APC Acceleratorβ’ β Module 10 Supporting Materials
Submission Pack & Sign-Off
Submission Checklist Β· SoE Final Review Β· Counsellor Briefing Pack Β· Go/No-Go Assessment
Knight Khonje FRICS | Knight Khonje APC Advisory
Module 10 Supporting Materials
Lesson 10.1 Β· Checklist
Submission Pack Checklist
Work through this checklist against your myAPC record and documents. Every item must be confirmed before submission. Mark each item Green (complete), Amber (in progress), or Red (not yet started).
myAPC Account and Registration
myAPC account is active and accessible
Log in and confirm access before the submission window opens
Candidate details (name, employer, contact information) are current and accurate
Counsellor has been nominated in myAPC and has accepted the nomination
Update nomination if counsellor has changed since registration
APC pathway confirmed as QS and Construction β Preliminary Experience Route
Submission window dates confirmed β earliest eligible window identified at rics.org
Summary of Experience
All mandatory competencies evidenced: Health and Safety, Sustainability, Inclusive Environments, Diversity and Teamworking, Ethics, Rules of Conduct, and Professionalism
Each must have a specific example β not a generic description
All technical competencies claimed at the correct level with supporting evidence in the text
Every Level 3 entry demonstrates reasoned professional advice β not just task description
Apply the Level 3 test: does the entry show the client advisory role explicitly?
SoE reviewed by Knight β feedback incorporated into the final version
No inconsistency between the SoE and the case study in role description or project references
Client and project references reviewed for confidentiality β anonymised where required
Word count within RICS limits for each competency entry
Case Study
Case study draft reviewed by Knight β written feedback received and incorporated
Final version is 3,000 words (or within the RICS specified limit)
Five-section structure is present: context, challenge, options/evaluation, advice/action, outcome/reflection
Written in active first-person voice throughout
No identifying client information that could create a panel conflict of interest
Saved as PDF in the required format β filename matches RICS naming convention
CPD Record
Minimum 20 hours of CPD recorded for each year of the structured training period
Check each year individually in myAPC β a single year below the minimum is a submission deficiency
CPD balance demonstrates both formal and informal learning
Every CPD entry has a reflection note explaining what was learned and how it informed professional practice
CPD activities are relevant to the competencies claimed in the SoE
Professional Development Diary
Diary entries are consistent with the experience described in the SoE
Key projects referenced in the SoE have corresponding diary entries
Diary is up to date β no significant recent work experience is missing
Counsellor Sign-Off
Counsellor has been briefed on the submission content using the briefing pack
Counsellor has reviewed the SoE and case study
Counsellor has confirmed they are willing to countersign β no unresolved concerns
Counsellor countersignature process in myAPC is understood by both parties
Interview Preparation
Module 11 (Interview Preparation) is complete or has a confirmed completion date before the assessment
Module 12 (Mock Interviews) is complete or has a confirmed completion date before the assessment
Assessment date confirmed β sufficient time between submission and assessment date for full interview preparation
Lesson 10.2 Β· Worksheet
Summary of Experience Final Review
Apply the Level 3 test to every competency entry. For each one, confirm the professional advisory element is explicit β not implied. RAG rate each entry and rewrite any Amber or Red entries before submission.
The Level 3 test β apply to every entry
Read each SoE entry and ask: "Does this demonstrate reasoned professional advice given to a client β or does it describe a task I performed?" If it describes a task, it is Level 2. To reach Level 3, add: the client's situation and objective, the options you identified and evaluated, the specific advice you gave, and the professional consequence of that advice.
Mandatory Competencies
Health and Safety
Level 2 required Β· Level 3 if claimed
Current entry β paste or summarise your SoE text for this competency
Professional advisory element β is it explicit? What advice did you give and to whom?
Rewrite (if needed) β revised entry with the Level 3 professional advisory element added
RAG Assessment
Green β Level 3 explicit
Amber β needs strengthening
Red β rewrite required
Sustainability
Level 2 required Β· Level 3 if claimed
Current entry
Professional advisory element β what advice did you give and to whom?
Rewrite if needed
RAG Assessment
Green
Amber
Red
Inclusive Environments
Level 1 required
Current entry
Specific example β named project, specific design or specification consideration addressed
Rewrite if needed
RAG Assessment
Green
Amber
Red
Conduct Rules, Ethics and Professional Practice
Level 3 required
Current entry
Level 3 check β does the entry demonstrate a specific ethical situation where you identified the issue, evaluated the options, gave reasoned professional advice, and took responsibility for the outcome?
The assessor will probe this competency with a scenario. Your SoE entry must signal that you understand the RICS Rules of Conduct and can apply them β not just that you are aware of them. Name the Rule engaged, describe the dilemma, and show the reasoning behind your decision.
