Confidence-first learning for the Mandatory Competencies required for the APC.

Understanding the APC Process

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Explain the three APC competency levels (1, 2, and 3).
• Understand how assessors evaluate knowledge, application, and reasoned advice.
• Describe what the APC case study is — and what it is not.
• Identify the qualities of a strong case study topic.
• Avoid the most common reasons candidates fail their APC.
• Begin outlining your own case study topic and understand why most APC failures relate to case study.

This is your launchpad for everything that follows.

Objectives

Ethics, Conduct & Professionalism

In this Ethics module, we’ll cover:

• Understanding the APC process and how RICS regulates members and firms.
• Apply ethics and the Rules of Conduct to real-world surveying situations.
• Recognise conflicts of interest, gifts/hospitality concerns and breaches of integrity.
• Explain professional responsibilities, including confidentiality and duty of care.
• Demonstrate professionalism in communication, behaviour and decision-making.
• Recognise high-risk scenarios and apply ethical judgement.
• Answer APC ethics questions clearly, confidently and with structured reasoning.
• Questioning, including Level 3 "reasoned advice" answers.

Client Care

In this Client Care module, we’ll:

• Explain what "client care" means in professional surveying.
• Understand RICS expectations and mandatory compliance requirements.
• Identify client types and manage expectations effectively.
• Structure communication to deliver a high standard of service.
• Handle variations, complaints and difficult conversations.
• Demonstrate APC-ready examples for Level 1 and Level 2 competence.

Communication & Negotiation

By the end of this module, we’ll have covered:

• Communicating clearly and professionally in written, verbal, and non-verbal form.
• Use structured communication techniques such as PREP.
• Adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
• Demonstrate active listening and effective questioning.
• Understand negotiation types, principles, and strategies.
• Use negotiation tools to manage deadlines, fees, scope and conflict.
• Produce Level 1 and Level 2 APC-ready examples.

Health & Safety in Surveying

By the end of this module, you will have covered:

• Explaining the principles of health & safety legislation relevant to surveying.
• Identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures.
• Understand roles and responsibilities under key regulations (including CDM).
• Demonstrate safe working behaviours on-site and in-office.
• Apply RICS expectations and professional standards for health & safety.
• Understand incident reporting, PPE, and emergency procedures.
• Provide APC-ready Level 1 and Level 2 evidence.

Accounting Principles & Procedures

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Understand core accounting terms used in surveying and property.
• Understand VAT, tax and the audit process.
• Explain profit, loss, revenue, overheads and margin.
• Understand cash flow and why it matters.
• Read a simple Profit & Loss (P&L) and Balance Sheet.
• Understand budgets, forecasting, cost control and variance.
• Recognise financial risks in projects or businesses.
• Demonstrate Level 1 APC knowledge confidently.

Business Planning

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Explain what a business plan is and why firms use them.
• Understand key elements of a business plan.
• Describe how surveying firms evaluate markets, services, and risks.
• Understand KPIs, targets, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Recognise how staffing, resources and service lines are planned.
• Understand strategic vs operational planning.
• Demonstrate Level 1 APC knowledge confidently.

Conflict Avoidance, Dispute Resolution

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Explain the principles of conflict avoidance used in surveying and construction.
• Identify early signs of conflict and understand why disputes escalate.
• Apply communication and documentation skills to prevent conflict.
• Understand dispute resolution mechanisms (negotiation, mediation, adjudication, arbitration, litigation).
• Explain the purpose of the RICS Conflict Avoidance Pledge.
• Provide clear, reasoned advice to clients on appropriate resolution routes.
• Maintain professional, impartial behaviour even under pressure.
• Demonstrate APC Level 2 competence with confidence.

Data Management

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Explain the data lifecycle: creation → storage → use → sharing → retention → disposal.
• Understand key concepts including personal data, sensitive data, confidentiality and data quality.
• Describe GDPR principles and why they matter to surveyors.
• Identify risks such as data breaches, cyber threats and poor record-keeping.
• Recognise the importance of audit trails, version control and secure document management.
• Demonstrate APC Level 1 knowledge confidently through examples and structured responses.

Sustainability

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Define sustainability and understand the ESG framework.
• Explain why sustainability matters in real estate and construction.
• Understand key legislation and guidance (Building Regs, EPCs, MEES, SECR, Heat Network Regs, Climate Change Act 2008).
• Identify sustainability risks and opportunities for clients.
• Understand sustainability assessment frameworks (e.g., BREEAM).
• Recognise valuation and commercial lifecycle implications.
• Demonstrate Level 1–3 competence with confidence.

Team-Working Diversity & Inclusion

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Explain what effective team-working means in professional practice.
• Recognise different team roles, strengths and working styles.
• Understand communication behaviours that support collaboration.
• Identify barriers to team performance and how to overcome them.
• Contribute effectively to multi-disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrate accountability, reliability and shared ownership.
• Understand conflict points within teams and how to resolve them.
• Show APC-ready knowledge and application.

Revision Module

Revision Module.

• Revision Module. Consolidate your learning across all Mandatory Competencies and start translating it directly into your APC documentation. Identify gaps in your current evidence and plan how to fill them. Practice articulating your experience clearly and confidently. Connect your competency evidence to your case study and final submission
• Full course revision.
• Mock tests on each module.
• 60 min APC mock interview script.
• APC pathway — shaping your journey forward.