Top 10 Quantity Surveyor Certifications

Certifications are important for a quantity surveyor in the job market because they demonstrate expertise, knowledge and experience. Having certifications can provide employers with assurance that the quantity surveyor is competent and qualified to perform the job. Certifications also demonstrate that the surveyor has taken the time to invest in their career by completing additional education or training. This can help them stand out from other applicants and make them more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, certifications can provide a competitive edge when applying for positions, as employers may prefer candidates who have earned professional certifications over those who do not.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Quantity Surveyors and explains how they can contribute to a quantity surveyor's career, providing insight into the benefits that these certifications can offer.

What are Quantity Surveyor Certifications?

Quantity surveyor certification is a type of professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of quantity surveyors. Quantity surveyors are professionals who specialize in estimating, analyzing and managing the cost of construction projects. They are primarily responsible for preparing and maintaining budgets, tracking costs throughout the life cycle of a project, and providing advice on how to keep costs within budget limitations.

Quantity surveyor certification can help individuals gain recognition as experts in their field, as well as provide employers with assurance that they have met certain standards of competency. Through certification, quantity surveyors demonstrate their expertise in areas such as pricing, estimating, cost management and control, contract administration, value engineering and more. Additionally, certified quantity surveyors may be eligible for higher salaries or promotions within their organization due to their recognition as qualified professionals.

Certification also provides assurance to employers that potential employees have been thoroughly tested on their knowledge of the industry’s principles and practices. This can help employers make informed decisions when hiring new staff members or promoting from within their organization. Furthermore, certification serves to protect clients by ensuring that those working on their projects are qualified to do so.

Pro Tip: Obtaining quantity surveyor certification requires dedication and hard work, but it can open up a world of opportunities. Make sure you’re familiar with the requirements for any certifications you’re considering and make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends to ensure your certification remains current and relevant.

Related: What does a Quantity Surveyor do?

Top 10 Quantity Surveyor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Quantity Surveyors today.

1. Certified Professional Quantity Surveyor (CPQS)

Certified Professional Quantity Surveyor (CPQS) is a professional certification program for quantity surveyors. It is designed to provide a comprehensive and rigorous assessment of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of an experienced professional quantity surveyor. The CPQS program is administered by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).

The CPQS program consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral examination. The written exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of quantity surveying principles, methods, and techniques. The oral examination focuses on the candidate’s ability to effectively communicate with clients, colleagues, and other professionals in the construction industry.

The CPQS program typically takes approximately two years to complete. Candidates must first pass the written exam before they can be eligible for the oral examination. After passing both exams, candidates are awarded their CPQS certification.

The cost of obtaining the CPQS certification varies depending on which organization administers it. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$2,000 USD to obtain this certification.

2. Certified Cost Engineer (CCE)

Certified Cost Engineer (CCE) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEI). The CCE certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in cost engineering and cost management.

The CCE certification requires applicants to demonstrate their expertise in cost engineering and cost management through an examination process. The exam consists of four parts: Fundamentals of Cost Engineering, Advanced Cost Engineering, Project Management, and Professional Practices. Applicants must pass all four parts in order to become certified.

The CCE certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. In order to apply for the CCE certification, individuals must first become members of AACEI and meet certain prerequisites such as having at least five years of experience in cost engineering or cost management. Once these prerequisites are met, applicants can then register for the exam and begin preparing for it.

The cost for taking the CCE exam varies depending on the country where you are located. Generally speaking, the fee ranges from $400-$800 USD per part. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam or obtaining study materials.

3. Chartered Quantity Surveyor (CQS)

A Chartered Quantity Surveyor (CQS) is a professional who has been certified by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This certification ensures that the individual has met all the necessary qualifications and standards to practice as a quantity surveyor.

To become a CQS, an individual must have at least five years of experience in quantity surveying and must pass an RICS assessment. The assessment includes written tests, practical work, and an interview. It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the process.

The cost of becoming a CQS varies depending on the country in which you are located. In the UK, for example, it costs £1,000 to register with RICS and take the assessment. Additional fees may be required for training courses or other services related to becoming a CQS.