Rewrite if needed
RAG Assessment
Green β Level 3 explicit
Amber β needs strengthening
Red β rewrite required
Client Care
Level 2 required
Current entry
Level 2 check β does the entry demonstrate active professional management of a client relationship or expectation β not just good service delivery?
Rewrite if needed
RAG Assessment
Green
Amber
Red
Communication and Negotiation
Level 2 required
Current entry
Level 2 check β does the entry include a substantive negotiation example with a specific outcome, and at least one example of professional written or verbal communication that influenced a project decision?
Rewrite if needed
RAG Assessment
Green
Amber
Red
Core Technical Competencies (Level 3 Claimed)
Commercial Management of Construction
Level 3 claimed
Current entry
Level 3 check β does the entry describe professional advice given to a client, not just commercial management tasks performed?
Rewrite if needed
RAG Assessment
Green β Level 3 explicit
Amber
Red
Contract Practice
Level 3 claimed
Current entry
Level 3 check β does the entry demonstrate contractual advice given to a client, not just contract administration?
Rewrite if needed
RAG Assessment
Green
Amber
Red
Procurement and Tendering
Level 3 claimed
Current entry
Level 3 check β does the entry demonstrate procurement advisory judgement, not just process administration?
Rewrite if needed
RAG Assessment
Green
Amber
Red
Cost Planning and Cost Management
Level 3 claimed
Current entry
Level 3 check β does the entry show advisory judgement about client budget and design decisions, not just cost plan production?
Rewrite if needed
RAG Assessment
Green
Amber
Red
Construction Technology and Environmental Services
Level 3 claimed
Current entry
Level 3 check β does the entry show that your knowledge of construction methods, materials, or building systems was the basis for a professional recommendation to a client or project team β not just project description?
Rewrite if needed
RAG Assessment
Green β Level 3 explicit
Amber
Red
Project Finance (Control and Reporting)
Level 3 claimed
Current entry
Level 3 check β does the entry demonstrate that your cost reporting gave the client an integrated professional picture of their financial exposure, with recommendations β not just a cost figure?
Strong Level 3 evidence will show: committed vs anticipated costs, risk exposure, programme interdependencies, and a specific client decision that your reporting informed.
Rewrite if needed
RAG Assessment
Green β Level 3 explicit
Amber
Red
Quantification and Costing of Construction Works
Level 3 claimed
Current entry
Level 3 check β does the entry demonstrate that measurement and costing decisions were professional judgements with commercial consequences β not just the application of a standard method?
Evidence of provisional sums, risk items, NEC compensation event assessment methodology, or variation valuation where your approach protected or improved the client's commercial position will support Level 3.
Rewrite if needed
RAG Assessment
Green β Level 3 explicit
Amber
Red
Lesson 10.2 Β· Briefing Pack
Counsellor Briefing Pack
Share Section A with your counsellor before the briefing meeting. Complete Section B together. Section C is the counsellor's confirmation record.
Section A β For Your Counsellor: What You Are Being Asked to Confirm
Thank you for acting as APC Counsellor. This note explains what the RICS countersignature requires and how the briefing meeting will work.
What the countersignature confirms: By countersigning the APC submission, you are confirming three things: (1) that the experience described in the Summary of Experience is accurate to the best of your knowledge; (2) that the competency levels claimed are consistent with the professional contribution you have observed; and (3) that in your professional opinion, the candidate is ready for the final assessment interview.
What the final assessment involves: A 60-minute interview before a panel of two or three RICS Chartered members or Fellows. Welcome and introductions take place outside the 60-minute period. The interview runs across five sections: (1) 10 minutes β candidate presentation on the case study or one or two key issues from it; (2) 10 minutes β panel questions on the presentation and case study; (3) 30 minutes β panel questions on the candidate's technical competencies; (4) 7 minutes β Chair questions on Rules of Conduct and mandatory competencies, including an ethical dilemma scenario; (5) 3 minutes β Chair closing and the candidate's last word. The panel assesses whether the candidate can demonstrate Level 3 professional judgement β reasoned advice given to clients β across the competency areas they have claimed.
What you should look for when reviewing the documents: Does the Summary of Experience describe professional advisory contributions β or just tasks performed? Does each Level 3 entry show that the candidate gave advice to a client, not just carried out an instruction? Does the case study read as a genuine professional reflection, written in the candidate's own voice, with honest analysis of the decisions made?
If you have concerns: Please raise them before countersigning. The candidate's APC coach (Knight Khonje FRICS) is available to discuss any specific concerns about competency evidence or readiness. It is far better for concerns to be identified and addressed before submission than for the candidate to arrive at the assessment with a gap the counsellor had already identified.
