprenticeship, followed by further training on the job, or a chartered surveyor or construction quantity surveyor degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start work as a surveying technician or surveying assistant, and study part-time to become a quantity surveyor.

Other Routes

You could get a postgraduate surveying qualification through a graduate trainee scheme with a company or through distance learning with the University College of Estate Management.

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a quantity surveyor from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Go Construct.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • persistence and determination
  • knowledge of building and construction
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

  • find out a client's needs and assess if the plans are feasible
  • work out quantities and costs of materials, time and labour for tenders
  • negotiate contracts and work schedules
  • advise on legal matters, including risks and disputes
  • monitor sub-contractors and stages of construction
  • report on costs and prepare accounts for payment
  • keep up to date with construction methods and materials
  • follow health and safety and building regulations

Working environment

You could work at a client's business or in an office.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior quantity surveyor or move into senior project management, supply chain management, consultancy work or self-employment.

You could specialise in areas like planning, risk assessment or contract disputes.

Another option is to move into lecturing at a university or college.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Courses In England

Study Programme - Level 3 Construction Quantity Surveying

  • Provider: WAKEFIELD COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2022
  • Location: Castleford
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