A key component of the APC, the case study is your opportunity to demonstrate your range of skills and competencies. Here’s some key tips all based around questions recently asked by candidates.
I have just started my APC and was wondering when I should be thinking about my case study?
If you’re on the Structured 24 route, you shouldn’t worry about it until the second year. Firstly, you may not have the range of live experience to choose from. Secondly, if you rotate seats and undertake different types of work, you may have not of found something you are best suited to yet. Your first year is really about your learning and development as a surveyor. In your pathway guide, there will be a timeline which help’s you to manage this.
Would it be better to write about a project from start to finish or should I look to target one specific aspect?
Target one aspect, so for example, foundations. The project does not need to be completed 100%, just the part you are writing about.
Are you able to use a project undertaken whilst working for a previous employer?
Your project(s) needs to be undertaken up to two years before your assessment. As long as this is the case, altering your employment will not be a problem.
How do I find hooks in all mandatory and technical competencies?
In your pathway guide, there is a Case Study checklist which brilliantly bullet-points potential hooks you could use. Keep in mind though that the checklist is not a syllabus - you don’t need to know or do all of it. Think of it more as a menu where you can pick and choose tasks and activities you have carried out.
When it comes to the presentation, do you have an opinion on whether assessors prefer visual aids, or do you just want to hear about the case study?
The most important thing is that you are comfortable. Some people get in a muddle, others like to use visual aids as a crutch. If you have one, make sure it is relevant and not a distraction - use it to enhance, not dominate your presentation.
These questions were all raised during online Q&A run by the RICS Training team. The free to attend ‘Ask me anything’ sessions take place once a month. They are an opportunity for candidates to put any questions they may have about the APC process to an APC Assessor, or members of the RICS Membership and Training teams. Sign up for the next one here