Once you have become a CQS, you will be able to offer your services as a professional quantity surveyor. You will also gain access to exclusive resources such as industry events, networking opportunities, and career advice from experienced professionals.

4. Certified Construction Estimator (CCE)

Certified Construction Estimator (CCE) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE). The CCE program is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of construction estimating.

The Certified Construction Estimator (CCE) program consists of two parts: an online exam and an on-site practical exam. The online exam covers topics such as construction methods, materials, and cost estimating principles. The on-site practical exam tests the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes three months to complete the CCE program. Candidates must first register for the online exam, which can be done through ASPE's website or by mail. After registering, candidates must study for and pass the online exam before they can take the on-site practical exam.

The cost of the CCE program varies depending on whether you are a member of ASPE or not. For non-members, it costs $400 to register for both exams; for members, it costs $300. Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official CCE certification from ASPE.

5. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)

Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is a professional certification program for construction managers offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced construction managers in areas such as project management, contract administration, cost estimating, scheduling, safety management, and quality assurance. The CCM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their experience and knowledge through a comprehensive exam.

It typically takes between six months and two years to complete the process of obtaining the CCM certification. To become certified, applicants must first meet certain educational and work experience requirements. They must also pass an application review process that includes submitting documentation of their education, work experience, and professional references. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete a series of online courses covering topics such as project management fundamentals, contract administration principles, cost estimating techniques, scheduling methods, safety management practices, and quality assurance processes. After completing these courses successfully they can take the CCM exam which is administered by CMAA twice a year at various locations around the country.

The cost to apply for the CCM certification program varies depending on whether you are an existing CMAA member or not. For non-members it costs $495 to apply for the program plus $395 for each course taken. The total cost for taking all five courses plus sitting for the exam can range from $2195-$2395 depending on whether you are an existing member or not.

6. Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is a professional body for the construction industry. It was established in 1834 and is the world’s oldest construction professional institution. The CIOB is dedicated to promoting excellence in the built environment through its members, who are qualified professionals working across all sectors of the industry.

It takes around three years to become a chartered member of the CIOB, depending on qualifications and experience. To become a chartered member, you must have a degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant area such as construction management, engineering or architecture. You must also have at least two years' post-qualification experience in an appropriate role.

To get started on the path to becoming a chartered member, you will need to register with the CIOB and pay an initial fee of £50. You will then be required to complete their online application form and provide evidence of your qualifications and experience. Once your application has been accepted, you will be invited to take part in their assessment process which includes an interview and written assessment.

Once you have completed this process successfully, you will be awarded your Chartered Membership status by the CIOB Board of Trustees. The cost for becoming a chartered member varies depending on your qualifications and experience but typically ranges from £500-£1000 plus VAT.

7. American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE)

American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) is a professional organization that provides education and certification to estimators in the construction industry. It was founded in 1966 and has since grown to more than 10,000 members.

To become an ASPE member, one must first complete an application form and submit it along with a fee. The application process typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be required to take an exam which consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam tests knowledge of estimating principles and practices, while the practical exam tests the ability to apply those principles in real-world scenarios.

The cost for membership is $150 annually plus any applicable local or state taxes. This fee includes access to ASPE's online resources, discounts on educational courses, and access to events such as conferences and seminars. Additionally, members receive exclusive access to job postings from employers looking for certified estimators.

In addition to membership fees, there are also costs associated with taking the exams which range from $50-$500 depending on location and type of exam taken.

8. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully lead and direct projects. The PMP certification is highly sought after in many industries, including IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and construction.

The PMP certification process typically takes six months or more to complete. To become certified, an individual must meet certain criteria and pass an exam. The criteria includes having at least three years of project management experience with 4500 hours of leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

To get the PMP certification, an individual must first apply for it through the PMI website. After submitting the application form along with all required documents, they will receive an email notification from PMI confirming their eligibility for the exam. Once eligible, they can register for the exam online or through a local testing center.

