Frequently Asked Questions

Membership

FAQs

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What are the routes to membership?

How do I list my firm on the RICS Find A Surveyor Website?

How much does it cost to become a member?

What are your requirements for continued professional development (CPD) and what activities qualify?

How do I get my CPD course validated/approved?

How can I become a student member?

Where can I learn about RICS accredited courses?

How can I connect with members around the world?

How can I register for the RICS global website - www.rics.org?

What is the RICS member expense and reimbursement policy?

1.	What are the routes to membership?
2.	How do I list my firm on the RICS Find A Surveyor Website? The RICS Find A Surveyor website is maintained and published by Waterlow Legal and Regulatory, the RICS's publishing partner. Member firms can advertise on the website under two options: Free Entry and Extended Entry. Fees apply to the Extended Entry.
3.	How much does it cost to become a member? Membership fees vary depending on your route to membership. Most individuals are required to pay an application fee, election fees and annual subscription upon election. Please submit your resume here so we can evaluate your qualifications to determine if you qualify for a route to membership.
4.	What are your requirements for continued professional development (CPD) and what activities qualify? Both candidates and members are expected to complete approximately 20 hours of professional development each year. CPD is a reflection of: - Career achievements to date - Important lessons learned - What makes you want to learn and develop? Types of activities include: - Professional work-based activities - Self-directed and informal learning (books, journals) - Personal activities outside work - Courses, seminars and conferences CPD is meant to be your personal journey toward maintaining and building skills that make you professionally and technically competent. The process is self-certified and with the exception of events, books and programs that we offer jointly with other organizations - we don't recommend specific providers. Since 2004, RICS members have been expected to record their CPD on the RICS website. A guide on the process and web site is noted here: http://www.rics.org/cpd
5.	How do I get my CPD course validated/approved? RICS does not validate or approve its members' CPD activities and commercial providers should not advertise an event as 'qualifying' for CPD. Defining a suitable CPD program is a personal matter and the decision about what to record and how much time to attribute to a particular event is entirely the responsibility of the individual. Although some course providers offer delegates certificates of attendance, these are not required when submitting CPD evidence to RICS.
6.	How can I become a student member? Student membership is free and will provide you with a range of services to help you stay ahead of the pack. As a student member you receive free access to the RICS library for books, articles and reports - all available online. You also have access to member-only content on www.rics.org as well as regular emails keeping you up to date on the world of real estate. Apply online today for Student Membership by visiting http://www.rics.org/studentmembership.
7.	Where can I learn about RICS accredited courses? To view 500 accredited degree courses in land, property and the built environment, visit the RICS course search online at www.ricscourses.org. RICS has many different routes to membership – you may not be required to have an RICS accredited degree to be eligible for a route to membership.
8.	How can I connect with members around the world? The global member directory contains information for qualified RICS members (including retired and non practicing members) covering all RICS World regions. You can access the directory here: http://www.rics.org/RICSWEB/FindColleague.aspx You can also access the RICS Americas Directory by visiting www.ricsamericas.org/directory
9.	How can I register for the RICS global website - www.rics.org? The members’ only section of the RICS website is available to students, trainees, AssocRICS, MRICS and FRICS. First, go to: https://www.rics.org/RICSWEB/Member/Register.aspx Second, enter your membership number and your date of birth beginning with the day (DD/MM/YYYY). Finally, read and accept the RICS Terms and Conditions. How do I reset my password on www.rics.org? In order to reset your password you should click on ‘Forgotten Password’ and follow the instructions. If you still continue to experience difficulty you should email the Contact Centre at contactrics@rics.org and they will reset your password.
11.	What is the RICS member expense and reimbursement policy? The following policy applies to any expenses for which members seek reimbursement from RICS Americas. RICS Americas operates within a fixed budget over a fiscal year. This budget cannot fund all activities proposed by members. Any reimbursable expense must be pre-approved in writing by a Director of RICS Americas. Any member who seeks to incur an expense on behalf of RICS Americas (e.g., by attending a meeting or underwriting an event) may submit a proposal to the RICS Americas Finance Manager, using the Expense Form which can be found here: Member Expenses Claim Form. Any expense not pre-approved by a Director in writing will not be reimbursed. A decision to approve the expenses may be made on, but is not limited to: current budget expenditures, calendar, short and long-term goals of the organization. Every expense proposal must present a business case for the expense, demonstrating the following: Compliance with RICS’ global mission and brand guidelines; Compliance with RICS Americas’ strategy and priorities to serve the global mission; Return On Investment (ROI). Priority will be given to activities that maximize achievement of objectives and ROI. Core objectives include the following: Regulate and promote the property professions Set and maintain the highest educational and professional standards Protect clients and consumers through a strict code of ethics Provide impartial advice, analysis and guidance Develop the membership Increase visibility of the RICS brand RICS Americas may also consider risk (financial or brand) in evaluation of any proposal. Thus proposals should include timing and estimated budget for contingencies. Expense Reimbursement: Policies All expenses submitted to RICS Americas for payment must be accompanied by both an expense report, which can be found at www.ricsamericas.org/memberexpenses, as well as a receipt for each expense item listed. RICS will only reimburse members for economy air travel for any flight of 7 hours or less. Anyone who travels business class or first class will have to pay the difference between economy and the class in which they travel. There will be no exceptions to this rule. RICS will reimburse members for reasonable meals, lodging and transportation only on days required for events and/or meetings. Members and staff will be reimbursed up to $200/night for hotel charges. Any charges above $200/night will need to be pre-approved by a Director. RICS Americas will not reimburse any recreational activities including but not limited to rounds of golf, tennis games, professional sports events, etc. RICS Americas members are responsible for scheduling their own travel unless otherwise notified. RICS Americas will not reimburse for guests or companions travelling with a member. RICS Americas does not reimburse for the purchase of books, magazines or newspapers, gifts or souvenirs. RICS Americas will not reimburse members for laundry and/or dry cleaning while traveling. Expenses must be submitted within 90 days from when the expenses are incurred. All expense reports must be sent to Ann Maguire, Finance Manager, via mail or email at amaguire@rics.org.