Becoming a Chartered Surveyor: APC Structured Training at Symonds & Sampson

Published: 23/05/2025 By Salome Shaddick

The journey to becoming a Chartered Surveyor is a rigorous but rewarding process—one that requires both technical expertise and real-world experience. Salome Shaddick from our Tiverton Office recently completed the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) via Symonds & Sampson’s 24-month Structured Training Route and is proud to now be a Chartered Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. In this article, she details her journey. 

The journey demanded a lot: early mornings, late nights, and weekends filled with revision. But it was made possible—and far more effective—thanks to the practical experience I gained through my day-to-day work, and the structured support offered through Symonds & Sampson’s APC Study Group.

What is the Structured Training Route?

The Structured Training Route is the most common path for graduate surveyors working toward RICS Chartered status. It’s a two-year programme during which candidates log experience across technical, mandatory, and ethical competencies, submit a written case study, and sit a final interview with a panel of assessors.

As someone on the Rural pathway, I had to demonstrate competence in key areas including:

• Valuation
• Landlord & Tenant
• Agriculture
• Purchase & Sale
• Auctioneering
• Planning & Development Management
• Management of the Natural Environment and Landscape

Each competency builds from Level 1 (knowledge), to Level 2 (practical application), to Level 3 (providing advice). Hitting these benchmarks requires not just exposure to the work—but deep understanding, accurate record keeping, and clear communication.

A Role That Offers Real Variety & Personal Commitment

One of the greatest advantages I had in meeting the above requirements was the variety and responsibility built into my role at Symonds & Sampson. I was able to gain direct experience across all required competencies —something essential to succeeding at final assessment.

While I was able to gain a range of relevant experience in my role, the real challenge came outside of normal working hours. Passing the APC required more than just being involved in the right types of work—it meant fully understanding it, being able to explain it, and applying it under pressure.

Much of the preparation took place on my own time:

• Early morning and late-night revision
• Reading RICS guidance, case law, and practice standards
• Practising mock interviews and technical Q&A
• Writing, reviewing, and refining my case study
• Reflecting on real-life examples and how they mapped to APC competencies

APC Study Groups: A Valuable Support System

What truly distinguishes the training environment at Symonds & Sampson is the monthly APC Study Group, where candidates across the firm meet to share knowledge, build confidence, and prepare for assessment.

These sessions are varied and practical, including:

• On-farm practicals
• Legislation updates
• Mock interviews and public speaking
• Presentations by subject specialists
• Case study feedback and peer review

Not only did these sessions provide an excellent opportunity to test my knowledge and ask questions in a safe environment, they also helped me develop the softer skills required for professional practice and the APC interview - particularly in communication, ethics, and professional judgement.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Chartered Surveyor through the APC Structured Training Route is no small feat. It demands consistency, curiosity, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. At Symonds & Sampson, I was fortunate to have access to a broad and stimulating workload, senior colleagues who offered guidance and insight, and a formal study support structure that kept me on track from start to finish.

Looking back, the qualification wasn’t about one big moment—it was the outcome of a lot of small, consistent efforts over time. Staying organised, putting in the hours, and making space to learn made all the difference.

If you’re just beginning your APC journey or looking to support someone through theirs, I cannot overstate the importance of variety in your workload, regular reflection, and the value of peer-led learning.

Salome Shaddick MRICS can be contacted at our Tiverton Office on 01884 218911.

If you would like to know more about careers in property, whether following Salome into Rural Surveying, or within our Residential, Commercial and essential supporting sectors, please do click here or get in touch.