Becoming a quantity surveyor is a rewarding career choice, offering opportunities to work on diverse construction projects while playing a critical role in managing costs and ensuring financial efficiency.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key steps to becoming a quantity surveyor, from educational requirements to essential skills and career growth prospects.

Understand the Role of a Quantity Surveyor

A quantity surveyor (QS) is a construction cost expert responsible for managing project finances, including estimating, budgeting, and cost control. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that projects stay within budget while meeting all necessary quality standards. Understanding the responsibilities and challenges of the role is essential before diving into this career path.

Complete Relevant Education

The first step to becoming a quantity surveyor is completing relevant education. In most cases, a degree in quantity surveying, construction management, or a related field is required. Some universities offer specialized courses in quantity surveying that include subjects such as construction technology, law, and project management. Research universities and colleges offering accredited programs in your region.

For those looking to enter the field without a degree, there are diploma and certification programs available, though career progression may be limited without higher education.

Below is my guide to the route you can take. We go in-depth to show you the advantages and disadvantages of each route with some approximate ages for starting. The outcomes that can be achieved from each route are also outlined to explain at the end of each route what you will likely end up with.

Full-time study route

Duration: 3 – 4 years of full-time study (one year of placement).

Location: University.

Age: 18 – 25-year-olds approximately.

Benefits:

• Fastest time to become qualified.
• In holiday times you could secure placement to put your skills into practice and possibly earn some money.
• More time to complete coursework and study.

Disadvantages:

• Generally, not much time to work during term times due to the study loads and requirements so financially it can be difficult.
• Courses can leave a student with a lot of debt at the end which will need to be paid back once you start working.
• Usually, not much experience or practical skills gained during the course and employers would have to train you how actually work on the job.

Outcomes:

Doing a full-time course will mean you will be qualified faster. The workload of exams and coursework can be intense however you should have more time to complete the work in your free time. At the end of the course, you will have a good textbook idea of being a quantity surveyor but not much practical experience to use.

Some full-time course requires you to complete a year of work experience usually in your third year. This allows the student to gain insights on applying for jobs, interviews and what the day to day life of a quantity surveyor would be if they were successful.

The years’ work experience allows them time to apply what they have learned in university as well as learn on the job from experienced quantity surveyors. This really does benefit the students going into the final year as they will have some practical experience of applying their learning.

Many times, the work experience can lead to employment after or even during the final year. Getting your foot in the door is sometimes the biggest hurdle so working hard and impressing your employers is essential to help you stay on board with them.

Part-time study route – day release or distance learning

Duration: 4 – 6 years of part-time study usually based on one day in university with a study completed at home.

Location: University, college, and home study.

Age: 25 – 35-year-olds approximately.

Benefits:

• Gaining valuable on-the-job experience.
• Get paid for your work.
• A mix of four days working and a day off to visit college/university.
• Employers may pay for the college course but maybe not your time to attend. This would mean less or no debt to pay back once you start working.

Disadvantages:

• Completing coursework and studying after finishing work and the weekends can be hard especially if you have other commitments.
• Duration to complete the course is stretched out over a longer period of time.

Outcomes:

A longer time to complete the qualifications, but to offset that you will have more years of experience than someone who has chosen to do the course full time. This is truly valuable to any employer.

Having your employer pay for the course obviously brings another benefit of less or no debt at the completion of the course.

On the job experience route – No qualifications

Duration: A lifetime.

Location: Anywhere you choose.

Age: 35+-year-olds approximately.

Benefits:

• Fallen into the position after years of experience maybe as a trade person or decided to have a construction career change.
• A good practical idea of how quantity surveying is applied to that trade or construction in general.
• Upskilling and learning new things.

Disadvantages:

• No formal qualifications achieved

Outcomes:

Generally, this approach is for people who have been in construction for a long time as maybe a trade person or another type of construction professional such as an engineer. These experienced people would have a very good idea of the way the industry works and probably a good idea of quantity surveying.

Gain Work Experience

Experience is invaluable in the construction industry. During or after your education, seek internships or entry-level positions with construction firms, engineering companies, or real estate developers. This hands-on experience will help you develop a deeper understanding of the industry’s dynamics and the specific responsibilities of a quantity surveyor.

Many educational programs also include industry placements as part of the curriculum, which is a great way to build experience and expand your professional network.

Pursue Professional Accreditation

After completing your education and gaining experience, it’s essential to pursue professional accreditation to enhance your career prospects. In many countries, professional bodies such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) offer certifications. These designations are highly regarded and demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the profession.

To become certified, you may need to pass exams, complete a certain number of hours in a professional setting, and demonstrate competence through case studies or projects.

Develop Key Skills

In addition to formal education and work experience, certain skills are essential for a successful career as a quantity surveyor. These include:

• Numeracy Skills: Strong mathematical and financial skills are critical for estimating costs and managing budgets.
• Attention to Detail: QS professionals must analyze complex plans, contracts, and financial documents with precision.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication with clients, contractors, and project teams is necessary to ensure smooth project execution.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: A quantity surveyor must find solutions to budget constraints, cost overruns, and contractual disputes.
• Technical Knowledge: A solid understanding of construction methods, materials, and technologies is crucial for accurate project costing.

Build a Professional Network

Networking is a key aspect of career growth in quantity surveying. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to connect with other professionals. Joining online forums and LinkedIn groups focused on construction and quantity surveying can also provide valuable opportunities for mentorship and career advancement.

Keep Up with Industry Trends

The construction industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and methodologies shaping the way projects are managed. Quantity surveyors must stay informed about the latest trends, such as the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), sustainable building practices, and advancements in construction software. Continuing education and professional development courses will keep your skills sharp and your knowledge up to date.

Explore Career Advancement Opportunities

Once you’ve established yourself as a quantity surveyor, there are numerous paths for career advancement. Many quantity surveyors move into senior roles such as project managers, contract managers, or cost consultants. Others may choose to specialize in specific areas such as civil engineering, commercial management, or dispute resolution.

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting your own quantity surveying consultancy is another potential avenue for growth.

Conclusion

Becoming a quantity surveyor is a fulfilling career that offers both personal and professional growth. By following the steps outlined in this guide—education, work experience, professional accreditation, and skill development—you can set yourself up for a successful career in this dynamic field.

With dedication and continuous learning, you’ll be well on your way to making a significant impact on the construction industry.

If you’re interested in learning more about quantity surveying or need professional construction estimating services, contact Measure Manage today at info@measuremanage.com.au or call 08 9747 7034.