APC Series: Keep focused and carry on studying

In this article, we look at the various ways that candidates can keep their APC on track during the coronavirus outbreak. This follows the positive news that, despite the Covid-19 crisis, the RICS is still planning to run all APC assessment interviews as scheduled. Until 31 July 2020, these will be carried out online.  The online interviews will take place using Skype for Business. Candidates should make sure that they are familiar with the RICS guidance on how interviews will be conducted, ensure they test out their systems and equipment beforehand, and have a suitable environment ready for their interview day. What are the benefits of an online interview? The key benefit of an online interview is the ability to control more of the “unknowns”, helping to reduce the stress and nerves associated with the final assessment interview. Assessors are aware that many candidates will be facing financial and personal pressures during this time, and they are there not only to assess candidates’ competence but to provide support and help bring the best out of them during their final assessment interview.  What if candidates have been furloughed or made unemployed? It is important to note that if a candidate has been furloughed or made unemployed, they can still sit a final assessment in session 1, 2020. Candidates should also be aware that they may be eligible for concessionary fees if they are currently unemployed. Candidates looking for support can contact the RICS LionHeart charity. LionHeart can provide free and confidential advice, financial support, professional counselling and legal advice. Can candidates continue with their APC and CPD training? While working, on furlough or seeking employment, candidates are still able to undertake training towards their RICS APC and CPD requirements. This can include accessing more than 500 hours of free CPD made available by the RICS to all candidates until the end of July 2020. Candidates will also continue to have personal access to the Assessment Resource Centre, with the RICS specifically stating that: Any work experience gained in the five years before assessment will be valid, so if a candidate is unable to gain experience for a period of time then their previous work will still count towards the minimum 400/200 days requirement; and If a candidate has to defer or is referred at their final assessment, they will be granted a six-month extension on the validity of their case study(ies), for example from 24 months to 30. What happens if a candidate’s APC support network is unavailable? Candidates may find that essential APC contacts in their firm are not available over the coming months. Where they have already submitted for final assessment in session 1, 2020, they will not need any further sign-off by their counsellor, proposer or seconders. However, a candidate’s support network and APC training programme may no longer be available, and this is where accessing external support will be essential. This can include RICS Matrics, online networking events and making connections with other candidates and chartered surveyors. How can candidates keep their APC on track? Here are 10 positive and practical ways that candidates can continue to keep their APC on track during the coming months: Whether candidates are on furlough or not, they can still make the most of taking some time out for personal and professional development. They could take an hour out of each day when they would usually have been commuting, for example, and learn something new that interests them. Even better, they could make it relevant to one of their weaker APC competencies where they could do with improving their knowledge base. Candidates should keep in contact with key members of their APC support network; these could be other candidates, their counsellor, their supervisor and wider support networks. They can use a variety of communication methods, including online video, telephone and instant messaging, and should remember that others are usually very happy to give advice and support. Candidates can stay up to date with relevant social media relating to the APC and their sector or area of practice, including via LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Feeling connected to others is an excellent way to remain happy and healthy. Candidates might also learn something new too! Keeping an eye on the RICS website will ensure that candidates are familiar with the latest guidance on how and when their online interview will be conducted. Testing out Skype for Business and practising being on camera with family, friends and colleagues will ensure they are ready for their final assessment. Listening to podcasts relating to property and the built environment during candidates’ daily walk or other form of exercise is a great way to keep up to date with the market and wider industry, while feeling less like hard work. Forming a study group using an online video system with other candidates sitting this session is a great idea. Candidates could ask each other questions, give a presentation on a current hot topic or put together a CPD pub quiz. If a candidate does not have any immediate contacts, making contact with their local RICS Matrics body or seeking out relevant online events may be fruitful. Candidates should plan their final assessment environment, set-up and decide on an outfit in advance. They should also visualise what their interview may be like and ask others in their home to keep quiet during their time slot. Candidates should make a revision action plan, ensuring that they cover all competencies, case study, Level 1 knowledge, CPD record and familiarity with their experience and examples. They should try to cover ethics all the way through, as this is the only area for an automatic fail. Candidates should keep themselves mentally and physically happy – this is of utmost importance in a stressful and unsettling world. They will not be able to present themselves in the best light at their interview if they are not comfortable in themselves. Smile. While it may sound silly, there is a lot to be said for presenting yourself with a smile – it looks confident, positive and professional and will help to get the final assessment interview off to the best possible start. Further reading and resources Video interview guidance published by the RICS is available at www.rics.org/uk/surveying-profession/global-professional-network/candidate/video-interview-guidance/ Guidance on using Skype for Business is available at https://support.office.com/en-gb/skype-for-business Guidance on the APC process is available on the Property Elite blog at www.property-elite.co.uk/blog Guidance on staying happy and healthy is available on the LionHeart website at www.lionheart.org.uk More than 500 hours of free CPD is available from the RICS at www.rics.org/uk/training-events/free-for-rics-professionals/ Top assessor tips Be market aware – know what is going on more widely than just your own narrow area of practice Think about how Covid-19 might impact on the advice you give to your clients, eg on forfeiture or rent payment Dress smart for your final assessment interview – just because you aren’t there in person, doesn’t mean that you should be any less professional Top candidate tips Be as familiar with your examples as you are with your Level 1 knowledge – I didn’t realise how important this was until the final few weeks of my interview preparation Plan ahead – having structure to my revision, especially in the three weeks prior to my interview, helped me to feel less anxious about my final assessment I asked my family to “ambush” me to give my 10-minute case study presentation off the cuff – this was a great way to practise! Professional guidance alert MEES applied to existing residential tenancies from 1 April 2020 (www.rla.org.uk/landlord/guides/minimum-energy-efficiency-standards.shtml) New RIBA Plan of Work 2020 published (www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/riba-plan-of-work) New RICS Professional Statement: Code for Leasing Business Premises (1st ed) published (www.rics.org/uk/upholding-professional-standards/sector-standards/real-estate/code-for-leasing-business-premises-1st-edition/) Bricks & Mortar: APC study and assessment during lockdown Listen to Sarah Jackman’s discussion with Jen Lemen on how candidates should proceed in the present climate. Benefits of the current online interview include reduced stress, being able to control external variables, not needing to travel and being in a familiar environment. For those struggling with their internet connectivity or home environment, Lemen talks through the options for deferral, as well as giving advice to those who have been furloughed or made redundant during the process. The quick quiz 1. When did the RICS last update UK PII minimum policy requirements? a) 1 January 2020        b) 1 April 2019 c) 1 May 2020 2. When was the RIBA Plan of Work last updated? a) 2011        b) 2013        c) 2020 3. How did the Coronavirus Act 2020 affect forfeiture of commercial property? a) It introduced a moratorium b) It made it permanently illegal to forfeit a lease c) It made it a lot easier for landlords to forfeit leases Answers next time Jen Lemen BSc (Hons) FRICS is a co-founder of Property Elite, a chartered surveyor, a registered valuer and an APC assessor