The cost of the PMP certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members, it costs $405 USD while for non-members it costs $555 USD. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or additional materials fees if applicable.

9. LEED Accredited Professional

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a professional designation awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building principles and practices, as well as the ability to apply them in real-world projects. LEED APs are knowledgeable about the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, which is used to certify green buildings around the world.

The LEED AP credential typically takes between 4-6 months to obtain, depending on how quickly you are able to study and pass the exam. To become a LEED AP, you must first register with the USGBC and pay an application fee of $50. After registering, you can choose from two paths: taking an online course or studying independently. The online course costs approximately $600-$700 and consists of 8 modules that cover topics such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, materials selection and more. If you opt to study independently, you will need to purchase the LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design & Construction ($150) or the LEED Green Associate Study Guide ($100).

Once you feel confident in your knowledge of green building principles and practices, you can take the LEED AP exam at any Prometric Testing Center for a fee of $200-$400 (depending on your country). The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 2 hours. Upon passing the exam with a score of 170 out of 200 points or higher, you will receive your official LEED AP credential from USGBC.

10. Risk Management Professional (RMP).

Risk Management Professional (RMP) is a professional designation awarded by the American Academy of Financial Management (AAFM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an exceptional level of knowledge, skill, and experience in the field of risk management. The RMP credential is recognized internationally as a mark of excellence in the field of risk management.

The RMP program requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as financial risk management, strategic risk management, operational risk management, and enterprise risk management. It also requires candidates to demonstrate their understanding of the principles and practices of effective risk management through a series of case studies.

It typically takes four to six months to complete the process for obtaining the RMP designation. Candidates must first submit an application to AAFM, which includes a resume and supporting documents. Once accepted into the program, candidates must then register for and take the exam. After passing the exam, they must submit additional documentation to AAFM in order to receive their RMP designation.

The cost for obtaining the RMP designation varies depending on where you live and what type of membership you choose with AAFM. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD for non-members and up to $2,500 USD for members.

Do You Really Need a Quantity Surveyor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their personal goals. A Quantity Surveyor Certificate may be beneficial for those who want to become a professional in the field of quantity surveying or work in a related role. The certificate provides an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in the field, which can lead to higher wages and better job opportunities. It also allows individuals to demonstrate that they have the skills necessary for a successful career in quantity surveying.

For those not looking for a full-time job as a quantity surveyor, having a certificate may still be beneficial. It can provide additional knowledge and experience that could prove useful if you ever decide to pursue a career in this industry. Additionally, having such a certificate could make you more attractive to employers when applying for other positions.

Ultimately, whether or not someone should obtain a Quantity Surveyor Certificate is up to them. If you are interested in pursuing this type of career or want to gain further knowledge and experience in the field, then it might be worth considering obtaining one. However, if you do not plan on working as a professional quantity surveyor or do not think it would be beneficial for your current career path then it may not be necessary.

Related: Quantity Surveyor Resume Examples

FAQs About Quantity Surveyor Certifications

Q1: What is a Quantity Surveyor Certification?

A1: A Quantity Surveyor Certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates the knowledge and skills of a quantity surveyor. It is awarded by an accredited body and typically requires successful completion of a formal examination.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Quantity Surveyor?

A2: To become certified as a Quantity Surveyor, you will need to pass an examination administered by an accredited body. This may include completing coursework, passing written exams, and/or demonstrating experience in the field.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Quantity Surveyor?

A3: Becoming certified as a Quantity Surveyor can give you greater credibility in your field and help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or contracts. It can also provide you with access to higher-level positions and improved career opportunities.

Q4: What qualifications do I need to become certified as a Quantity Surveyor?

A4: The qualifications required for certification as a Quantity Surveyor vary depending on the certifying body. Generally, you will need to demonstrate relevant academic qualifications or experience in the field, such as construction project management experience or technical expertise in surveying techniques.

Q5: How long does it take to receive my Quantity Surveyor Certification?

A5: The length of time it takes to receive your certification varies depending on the certifying body, but typically ranges from 3-6 months after passing the exam.