Section B β Briefing Meeting Agenda
Work through this agenda with your counsellor. Allow approximately 60β90 minutes.
1
Overview of the submission (10 min)Walk the counsellor through the five submission pack components. Confirm they have access to the SoE and case study in advance of the meeting.
2
SoE review β competency by competency (30 min)Work through each competency entry. Ask the counsellor: "Based on what you know of my work, is this an accurate description of my professional contribution? Is there anything you would strengthen or correct?" Note any concerns raised.
3
Case study discussion (15 min)Summarise the professional challenge and your response to it. Ask the counsellor: "Does this accurately reflect the professional situation and your understanding of my involvement?" Check for any inconsistency between the document and what the counsellor observed.
4
Readiness discussion (10 min)Ask the counsellor directly: "Do you have confidence that I can defend this submission in a 60-minute assessment interview?" If concerns are raised, note them specifically and discuss how to address them before countersigning.
5
Countersignature confirmation (5 min)If the counsellor is satisfied, confirm the countersignature process in myAPC. If concerns remain, agree a follow-up date after the concerns have been addressed.
Section C β Counsellor Confirmation Record
Counsellor name and RICS membership number
Date of briefing meeting
Concerns raised by the counsellor (if any)
Actions agreed to address concerns before countersigning
Confirmed countersignature date (or follow-up date if concerns outstanding)
Lesson 10.3 Β· Assessment Tool
Go/No-Go Submission Assessment
Complete this honestly. For each area, select the option that best reflects your current position. Send the completed assessment to Knight before making the final submission decision.
Area 1 β Submission Pack Completeness
Score /3
How complete is your submission pack right now?
All components complete and verified (3)
Minor items outstanding β addressable this week (2)
Significant gaps β more than one week of work needed (0)
Score: _____ | Action needed: _______________________________
Area 2 β SoE Level 3 Evidence Quality
Score /3
For every competency claimed at Level 3, does your SoE entry demonstrate reasoned professional advice given to a client?
Yes β all Level 3 entries pass the test (3)
Most entries pass β one or two need minor strengthening (2)
Several entries are still at the task-description level (0)
Score: _____ | Action needed: _______________________________
Area 3 β Mandatory Competency Coverage
Score /3
Are Health and Safety, Sustainability, and Inclusive Environments all evidenced with specific, named examples at the required level?
All three are specific and well-evidenced (3)
One is thin β needs a stronger specific example (1)
Two or more are generic or under-evidenced (0)
Score: _____ | Action needed: _______________________________
Area 4 β Case Study Quality
Score /3
Has your case study been reviewed by Knight, feedback incorporated, and the final version confirmed as submission-ready?
Reviewed, revised, and confirmed ready (3)
Reviewed β minor revisions outstanding (2)
Not yet reviewed by Knight (0)
Score: _____ | Action needed: _______________________________
Area 5 β CPD Record
Score /2
Is your CPD record complete β minimum 20 hours per year, with reflection notes on every entry?
Complete β every year meets the minimum with reflections (2)
Minor gaps β one year close to minimum, some reflections missing (1)
A year is below minimum or reflection notes are absent throughout (0)
Score: _____ | Action needed: _______________________________
Area 6 β Counsellor Sign-Off
Score /3
Has your counsellor been briefed, reviewed the submission, and confirmed willingness to countersign without unresolved concerns?
Briefed, reviewed, confirmed β no concerns outstanding (3)
Briefing meeting scheduled β review not yet complete (1)
Counsellor not yet briefed or has unresolved concerns (0)
Score: _____ | Action needed: _______________________________
Area 7 β Interview Preparation Readiness
Score /3
Are Modules 11 and 12 (Interview Preparation and Mock Interviews) complete or confirmed to complete before the assessment date?
Both complete or confirmed dates before assessment (3)
Module 11 scheduled β Module 12 dates not yet confirmed (1)
Interview preparation not yet started (0)
Score: _____ | Action needed: _______________________________
Area 8 β Personal Readiness
Score /3
Honestly β are you confident that you can walk into the final assessment and defend your competency evidence under deep, probing questioning at Level 3?
Yes β I am prepared and confident (3)
Mostly β one or two competency areas still feel uncertain (2)
Not yet β I need more preparation before I am ready (0)
Score: _____ | Action needed: _______________________________
Your Go/No-Go Result
___
Your score
23
Maximum
Interpretation
20β23 β Go. Submit in the next available window.
15β19 β Caution. Address the amber areas and reassess in two weeks.
Below 15 β No-go. A specific action plan is needed before submission. Contact Knight to agree a revised timeline.
15β19 β Caution. Address the amber areas and reassess in two weeks.
Below 15 β No-go. A specific action plan is needed before submission. Contact Knight to agree a revised timeline.
