Construction quantity surveyor (degree)
Reference Number: ST0045
Details of standard
Occupation(s)
The occupation covered by this standard is that of a Construction Quantity Surveyor. Typical job titles can include: Quantity Surveyor, Construction Surveyor, Construction Cost Consultant, Cost Engineer, Cost Analyst, Cost Manager, Project Cost Co-ordinator, Project Cost Controller, Cost Planner or Commercial Manager. Construction Quantity Surveyors are associated with the financial and legal management of construction projects. They are based on sites or in offices.
Occupational profile
The main duties and tasks of a Construction Quantity Surveyor are:
- To manage and lead the cost aspects complex construction projects
- To ensure that comprehensive study has been undertaken of the whole life aspects of the project and the understanding of the client’s needs
- To manage the selection of the specialist contractors for the project
- To ensure that disputes are minimised and settled amicably for all parties
- To manage the commercial success of a project for all stakeholders
- To manage the expenditure and income on the project and ensure tight control is maintained whilst valuing the construction work
Requirements: Knowledge, Skills (and behaviours)
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Knowledge |
What is required |
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Finance/Accounting |
Demonstrate understanding of balance sheets, profit and loss accounts and business plans |
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Health and safety |
Understand obligations for Health, Safety and Welfare issues on site, how to identify potential hazards and manage the risks |
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Conflict avoidance |
Understand the principles for the avoidance of conflict and dispute resolution between stakeholders in a project |
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Sustainability |
Understand the environmental impact of construction activities and how to minimise negative impacts during all stages of the project |
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Contract practice |
Understand and evaluate construction legislation and various forms of contract used in a project |
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Construction technology |
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the construction process and of the materials and technology that comprise best practice |
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Procurement and tendering |
Understand the main types of procurement and the related tendering and negotiating processes required to select specialist contractors |
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Measurement and costing |
Understand the principles of measurement and costing of construction works and their relationship to the financial control of a project |
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Financial control |
Understand how costs are controlled and reported on and the legal constraints |
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Risk management |
Understand the nature of risk and its effect on the management of a project |
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Commercial management |
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of the financial and legal management of construction projects during the construction phase |
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Planning |
Describe the principles of the programming and scheduling aspects of projects during the construction phase that ensure completion on time |
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Skill |
What is required |
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Conflict avoidance |
Be able to apply and evaluate the principles for the avoidance of conflict and dispute resolution such as adjudication and arbitration between project stakeholders |
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Health and safety |
Be able to identify and manage risks of health, safety and welfare in line with legislation, hazards and safe systems of work. |
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Sustainability |
Analyse costs and benefits of sustainability initiatives on a project |
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Contract practice |
Be able to advise on the legal aspects of a project and the most suitable form of contract to be used to ensure fairness and efficiency |
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Construction technology |
Be able to advise on the most suitable construction solutions that maximise value for clients and enhance the cost effectiveness of the project within the budget constraints |
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Procurement and tendering |
Be able to advise on the appropriateness of various procurement routes and manage and report on the tendering and negotiation processes to select specialist contractors |
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Measurement and costing |
Advise on appropriate methods of measurement of completed works and issue documentation required for payment to specialist contractors and income from client |
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Financial control |
Advise construction team and the client on strategies to control predicted expenditure in line with the budget |
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Risk management |
Carry out risk assessments and implement strategies to mitigate risk |
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Commercial management |
Monitor, report and advise construction team on project cashflows and profitability. Evaluate and advise on financial implications of decisions during the construction phase |
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Planning |
Assess, interpret and report on progress and assist in the control of programmes during the construction phase |
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Behaviours |
What is required |
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Rules, ethics and professional practice |
Understand and apply the Code of Conduct and conduct regulations, ethics and professional standards relevant to industry’s recognised professional bodies. |
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Client care |
Demonstrate knowledge and ability to manage expectations and identify improvements |
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Teamworking and communication |
Be able to work with others towards common goals and understand different techniques for communication and negotiation |
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Maintain CPD |
Identify own development needs and take appropriate action to meet those needs |
Duration
The typical duration for this apprenticeship is three to four years but this will depend on the previous experience of the apprentice and access to opportunities to gain the full range of competence.
Entry requirements
Individual employers will set their own selection criteria for this apprenticeship. As it requires achievement to Level 6 the typical entry requirements for this Apprenticeship will be the completion of the Level 4 Construction Quantity Surveying Technician standard; Technician status or the equivalent with the industry’s recognised professional bodies; HNC in Construction or equivalent qualifications and commensurate industry experience.
Qualifications
The following qualifications will be gained:
- A BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying or equivalent Quantity Surveying Level 6 Diploma that is approved by the industry’s recognised professional bodies and meets the educational requirements for the professional bodies’ full membership or chartered status.
- Industry certificates in Site Safety Plus Site Managers’ Safety Training Scheme and Site Environmental Awareness Training Scheme which are required for safe operations in the workplace
- English and Maths; apprentices without level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Link to professional registration
This Apprenticeship will include the knowledge, skills and behaviours typically required to achieve full member or chartered status with the industry’s recognised professional bodies. The final assessment process for this Apprenticeship will typically be partly representative of the review process required for professional registration.
Level
This apprenticeship standard is at Level 6.
Review date
This apprenticeship standard should be reviewed three years after approval of the standard.
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