General Interview Information

Question 1

What is the pass criteria?

Answer 1

Demonstrating a spread and balance of experience

Achieved the required amount of competence

Demonstrate good written and verbal skills

Question 2

Common faults which you may fail an APC?

Answer 2

Submission not presented well

Presentation does not match the candidates experience

Attitude and communication not professional

Candidate unable to demonstrate knowledge or experience.

Automatic referral if ethics are failed.

Question 3

Why is the presentation important?

Answer 3

It gives significant indicator on how professional the candidate is.

Question 4

Who is the President of RICS?

Answer 4

President – Kathleen Fontana

Question 5

Who is the CEO of RICS?

Answer 5

CEO – Sean Tompkins

Question 6

What is Lion heart?

Answer 6

Lion heart – charity to help all RICS members and their families if they are struggling for what ever reason.

Question 7

Tell me about RICS Guidance notes and professional statements?

Answer 7

Guidance notes are not mandatory and are only recommendations.

Professional and practice statements are mandatory.

It is thought acting within any RICS publications guidance wont go against you in the event of a claim.

Question 8

Issues surrounding the industry?

Answer 8

Fire Safety Act 2021 introduced - External walls and doors apply to the RRO.

Material availability in construction causing delays and increases in costs generally.

Force majeure, delays and COVID-19 - Contractors and Employers being asked to work together with an amical approach.

How long a contractors holding there prices due to the material cost increases.

Question 9

RICS Sectors?

Answer 9

built environment
land
construction

Question 10

What is the structure of the RICS?

Answer 10

Royal charter - requires promotion of the profession for public advantage.

Governing body - RICS governs its members to ensure consistency, quality and are acting/advising with the highest of service/principles etc.

Adjudication board - Disputes

Bye-laws - Rules and Regulations for members and firms.

Question 11

What would you do if your client explained that they had received a cheaper quote from a competitor?

Answer 11

Rather than reduce the fee (this devalues the profession) try and advise that your service may include additional items, or perhaps reduce the scope in order to reduce the fee.

Question 12

Explain your process from a client calling about a service to arriving at site?

Answer 12

Determine and confirm if their requirements can be met.
Conflict of interest / money laundering checks
Discuss requirements and propose a fee
Issue terms of engagement
Review of property information inc – lease / EPC/ H&S files / asbestos report etc
Desktop study – google street view / mining report / floor risk / radon etc

Question 13

Why do you want to join RICS?

Answer 13

• International recognition of expertise by clients and peers
• Competitive advantage - known mark of quality
• Consumer protection for clients due to rules and ethical standards.

Question 14

Where are hearings posted for claims/cases against surveyors?

Answer 14

In the rear of Modus.

Question 15

Why should a chartered surveyor remain solvent?

Answer 15

• It’s a rule for members and firms (rules of conduct)
• Could be vulnerable to bribery
• Doesn’t promote trust in the profession.

Question 16

Why do firms have to have PI insurance?

Answer 16

• To protect the client in the case of poor advice.
• Provides assurance to clients about the advice their receiving is insurance backed.
• Protects firms
• It’s a rule for regulated firms (rules of conduct)

Question 17

How much PI cover must a regulated firm have?

Answer 17

Turnover £ 100,000 or less = £ 250,000 limit of indemnity

£ 100,001 to £ 200,000= £ 500,000 limit of indemnity

Over £ 200,000 = £ 1,000,000 limit of indemnity

Question 18

Where can you find out more about PII requirements for RICS firms?

Answer 18

RICS regulation document (online) - Professional indemnity insurance requirements

(Version 5 with effect from 2 July 2019)

Question 19

What are the CPD requirements for a MRICS?

Answer 19

20 hours. 10 formal, 10 informal. Definitions of formal/informal. recorded by December.

Members must train ethics every 3 years.

Question 20

How do you set up an RICS regulated firm?

Answer 20

• Set up a company bank account (to be paid)
• PII (estimate turnover to calculate) alongside other insurance such as public liability, buildings insurance, employer liability cover, directors and officers cover, contents insurance, business interruption insurance.
• Register company with Companies House and the RICS. Provide company name, number
• At least 25% of principles in in firm must be MRICS to be eligible (i.e. director, seniors, partners). If 50% required to register with RICS.
• Make clear what the professional service you are offering
• Have provisions in place for incapacity or death of sole practitioner
• Appoint a contact officer
• State if you are to handle clients money. If so, confirm arrangements for handling clients money

Question 21

What is the RICS’ mission?

Answer 21

To underpin the calibre of the profession to the highest standards

To shape the future by turning best vision into best practice

Question 22

What are some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ?

Answer 22

No poverty
No hunger
Good health and wellbeing
Quality education
Equality
Clean water and sanitation
Affordable and clean energy
Decent work and economic growth
Climate action
Life below water
Life on land

Question 23

What do you know about Flooding?

Answer 23

Flood plans
Flood risk assessment
Causes: Surface rainwater, Rivers and Seas
Environment agent has a responsibility for defence and management

Question 24

Are the Rules of Conduct changing? (Firms and Members)?

Answer 24

Consultation currently occurring.

New format - 5 Rules w/ Appendix A - Professional Obligations

Question 25

Do you have to register your firm with RICS?

Answer 25

Yes must send application form to RICS. Check the Rules for Registration note.

Required to register if 50% of principles are members of rics.

Eligible to register if 25% of principles are members of rics.

Adhere to the 12 Rules for Firms.

Question 26

How are the RICS supporting members through COVID?

Answer 26

• Updates

- Producing guidance documents (Physical inspections)

Question 27

How does a roof DPM fail?

Answer 27

Old materials like bitumen membranes become brittle with age and rip due to thermal movement.

Question 28

How does a roof DPM fail at eaves level?

Answer 28

If the DPM is incorrectly installed without correct support, it will ‘sag’ causing rainwater to collect and the leading edge of the felt to fall behind the gutter. This will allow rainwater to be channelled into the eaves construction resulting in decay and damage.