APC: referrals

8 January 2013

Ewan Craig looks at past data on APC referrals and considers how it could help increase your chances of success

This feature looks at the primary areas in which candidates have been referred and gives an insight into the APC, aiding candidates in learning where others have been advised to improve. It is aimed at candidates starting their APC or working towards their final submission, but will also be of interest to supervisors, councillors and others working with the APC as they review, support and guide candidates.

A referral is usually because the candidate needs to improve over multiple areas rather than a single one, e.g. two technical competencies. Figure 1 shows that the technical competencies are the most common weakness in candidates (but is only indicative as APC referral data is generic across all of those referred and they may have been referred for more than one reason). It also shows that referrals do cover all aspects of the APC so you
should not be complacent in any area.

Figure 1: General reasons for APC referrals

The core competencies were the primary reason for referral within the technical competencies in 2010 and 2011. Weaknesses in Building Pathology, Contract Administration and Legal/Regulatory Compliance are cited most often. Failures in optional competencies occur less often. Referred candidates tended to meet Level 2 or even only Level 1, when Level 3 is expected in the core competencies.

Starting your APC

The APC interview may seem a long way off, but use this to your advantage, since it gives you time to prepare in all aspects of the submission and interview.

Think ahead and gather your APC information as you progress. Keep notes on projects or tasks and your role in them. It is easier to refresh your memory on why decisions were made in changing a design, for example, before you take your interview, than trying to recall it during the interview.

While core competencies have to be done, select other competencies that you will gain both experience and practice in, at the appropriate level. If it is clear that you will not gain enough experience or practice then take action to correct this, e.g. gaining experience with another team/project or changing your optional competence if possible.

Preparing your final submission

For APC submissions in 2013, check that your breadth and depth of competencies are demonstrated in the APC submission documents, e.g. your Critical Analysis, Experience Record and Professional Development Record.

Reviews with your supervisor and councillor will have highlighted any weaknesses in your competencies, so ensure that they have enough time to view the final submission documentation – this is a key opportunity for them to consider if you are ready for the final assessment or if you need further experience or improvements to your documentation.

The Critical Analysis needs to cover how you acted, reacted and gave advice to demonstrate your  professionalism and competence for a particular project or process. This is an opportunity to show Level 3 advice, so aim higher than simply knowledge and understanding.

Be diligent in completing your Experience Record to give a concise and fair reflection on your abilities, skills and competence - ensure it includes examples of your experience. This will give the assessors a better appreciation of your level of practical experience and aid them in assessing you.

Your Professional Development Record should logically support your progression in your selected competencies. For example, if you have selected the optional competency of Fire Safety then the associated development could include RICS training in fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings. Development should also include areas other than the technical competencies, such as the Rules of Conduct.

APC interview and presentation

There are tips on the interview and presentation techniques on isurv. You should be ready to answer questions on your competencies to the level expected, e.g. Level 3 for the core competencies.

However, while learning from past data is helpful, the APC is focused on the individual so your approach must be specific to you, to demonstrate your professional competence to your councillor, supervisor and assessors.

Ewan Craig is a member of the Building Surveying Professional Group Board and Course Leader for the BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying at the College of Estate Management